Page 279 of 473

278 OperationEngine compartmentChecking engine oil level with the oil 
dipstick (SL 550 only)
When checking the oil level
the vehicle must be parked on level 
ground
the vehicle must have been stationary 
for at least 5 minutes with the engine 
turned off
1Oil dipstick
2Upper mark
3Lower mark
Open the hood (
page 274).
Pull out oil dipstick 1.
Wipe oil dipstick 1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick 1 into the dip-
stick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick 1 again after ap-
proximately 3 seconds to obtain accu-
rate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is be-
tween lower mark 3 (min.) and upper 
mark 2 (max.) of the oil dipstick.
If necessary, add engine 
oil (
page 278).
For more information on engine oil, see 
“Technical data” section (
page 444) and 
(
page 446).
For information on messages in the multi-
function display concerning engine oil, see 
the “Practical hints” section (
page 375).Adding engine oil
i
In vehicles without an oil dipstick, the engine 
oil level is measured via the control 
system (
page 276).
i
The filling quantity between the upper and 
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
!
Only use approved engine oils and oil filters 
required for vehicles with Maintenance System 
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). For a 
listing of approved engine oils and oil filters, re-
fer to the Factory Approved Service Products 
pamphlet in your vehicle literature portfolio, or 
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification 
other than those expressly required for the Main-
tenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada 
vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter at 
change intervals longer than those called for by 
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS 
(Canada vehicles) will result in engine or emis-
sion control system damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
     
        
        Page 329 of 473

328 OperationVehicle careLight alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel 
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong 
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or 
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a 
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
The surface may temporarily change 
color. If this is the case, wait for it to 
dry.Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior 
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply 
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry 
thoroughly or clean with 
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather 
Care.
!
Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid 
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!
The vehicle should not be parked for an ex-
tended period of time immediately after it has 
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims 
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner. 
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads. There-
fore, the vehicle’s brake system should always 
be warmed-up before it is parked after cleaning. 
To do so, please drive your vehicle for several 
minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire 
Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care 
products, take care not to spray them on the 
brake disks. 
Warning!
G
Do not use cleaners containg solvents or 
cockpit care sprays to clean the cockpit or 
the steering wheel boss. Cleaners contain-
ing solvents will make the surface porous 
and vehicle occupants could suffer serious 
injuries from plastic parts coming loose in 
the event of air bag deployment.
!
Do not use oil, wax or  scouring agents on 
these parts. 
Never apply strong force and only use a soft, 
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface. 
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry 
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face.
!
Never apply strong force and only use a soft, 
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface. 
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry 
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face. 
     
        
        Page 447 of 473

446 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their 
suitability in our engines and durability for 
our service intervals. Therefore, only use 
approved engine oils and oil filters re-
quired for vehicles with Maintenance 
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada 
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine 
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. 
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from 
blending oil additives are not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG 
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
er system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based 
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the 
system will occur.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Air conditioning system
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lu-
bricant oil (never R-12)
Hydraulic system for retractable hardtop
0.42 US qt (0.4 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system
7.4 US qt (7 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available pre-
mixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 452).
!
Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS 
(Canada vehicles), or changing oil and oil filter at 
change intervals longer than those called for by 
the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS 
(Canada vehicles) will result in engine or emis-
sion control system damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System 
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles) recom-
mendations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to 
do so could result in engine or emission control 
system damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.