338 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
E
The red DTR indicator lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle
ahead of you.
The distance warning system has recog-
nized a stationary obstacle on your prob-
able line of travel.
Apply the brakes immediately.
Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver
to avoid hitting an obstacle.
E
The white DTR indicator lamp
comes on while driving.
The Distronic* distance sensor has recog-
nized a vehicle in front of you.
A
The yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp lights while driv-
ing.
The fuel level has dropped below the reserve
mark.
Refuel at the next gas station
(page 269).
The fuel cap is not closed tightly.
Check the fuel cap (
page 269).
371 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
A
Reserve fuel
The fuel level has dropped below
the reserve mark.
Refuel at the next gas station (
page 269).
Check
fuel cap
See Oper. Manual
A loss of pressure has been detect-
ed in the fuel system. The fuel cap
may not be closed properly or the
fuel system may be leaky.
Check the fuel cap (
page 269).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
K
being lowered
The retractable hardtop is not com-
pletely opened or closed. The roof
hydraulics will start to lose pres-
sure.
Make sure the retractable hardtop is com-
pletely opened or closed (
page 195).
Lock
retractable roof
The retractable hardtop is not
locked properly.
Push or pull on the retractable hardtop switch
until the indicator lamp in the switch goes out
and the retractable hardtop is completely
open or closed (
page 195).
locked
in driving mode
You have attempted to open the re-
tractable hardtop while driving.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location and try to
open the hardtop again.
Visit
workshop
The retractable hardtop is malfunc-
tioning.
Have the retractable hardtop checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
403 Practical hints
Flat tire
After driving vehicle for an initial
10 minutes, check tire inflation pres-
sure using the pressure gauge on the
air pump.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a
new TIREFIT kit.
Bring used TIREFIT materials to an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.
Replace your TIREFIT container every
4 years. Replacement containers are
available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
20 psi (1.3 bar) do not continue to drive the
vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the road-
way and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside
Assistance.
If tire inflation pressure is at least
20 psi (1.3 bar), inflate tire to correct pres-
sure (see placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar), and drive vehicle to nearest tire re-
pair facility to have tire repaired or replaced.
Recommended duration of use:
300 miles (500 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h)
with the recommended tire inflation pres-
sure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommend inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.
Warning!
G
Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not designed
to operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the instru-
ment cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics may
change. Adapt your driving accordingly.
445 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
products tested and approved by
Mercedes Benz.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
9.2 US qt (8.7 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
9.1 US qt (8.6 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear axle
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 75 W 140
Hydraulic system for active body control (ABC)
approx. 4.3 US qt (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluid
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 3.0 oz (85 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
1.1 US qt (1.05 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
446 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Cooling system
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)
approx. 13.6 US qt (12.9 l)
approx. 14.5 US qt (13.7 l)
approx. 16.4 US qt (15.5 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion / Antifreeze
Low temperature cooling system
SL 600
SL 65 AMG
approx. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)
approx. 3.1 US qt (2.9 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion / Antifreeze
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
All models
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
21.1 US gal (80.0 l)
2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON /86 MON)
Air conditioning system
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lu-
bricant oil (never R-12)
Hydraulic system for retractable hardtop
0.42 US qt (0.4 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system
7.4 US qt (7 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available pre-
mixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 452).
450 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze, which pro-
vides:
corrosion protection
freeze protection
boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase in the boil-over
protection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet
for replacement interval.Coolant system design and coolant used
stipulate the replacement interval. The re-
placement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet) are used to renew the coolant con-
centration or bring it back up to the proper
level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion /Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
452 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Windshield and headlamp washer system
Both the windshield and headlamp washer
systems are supplied from the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
The windshield and headlamp washer fluid
reservoir has a capacity of approx.
7.4 US qt (7 l).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available
premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze, depending on am-
bient temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “S” to 1 gal [4.0 l]
water)
For temperatures below freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent / antifreeze:
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “S” to 1 gal [4.0 l]
solvent)
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
463 Index
C
CAC 453
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid 244
CAN System 454
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 445
Cargo area see Trunk
Carpets, cleaning 330
Catalytic converter 267
CD changer 142
CD player 142
Operating 142
Center console
Lower part 30
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 112, 155
Central locking/unlocking switch 29,
113
Locking/unlocking from inside 113
Certification label 430
Check engine see Lamps, indicator and
warningChildren in the vehicle
Airbags 66
Indicator lamp, front passenger front
airbag 78
Infant and child restraint systems 64,
76
Cigarette lighter 234
Clock 23, 150
Cockpit 22, 454
Cockpit Management and Data System
see COMAND system
Cold tire inflation pressure 310, 454
Collapsible tire 454
COMAND system 29, 454
Driving instructions 266
Combination switch
High beam 53, 129
Turn signals 53
Windshield wipers 54
Consumer battery 279
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 266
Control system 135, 138, 454Control system menus
AUDIO 141
NAV 143
Settings 146
Standard display 140
TEL* 159
Trip computer 157
Vehicle status message memory 144
Control system submenus 139
Convenience 156
Instrument cluster 149
Lighting 152
Time 150
Vehicle 155
Controller Area Network see CAN System
Convenience feature 200
Coolant 450
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 451
Checking coolant level 278
Coolant warning lamp 336
Messages in the multifunction
display 365, 366, 367, 368
Temperature 268
Temperature gauge 133