Contents
Gear selector lever positions ....... 171
Driving tips ................................... 173
Gear ranges ................................. 174
Shift program mode selector
switch .......................................... 175
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting .................................. 175
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting ................. 177
Manual shift program ................... 179
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 181
Good visibility .................................... 182
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 182
Rear view mirrors ......................... 182
Sun visors .................................... 183
Rear window defroster ................. 185
Automatic climate control ................. 186
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system................. 190
Operating the automatic climate
control system in automatic mode 190
Setting the temperature ............... 191
Adjusting air distribution .............. 192
Adjusting air volume .................... 193
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ....... 193Front defroster.............................. 194
Air recirculation mode .................. 195
Air conditioning............................. 196
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 197
Power windows .................................. 199
Opening and closing the windows. 199
Synchronizing power windows ...... 201
Summer opening feature .............. 201
Convenience closing feature......... 202
Driving systems .................................. 203
Cruise control ............................... 203
Useful features ................................... 206
Map pocket in passenger
footwell ......................................... 206
Storage compartments ................. 206
Parcel net in trunk ........................ 207
Ashtray and cigarette lighter......... 208
Power outlet ................................. 209
Telephone ..................................... 209
Tele Aid ......................................... 214
Garage door opener ...................... 221
Floormats*.................................... 226
Floormats* (Only Mercedes-Benz
SLR McLaren 722 Edition) ............ 227
Dust cover .................................... 228
Roof and trunk lid racks ................ 230
Operation.......................................... 232
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 234
Driving instructions ............................ 235
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 235
Drinking and driving...................... 235
Pedals ........................................... 235
Power assistance .......................... 236
Brakes .......................................... 236
Driving off ..................................... 239
Parking ......................................... 239
Tires.............................................. 240
Hydroplaning ................................ 241
Tire traction .................................. 241
Tire speed rating ........................... 241
Winter driving instructions ............ 242
Standing water ............................. 243
Passenger compartment............... 243
Driving abroad .............................. 243
Control and operation of radio
transmitters .................................. 243
Catalytic converter ....................... 244
Emission control ........................... 245
Coolant temperature .................... 245
50 Getting started
Driving
Driving off
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever lock is released.
Place the gear selector lever in drive
positionD or reverse gearR.
Release the brake pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.After a cold start, the transmission engag-
es at a higher revolution. This allows the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
Warning!G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out of park positionP or neutralN if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only
shift into gear when the engine is idling nor-
mally and when your right foot is firmly on
the brake pedal.
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
!In order to avoid damage to the
transmission:
Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
Place the gear selector lever in reverse
gearR or park positionP only when the vehi-
cle is stopped.
!If you hear a warning signal and the mes-
sage
Release parking brake
appears in the multifunction display when driving
off, you have forgotten to release the parking
brake.
Release the parking brake (
page 49).
!Do not run cold engine at high engine speed.
Running a cold engine at high engine speed may
shorten the service life of the engine.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
iOnce the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages.
You can deactivate the automatic locking using
the control system (
page 139).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
54 Getting started
Driving
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
An ignition cable may be damaged.
The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.The coolant temperature is
above 248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in
a safe location and turn off the engine.
Allow engine and coolant to cool off.
Check the coolant level and add
coolant if necessary (
page 255).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
Notify local fire and/or police
authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the
major assemblies
fuel system
engine mount:
Start the engine in the usual manner.
244 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system,
possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded gasoline
in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise exces-
sive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic
converter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!G
The exhaust areas on the engine hood and
between the doors and front wheels get very
hot. Avoid contact with them, otherwise
there is the risk of severe burns.
407 Index
B
Backup lamp 360
Messages in the multifunction
display 344
Bar 284
BAS 83, 399
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 101
Replacing 357
Batteries, Vehicle 256
Charging 368
Consumer battery 367
Jump starting 367
Maintenance 367
Messages in the multifunction
display 327
Starter battery 256
Batteries, vehicle
Consumer battery 256
Battery charger 369
Bead 284
Bi-Xenon headlamps 399
Body surface 295Brake
Electro-hydraulic brake system 86
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake disks
Wear 238
Brake fluid 389, 392
Checking 248
Messages in the multifunction
display 330
Brake lamps 360
High mounted 360
Messages in the multifunction
display 341
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display 334
Wear 238
Brakes 236
Excessive loads 238
Warning lamp 29, 303
Break-in period 234
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 341
Replacing 359C
CAC 399
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 15
Call priority, Tele Aid 220
CAN system 399
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 389
Cargo area see Trunk
Cassette player 154
Catalytic converter 244
CD changer 158
Location 159
CD player 127
Cellular phone
Delayed switch-off time 212
Making calls in hands-free mode 213
Making calls in private mode 212
Center console
Lower part 32
Upper part 31
Center storage compartment 207