2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR brake

88 Safety and SecurityPerformance enhancement systemThe Airbrake switch is on the upper part of
the center console.Airbrake modes1Manual
2Automatic
3Test
4Airbrake switch
Switch on the ignition (
page 40).
The system runs a self-test to ensure
correct operation of the Airbrake.Test mode
The test mode allows you to check that the
Airbrake is functioning correctly.
This mode can only be activated when the
vehicle is at standstill.

Slide Airbrake switch4 to
position3.
The Airbrake swings upwards to an an-
gle of 62°.

Release the Airbrake switch.
The Airbrake returns to its initial posi-
tion.Manual mode
In this mode, the Airbrake is set to an angle
of 30°. The driver downforce mode en-
hances handling in all conditions.

Slide the Airbrake switch4 to
position1.
The Airbrake swings upwards to an an-
gle of 30° and stays in this position.iIn manual mode, the Airbrake automat-
ic function is activated in an emergency
braking situation, see “Automatic
mode” (
page 89).
!Before deactivating manual mode,
check the Airbrake for any objects
which may have become lodged, e.g.
branches or leaves, and remove them.
Otherwise the Airbrake can no longer
function correctly.

89 Safety and Security
Performance enhancement system
Automatic mode
This mode should be used for normal driv-
ing conditions.
Slide the Airbrake switch4 to
position2.
With the ignition on, the Airbrake
swings upwards to an angle of 5° and
then returns to its initial position.
When the vehicle exceeds a speed of
60 mph (95 km/h), the Airbrake
swings up to an angle of 10°. Rapid braking
If you need to brake in an emergency from
a speed of more than 60 mph (95 km/h),
the Airbrake automatically swings upwards
to an angle of 62°.
This allows you to achieve the best possi-
ble braking performance in an emergency.
Warning!
G
Hard braking activates the Airbrake which
may block the view through the interior rear
view mirror. In this case, monitor the traffic
behind you through the exterior rear view
mirrors.

97 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. It is possible
for children to open a locked door from the
inside, which could result in an accident
and/or serious injury.!To prevent possible malfunction, avoid
exposing the SmartKey to high levels of
electromagnetic radiation.
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.iYou can also open and close the power
windows using the SmartKey, see
“Summer opening feature”
(page 195) and “Convenience clos-
ing feature” (
page 196).
When you unlock the vehicle, the elec-
trohydraulic brake system is activated.

102 Controls in detailLocking and unlocking
Lower trunk lid by firmly pulling on
handle1.
Trunk emergency release
The emergency release button is located
on the inside of the trunk lid.
With the emergency release button, the
trunk can be opened from inside the trunk.Emergency release button
Briefly press emergency release but-
ton.
The trunk unlocks and the trunk lid
opens slightly.

Push up the trunk lid to fully open.Illumination of the emergency release
button:


The button will flash for 30 minutes
after opening the trunk.


The button will flash for 60 minutes
after closing the trunk.
!Do not pull on the Airbrake. Otherwise
the Airbrake could be damaged.iDo not place the SmartKey in the open
trunk. You may lock yourself out.
If the vehicle was previously centrally
locked, the trunk lid will lock automati-
cally after closing it. The turn signals
will flash three times to confirm lock-
ing.
iThe emergency release button unlocks
the trunk while the vehicle is standing
still or in motion.

168 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionAn additional indication of the current gear
selector lever position can be found on the
cover of the shifting-gate.When the gear selector lever is in
positionD, you can influence transmission
shifting by


limiting the shift range


changing gears manually
One-touch gearshifting
Even with an automatic transmission you
can change the gears manually when the
gear selector lever is in positionD.
Downshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the left in theD-direction.
The transmission will shift from the cur-
rent gear to the next lower gear. This
action simultaneously limits the gear
range of the transmission
(page 170).
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

171 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Gear selector lever positions
Effect
ì
Park position
Gear selector lever position
when the vehicle is parked. Place
gear selector lever in positionP
only when vehicle is stopped.
The park position is not intended
to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the
driver should always set the
parking brake in addition to
placing the gear selector lever in
positionP to secure the vehicle.
EffectThe SmartKey can only be
removed from the starter switch
with the gear selector lever in
positionP. With the SmartKey
removed, the gear selector lever
is locked in positionP.
If the vehicle’s electrical system
is malfunctioning, the gear
selector lever could remain
locked in positionP.
í
Reverse gear
Place gear selector lever in
positionR only when vehicle is
stopped.
Effect
ë
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When
the brakes are released, the
vehicle can be moved freely
(pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the trans-
mission, never engageN while
driving.
If the ESP
® is deactivated or
malfunctioning:
Move gear selector lever toN
only if the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
ê
Drive
The transmission shifts
automatically. All five forward
gears are available.

172 Controls in detailAutomatic transmission
!
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any
other reason with gear selector lever
inN can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear
selector lever not fully engaged in positionP
is dangerous. Also, positionP alone is not
intended to or capable of preventing your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (
page 57).
When parked on an incline, turn the front
wheels towards the road curb.
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children
could move the gear selector lever from
positionP, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

174 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionStopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
Leave the transmission in gear.

Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop longer with the engine
idling and/or on a hill:

Set the parking brake.

Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas,
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:

Control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes.

Accelerate gently.

Never abruptly step on the accelerator.
Working on the vehicle
Steering wheel gearshift control
You can change the gears manually on the
steering wheel or by using the gear
selector lever (
page 168).
The steering wheel gearshift buttons are
located on the left and right side of the
steering wheel.
1Left button: downshift
2Right button: upshift
Warning!
G
When working on the vehicle, set the
parking brake and move gear selector lever
to positionP. Otherwise the vehicle could
roll away.