2009 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR tow bar

88 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
The electro-hydraulic brake system is
automatically activated when you

unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey


open the driver’s or passenger door


turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position1


depress the brake pedal


release the parking brake
Warning!
G
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
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)
comes on and warning messages
(
page 334) appear in the multifunction
display while driving. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the electro-hy-
draulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported 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
u p t o 3 0 m i l e s ( 5 0 k m ) a n d a t a s p e e d n o t t o
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, see “Towing the vehicle”
(page 373).
i
If the electro-hydraulic brake system is acti-
vated as the brake pedal is first depressed, you
may feel a reduced pedal resistance and longer
pedal travel than normal. When releasing the
pedal, you may also feel the brake pedal pulsate
and you may hear a sound which is caused by the
activation of the electro-hydraulic brake system
pump. This is normal and not an indication of a
malfunction. Pedal travel returns to normal when
you release the brake pedal and the sound soon
ceases.
If you experience the above while driving and the
red brake warning lamp (
page 307) illumi-
nates and/or warning messages appear in the
multifunction display (
page 334), the brake
system is malfunctioning. Follow the instructions
of the warning message(s) and have the brake
system checked immediately.

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.

334 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...Left display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
T
Reduced
Brake Effect
Depress brake
pedal fully.
The electro-hydraulic brake
system is in emergency opera-
tion mode. Considerably great-
er brake pedal force is required
and the pedal travel is longer.
The stopping distance is in-
creased. If necessary, apply full
pressure to the brake pedal.
The maximum speed is limited
to 55 mph (90 km/h).

Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.

Apply the parking brake (
page 55).

Do not drive any further.

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by blocking the
wheels with wheel chocks or other sizeable objects.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
or

Call for Roadside Assistance.
Warning!
G
Driving while this message is displayed can
result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately.
If the electro-hydraulic brake system enters
its emergency operation mode, the driver
must apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much fur-
ther than normal to obtain 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 malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate 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).

336 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...Left display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
;
(USA only)
3
(Canada only)
Reduced
Brake Effect
Service
Required
The electro-hydraulic
brake system is in emer-
gency operation mode.
Considerably greater
brake pedal force is
required and the pedal
travel is longer. The stop-
ping distance is in-
creased. If necessary,
apply full pressure to the
brake pedal.

Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is
safe to do so.

Apply the parking brake (
page 55).

Do not drive any further.

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by blocking the
wheels with wheel chocks or other sizeable objects.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
or

Call for Roadside Assistance.
Increased
Stopping Distance
Service
Required
Warning!
G
Driving while these messages are displayed
can result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately.
If the electro-hydraulic brake system enters
its emergency operation mode, the driver
must apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much fur-
ther than normal to obtain 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 malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate 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).

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.

375 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing/reinstalling towing eye bolt
Take the towing eye bolt1 from its
storage compartment (
page 356).
1Towing eye bolt

Remove cover from the access hole.

Screw towing eye bolt1 clockwise in
to its stop.

Remove the towing eye bolt when you
no longer need it. To do this, carry out
the above steps in reverse order.
Points to bear in mind

The vehicle must not be tow-started.


If the vehicle is to be towed, only tow it
with all wheels on the ground.


If the vehicle has suffered transmission
damage, only tow it with the propeller
shaft disconnected.


Before towing the vehicle, make sure
the battery is connected and charged.
Otherwise you will not be able to switch
on the ignition and move the selector
lever to neutral positionN. There will
then be no power assistance when
steering and braking.
Transporting the vehicle
The towing eye bolt can be used to pull the
vehicle onto a trailer or transporter for
transporting purposes.
Switch on the ignition (
page 40).

Move the selector lever to neutral
positionN.
!
Only secure the tow bar to the towing eye
bolt. The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
!
Your vehicle is equipped with a front towing
eye bolt only (
page 375).
You cannot tow other vehicles with your vehicle.
!
Due to the low clearance height of the SLR,
care must be taken when loading and unloading
from a transporter to avoid damaging the vehicle
body work.
To secure the vehicle, only tie it down by the
wheels or tires. Otherwise it could be damaged.

410 IndexAuto-dimming, Interior rear view
mirror 181
Automatic car wash 298
Automatic central locking, Control
system 104, 139
Automatic climate control 184
Adjusting air volume 191
Air conditioning refrigerant 396
Air conditioning, Cooling 194
Air distribution 189, 190
Air recirculation mode 193
Air vents 185
Air volume 189
Control panel 186
Deactivating system 188
Defrosting 183, 192
MAX COOL 191
Residual heat utilization 195
Side air vents 185
Temperature 189
Temperature sensor 33
Automatic headlamp mode 107Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 112
Automatic transmission 169
Accelerator position 173
Damage 375
Driving tips 173
Emergency operation (Limp-Home
Mode) 180
Gear ranges 174
Gear selector lever 32, 169
Gear selector lever control one-touch
gearshifting 175
Gear selector lever position 171
Gear shifting malfunctions 180
Kickdown 173
Manual shift program 178
Shift program mode selector
switch 175
Shifting procedure 170
Starting the engine 47
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting 177
Towing 375
Transmission fluid level 254
Automatic transmission fluid 254B
Backup lamp 362
Messages in the multifunction
display 349
Bar 286
BAS 84, 403
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 100
Replacing 359
Batteries, Vehicle 256
Charging 371
Consumer battery 370
Jump starting 370
Maintenance 370
Messages in the multifunction
display 332
Starter battery 256
Batteries, vehicle
Consumer battery 256
Battery charger 372
Bead 286
Bi-Xenon headlamps 403