2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 sport mode

88 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsElectro-hydraulic brake system
The electro-hydraulic brake system com-
bines a hydraulic brake circuit with elec-
tronically controlled brake servo
assistance. You have increased braking
safety and improved braking comfort.Warning!
G
Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated
in the speedometer display, for example by
the;(USA only) or3(Canada only)
indicator lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints”
section (
page 334). Also read and ob-
serve the messages in the instrument clus-
ter multifunction display (
page 361).
Warning!
G
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 334)
comes on and warning messages
(
page 361) appear in the multifunction
display while driving. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes are only applied to the
front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased!
If there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, see “Towing the vehicle”
(page 421).

127 Controls in detail
Lighting
Front fog lamps
Switch on the low beam headlamps
(page 53).

Pull out the exterior lamp switch to first
stop.
The front fog lamps are switched on.
The green indicator lamp ‡ in the
exterior lamp switch comes on
(page 123).

Push in the exterior lamp switch.
The front fog lamps are switched off.
The green indicator lamp ‡ in the
exterior lamp switch goes out.Rear fog lamp (driver’s side only)

Switch on the front fog lamps
(page 127).

Pull out the exterior lamp switch to sec-
ond stop.
The rear fog lamp is switched on.
The yellow indicator lamp † in the
lamp switch comes on (
page 123).

Push in the exterior lamp switch to first
stop.
The rear fog lamp is switched off.
The yellow indicator lamp † in the
exterior lamp switch goes out.
The front fog lamps remain lit.Corner-illuminating front fog lamps*
(vehicles with Bi-Xenon* headlamps
and without Sport Package*)
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps im-
prove illumination of the road into which
you are turning.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
operate with the engine running and with

the exterior lamp switch in
positionB (
page 123)
or


the exterior lamp switch in
positionU (
page 123)
or


the daytime running lamp mode
activated (
page 125)
iThe fog lamps cannot be switched on
with the exterior lamp switch in posi-
tion U. To switch on the fog lamps,
turn the exterior lamp switch to posi-
tion B first.

168 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionAutomatic shift program
The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.
1Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving
The current gear selector lever position
and the selected program mode (
C/S) are
indicated in the right multifunction display
(
page 163).

Press program mode selector
switch1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired program mode appears in
the right multifunction display.
SelectCfor comfort driving:

The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range1 is selected.


Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.


Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.
!Never change the program mode when
the gear selector lever is out of
positionP. This could result in a
change of driving characteristics for
which you may not be prepared.iThe last selected program
mode (CorS) is switched on when the
engine is restarted.

170 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionSteering wheel gearshift control one-touch gearshifting
Steering wheel gearshift control is avail-
able on vehicles with Sport Package*, on
SL 55 AMG, and on SL 65 AMG only.
The steering wheel gearshift control pro-
vides an alternative method for changing
the gears manually and limiting or extend-
ing the gear range for automatic shifting
with the gear selector lever in positionD
and driving in the automatic program
modeC orS.Steering wheel gearshift control
SL 500 with Sport Package* and
SL 600 with Sport Package*
The steering wheel gearshift buttons are
located to the left and right of the steering
wheel.
1Button, outside: upshift
2Button, inside: downshift
iFor information on using the steering
wheel gearshift control in program
mode MANUAL (SL 55 AMG and
SL 65 AMG only), see “Manual shift
program” (
page 173).
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting with steering wheel
gearshift buttons, the transmission will
not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s
max. speed would be exceeded.!Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gearR or parking
positionP only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

174 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission
The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.
1Program mode selector switch
MANUAL For manual gear shifting
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard drivingThe current gear selector lever position
and the selected program mode (
M/C/S)
are indicated in the right multifunction
display (
page 163).
!Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gearR or parking
positionP only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
iFor information on automatic program
modesC orS, see “Automatic shift
program” (
page 168), “Gear selector
lever one-touch gearshifting”
(
page 169), and “Steering wheel
gearshift control one-touch gearshift-
ing” (page 170).

362 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
USA only:;Canada only:3
Reduced
brake effect
Visit
workshop
The electro-hydraulic brake system
is in emergency operation mode.
Considerable brake pedal force is
required and the stopping distance
is increased.

Continue driving with added caution.

Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced
braking responsiveness.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center im-
mediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.
Warning!
G
Driving while this message is displayed can
result in an accident. Have your brake sys-
tem checked immediately.
If there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, see “Towing the vehicle”
(page 421).
If the electro-hydraulic brake system enters
its emergency operation mode, the driver
must apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much fur-
ther than normal to obtain braking effect.
If necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!

435 Technical data
Rims and tires
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A placard with
the recommended tire inflation pres-
sures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar. Some vehicles may have sup-
plemental tire inflation pressure infor-
mation for driving at high speeds
(page 292) or for vehicle loads less
than the maximum loaded vehicle con-
dition (
page 292). If such information
is provided, it can be found on the plac-
ard located on the inside of the fuel fill-
er flap. The tire inflation pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.
iThe following pages also list the ap-
proved wheel rim and tire sizes for
equipping your vehicles with winter
tires. Winter tires are not available as
standard or optional factory equip-
ment, but can be purchased from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the
standard or optional factory-equipped
wheel rim/tire configuration on your
vehicle (Performance Package, Sport
Package etc.), equipping your vehicle
with winter tires approved for your ve-
hicle model may also require the pur-
chase of two or four wheel rims of the
recommended size for use with these
winter tires. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for more infor-
mation.

464 IndexCorner-illuminating front fog lamps* 127
Replacing bulbs 391
Courtesy lighting 131
Cruise control 204, 454
Messages in the multifunction
display 349, 350
Cup holder 232
Cup holders
Cleaning 329
Curb weight 310, 454
Customer Assistance Center see CAC
D
Daytime running lamp mode 125
Setting 152
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging, Windshield 187
Defrosting, Front 186
Defrosting, Rear 179
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 154
Interior lighting 155
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 56
With starting the engine 50
Digital clock see ClockDigital speedometer 140
Dimensions, Vehicle 443
Direction of rotation (tires) 284
Displays
Digital speedometer 140
Distronic* 209
Maintenance service indicator 318
Multifunction display 135
Outside temperature 134, 140
Symbol messages 359
Text messages 347
Vehicle status message memory 144
Vehicle status messages 345
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 158
Distance warning function* 215
Activating 216
Deactivating 216
Intermittent warning sound 215
Symbol 143, 211
Distronic indicator lamp* 25Distronic* 207, 454
“Resume” function 214
Activating 212
Cleaning system sensor cover 325
Control system 143, 211
Distance warning function 215
Driving hints 216
System sensor cover 325
Warning and indicator lamps 209,
215, 338
Door
Control panel 32
Handle, Inside 32
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 35, 62
Locking/unlocking, Mechanical
key 385, 387
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 34, 62
Messages in the multifunction
display 369
Opening from inside 107
Storage compartment 228
Door control panel 32
Door handle 32
DOT 311, 454
Drinking and driving 257