2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG tow

419 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic
converter are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Jump starting may only be performed on the
battery installed in the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a bat-
tery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuc-
cessful starting attempts, have it checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the
catalytic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still
attached to a battery.

421 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with SmartKey in starter switch turned to
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm and the automatic
central locking.
!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the gear selector lever must be in
positionN and the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1).
Otherwise, the ESP
® will immediately be en-
gaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the gear selector lever must be in
positionN and the SmartKey must be in starter
switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or the front axle raised, the vehicle
may be towed only for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h).
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to
the transmission, however, we recommend the
drive shaft be disconnected at the rear axle drive
flange for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system


there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.

422 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
The brake system requires electrical power
to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes are only applied to the
front wheels. Stopping distance is
increased! Adapt your driving style
accordingly. For more information, see
“Electro-hydraulic brake system”
(page 92).
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. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the SmartKey in starter switch position2, or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in position2,
the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as
well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 119).
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using
the properly installed towing eye bolt. Never
attach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to the
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension parts.
i
To signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use, turn SmartKey in
starter switch to position2 and activate the
combination switch for the left or right turn
signal in the usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warn-
ing flasher will operate again.
i
If the battery is disconnected or discharged


the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch


the gear selector lever will remain locked in
positionP.
For more information, see “Batteries”
(
page 414) and “Jump starting” (
page 419).

423 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
FrontExample illustration (SL 550 and SL 600
without Sport Package)1Cover on passenger side of front
bumper
To remove cover:
Press mark on cover 1 in direction of
arrow.

Lift cover1off to reveal the threaded
hole for towing eye bolt.To reinstall cover:

Fit locking tabs of cover under the
lower edge of the opening in the
bumper.

Apply even pressure on the upper part
of the cover until it snaps into place.
Rear
1Cover on passenger side of rear
bumper
To remove cover:

Insert flat, blunt object as a lever into
upper left or right recess of cover 1.

Loosen cover 1 using the lever.

Fold cover 1 down in direction of ar-
row to reveal the threaded hole for the
towing eye bolt.
To reinstall cover:

Fit cover 1 and snap into place.
Installing towing eye bolt

Take the towing eye bolt and the wheel
wrench from the vehicle tool kit
(page 388).

Screw towing eye bolt into threaded
hole to its stop.

Insert wheel wrench into towing eye
and tighten towing eye bolt by turning
it clockwise.
Removing towing eye bolt

Take the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (
page 388).

Insert wheel wrench into towing eye
and loosen towing eye bolt by turning it
counterclockwise.

Remove towing eye bolt.

453 Index
A
ABC 225
Messages in display 349
Oil level 279
ABS 87
Indicator lamp 29, 334
Messages in the multifunction
display 351, 352
Warning lamp 27, 332
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 171
Accessory weight 312
Accident 59
Active Body Control see ABC
Air bags 68
Children in the vehicle 83
Front 71
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 76
Head-thorax 72
Knee bag 72
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 72
Passenger 72
Air conditioning system see Automatic cli-
mate control systemAir distribution 188, 189
Air pressure 312
Tire inflation pressure 291
Air pump 410
Air recirculation mode 191
Air vents 185
Air volume 188, 190
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 409
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 445, 451
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 180
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 96
Immobilizer 96
Tow-away alarm 98
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 234
Ashtray 31, 239
Aspect ratio 312
ATF 279
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 180
Automatic central locking 119
Control system 162Automatic climate control system 184
Air conditioning, Cooling 193
Air conditioning refrigerant 446
Air distribution 188, 189
Air recirculation mode 191
Air vents 185
Air volume 188, 190
Control panel 185
Deactivating system 187
Defrosting 183, 190
Residual heat utilization 194
Temperature 188
Temperature sensor 33
Ventilated glove box 195
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 135
Automatic locking when driving 119
Automatic shift program 173
Automatic transmission 168
Accelerator position 171
Comfort program mode 173
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 179
Gear ranges 172
Gear selector lever 32, 168
Gear selector lever position 168, 170

468 IndexTires 283
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*,
(Canada only) 298
Cleaning 285
Direction of rotation 286
Driving instructions 263
Low tire pressure telltale 343
Messages in display 385
Messages in the multifunction
display 364
MOExtended*413
Retreads 283
Rims and tires 435
Rotating 315
Run Flat Indicator 293
Service life 284
Temperature 292, 311
TPMS malfunction telltale 343
Tread depth 285, 317
Wear pattern 315
Winter 316
Tools 388
Tow-away alarm 98
Tow-away alarm switch 32Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 423
Towing eye bolt see Vehicle tool kit
Towing the vehicle 421
TPMS (USA only) 295
Traction 91, 174, 314
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Tread 314
Tread depth 285
Treadwear indicators 314
Trip computer 163
Trip odometer 27
Resetting 137
Trunk
Closing the lid 113
Lighting 135
Load assist 241
Lock button (KEYLESS-GO*) 110
Messages in display 387
Opening from inside vehicle 111
Opening/closing system* 113, 114
Parcel net 237
Power closing assist for trunk lid 118
Unlocking 111
Unlocking (KEYLESS-GO*) 111Unlocking in an emergency 392
Unlocking separately 111
Valet locking 117
Trunk lid
Opening 112
Turn signal lamps
Cleaning lenses 325
Replacing bulbs 398, 401
Turn signals 25, 56
Exterior rear view mirrors 398, 401
Front bulbs 398
Indicator lamps 27
Rear bulbs 398
Turning off the engine 62
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 314
Units
Setting speedometer units 156
Unlocking the vehicle 38
In an emergency 391
Upholstery
Cleaning 329
Upshifting 175

469 Index
V
Vehicle
Locking 31
Locking in an emergency 393
Minimum distance (Parktronic*) 230
Towing 421
Unlocking 31
Unlocking in an emergency 391
Vehicle capacity weight 314
Vehicle care
Leather upholstery 329
Ornamental moldings 325
Upholstery 329
Wood trims 329
Vehicle Identification Number see VIN
Vehicle level
Changing 227
Setting 227
Vehicle level control (ABC) 225
Vehicle level control switch 32
Vehicle lighting
Checking 273
Vehicle loading terminology 312
Vehicle maximum load on the tire 314
Vehicle status messages 347
Vehicle tool kit 388VIN 431
Voice control system* 25
W
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 224
Distronic* 216
Drivers seat belts 80
Parking brake 55
Warranty coverage 429
Washing the vehicle 324
Wear pattern (tires) 315
Wheel bolts
Tightening torque 412
Wheel change 405
Tightening torque 412
Wheel wrench 389
Wheels
Tires and wheels 283
Wind screen 204
Installing 204
Removing 205
Windows see Side windows
Windows, cleaning 326
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades 326
Defogging 191Refilling washer fluid 282
Washer fluid 58, 282
Washer system 282
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 452
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning
system 272, 273
Windshield washer fluid 58
Filler neck 282
Messages in display 387
Mixing ratio 452
Refilling 282
Windshield wipers 25, 57
Fast wiper speed 57
Intermittent wiping 57
Replacing wiper blades 403
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 58
Winter driving
Snow chains 318
Tires 316
Winter driving instructions 266
Winter tires 316
Wood trims
Cleaning 329