11 Maintenance Booklet
Emission System Maintenance
General
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-
cy and, in California, the Air Resources
Board have certified that the emission
control systems of your vehicle comply
with the applicable exhaust emission
standards for model year 2009 vehicles.
This vehicle also complies with the appli-
cable Canadian Motor Vehicle Emission
Standards.
To be certain that the emission control
systems function as designed, regular
maintenance is necessary for compo-
nents of the vehicle which affect exhaust
and evaporation emissions composition. The vehicle owner is responsible for the
regular maintenance of the emission con-
trol system, as well as the use of premi-
um unleaded gasoline with an anti-knock
index of at least 91 (displayed on the
pump) in all gasoline engine models un-
less otherwise specified.
Failure to properly maintain the emission
system may result in repairs not being
covered by the emission system warran-
ties.
Explanations of each maintenance job
are given in numerical order on page 60.
Maintenance Booklet12Emission System MaintenanceEmission Control System Caution -
Gasoline Engines
Your Mercedes-Benz SLR vehicle is
equipped with both a three-way catalyst
and a closed loop oxygen sensor system
to comply with current exhaust emission
regulations. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined.
The following has to be adhered to:
a) In all gasoline engine models, use
only premium unleaded gasoline
with an anti-knock index of at least
91 (as displayed on the pump) un-
less otherwise specified. Damage to
the engine could occur if premium un-
leaded fuel is not used. Refer to the
Operator’s Manual for special precau-
tions.
b) Leaded gasoline should not be used
under any circumstances. Damage
to the emission control components
will result.
c) The specified engine maintenance
jobs have to be performed com-
pletely and at the required inter-
vals. Correct ignition timing and
properly functioning spark plugs for in-
stance are important for the service
life of the catalysts. Failure to properly
perform the specified maintenance
jobs may adversely affect the emis-
sion control system on the vehicle and
reduce its service life.
