2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 Suspension

219 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC)
The ABC system automatically selects the
optimum suspension tuning and ride
height for your vehicle.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:

Your driving style


Road surface conditions


The vehicle loading


Your choice of suspension style
You can set the following suspension
styles:


Regular (Comfort)


SportyThe ABC button with the indicator lamp is
located in the lower section of the center
console.
1ABC button
2Indicator lamp

Start the engine (
page 49).Suspension for sporty driving style
The setting for sporty driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is illuminated.

Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
The message
ABC Active Body Con-
trol SPORT appears in the multifunc-
tion display for a short time.
Suspension for regular driving style
The setting for regular driving is selected
when the indicator lamp2 is off.

Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
The message
ABC Active Body Con-
trol COMFORT appears in the multifunc-
tion display for a short time.
iThe selected setting is stored, even if
the engine is turned off.

281 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.


The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

421 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm and the
automatic central locking.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1). Otherwise, the ESP
® will immedi-
ately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in positionN and the
SmartKey must be in starter switch
position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission, however,
we recommend the drive shaft be dis-
connected at the rear axle drive flange
for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.

423 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Front of vehicle
1Cover on right side of front bumper
To remove cover:
Press mark on cover 1 in direction of
arrow.

Lift cover1off to reveal the threaded
hole for towing eye bolt.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located in the storage compart-
ment under the trunk floor).
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button in position2, the ve-
hicle doors lock if the left front wheel
as well as the right rear wheel are turn-
ing at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic cen-
tral locking (
page 112).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed tow-
ing eye bolt. Never attach tow cable,
tow rope or tow rod to the vehicle chas-
sis, frame or suspension parts.
iIf the battery is disconnected or dis-
charged

the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP.
For more information, see “Batteries”
(
page 413) and
“Jump starting” (
page 419).


475 Index
Storage compartments 228
Armrest 229
Cup holder 232
Glove box 228
In door 228
In rear 229
Locking compartments
separately 230
Locking storage compartments 230
Parcel net 231
Rear 229
Storage tray 229
Unlocking compartments
separately 230
Unlocking storage
compartments 230, 386
Ventilated compartments 191
Storing tires 283
Submenus 139
Convenience 156
Instrument cluster 149, 150
Lighting 152
Resetting functions 147
Selecting 147
Settings menus 147
Time 150Vehicle 155
Submenus see Control system submenus
Summer opening feature 199
Sun blind see Sunshade
Sun visors 178
Sunshade 203
Closing 203
Opening 203
Suspension tuning
For regular driving style 219
For sporty driving style 219
Suspension tuning (ABC) 219
Switching on
Front fog lamps 127
Rear fog lamp 127
Switching on headlamps 53
Symbol
Distance warning function* 143, 211
Synchronizing
ESP
®
354
Power windows 194
Synchronizing time with head unit 150
T
Tachometer 27, 133
Tail lamps 392, 396
Cleaning lenses 325Technical data
Electrical system 442
Main dimensions 443
Rims and tires 434
Weights 444
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 452
Tele Aid 238
Emergency calls 240
Information 243
Initiating an emergency call
manually 241
Messages in display 379
Roadside Assistance 241
SOS button 31, 241
Tele Aid system 238
Tele Aid System 458
Telephone* 28, 237
Answering a call 160
Dialing 160
Ending a call 160
Hands-free microphone 31
Loading phone book* 160
Messages in display 379
Operating 159
Redialing 161