2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG lower

224 Controls in detailDriving systemsNarrow vehicles
Because of their narrow profile, the vehi-
cles traveling near the outer edges of the
lane have not yet been detected by
Distronic. There will be insufficient dis-
tance to the vehicles ahead.
Distance warning function*
When Distronic* is deactivated, this func-
tion will continue to warn you when recog-
nizing a stationary obstacle or a slower
vehicle moving in your vehicle’s path and
the danger of a collision exists:

The distance warning lamp E in the
speedometer comes on red.


An intermittent warning will sound if
necessary.
If these warnings are issued, you must
brake manually to maintain a safe distance
and avoid a collision with the preceding
vehicle.
When depressing the brake pedal, the
warning sound ceases. The warning sound
will also cease when the distance to the
preceding vehicle is sufficient again with-
out applying the brakes. In this case, the
distance warning lamp will also go out.
Warning!
G
If the distance warning lamp (red) E in
the speedometer comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds, im-
mediate attention on part of the driver is
required.
As required by the traffic situation, apply the
brakes and navigate around a possible ob-
stacle. However, do not drive by relying on
the distance warning function, as this will
result in an emergency braking application.
This will not always enable you to avoid a
collision, especially when traveling on vary-
ing road surface conditions and with varying
driver reaction.i
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning func-
tion. This could result in wrong or missing dis-
tance warnings.

226 Controls in detailDriving systemsThe vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed:

With increasing speed, ride height is re-
duced by up to approximately 0.5 inch
(12 mm).


With decreasing speed, the ride height
is again raised to the selected vehicle
level.The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary:
Select the level 1 and level 2 settings only
when required by current driving condi-
tions. Otherwise:


Fuel consumption may increase.


Handling may be impaired.The ABC vehicle level control button with
the indicator lamps is located in the lower
section of the center console.
1Indicator lamp 1
2Indicator lamp 2
3ABC vehicle level control button
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These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change.
Vehicle
level
Use for
Indicator
lamps
Normal
For driving on nor-
mal roads.
Both
lamps off
Level 1
For driving on
rough roads or with
snow chains
(page 318).
One
lamp on
Level 2
For driving on very
rough road surface
conditions.
Both
lamps on
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The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory, even if the engine is turned off
and restarted.

227 Controls in detail
Driving systems

Start the engine (
page 52).

Briefly press button3 to change from
one level setting to the next.

The normal level is selected if both
indicator lamps are off.


At level 1, indicator lamp1 is on.


At level 2, both indicator lamps are
on.
When the vehicle is at level 2, pressing
the button will return the vehicle to nor-
mal level.Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:


Your driving style


Road surface conditions


The vehicle loading


Your choice of suspension style
You can set the following suspension
styles:


Regular (Comfort)


SportyThe ABC suspension tuning button with the
indicator lamp is located in the lower sec-
tion of the center console.
1ABC suspension tuning button
2Indicator lamp

Start the engine (
page 52).
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Pressing the button twice in quick succes-
sion will cause the vehicle to immediately raise
or lower to the new vehicle level as selected.
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The selected setting is stored, even if the en-
gine is turned off.

228 Controls in detailDriving systemsSuspension for sporty driving style
The setting for sporty driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is illuminated.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
Suspension for regular driving style
The setting for regular driving is selected
when the indicator lamp2 is off.

Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Parktronic system* (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid
with ultrasonic sensors. It is designed to
assist the driver during parking maneu-
vers. It visually and audibly indicates the
relative distance between the vehicle and
an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically ac-
tivated when you switch on the ignition, re-
lease the parking brake, or place the gear
selector lever in position D, R, or N. The
Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
exceeding approximately 11 mph
(18 km/h). At lower vehicle speeds the
Parktronic system turns on again. Warning!
G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always rests with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice. See
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(page 326).
Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. Other-
wise you run the risk of causing injury.!
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash, or the
air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to
send erratic indications, and should be taken
into consideration.

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.


242 Controls in detailUseful features1Retracted hardtop
2Luggage cover
3Load assist button
Hardtop 1 can only be raised or lowered
when

luggage cover 2 is closed


the trunk lid is completely openedRaising the hardtop

Press button3.
Hardtop 1 rises a short distance.
Button3 comes on brightly. You can
now open luggage cover 2.
Lowering the hardtop

Close luggage cover 2.

Press button3.
Hardtop 1 lowers. Button3 is dimly
lit.
Power outlet
A power outlet is located on the right side
of the trunk.
Switch on the ignition (
page 39).

Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigar lighter type).
!
Only close the trunk if the hardtop is com-
pletely lowered. Otherwise you could damage
the hardtop.
If you begin to close the trunk lid before the hard-
top is completely lowered, button3 will flash
and a warning will sound.
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The power outlet can be used to accommo-
date electrical consumers (e.g. air pump,
auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum of 180 W.

244 Controls in detailUseful featuresTele Aid The Tele Aid system
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response:


Automatic and manual emergency


Roadside Assistance


Information
The Tele Aid system is operational provid-
ing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and cel-
lular and GPS coverage is available.
The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can
be adjusted when using the volume control
on the multifunction steering wheel. To
raise, press buttonæ and to lower,
press buttonçor use the volume knob
on your COMAND headunit.

To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• or
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.Shortly after the completion of your Tele
Aid acquaintance call, you will receive a
user ID and password. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
(USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock, and
more.
System self-check
Initially, after switching on the ignition,
malfunctions are detected and indicated
(the indicator lamps in the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• and the
Information button¡ stay on longer
!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system
may only be performed by completing the sub-
scriber agreement and placing an acquaintance
call using the ¡ button. Failure to complete
either of these steps will result in a system that
is not activated.
If you have any questions regarding activation,
please call the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
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The SOS button is located above the interior
rear view mirror (
page 246).
The Roadside Assistance button• and the
Information button¡ are located below the
center armrest cover (page 234).
!
The Tele Aid system utilizes the cellular net-
work for communication and the GPS (Global Po-
sitioning System) satellites for vehicle location. If
either of these signals are unavailable, the Tele
Aid system may not function and if this occurs,
assistance must be summoned by other means.

258 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find de-
tailed information on operating, maintain-
ing and caring for your vehicle. The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.

Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.


During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive en-
gine speeds (no more than
2/3 of max-
imum rpm in each gear).


Avoid accelerating by kickdown.


Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the gear selector lever.


Select positions3, 2 or1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).


Select C as the preferred shift program
(page 169) for the first 1 000 miles
(1500 km).After 1000 miles (1500 km), you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum.
All of the above instructions, as may apply
to your vehicle type, also apply when driv-
ing the first 1000 miles (1500 km) after
the engine or the rear differential has been
replaced.
!
Additional instructions for AMG vehicles:


During the first 1000 miles (1500 km), do
not exceed a speed of 85 mph (140 km/h).


During this period, avoid engine speeds
above 4500 rpm (SL 55 AMG) or 4000 rpm
(SL 65 AMG) in each gear.
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Always obey applicable speed limits.