160 Controls in detailControl systemRejecting a call
If you do not wish to receive the call, you
can choose to reject it.
Press button t.
You have rejected the call. The caller
receives a busy signal.
Answering a call
When your telephone is ready to receive
calls, you can answer a call at any time. In
the right multifunction display you will then
see the message:
Press button s.
You have answered the call. In the right
multifunction display you see the
length of the call.Ending a call
Press button t.
You have ended the call. In the right
multifunction display you will again see
the standby message.
Dialing a number from the phone book
If your telephone is ready to receive calls,
you may select and dial a number from the
phone book at any time.
Press button ÿ or è repeatedly
until you see the
TEL
menu in the left
multifunction display.
In the right multifunction display you
will see the standby message.
Press button j or k.
The control system reads the phone
book which is stored in the telephone.
This may take up to 30 seconds. In the
right multifunction display you will see
the message
Please wait!
.
When the message
Please wait!
dis-
appears, the phone book has been
loaded.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired name appears in the
right multifunction display.
The stored names are displayed in
ascending or descending alphabetical
order.iIf you press and hold j or k for
longer than one second, the system
scrolls rapidly through the list of names
until you release the button again.
Cancel the quick search mode by
pressing t.
167 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Gear ranges
With the gear selector lever in positionD
and driving in the automatic shift
programC orS (
page 168), you can
select a gear range for the automatic
transmission to operate within:
Gear selector lever (page 169):
You can limit the gear range by pressing
the gear selector lever to the left (D-), and
reverse the gear range limit by pressing
the gear selector lever to the right (D+).
Steering wheel gearshift control
(
page 170):
You can limit the gear range by pressing
the respective downshift button on the
steering wheel gearshift control, and
reverse the gear range limit by pressing
the respective upshift button on the
steering wheel gearshift control.The selected gear range appears in the
right multifunction display (
page 163). If
you press on the accelerator when the
engine has reached its rpm limit, the trans-
mission will upshift beyond any gear range
limit selected.
Effect
ï
The transmission shifts through
sixth gear only (applies to
vehicles with 7-speed automatic
transmission only).
î
The transmission shifts through
fifth gear only (applies to
vehicles with 7-speed automatic
transmission only).
é
The transmission shifts through
fourth gear only.
Effect
è
The transmission shifts through
third gear only.
With this selection you can use
the braking effect of the engine.
ç
The transmission shifts through
second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:
on steep downgrades
in mountainous regions
under extreme operating
conditions
æ
The transmission operates in
first gear only.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
252 Controls in detailUseful featuresOperation of integrated remote control
Switch on the ignition (
page 36).
Select and press the appropriate inte-
grated signal transmitter button (2,
3 or4) to activate the remote con-
trolled device.
The integrated remote control trans-
mitter continues to send the signal as
long as the button is pressed – up to
20 seconds.Erasing the integrated remote control
memory
Switch on the ignition (
page 36).
Simultaneously press and hold down
the outer signal transmitter buttons2
and 4, for approximately 20 seconds,
until the indicator lamp1 flashes rap-
idly. Do not hold for longer than
30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are
erased.Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming
the integrated remote control, here are
some helpful tips:
Check the frequency of the hand-held
remote control5 (typically located on
the reverse side of the remote). The in-
tegrated remote control is compatible
with radio-frequency devices operating
between 288-399 MHz.
Put a new battery in the hand-held re-
mote control5. This will increase the
likelihood of the hand-held remote con-
trol sending a faster and more accurate
signal to the integrated remote control.
While performing step 3, hold the
hand-held remote control5 at differ-
ent lengths and angles from the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4) you
are programming. Attempt varying an-
gles at the distance of 2 to 5 inches
(5 to 12 cm) away or the same angle at
varying distances.
iIf you sell your vehicle, erase the codes
of all three channels.
265 Operation
Driving instructions
Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 315).
Standing water
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an Ice-Warning Device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice.
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equip-
ment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake, causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such dam-
age is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
318 OperationMaintenanceWe strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service indi-
cator.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and the maintenance service indicator at
the designated times /mileage may result
in vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Maintenance service indicator
message
The maintenance service indicator mes-
sage will notify you when your next mainte-
nance service is due.
Starting approximately 1 month before
your next maintenance service is due, one
of the following messages will appear in
the right multifunction display while you
are driving or when you switch on the igni-
tion (example service A):
Service A in XXXXX miles (km)
Service A in XXX days
Service A Due now
The type of maintenance service due is in-
dicated in the left multifunction display:
9Basic service (A)½
Extended service (B)Clearing the maintenance service indi-
cator message
The maintenance service indicator mes-
sage is automatically cleared after approx-
imately 30 seconds
after you have switched on the ignition
after you have reached the mainte-
nance service threshold while driving
You can also clear the maintenance ser-
vice indicator message yourself.iVehicles equipped with FSS (Flexible
Service System) only (Canada vehi-
cles):
The interval between maintenance
services depends on your driving hab-
its. A gentle driving style, moderate en-
gine speeds and the avoidance of
short-distance trips will lengthen the
interval between services.
419 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:
Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.
Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.
Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross section and insulated terminal
clamps.
Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or oth-
er parts that move when an engine is
started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Jump starting may only be performed
on the battery installed in the engine
compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.
443 Technical data
Main dimensions
Main dimensions
Model
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
Overall vehicle length
178.5 in (4 535 mm)
178.5 in (4 535 mm)
178.5 in (4 535 mm)
178.5 in (4 535 mm)
Overall vehicle length when
opening/closing hardtop
185.6 in (4 713 mm)
185.6 in (4 713 mm)
185.6 in (4 713 mm)
185.6 in (4 713 mm)
Overall vehicle width
(exterior rear view mirrors folded out)
80.5 in (2 045 mm)
80.5 in (2 045 mm)
80.5 in (2 045 mm)
80.5 in (2 045 mm)
Overall vehicle height
51.0 in (1 295 mm)
51.0 in (1 295 mm)
51.0 in (1 295 mm)
51.0 in (1 295 mm)
Overall vehicle height when
opening/closing hardtop
65.9 in (1 674 mm)
65.9 in (1 674 mm)
65.9 in (1 674 mm)
65.9 in (1 674 mm)
Wheelbase
100.8 in (2 560 mm)
100.8 in (2 560 mm)
100.8 in (2 560 mm)
100.8 in (2 560 mm)
Track, front
61.4 in (1 559 mm)
61.4 in (1 559 mm)
61.8 in (1 569 mm)
61.8 in (1 569 mm)
Track, rear
60.5 in (1 537 mm)
60.5 in (1 537 mm)
61.1 in (1 551 mm)
61.1 in (1 551 mm)
474 IndexSide windows
Automatic closing 194
Automatic opening 193
Closing 192, 193
Closing fully 194
Closing with KEYLESS-GO* 194
Express-close 194
Express-open 193
Opening 192, 193
Opening fully 193
Stopping 194
Synchronizing power windows 194
Sidewall 312, 458, 459
SmartKey 96
Checking the batteries 99
Closing retractable hardtop 200
Global locking 98
Global unlocking 98
Loss of 100
Positions in starter switch 36
Restoring factory settings 98, 104
Selective setting 98
Starting the engine 49
Turning off the engine 60
SmartKey batteries 389
SmartKey positions 36SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking the battery 106
Global locking 104
Global unlocking 103
Locking 105
Loss of 106
Messages in display 373
Reprogramming 104
Selective setting 104
Unlocking 100
Snow chains 317
Spare fuses 425
Spare fuses see Vehicle tool kit
Spare tire see Spare wheel 399
Spare wheel 383, 384, 404, 441
Inflating tire 408
Tire inflation pressure 408
Speed settings
Cruise control 206
Speedometer 25
Setting units 149
Sporty driving style 219
SRS 458
Indicator lamp 341
Standing lamps 123, 392
Standing waterDriving instructions 265
Starter battery 279, 413
Starter switch 23, 36
Starter switch positions 36
Starting difficulties 50
Starting position 36
Starting the engine
With the SmartKey 49
With the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 50
Steering column
In/out adjustment 42
Length adjustment 42
Up/down adjustment 42
Steering wheel
Adjusting 42
Buttons 28
Cleaning 330
Heating* 235
Height adjustment 42
Steering wheel adjustment lever 23
Steering wheel gearshift control 170
SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG 172
Vehicles with Sport Package* 170
Stopping
Windows 194