2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 fuel

Contents
Power windows .................................. 201
Opening and closing the
windows ....................................... 201
Synchronizing power windows ..... 203
Retractable hardtop ........................... 204
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ...................... 204
Driving systems ................................. 214
Cruise control............................... 214
Distronic*..................................... 218
Distance warning function*.......... 229
Active Body Control (ABC) ............ 230
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist)............................. 233
Useful features .................................. 238
Storage compartments................. 238
Cup holders .................................. 243
Ashtray ......................................... 244
Cigarette lighter ........................... 244
Load assist in the trunk ................ 245
Power outlet ................................. 246
Floormat* ..................................... 247
Telephone*................................... 247
Tele Aid ........................................ 250
Garage door opener ..................... 257
Operation......................................... 265
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 266
Driving instructions............................ 267
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 267
Drinking and driving ..................... 267
Pedals .......................................... 267
Power assistance ......................... 268
Brakes .......................................... 268
Driving off .................................... 270
Parking ......................................... 271
Tires ............................................. 271
Hydroplaning ................................ 272
Tire traction.................................. 273
Tire speed rating .......................... 273
Winter driving instructions ........... 274
Standing water ............................. 275
Passenger compartment .............. 276
Driving abroad.............................. 276
Control and operation of
radio transmitters ........................ 276
Catalytic converter ....................... 277
Emission control .......................... 277
Coolant temperature .................... 278At the gas station .............................. 279
Refueling ...................................... 279
Check regularly and before
a long trip..................................... 280
Engine compartment ......................... 282
Hood ............................................ 282
Engine oil ..................................... 283
Transmission fluid level................ 287
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 287
Coolant ........................................ 288
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system........... 289
Battery ......................................... 290
Tires and wheels................................ 291
Important guidelines .................... 291
Tire care and maintenance........... 292
Direction of rotation..................... 294
Loading the vehicle ...................... 294
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 300
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 302
MOExtended system* .................. 312
Tire labeling ................................. 313
Load identification ....................... 317
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 317

Contents
Technical data.................................. 441
Parts service ...................................... 442
Warranty coverage ............................. 443
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 443
Identification labels............................ 444
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 446
SL 550.......................................... 446
SL 55 AMG ................................... 446
SL 600, SL 65 AMG ...................... 446
Engine ................................................ 447
Rims and tires .................................... 449
Same size tires ............................. 450
Mixed size tires ............................ 451
Spare wheel ................................. 453
Electrical system................................ 454
Main dimensions................................ 455
Weights .............................................. 456Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 457
Capacities .................................... 457
Engine oils.................................... 460
Engine oil additives ...................... 460
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 460
Brake fluid .................................... 460
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 461
Fuel requirements ........................ 461
Gasoline additives ........................ 462
Coolants....................................... 463
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 465Index................................................. 467

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
foreign countries, please be aware that:

Service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,

unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,

gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are
available for delivery in Europe under our
European Delivery Program. For details,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

23 At a glance
Exterior view
ItemPage
1Trunk
Opening the trunk114
Closing the trunk116
Spare wheel400
Vehicle tool kit400
2Rear lamps410
3Rear window defroster187
4Fuel filler flap279
Refueling279
Gasoline461
5Doors
Locking and unlocking104
Opening and closing113
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency403
ItemPage
6Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting49
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors185
7Towing434
Installing towing eye bolt436
8Tires and wheels291
Checking tire inflation
pressure302
General information291
Flat tire417
Vehicle tool kit400
9Hood
Opening282
Engine oil283
Coolant288,
463
ItemPage
aHeadlamp cleaning
system185,
289
bFront lamps410
cWindshield wipers58
Wiper blades, replacing415
Wiper blades, cleaning337
dWindshield
Wiping with windshield
washer fluid60
Cleaning337
eRetractable hardtop
Opening/closing204
Wind screen209
Luggage cover210
Sunshade for panorama
roof*213

29 At a glance
Instrument cluster
ItemPage
5Tachometer with:142
AHigh beam head-
lamp indicator lamp135
úEngine malfunction
indicator lamp,
USA only
±Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
Canada only346
CRoll bar warning
lamp351
-Antilock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) indicator
lamp344
1Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS) indicator lamp354
ItemPage
XCombination low tire
pressure/TPMS mal-
function telltale,
USA only
Low tire pressure
telltale*,
Canada only355
6Right multifunction
display with:

Trip odometer143

Gear selector lever
position174

Gear range indicator177

Program mode indicator178
7Fuel gauge with:
AFuel reserve warning
lamp350

55 Getting started
Driving
Repeat the starting procedure
(
page 53). Remember that extended
starting attempts can drain the battery.
Get a jump start (page 432).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Parking brake
1Release handle
Release the parking brake by pulling on
release handle1.
The brake warning lamp;(USA
only) or3 (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Warning!G
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. Children could release
the parking brake, which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.

61 Getting started
Driving
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 or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage can be determined on the

major assemblies

fuel system

engine mount:
Start the engine in the usual manner.

104 Controls in detail
In the “Controls in detail” section you will
find detailed information on how to oper-
ate the equipment installed on your vehi-
cle. If you are already familiar with the
basic functions of your vehicle, this section
will be of particular interest to you.
To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba-
sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the
“Getting started” section of this manual.
The corresponding page numbers are giv-
en at the beginning of each segment.
For more information on locking and un-
locking, see the “Getting started” section
(
page 38).
Locking and unlocking
SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and
a removable mechanical key.
The SmartKey provides an extended oper-
ating range. To prevent theft, however, it is
advisable to only unlock the vehicle when
you are in close proximity to it.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:

the doors

the trunk lid

the glove box

the storage compartment under the
armrest

the storage compartment in the rear

the fuel filler flap
SmartKey with remote control
1‹Lock button
2Š Opening button for trunk
(
page 114)
3Mechanical key locking tab
4ΠUnlock button
5Battery check lamp
6Â Panic button (
page 88)