2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG ignition

206 Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
The retractable hardtop switch is located
on the lower part of the center console.
Retractable hardtop switch
1Opening
2Closing
Engage the parking brake (page 55).
Close the luggage cover, see “Luggage
cover” (
page 210).
Close the trunk lid.
Switch on the ignition (page 40).Opening
Pull up on the retractable hardtop
switch as indicated by arrow 1 until
the retractable hardtop is completely
lowered into its trunk storage compart-
ment.
The multifunction display will briefly
show the message K
Retractable
Roof In Operation
.
Closing
Press down on the retractable hardtop
switch as indicated by arrow 2 until
the retractable hardtop is completely
closed and locked.
The multifunction display will briefly
show the message K
Retractable
Roof In Operation
.Opening/closing with the SmartKey
iMake sure the retractable hardtop is dry be-
fore you open it. Otherwise water may enter the
trunk interior.
Warning!G
Before operating the retractable hardtop,
make sure there is no danger of anyone
being injured by the moving parts (retract-
able roof, roof frame, and trunk lid) due to in-
attention.
Hands must never be placed near the roof
frame, upper windshield area, hardtop, shelf
behind roll bars, or trunk lid while the re-
tractable hardtop is being raised or lowered.
Serious personal injury may occur.
If potential danger exists, release the
respective button on the SmartKey. This
immediately interrupts the raising or lower-
ing procedure. You then can press
buttonŒ or ‹to raise or lower the
hardtop away from the danger zone.

208 Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Unlocked status noticed when stopped
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully closed position, press retractable
hardtop switch forward (
page 205).
or:
To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully opened position, pull up on the re-
tractable hardtop switch (
page 205).Unlocked status noticed while drivingStop the vehicle in a safe location or as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Leave the ignition switched on.
To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully closed position, press retractable
hardtop switch forward (
page 205).
or:
To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully opened position, pull up on the re-
tractable hardtop switch (
page 205).Problems when operating the
retractable hardtop
Several conditions may cause the retract-
able hardtop to not open, close, or lock
properly:

The luggage cover in the trunk is not
closed.
Close the luggage cover in the
trunk.

The trunk lid is open.
Close the trunk lid.

The battery voltage is too low.
Start engine and let run while open-
ing/closing the retractable hard-
top.
Warning!G
Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon
as it is safe to do so and lock the hardtop be-
fore continuing to drive. You could other-
wise endanger yourself and others.

209 Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop

The hardtop drive system was shut
down for safety reasons after multiple,
consecutive attempts to raise or lower
the hardtop. After about 10 minutes
you can open or close the retractable
hardtop.
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
Repeat the opening or closing
procedure.
If the retractable hardtop still does
not open, close, or lock properly,
have the retractable hardtop sys-
tem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

There is a malfunction in the retract-
able hardtop system.
Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Wind screen
The wind screen deflects drafts away from
the driver and passenger when the retract-
able hardtop is lowered. It is stored in the
trunk.
Installing
Leave the wind screen folded and place
it on the roll bar.1Guide tabs
Slide the wind screen into the roll bar
until guide taps 1 on each side latch
underneath the roll bar.
Make sure the fastening straps do not
get caught.
Adjust the roll bar to a height
(
page 83) that allows you to reach
easily underneath it.
Warning!G
The wind screen can restrict the driver’s vi-
sion to the rear of the vehicle. To prevent a
possible accident when visibility is limited
(e.g. in darkness), the upper part of the wind
screen should be folded back.

233 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Suspension for sporty driving style
The setting for sporty driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is on.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.
Suspension for regular driving style
The setting for regular driving is selected
when indicator lamp2 is off.
Press button1.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Parktronic system* (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid
with ultrasonic sensors. It is designed to
assist the driver during parking maneu-
vers. It visually and audibly indicates the
relative distance between the vehicle and
an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically
activated when you switch on the ignition,
release the parking brake, or place the
gear selector lever in position D, R, or N.
Warning!G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice. See
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(
page 337).
Warning!G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. Other-
wise you run the risk of causing injury.
!Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash, or the
air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to
send erratic indications, and should be taken
into consideration.

236 Controls in detail
Driving systems
As your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more distance segments will illuminate,
depending on the distance. When the
eighth distance segment illuminates, you
have reached the minimum distance.

Front area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red
distance segment illuminates and a
constant acoustic warning lasting a
maximum of 2 seconds will sound for
the second distance segment.
The signal is canceled when the gear
selector lever is placed in position P or
the parking brake is set.

Rear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound when the first dis-
tance segment illuminates. This signal
quickens with each additional distance
segment lit. When the eighth distance
segment illuminates, the acoustic
warning becomes a constant signal.
The signal is canceled when the gear
selector lever is placed in positionD
orP or the parking brake is set.Switching the Parktronic system
on/off
You can switch off the Parktronic system
manually.
The Parktronic switch is located in the
lower part of the center console.
1Parktronic switch
2Indicator lamp
Switching off
Press Parktronic switch1.
Indicator lamp2 comes on.Switching on
Press Parktronic switch1 once more.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Parktronic system malfunction
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and an acoustic warning sounds,
there is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system. The Parktronic system will auto-
matically switch off after 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch
comes on.
Have the Parktronic system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
iThe Parktronic system switches on automat-
ically when you switch on the ignition
(
page 40).

237 Controls in detail
Driving systems
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty or
there is an interference from other radio or
ultrasonic signals. The Parktronic system
will automatically switch off after
20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the
Parktronic switch comes on.
Switch off the ignition (page 40).
Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(
page 337).
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
or
Check the Parktronic system operation
at another location to rule out interfer-
ence from outside radio or ultrasonic
signals.

244 Controls in detail
Useful features
Ashtray
1Cover plate
2Sliding knob
Opening ashtray
Briefly touch cover plate1.
The ashtray opens automatically.
Closing ashtray
Press cover plate1 down until it
latches.Removing the ashtray insert
Secure vehicle from movement by set-
ting the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionN.
Now you have more room to take out
the insert.
Press sliding knob2 to the right.
The insert will eject a short distance.
Replacing the ashtray insert
Press the insert into the frame until it
snaps into place.
Cigarette lighter
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
Warning!G
Remove ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. Set the parking brake to secure vehicle
from movement. Move gear selector lever to
positionN. With gear selector lever in
positionN, turn off the engine.
Warning!G
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with
you do not injure themselves or start a fire
with the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.

246 Controls in detail
Useful features
1Retracted hardtop
2Luggage cover
3Load assist button
Hardtop 1 can only be raised or lowered
when

luggage cover 2 is closed

the trunk lid is completely openedRaising the hardtop
Press button3.
Hardtop 1 rises a short distance.
Button3 comes on brightly. You can
now open luggage cover 2.
Lowering the hardtop
Close luggage cover 2.
Press button3.
Hardtop 1 lowers. Button3 is dimly
lit.
Power outlet
A power outlet is located on the right side
of the trunk.
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).
!Only close the trunk if the hardtop is com-
pletely lowered. Otherwise you could damage
the hardtop.
If you begin to close the trunk lid before the hard-
top is completely lowered, button3 will flash
and a warning will sound.
iThe power outlet can be used to accommo-
date electrical consumers (e.g. air pump,
auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum of 180 W.