2009 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR run flat

Contents
Setting the temperature ............... 189
Adjusting air distribution .............. 190
Adjusting air volume .................... 191
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ...... 191
Front defroster ............................. 192
Air recirculation mode.................. 193
Air conditioning ............................ 194
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 195
Open air ............................................. 196
Opening and closing the door windows
196
Synchronizing power windows ..... 198
Opening and closing the soft top . 198
Wind screen ................................. 201
Linkage covers ............................. 202
Driving systems ................................. 205
Cruise control .............................. 205
Useful features .................................. 209
Map pocket in passenger footwell 209
Storage compartments ................ 209
Parcel net in trunk........................ 210
Ashtray and cigarette lighter ........ 210
Power outlet................................. 212
Telephone .................................... 212
Tele Aid ........................................ 215
Garage door opener ..................... 221Floormat, driver’s side .................. 227
Floormats* (Only Mercedes-Benz SLR
McLaren Roadster 722S) .............. 228
Dust cover .................................... 229
Roof and trunk lid racks ................ 230
Operation.......................................... 232
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 234
Driving instructions ............................ 235
Drive sensibly – save fuel.............. 235
Drinking and driving ...................... 235
Pedals ........................................... 235
Power assistance .......................... 236
Brakes........................................... 236
Driving off ..................................... 239
Parking.......................................... 240
Tires .............................................. 240
Hydroplaning................................. 241
Tire traction .................................. 241
Tire speed rating ........................... 242
Winter driving instructions ............ 242
Standing water.............................. 243
Passenger compartment ............... 244
Driving abroad .............................. 244Control and operation of radio
transmitters .................................. 244
Catalytic converter ....................... 245
Emission control ........................... 245
Coolant temperature .................... 246
At the gas station ............................... 247
Refueling....................................... 247
Check regularly and before a long trip .
248
Engine compartment .......................... 250
Hood ............................................. 250
Engine oil ...................................... 253
Transmission fluid level ................ 254
Coolant ......................................... 255
Trunk .................................................. 256
Batteries ....................................... 256
Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system ................... 257
Tires and wheels ................................ 259
Important guidelines ..................... 259
Tire care and maintenance ........... 260
Direction of rotation ..................... 262
Loading the vehicle ....................... 262
Recommended tire inflation pressure ..
268
Checking tire inflation pressure .... 270

236 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistance
Brakes
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 84).
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical energy
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 307) and
warning messages (
page 319) in the in-
strument cluster come on while driving. To
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and de-
press the pedal much further to obtain the
expected braking effect. If necessary, apply
full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes are
only applied to the front wheels. Stopping
distance is increased! If there is a malfunc-
tion in the electro-hydraulic brake system,
we recommend that the vehicle be trans-
ported with all wheels off the ground using
flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, see “Towing the vehicle”
(page 373).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.
i
The brake system is designed to decelerate
your SLR from high speeds at the best possible
rate. Depending on the applied brake force,
speed, and ambient conditions, the brake sys-
tem may produce a squeak-type noise when you
apply the brakes at a moderate rate, e.g. at city
traffic. If you experience this noise, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the brakes
by applying above-normal braking pressure at
high speeds. Please perform this braking proce-
dure three times. This will also enhance the grip
of the brake pads. If the noise continuous,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

256 OperationTrunkBatteries
Your vehicle is equipped with two
batteries:

Starter battery in the trunk


Consumer battery in the trunk
These batteries should always be suffi-
ciently charged in order to achieve its rat-
ed service life. A flat battery must be fully
recharged. 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 bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz. Have
this work only carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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.For more information on battery mainte-
nance, see “Batteries” (
page 370).
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 immediate-
ly with clear water. Contact a
physician if necessary.
Keep children away.
Follow the instructions in this
Operator’s Manual.
!
You must not jump start the vehicle, other-
wise the vehicle electrical systems could be
damaged.

365 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
The vehicle is equipped with the TIREFIT
kit.Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle in a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead
position.

Set the parking brake.

Move the gear selector lever to park
positionP.

Turn off the engine (
page 56).

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in
the tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient tempera-
tures down to -4°F (-20°C).

Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed from the tire.

Take TIREFIT, the sticker, and the
electric air pump out of the trunk.
!
A wheel change should only be carried out
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Other-
wise there is a danger of damaging the vehicle by
jacking it up incorrectly.
i
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
Warning!
G
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely
low tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or
a damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz
Center for assistance or call Roadside
Assistance. !
After using TIREFIT, the tire inflation
pressure sensor may have to be replaced.


368 Practical hintsFlat tire
After attaining a tire inflation pressure
of 26 psi (1.8 bar), press0 on electric
air pump switch8.
The electric air pump should now be
switched off.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 (
page 40).

Detach the electric air pump.
The air hose may still be hot. Please
exercise appropriate caution.

Store the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the
electrical air pump back in the trunk.

Close the trunk lid.

Drive off immediately.
The TIREFIT sealant will distribute itself
evenly inside the tire.

After driving vehicle for an initial
10 minutes, check tire inflation pres-
sure using the pressure gauge on the
air pump.

If tire inflation pressure is at least
20 psi (1.3 bar), inflate tire to correct
pressure (see placard on driver’s door
B-pillar) and contact a nearest qualified
workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, to have the
damaged tire replaced.
Recommended duration of use:
A maximum of 300 miles (500 km) at
or below 50 mph (80 km/h) with the
recommended tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
If a tire inflation pressure of 26 psi (1.8 bar)
is not attained, the tire is too severely
damaged for TIREFIT to provide a reliable
tire repair.
In this case, TIREFIT cannot properly seal
the tire.
Do not drive the vehicle.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
or call Roadside Assistance.
Warning!
G
Do not exceed vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not
designed to operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the instru-
ment cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics may
change. Adapt your driving accordingly.
Warning!
G
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
20 psi (1.3 bar), do not continue to drive the
vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the road-
way and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside
Assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.


373 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be em-
ployed.!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with SmartKey in starter switch turned to
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the gear selector lever must be in
neutral positionN and the SmartKey must be in
starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not
to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of dam-
age to the transmission, however, we recom-
mend the drive shaft be disconnected at the rear
axle drive flange for any towing beyond a short
tow to a nearby garage.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the electro-hy-
draulic brake system


there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.

411 Index
Bluetooth
® interface 213
Storage location 210
Body surface 297
Brake
Electro-hydraulic brake system 87
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake disks
Wear 239
Brake fluid 393, 396
Checking 249
Messages in the multifunction
display 335
Brake lamps 362
High-mounted brake lamp 362
Messages in the multifunction
display 346
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display 339
Wear 239
Brakes 236
Excessive loads 239
Warning lamp 29, 307Break-in period 234
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 346
Replacing 361
C
CAC 403
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 15
Call priority, Tele Aid 220
CAN system 403
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 393
Cargo area see Trunk
Cassette player 154
Catalytic converter 245
CD changer 158
Location 159
CD player 127
Center console
Lower part 32
Upper part 31
Central lockingAutomatic 104, 139
Central locking switch 31
Locking/unlocking from inside 105
Central locking switch 105
Child restraints 60
Children in the vehicle 76
Air bags 63
Indicator lamp, passenger front air
bag 70
Infant and child restraint systems 60,
70, 79
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 67
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 70, 317
Cigarette lighter 210
Cleaning
Soft top 300
Clock 29, 133
Setting time 134
Closed circuit racing
Brakes 239
Cockpit 26, 403
Cold tire inflation pressure 286