2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 Power steering

ContentsSafety and Security........................... 65
Occupant safety................................... 66
Air bags .......................................... 68
Occupant Classification System ..... 72
Seat belts ....................................... 77
Roll bar ........................................... 81
Children in the vehicle .................... 83
Panic alarm .......................................... 86
Activating ....................................... 86
Deactivating ................................... 86
Driving safety systems ......................... 87
ABS ................................................ 87
BAS ................................................ 89
ESP
®............................................... 89
Electro-hydraulic brake system ...... 92
Anti-theft systems................................ 96
Immobilizer..................................... 96
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 96
Tow-away alarm ............................. 98
Controls in detail............................. 101
Locking and unlocking ....................... 102
SmartKey ..................................... 102
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 105
Opening the doors from the
inside ........................................... 111
Opening the trunk ........................ 111
Closing the trunk.......................... 113
Valet locking ................................ 117
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 117
Power closing assist for trunk lid . 118
Automatic central locking ............ 119
Locking and unlocking from the
inside ........................................... 119
Seats ................................................. 121
Moving the seats forward and
backward ..................................... 121
Lumbar support............................ 121
Multicontour backrest* ................ 122
Seat heating ................................. 123
Seat ventilation* .......................... 125
Memory function ............................... 126
Storing positions into memory ..... 127
Recalling positions from memory . 127 Lighting ............................................ 128
Exterior lamp switch .................... 128
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps ........................................... 132
Combination switch ..................... 133
Hazard warning flasher ................ 133
Interior lighting ............................ 134
Courtesy lighting .......................... 135
Trunk lamp ................................... 135
Instrument cluster ............................. 136
Adjusting instrument cluster
illumination .................................. 136
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 137
Trip odometer .............................. 137
Tachometer.................................. 138
Outside temperature indicator ..... 138
Control system .................................. 139
Multifunction display.................... 139
Multifunction steering wheel........ 140
Menus .......................................... 142
Standard display menu ................ 145
AMG menu ................................... 146
AUDIO menu ................................ 149
NAV menu .................................... 151
Distronic* menu .......................... 151

Contents
Vehicle status message memory
menu ............................................ 152
Settings menu .............................. 153
Trip computer menu..................... 163
TEL menu* ................................... 165
Automatic transmission ..................... 168
Gear selector lever position ......... 170
Driving tips ................................... 171
Gear ranges ................................. 172
Automatic shift program .............. 173
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting .................................. 174
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting* ............... 175
Manual shift program
(SL55AMGandSL65AMG only) 177
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 179
Good visibility .................................... 180
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 180
Rear view mirrors ......................... 180
Sun visors .................................... 182
Rear window defroster ................. 183Automatic climate control .................. 184
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 187
Operating the automatic climate
control system in automatic mode 187
Setting the temperature................ 188
Adjusting air distribution............... 189
Adjusting air volume ..................... 190
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 190
Front defroster.............................. 190
Air recirculation mode .................. 191
Air conditioning............................. 193
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 194
Ventilated glove box ..................... 195
Power windows .................................. 196
Opening and closing the
windows ........................................ 196
Synchronizing power windows ...... 198
Retractable hardtop............................ 199
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ....................... 199Driving systems .................................. 209
Cruise control ............................... 209
Distronic* ..................................... 213
Distance warning function* .......... 224
Active Body Control (ABC) ............ 225
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist) ............................. 228
Useful features ................................... 233
Storage compartments ................. 233
Cup holders .................................. 238
Ashtray ......................................... 239
Cigarette lighter............................ 239
Heated steering wheel* ................ 240
Load assist in the trunk ................ 241
Power outlet ................................. 242
Telephone* ................................... 243
Tele Aid......................................... 244
Garage door opener ...................... 251

25 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Exterior lamp switch
55, 128
2
Headlamp washer button
180
3
Cruise control lever

Cruise control


Distronic*
209
213
4
Shift paddle*: downshift
175
5
Instrument cluster
26, 136
6
Multifunction steering
wheel
30, 140
7
Shift paddle*: upshift
175
8
Lever for voice control
system*, see separate
operating instructions
9
Front Parktronic* warning
indicator
230
Item
Page
a
Digital clock
b
Front passenger front
air bag off indicator lamp
76
c
Interior storage compart-
ments (locking/unlocking)
235
d
Overhead control panel
33
e
Glove box
233
f
Center console
31, 32
g
Starter switch
41
h
Horn
j
Steering wheel adjustment
stalk
Heated steering wheel*
45
240
Item
Page
k
Combination switch

Turn signals


Windshield wipers


High beam
56
57
133
l
Parking brake pedal
54, 61
m
Parking brake release han-
dle
54
n
Hood lock release
274
o
Door control panel
36
p
Power window switch
196

42 Getting startedAdjusting
Seats
Warning!
G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas-
tening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.
Warning!
G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-
domen or neck. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a nearly upright position and
belts are properly positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt (
page 49).
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being ad-
justed.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take
it with you, and lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the start-
er switch or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle,
the power seats can be operated when the
respective door is open. Therefore, do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-
pervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.

60 Getting startedParking and lockingYou have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before
turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:


Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards the road curb.


Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch, or press the
start/stop button (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*).


Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when
leaving.

88 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsThe - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is run-
ning.
Braking
If the ABS activates during braking, the
ABS/ESP
® warning lamp v in the in-
strument cluster dial flashes. Because of
the electro-hydraulic brake system, you
will not feel any pulsation in the brake ped-
al.

Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.The ABS/ESP
® warning lamp v flashes
whenever the ABS is activated which can
be an indication of hazardous road condi-
tions and functions as a reminder to take
extra care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver

Keep continuous, full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 332).
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS
and the ESP
® are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can pre-
vent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

213 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Distronic*
When activated, the Distronic adaptive
cruise control system increases the driving
convenience afforded by the cruise control
while traveling on expressways and other
major roadways.

If the Distronic distance sensor detects
a slower moving vehicle directly ahead,
your vehicle’s speed will be reduced so
that you follow that vehicle at the pre-
set following distance.


If there is no vehicle directly ahead of
you, Distronic will function in the same
way as standard cruise control
(page 209).
Warning!
G
Distronic adaptive cruise control is not a
substitute for active driving involvement. It
does not react to pedestrians or stationary
objects, recognize or predict the lane curva-
ture nor the movement of preceding
vehicles.
Distronic can only apply a maximum of 20%
of the vehicle’s braking power.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. In addition, the driver must pro-
vide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.Warning!
G
Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended
to make cruise control more effective and
usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not
however, intended to, nor does it, replace
the need for extreme care. The responsibili-
ty for the vehicle’s speed, distance to the
preceding vehicle and, most importantly,
brake operation to assure a safe stopping
distance, always rests with the driver.
Warning!
G
Distronic requires familiarity with its opera-
tional characteristics. We strongly recom-
mend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.Warning!
G
Distronic cannot take street and traffic con-
ditions into account. Only use Distronic if
the road, weather and traffic conditions
make it advisable to travel at a constant
speed.

240 Controls in detailUseful features1Cigarette lighter
Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically
when hot.
Heated steering wheel*
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
The stalk is located on the lower left-hand
side of the steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Switching off
3Indicator lamp
!
The lighter socket can accommodate
12V DC electrical accessories (up to a maximum
of 85 W) designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind, how-
ever, that connecting accessories to the lighter
socket (for example extensive connecting and
disconnecting, or using plugs that do not fit prop-
erly) can damage the lighter socket. With the
socket damaged, the lighter may no longer be
able to be placed in the heating (pushed-in) posi-
tion, or the lighter may pop out too early with the
lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette lighter
socket, we recommend connecting 12V DC elec-
trical accessories designed for use with the stan-
dard “cigarette lighter” plug type to the
12V power outlet (
page 242) in your vehicle
whenever possible.