2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG wheel

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada............................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
Vehicle data recording......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 28
Center console ..................................... 29
Upper part ...................................... 29
Lower part ...................................... 30
Overhead control panel ........................ 31
Door control panel................................ 32
Getting started................................... 33
Unlocking ............................................. 34
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 34
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 35
Starter switch positions .................. 36
Adjusting .............................................. 39
Seats .............................................. 39
Steering wheel ................................ 42
Mirrors ............................................ 43
Driving .................................................. 45
Fastening the seat belts ................. 45
Starting the engine ......................... 48
Switching on headlamps ................. 51
Turn signals .................................... 52
Windshield wipers ........................... 53
Problems while driving.................... 55
Parking and locking .............................. 56
Parking brake ................................. 57
Switching off headlamps................. 57
Turning off the engine ..................... 58
Emergency engine shut-down ......... 60

ContentsSafety and Security........................... 61
Occupant safety................................... 62
Airbags ........................................... 63
Seat belts ....................................... 69
Roll bar ........................................... 73
Children in the vehicle .................... 74
Panic alarm .......................................... 78
Activating ....................................... 78
Deactivating ................................... 78
Driving safety systems ......................... 79
ABS ................................................ 80
BAS ................................................ 81
ESP ................................................. 82
SBC brake system .......................... 85
Anti-theft systems................................ 88
Immobilizer..................................... 88
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 88
Tow-away alarm ............................. 90
Controls in detail............................... 93
Locking and unlocking ......................... 94
SmartKey ....................................... 94
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ........ 98
Opening the doors from the inside 106
Opening the trunk ........................ 107
Closing the trunk.......................... 109
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 109
Automatic central locking ............ 110
Locking and unlocking from the
inside ........................................... 111
Seats ................................................. 113
Easy-entry / exit feature ............... 113
Moving the seats forward and
backward ..................................... 115
Lumbar support............................ 115
Multicontour backrest*
(standard on SL 600, SL 55 AMG,
and SL 65 AMG) ........................... 116
Seat heating ................................. 117
Seat ventilation*
(standard on SL 600 and
SL 65 AMG) .................................. 119Memory function ............................... 120
Storing positions into memory ..... 121
Recalling positions from memory . 121
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 121
Lighting ............................................ 123
Exterior lamp switch .................... 123
Combination switch ..................... 128
Hazard warning flasher ................ 128
Interior lighting ............................ 129
Courtesy lighting .......................... 130
Instrument cluster ............................. 131
Instrument cluster illumination .... 131
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 131
Trip odometer .............................. 132
Tachometer .................................. 132
Outside temperature indicator ..... 133
Control system .................................. 134
Multifunction display.................... 134
Multifunction steering wheel........ 135
Menus .......................................... 137
Standard display menu ................ 139
AUDIO menu ................................ 139
NAV menu .................................... 142
Distronic* menu .......................... 142

Contents
Vehicle status message memory
menu ............................................ 143
Settings menu .............................. 144
Trip computer menu..................... 159
TEL menu* ................................... 161
Automatic transmission ..................... 164
One-touch gearshifting................. 166
Gear ranges ................................. 167
Gear selector lever position ......... 168
Automatic shift program .............. 170
Driving tips ................................... 171
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift).................................. 172
Manual shift program
SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG ......... 175
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 177
Good visibility .................................... 178
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 178
Rear window defroster ................. 178
Rear view mirrors ......................... 178
Sun visors .................................... 180Automatic climate control .................. 182
Setting the temperature................ 185
Adjusting air volume ..................... 185
Adjusting air distribution............... 186
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 186
Defrosting windshield ................... 187
Air recirculation mode .................. 187
Rear window defroster .................. 189
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 190
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 191
Air conditioning............................. 191
Ventilated storage compartments. 192
Power windows .................................. 193
Opening and closing the windows. 193
Synchronizing power windows ...... 195
Retractable hardtop............................ 196
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ....................... 196Driving systems .................................. 205
Cruise control ............................... 205
Distronic* ..................................... 208
Active Body Control (ABC) ............ 220
Parktronic* (Parking assist) .......... 223
Useful features ................................... 228
Storage compartments ................. 228
Ashtray ......................................... 233
Cigarette lighter ............................ 233
Heated steering wheel*
(SL 500, SL 600)........................... 234
Load assist in the trunk ................ 235
Electrical outlet............................. 236
Telephone* ................................... 236
Tele Aid ......................................... 237
Garage door opener ...................... 246

ContentsOperation......................................... 253
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 254
Driving instructions ............................ 255
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 255
Drinking and driving ..................... 255
Pedals .......................................... 255
Power assistance ......................... 256
Brakes .......................................... 256
Driving off..................................... 258
Parking ......................................... 259
Tires ............................................. 259
Hydroplaning ................................ 260
Tire traction .................................. 261
Tire speed rating .......................... 261
Winter driving instructions ........... 262
Standing water ............................. 263
Passenger compartment .............. 264
Driving abroad .............................. 264
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 264
Catalytic converter ....................... 265
Emission control........................... 265
Coolant temperature .................... 266At the gas station .............................. 267
Refuelling ..................................... 267
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 269
Engine compartment ......................... 270
Hood ............................................ 270
Engine oil ..................................... 272
Transmission fluid level ................ 275
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 275
Coolant ........................................ 276
Battery ......................................... 277
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 278
Tires and wheels ................................ 279
Important guidelines .................... 279
Tire care and maintenance ........... 280
Direction of rotation ..................... 282
Loading the vehicle ...................... 282
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 288
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 290
Tire labeling.................................. 295
Load identification ....................... 299
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 300Maximum tire load ....................... 301
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 302
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 302
Tire ply material ........................... 304
Tire and loading terminology ........ 305
Rotating tires ............................... 308
Winter driving .................................... 309
Winter tires .................................. 309
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 310
Snow chains................................. 310
Maintenance...................................... 312
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator....................................... 313
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 313
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 313
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 314
Vehicle care....................................... 315
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 315

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

16 IntroductionOperating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section in this
manual


traffic rules and regulations


motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-
ously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires / wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires / wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.

21 At a glance
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Door control panel

23 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Parking brake pedal
50
2
Hood lock release
270
3
Parking brake release
57
4
Door control panel
32
5
Exterior lamp switch
51,
123
6
Headlamp washer button
178
7
Combination switch

Turn signals


Windshield wipers


High beam
52
53
128
Item
Page
8
Steering wheel gearshift
control
(SL55AMG,SL65AMG,
and vehicles with
Sport Package* only)
172
9
Cruise control switch

Cruise control


Distronic*
205
208
a
Instrument cluster
24,
131
b
Multifunction steering
wheel
28,
135
c
Lever for voice control
system*, see separate
operating instructions
d
Front Parktronic* warn-
ing indicator
225
Item
Page
e
Digital clock
149
f
Overhead control panel
31
g
Interior storage compart-
ments (locking/unlock-
ing)
230
h
7 indicator lamp
76
j
Glove box
228
k
Center console
29, 30
l
Starter switch
38
m
Horn
n
Steering wheel adjust-
ment lever
Heated steering wheel*
42
234