2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG maintenance

149 Controls in detail
Control system
Standard display menu
1Main odometer
2Outside temperature
3Current gear selector lever position
4Trip odometer
5Automatic transmission program mode
Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the standard display
menu in the multifunction display.You can modify the standard display menu.
Instead of outside temperature 2, you
can choose the digital speedometer to be
displayed in the left multifunction display
by changing the setting in the
Select
Display
function of the Inst. Cluster
submenu (
page 161).
Press button k or jto select
the functions in the standard display
menu.
The following functions are available:Calling up digital speedometer or out-
side temperature
Press button k or juntil the
digital speedometer or, depending on
the chosen setting, the outside temper-
ature appears in the right multifunction
display.
FunctionPage
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature149
Calling up maintenance service
indicator332
Checking tire inflation pressure302
Checking engine oil level*284
iIf you have selected the digital speedometer
for the standard display (
page 161), select the
outside temperature display here.

156 Controls in detail
Control system
Please refer to the COMAND manual for
instructions on how to activate the route
guidance system.
Distronic* menu
Use the
DISTRONIC menu (page 222) to
display the current settings for your Dis-
tronic system. The information shown in
the multifunction display depends on
whether the Distronic system is activated
or deactivated.
Please refer to the “Driving systems” sec-
tion of this manual (
page 218) for in-
structions on how to activate Distronic.
Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
to select the
DISTRONIC menu in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle status message memory menu
Use the vehicle status message memory
menu to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the sys-
tem. Such messages appear in the multi-
function display and are based on
conditions or system status the vehicle’s
system has recorded.
The vehicle status message memory menu
only appears, if messages have been
stored.
Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until the vehicle status message mem-
ory menu appears in the multifunction
display.
If the vehicle status message memory
menu does not appear, no messages
have been stored.
Warning!G
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are inten-
tionally not very detailed. The malfunction
and warning messages are simply a remind-
er with respect to the operation of certain
systems and do not replace the owner’s
and/or driver’s responsibility to maintain
the vehicle’s operating safety by having all
required maintenance and safety checks
performed on the vehicle and by bringing
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to address the malfunction and
warning messages (
page 359).

265 Operation
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

267 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.

Remove unnecessary loads.

Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.

Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.

Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the maintenance system. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips and in hilly area.
Drinking and drivingPedals
Warning!G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedal’s range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure the pedals still have
sufficient clearance. This could lead to acci-
dents or injury.

277 Operation
Driving instructions
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.Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications. Any
adjustments on the engine should there-
fore be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified
service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, 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 con-
verter causing it to overheat and potentially start
a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble 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.

286 Operation
Engine compartment
Checking 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 282).
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 286).
For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” section (
page 457) and
(
page 460).
For information on messages in the multi-
function display concerning engine oil, see
the “Practical hints” section (
page 388).Adding engine oil
iIn vehicles without an oil dipstick, the engine
oil level is measured via the control
system (
page 284).
iThe 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.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil fil-
ters, refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) 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
Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil
filter at change intervals longer than those called
for by the Maintenance System will result in
engine or emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

290 Operation
Engine compartment
Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with two
batteries:

The starter battery (located in the
engine compartment)

The battery for electrical consumers
(located in the trunk)
These batteries should always be suffi-
ciently charged in order to achieve their
rated service life. Refer to Maintenance
Booklet for battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for
short-distance trips, you will need to
have the battery charge checked more
frequently.
When replacing batteries, always use
batteries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
Warning!G
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking
are prohibited when handling
batteries. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective cloth-
ing, especially gloves, apron and
faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills imme-
diately with clear water. Contact
a physician if necessary.
Keep children away.
Follow the instructions in this
Operator’s Manual.

292 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire care and maintenance
Regularly check your tire inflation pressure
at least once a month. For more informa-
tion on checking tire inflation pressure,
see “Recommended tire inflation pres-
sure” (
page 300).Tire inspection
Every time you check your tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following:

excessive treadwear (page 293)

cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber

bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation.
Spare tires will age and become worn over
time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style

Tire inflation pressure

Distance driven
Warning!G
Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam-
aged tires can cause tire inflation pressure
loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
Warning!G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.