ContentsOperation......................................... 257
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 258
Driving instructions ............................ 259
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 259
Drinking and driving ..................... 259
Pedals .......................................... 259
Power assistance ......................... 260
Brakes .......................................... 260
Driving off..................................... 262
Parking ......................................... 263
Tires ............................................. 263
Hydroplaning ................................ 264
Tire traction .................................. 265
Tire speed rating .......................... 265
Winter driving instructions ........... 266
Standing water ............................. 267
Passenger compartment .............. 268
Driving abroad .............................. 268
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 268
Catalytic converter ....................... 269
Emission control........................... 269
Coolant temperature .................... 270At the gas station .............................. 271
Refueling ...................................... 271
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 272
Engine compartment ......................... 274
Hood ............................................ 274
Engine oil ..................................... 275
Transmission fluid level ................ 279
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 279
Coolant ........................................ 280
Battery ......................................... 281
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 282
Tires and wheels ................................ 283
Important guidelines .................... 283
Tire care and maintenance ........... 284
Direction of rotation ..................... 286
Loading the vehicle ...................... 286
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 291
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 292
MOExtended system* .................. 301
Tire labeling.................................. 302
Load identification ....................... 306
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 307Maximum tire load ....................... 308
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 309
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 309
Tire ply material ........................... 311
Tire and loading terminology........ 312
Rotating tires ............................... 315
Winter driving .................................... 316
Winter tires .................................. 316
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 317
Snow chains................................. 318
Maintenance...................................... 319
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 319
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 320
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 321
Vehicle care....................................... 322
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 322
279 Operation
Engine compartment
Example illustration SL 5501Filler capExample illustration SL 55 AMG1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 444) and
(
page 446).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the automatic transmission. Oil level in the ABC system
The oil level in the ABC system does not
need to be checked. If there is visible oil
loss or if malfunction messages appear in
the display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
!
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and catalyt-
ic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
454 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 179
Kickdown 171
Manual shifting 174
One-touch gearshifting 174
Program mode selector switch 32,
173
Starting the engine 52
Transmission fluid level 279
Automatic Transmission Fluid see ATF
B
Backrest
Lumbar support 122
Multicontour seat* 122
Power seat 44
Shoulder region support 122
Backup lamp
Messages in the multifunction
display 382
Replacing bulb 398, 402
Bar 312
BAS 89
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 105
Replacing 395Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 110
Replacing 395
Batteries, Vehicle 281
Charging 417
Consumer battery 281, 389, 414
Jump starting 419
Messages in the multifunction
display 366
Starter battery 281, 414
Bead 312
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 398
Block heater (Canada only) 317
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake lamps 398
High mounted 398
Messages in the multifunction
display 380
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display 366
Brake system
Messages in the multifunction
display 370Brakes 260
BAS 89
Brake fluid 272, 445, 447
Electro-hydraulic brake system 92
High-performance brake system (AMG
vehicles only) 262
Warning lamp 335
Break-in period 258
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 380
Replacing 397
C
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid 249
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 444
Cargo area see Trunk
Carpets, cleaning 329
Catalytic converter 269
CD changer 150
CD player 150
Operating 151
