Page 317 of 473

316 OperationWinter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service in-
cludes:
Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.
Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a pre-mixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 451).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started and the
electro-hydraulic brake system will be
fully operational even at low ambient
temperatures.
Tire change.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake sym-
bol.marking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum effec-
tiveness of the ABS and ESP
® in winter op-
eration.
For safe handling, make sure all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.
!
When scraping ice or snow from the rear
window, be careful not to damage the sealing
strip or apertures along the side of the window.
Page 318 of 473

317 Operation
Winter driving
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
Block heater not available for SL 55 AMG
and SL 65 AMG.
Page 319 of 473

318 OperationWinter drivingSnow chainsSnow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 435).
Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Any autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 440).
Do not use snow chains on wheels with
MOExtended tires* (
page 439).
!
When driving with snow chains, always se-
lect setting 1 of the level control system
(
page 225). Other settings may result in dam-
age to your vehicle.
!
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clear-
ance for snow chains. To help avoid serious dam-
age to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is
not permissible with
285/35 R18 97W
285/35 R18 97Y
285/35 ZR18 97Y
285/30 ZR19 98Y XL (Extra Load)
!
If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
i
When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP
® (page 91) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.
Page 364 of 473

363 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for
a few minutes
Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
The tire inflation pressure is being
checked.
Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
The TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is
malfunctioning.
Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
No wheel sensors
There are wheels without appropriate
wheel sensors mounted (e.g. winter
tires).
Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Tire pressure monitor
Wheel sensor missing
One or more sensors defect (e.g. emp-
ty sensor battery).
One or more wheels without appropri-
ate wheel sensors mounted (e.g. spare
wheel).
Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
The tire pressure for the respective tire
is indicated in the multifunction display.
Page 436 of 473

435 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims and tires
!
Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best
possible performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your vehicle such as
ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding the
following on the tire’s sidewall:
MO = M
ercedes-Benz O
riginal equipment
tires
AMG vehicles:
Does not apply to all approved tires on AMG
vehicles. For information on tested and ap-
proved tires for AMG vehicles, contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
MOE = M
ercedes-Benz O
riginal E
xtended
(tires with limited run-flat characteristics)
original equipment tires
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i
For information on driving with MOExtended
tires, see “MOExtended system”(
page 301).
!
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as
poor handling characteristics
increased noise
increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the re-
sult.
i
Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. A placard with the recommended tire in-
flation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar. Some vehicles may have supplemental
tire inflation pressure information for driving at
high speeds (
page 292) or for vehicle loads
less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition
(
page 292). If such information is provided, it
can be found on the placard located on the in-
side of the fuel filler flap.The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
i
The following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your vehi-
cles with winter tires. Winter tires are not avail-
able as standard or optional factory equipment,
but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire config-
uration on your vehicle (Performance Package,
Sport Package etc.), equipping your vehicle with
winter tires approved for your vehicle model may
also require the purchase of two or four wheel
rims of the recommended size for use with these
winter tires. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for more information.
Page 437 of 473
436 Technical dataRims and tiresSame size tires
18" tires
19" tires
SL 550
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
8.5 J x 18 H2
8.5 J x 18 H2
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset
1.38 in (35 mm)
1.38 in (35 mm)
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires
1
1Radial-ply tires
-
-
-
Winter tires
1,2
2Not available as factory equipment.
255/40 R18 95V M+S .
255/40 R18 95V M+S .
255/40 R18 95V M+S .
SL 55 AMG (Performance Package*)
SL 65 AMG
Rims (light alloy)
8.5 J x 19 EH2
Wheel offset
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires
-
Winter tires
1,2
1Radial-ply tires2Not available as factory equipment.
255/35 R19 96V XL (Extra Load) M+S .
Page 440 of 473
439 Technical data
Rims and tires
MOExtended tires*
SL 550
SL 550 (Sport Package*)
SL 600
SL 600 (Sport Package*)
SL 55 AMG
Front axle:
Rims (light alloy)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires
1,2
1Radial-ply tires2Must be used in conjunction with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (U.S. vehicles), Run Flat Indicator
(Canada vehicles), or Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System* (Canada vehicles) only.
255/40 R18 95Y MOExtended
Winter tires
1,2,4
255/40 R18 95V M+S .MOExtended
Rear axle:
Rims (light alloy)
9.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset
1.30 in (33 mm)
Summer tires
1,2,3
3Must not be used with snow chains.
285/35 R18 97Y MOExtended
Winter tires
1,2,3,4
4Not available as factory equipment.
285/35 R18 97V M+S .MOExtended
Page 457 of 473

456 IndexDelayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 160
Interior lighting 161
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 59
With starting the engine 53
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 145
Dimensions, Vehicle 442
Dipstick see Oil dipstick
Direction of rotation (tires) 286
Displays
Digital speedometer 145
Distronic* 215
Maintenance service indicator 319
Multifunction display 139
Outside temperature 138, 145
Symbol messages 365
Text messages 349
Vehicle status message memory 152
Vehicle status messages 347
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 165Distance warning function* 224
Activating 225
Deactivating 225
Intermittent warning sound 224
Symbol 217
Distronic indicator lamp* 27
Distronic* 213
“Resume” function 220
Activating 218
Cleaning system sensor cover 325
Control system 151, 217
Distance warning function 224
Driving hints 222
System sensor cover 325
Warning and indicator lamps 215,
216, 224, 339
Door
Control panel 36
Handle, Inside 36
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 39, 64
Locking/unlocking, Mechanical
key 391, 393
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 38, 63
Messages in the multifunction
display 374Opening from inside 111
Storage compartment 233
Door control panel 36
Door handle 36
DOT 312
Drinking and driving 259
Driving
Abroad 268
Driving off 262
Electro-hydraulic brake system 95
Hydroplaning 264
In winter 266, 316
Instructions 54, 259
Problems 59
Safety systems 87
Systems 209
Through standing water 267
With Distronic* 222
Driving safety systems 87
ABS 87
BAS 87, 89
Electro-hydraulic brake system 87,
92
Electronic traction system 91
ESP
®
87, 89