2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG ESP

462 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits
can build up, especially on the intake
valves and in the combustion area, leading
to engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet (USA only) or contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for a listing of
approved product(s). Follow directions on
product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and
may be harmful to the engine operation.
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel
additives other than those tested and approved
by us for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

471 Index
Door
Control panel 36
Handle, Inside 36
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 39, 66
Locking/unlocking, Mechanical
key 403, 405
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 38, 66
Messages in the multifunction
display 386
Opening from inside 113
Storage compartment 238
DOT 323
Drinking and driving 267
Driving
Abroad 276
Driving off 270
Electro-hydraulic brake system 97
Hydroplaning 272
In winter 274, 327
Instructions 56, 267
Problems 60
Safety systems 89
Systems 214
Through standing water 275
With Distronic* 227Driving safety systems 89
ABS 89
BAS 89, 91
Electro-hydraulic brake
system 89, 94
Electronic traction system 93
ESP
®89, 91
Driving systems 214
ABC 230
Cruise control 214
Distronic* 218
Parktronic* 233
Driving tips 175
Accelerator position 175
Kickdown 175
DTR see Distronic*E
Easy-entry/exit feature 47, 166
Messages in the multifunction
display 386
Electric air pump 401, 422
Electrical outlet see Power outlet
Electro-hydraulic brake system 89, 94
Activation 95
Deactivation 96
Driving hints 97
Messages in the multifunction
display 378, 379
Self-check 96, 380
Warning lamp 94
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Emergency calls
Tele Aid 250, 252
Emergency engine shut-down 439
Emergency operation (Limp-Home
Mode) 184

472 Index
Emergency operations
Glove box, Unlocking 404
Load assist, Lowering 406
Locking/unlocking the
vehicle 403, 405
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid 256
Trunk lid, Releasing from the
inside 121
Trunk lid, Unlocking 404
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emission control 277
Information label 445
System warranties 10
Engine
Block heater (Canada only) 328
Break-in recommendations 266
Cleaning 335
Compartment 282
Malfunction indicator lamp 29, 346
Number 445
Poly-V-belt layout 446
Starting 53
Tachometer 29
Technical data 447
Turning off 64Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 283, 460
Adding 286, 457
Additives 460
Checking level, With control
system* 284
Checking level, With oil dipstick 286
Consumption 283
Filler cap 287
Filler neck 286, 287
Messages in the multifunction
display 285, 388
Oil dipstick 286
ESP
®89, 91
Switch 32
Switching off 93
Switching on 94
Synchronizing 367
Warning lamp 27, 342
ETD 82
Safety guidelines 72
Warning and indictor lamps 354
Exterior lamp switch 131
Exterior rear view mirrors 49, 185F
Filler cap, Engine oil 287
Filler neck, Engine oil 286, 287
First aid kit 400
Flat tire 417
Mounting the spare wheel 417
Preparing the vehicle 417
Spare wheel 400
Floormat* 247
Fluids
Automatic climate control
system 457
Automatic transmission 287, 457
Brake system 281, 457, 460
Capacities 457
Engine coolant 288, 457, 463
Engine oil 283, 457, 460
Power steering 457
Retractable hardtop, Hydraulics 457
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system 457
Fog lamps 134
Messages in the multifunction
display 393, 394
Replacing bulbs 410

475 Index
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 108
Batteries 407
Battery check lamp 108
Checking the batteries 113
Factory setting 111
Global locking 111, 112
Global unlocking 111, 112
Locking/unlocking 39, 65, 108
Loss of 113
Messages in the multifunction
display 390, 391
Opening, Trunk 115
Opening/closing retractable
hardtop 206
Remote control 108
Replacing batteries 407
Reprogramming 112
Restoring to factory settings 112
Selective setting 112
Starter switch positions 41
Starting the engine 54
Turning off the engine 64
Unlocking, Trunk lid 114KEYLESS-GO*
Closing windows 203
Important notes 109
Locking/unlocking 39, 65, 108
Messages in the multifunction
display 390
Start/stop button 31, 41, 54
Starter switch positions 41
Starting the engine 54
Turning off the engine 64
Unlocking, Trunk lid 114
Kickdown 175
Kilopascal 323
Knee bag 74
L
Labels, identification 444
Lamp bulbs, exterior 409
Lamps, exterior
Delayed switch-off 164
Exterior lamp switch 25, 57
Front 410
Light sensor 392
Replacing bulbs for rear 410, 414
Switching off 131
Switching on 131Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 29, 344
ABS/ESP
®342
Brakes 345
CHECK ENGINE 346, 347
Coolant 348
Distronic* indicator and warning
lamp 27, 221
Electro-hydraulic brake system 94
Engine diagnostics 346, 347
Engine malfunction 29
ESP
®91
Fuel reserve 350
Passenger front air
bag off 74, 78, 357
Seat belt telltale 352
Seat belts 352–353
SRS 69, 354
Turn signals 27
Language
Multifunction display 160
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 340
License plate lamps 163, 410, 414
Light alloy wheels, cleaning 338

482 Index
Storage compartments 238
Armrest 239
Cup holder 243
Glove box 238
In door 238
Locking compartments
separately 240
Locking storage compartments 240
Parcel net 241, 242
Rear 240
Seats 239
Telephone* compartment 239
Unlocking compartments
separately 241
Unlocking storage
compartments 241, 404
Ventilated glove box 200
Storing tires 293
Submenus 147
Convenience 166
Instrument cluster 160, 161
Lighting 163Selecting 158
Settings menus 158
Time 161
Vehicle 166
Summer opening feature 206
Sun blind see Sunshade
Sun visors 186
Sunshade 213
Closing 213
Opening 213
Suspension tuning
For regular driving style 233
For sporty driving style 233
Suspension tuning (ABC) 230
Switching on headlamps 57
Symbol
Distance warning function* 222
Synchronizing
ESP
®367
Power windows 203
Synchronizing time with head unit 161T
Tachometer 29, 142
Tail lamps 410, 414
Cleaning lenses 336
Technical data
Electrical system 454
Main dimensions 455
Rims and tires 449
Weights 456
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system 465
Tele Aid 250
Emergency calls 252
Information 254
Initiating an emergency call
manually 253
Messages in the multifunction
display 396
Roadside Assistance 253
SOS button 33, 253
Tele Aid system 251