Contents
Practical hints................................. 323
What to do if … .................................. 324
Lamps in the instrument cluster .. 324
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ......... 334
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 335
Where will I find ...? ........................... 372
First aid kit ................................... 372
Vehicle tool kit, jack, and
spare wheel.................................. 372
Locking/unlocking in an emergency . 374
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 374
Locking the vehicle ...................... 376
Lowering the load assist manually 376
Replacing batteries in the
SmartKey/SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* .............................. 377
Replacing bulbs ................................. 380
Bulbs ............................................ 380
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 383
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 385Replacing wiper blades....................... 386
Removing wiper blades ................. 386
Installing wiper blades .................. 387
Flat tire ............................................... 388
Preparing the vehicle .................... 388
Sealing tires with TIREFIT.............. 388
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 393
Batteries ............................................. 401
Disconnecting the batteries .......... 403
Removing the batteries ................. 404
Charging and reinstalling
batteries ....................................... 404
Reconnecting the batteries ........... 405
Jump starting ...................................... 406
Towing the vehicle .............................. 408
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 411
Fuses .................................................. 412
Main fuse box ............................... 412
Technical data.................................. 415
Parts service ...................................... 416
Warranty coverage ............................. 417
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 417
Identification labels ............................ 418
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 419
SL 500 .......................................... 419
SL 55 AMG ................................... 419
SL 600, SL 65 AMG ...................... 419
Engine ................................................ 420
Rims and tires .................................... 422
Same size tires ............................. 423
Mixed size tires ............................. 425
Spare wheel .................................. 427
Electrical system ................................ 428
Main dimensions ................................ 429
Weights .............................................. 430
325 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS indicator lamp
comes on while driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The SBC brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth-
er systems such as Parktronic*, Distronic*,
or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 335).
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS was switched off.
The battery may not be sufficiently charged.
Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
345 Practical hints
What to do if …
Symbol messagesLeft display
Right display
Possible cause
Possible solution
#
Battery/Alternator
Stop vehicle
The battery is malfunctioning.
The SBC brake system requires
electrical energy and therefore has
only limited operation. Consider-
ably greater brake pedal force is re-
quired and the stopping distance is
increased.
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced
braking responsiveness.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Visit
workshop!
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
alternator malfunctioning
broken poly-V-belt
Do not forget that the brake system
requires electrical energy and may
be operating with restricted capa-
bility. Considerably greater brake
pedal force is required and the stop-
ping distance is increased.
Stop immediately and check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
Do not continue to drive. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative
water pump which may result in damage
to the engine. Notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is in order:
Drive immediately to the nearest autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driv-
ing to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
404 Practical hintsBatteries
Unhook the luggage cover in the trunk.
Remove the trunk floor.
The battery for electrical consumers is
located in the right hand area of the
trunk (
page 372).
Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
negative lead from negative
terminal4 of the consumer battery.
Open the hood (
page 270).
Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
negative lead from negative
terminal2 of the starter battery.
Remove the covers from the positive
terminals 1 and 3.
Disconnect the positive lead from pos-
itive terminal 3 of the consumer bat-
tery.
Disconnect the positive lead from pos-
itive terminal 1 of the starter battery.
Removing the batteries
Removing the consumer battery
Remove the screws securing the bat-
tery in the trunk.
Remove the battery support and
bracket.
Take out the battery.
Removing the starter battery
Remove the screws securing the start-
er battery in the engine compartment.
Lift the retaining bracket.
Remove the battery.
Charging and reinstalling batteries
Charge batteries in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Reinstall the charged batteries. Follow
the previously described steps in re-
verse order.Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
447 Index
B
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 76, 439
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 439
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 116
Shoulder region 116
Backrest tilt 40
Backup lamp bulbs 381
Backup lamps 385
Bar 305
BAS 79, 81, 439
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 377
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 378
Check lamp 105
Batteries, vehicle 277
Charging 404
Disconnecting 403
For electrical consumers 277, 373,
401For starter 277, 401
Messages in display 345, 346
Reconnecting 405
Removing 404
Service 401
Battery
For electrical consumers 373
Bead 305
Bi-Xenon* 439
Bi-Xenon* headlamps 439
Block heater 310
Brake fluid 269, 431, 433
Brake lamp bulb, high mounted 381
Brake lamp bulbs, left and right 381
Brake pads
Message in display 346
Brake system
Messages in display 350
Brakes 256
High-performance brake system (SL 65
AMG only) 258
Warning lamp 326Break-in period 254
Bulbs, replacing
Backup lamps 385
Brake lamps 381
Front lamps 380, 383
License plate lamps 385
Parking lamps 384
Rear fog lamp 385
Standing lamps 384
Tail lamp assemblies 385
Turn signal lamps, front 383
Turn signal lamps, rear 385
C
CAC see Customer Assistance Center
CAN System 440
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 431
Catalytic converter 265
CD player
Operating 141
448 IndexCenter air vents 29
Center console
Lower part 30
Upper part 29
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 148
Central locking
Automatic 110
Central locking switch 111
Switching on/off (control
system) 156
Unlocking from inside 111
Central locking switch 29
Central unlocking switch 29
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 378
Batteries (SmartKey) 377
SmartKey setting 96
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
settings 103
Vehicle level 222Charging
Vehicle batteries 404
CHECK ENGINE
Messages in display 351
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 27, 327, 328
Checking
Coolant level 276
Oil level 269, 272
Tire inflate pressure 269
Vehicle lighting 269
Child safety
Airbags 64
Automatic child seat recognition 76
Infant and child restraint systems 62
Cigarette lighter 29, 233
Cleaning
Cup holder 320
Gear selector lever 320
Hard plastic trim items 320
Headlamps 178Headliner 320
Leather upholstery 321
Plastic and rubber parts 321
Seat belts 320
Steering wheel 320
Upholstery 321
Windshield 53
Wood trims 321
Cleaning tires 281
Clock 23
Closing
Hood 271
Power window with
KEYLESS-GO* 195
Retractable hardtop (SmartKey) 201
Retractable hardtop (switch) 198
Side windows 194, 195
Sunshade 204
Trunk lid 109
Windows 193
Windows with KEYLESS-GO* 195