2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 coolant temperature

289 Operation
Engine compartment
The coolant level is correct if the level

for cold coolant:
is up to the upper mark on the
bracing rib of the coolant expansion
tank (translucent)

for warm coolant:
is approximately 0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap.
For more information, see “Coolants”
(
page 463).Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The windshield washer reservoir is located
in the engine compartment.
1Cap for windshield washer reservoir
Fluid for the windshield washer system
and the headlamp cleaning system is
supplied from the windshield washer
reservoir. It has a capacity of approxi-
mately 7.4 US qt. (7 l).
During all seasons, add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to
water. Premix the windshield washer fluid
in a suitable container.
Use the tab to pull cap 1 upwards.
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and water (or commercially available
premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze, depending on ambient
temperatures).
For more information, see “Windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system” (
page 465).
!SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on coolant expansion tank1. Never open the
cap between the two charge-air coolers. Other-
wise, the engine could be damaged.
Warning!G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.
!Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below freezing
point. Failure to do so could result in damage to
the washer system/reservoir.
!Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can dam-
age the plastic lenses of the headlamps.

348 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
DThe red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken. Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(
page 288).
Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant temperature is below
248°F (120°C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
DThe red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running and you hear a warning
sound.The coolant temperature has exceeded
248°F (120°C).Stop in a safe location as soon as pos-
sible and allow the engine and coolant
to cool down.

349 Practical hints
What to do if …
During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tempera-
ture may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle
until the engine has cooled down.
!The engine should not be operated with the
coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C).
Doing so may cause serious engine damage
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

384 Practical hints
What to do if …
During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go traffic, the coolant tempera-
ture may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
Observe the coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster (
page 27).
If the temperature rises again:
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately.
Warning!G
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire.
You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
!The engine should not be operated with the
coolant temperature above 248°F (120°C). Do-
ing so may cause serious engine damage which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

385 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
BTop Up
Coolant
See Oper. ManualThe coolant level is too low.Add coolant (page 288).
Comply with all warnings while doing so.
If you have to add coolant frequently, have the
cooling system checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
•The cooling fan for the coolant is
malfunctioning.Observe the coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster (
page 27).
If the coolant temperature is below 120°C,
you may continue driving to the nearest
specialist workshop.
Avoid placing heavy loads on the engine
(e.g. by driving uphill) as well as stop-and-go
traffic.
Have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
Warning!G
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
!Do not ignore the low engine coolant level
warning. Extended driving with this message and
symbol displayed may cause serious engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Do not drive
without sufficient amount of coolant in the cool-
ing system. The engine will overheat, causing
major engine damage.

386 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left displayRight displayPossible cause/consequencePossible solution
2You are attempting to drive with
one or more doors open.Close the doors.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
You are pressing the lock button on
the door handle and at least one
door is open.
±Service
RequiredCertain electronic systems are
unable to relay information to the
control system. The following
systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature gauge

Tachometer
Have the electronic systems checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
(
page 346).
_ Entry Position
Do Not DriveThe steering wheel has not yet
moved into its stored driving posi-
tion.Wait until the steering wheel has moved to its
driving position.
The message disappears.

458 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Rear axleSL 550
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 55 AMG
1
SL 65 AMG
1SL 55 AMG with Performance Package*
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 75 W 140
Hypoid gear oil SAE 75 W 140
Hydraulic system for active body control (ABC)approx. 4.0 US qt (3.8 l)MB ABC Fluid
Power steeringapprox. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid
(Chevron Texaco PSF 9109)
Front wheel hubsapprox. 3.0 oz (85 g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system1.1 US qt (1.05 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemSL 550
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMGapprox. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)
approx. 13.6 US qt (12.9 l)
approx. 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)
approx. 16.4 US qt (15.5 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Low temperature cooling systemSL 600
SL 65 AMGapprox. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)
approx. 3.1 US qt (2.9 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze

459 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuel tank
including a reserve ofAll models
SL 550
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG21.1 US gal (80.0 l)
2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)
3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
Air conditioning systemR-134a refrigerant and special
PAG lubricant oil (never R-12)
Hydraulic system for retractable hardtop0.42 US qt (0.4 l)MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning
system7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield Washer Concentrate1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 465).