2010 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS COUPE service

Driving tips
Coasting wit
hthe engine switched off G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake whe nthe engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Applying the brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden, you must shift to
a lower shift range in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Heavy and light loads If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed. This improves the grip of the
brakes.
Wet roads If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period
of time without braking, there may be a
delayed reaction from the brakes when brak-
ing for the first time. This may also occur after
the vehicle has been washed.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm
up the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salted
roads
G
Risk of accident
The layerofs alt on thebrake discs and the
brake pads/linings may caus eadelay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly lon-
ger braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without put-
ting other road users at risk, when you are
driving on salted roads. This helps to Driving tips
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remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintai nagreater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
New brake pads/linings For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only have brake pads/linings
fitted to your vehicle which have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which correspond to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake pads/linings which have not
been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety. G
Risk of accident
New brake pads/linings only reach their opti-
mum braking effect after several hundred kil-
ometres of driving. Before this optimum brak-
ing effect is reached, you should compensate
for the reduced braking effect by applying
greater pressure when braking. This also
applies after the brake discs or the brake
pads/linings have been replaced.
AMG high-performance brake system
and AMG ceramic brake system* The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as temper-
ature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual driv-
ing style and operating conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear. You can obtain further informa-
tion about this from your Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Tyre traction
G
Risk of accident
While the vehicle can be fully controlled at a
certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce
your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the
same road safety. Otherwise, you could cause
an accident.
Pay particular attention to the road conditions
at temperatures around freezing point.
If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.
from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on
the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-
ing tyre grip. Drive with particular care in such
weather conditions. Driving on wet roads
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully. Driving on flooded roads
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
is 12 cm
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create 278
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waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result
in damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission.
Driving abroad
Please bear the following in mind
An extensive Mercedes–Benz Service net-
work is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's curren ttelephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 266). Symmetrical dipped-beam head-
lamps
G
Risk of injury
Xenon bulbs are under high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric con-
tacts on xenon bulbs. Therefore, do not
remove the cover on xenon bulbs.
Do not change xenon headlamps yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety or
on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Switching to symmetrical dipped beam
when driving abroad: If your journey takes
you to countries where vehicles are driven on
the opposite side of the road to the country
in which the vehicle is registered, your head-
lamps must be switched to symmetrical
dipped beam. This prevents oncoming traffic
from being dazzled.
Before entering such countries, have the
headlamps switched over at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre, as close as possible to the
border. When using symmetrical lights, the
edge of the carriageway is not illuminated as
widely and as far ahead as normal.
Switching back to asymmetrical dipped
beam after your return: After returning from
such countries, have the headlamps switched
over at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-BenzS ervice Centre, as close as
possible to the border. Service
ASSYST PLUS service interval display
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the nexts ervice due date.
The service due date is shown in the multi-
function display, for example:
Next service A in .. days
Next service A in ... km
Service A due
The letter indicates which service is due. A
stands for a minor service and Bfor a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter. This figure indicates
any necessary additional maintenance work
to be performed. If you report this displayed
information to a qualified specialist work- Service
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shop, for example a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre, they can inform you of the costs the
service will incur.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
before disconnecting the battery.
or
X Subtract the battery disconnection periods
from the service date shown on the display
after reconnecting the battery.
Hiding aservice message If the service due date has no
tyet been
exceeded, the service message disappears
automatically after a few seconds. You can
also hide the service message yourself.
X Press 0001or000A on the steering wheel.
Service overdue Ad
isplay message is shown in the multifunc-
tion display, for example:
Service A overdue by ... days
Service A overdue by .. km
i If you fail to have the service performed
by the specified date, you may be violating
applicable laws. Your warranty may be inva-
lidated and goodwill settlements may be
refused. Calling up a service due date X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press the 0008or000E button to selec tthe
Serv. menu.
X Press the 000For000C button to select the
ASSYST PLUS submenu and confirm with
000A.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Care
Care and cleaning products
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term. Use care
products and cleaning agents recommended
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and protective
films with hard objects, e.g. rings or ice
scrapers. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging, cleaning cloths
and polishing wads in an environmentally
responsible manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for a long period
of time directly after cleaning, especially if
the wheels have just been cleaned with a
wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
rapid corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. After cleaning, park
the vehicle when it is at normal operating
temperature. 280
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High-pressure cleaners
G
Risk of accident
Using high-pressure cleaners with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) may cause damage to
the vehicle, in particula rto the tyres.
Using damaged tyres results in an increased
risk of accident. A sudden loss of tyre pres-
sure while you are driving may cause you to
lose control of your vehicle, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
! Observe the instructions issued by the
equipment manufacturer concerning the
distance to be maintained between the
nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the
vehicle (at least 30 cm).
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door joint
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R exterior lighting
R seals
R trim elements
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for a long period
of time directly after cleaning, especially if
the wheels have just been cleaned with a
wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
rapid corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. After cleaning, park
the vehicle when it is at normal operating
temperature. Matt finish* Your vehicle is lacquered with a clear matt
finish. To avoid damage to the finish by
improper handling, observe the following
instructions.
!
Under no circumstances should you pol-
ish the vehicle. Polishing will make the
paintwork shine.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products such as gloss preserver
(wax). These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matt finish leads to considerable sur-
face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
If wax comes into contact with the painted
surface by accident, remove it immediately
with commercially available petroleum
ether. Do so carefully and do not apply too
much pressure to the painted surface.
Ensure that no resinous, greasy or oily sub-
stances come into contact with the paint,
as these can leave a residue. If such sub-
stances do come into contact with the pain-
ted surface accidentally, remove these
immediately with commercially available
petroleum ether. Do so carefully and do not
apply too much pressure to the painted
surface.
Tar stains or marks on the painted surface
can be removed with a commercially avail-
able tar remover. Do so carefully and do not
apply too much pressure to the painted
surface.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
! Do not affix stickers to the painted sur-
face. Adhesive residue could damage the
paintwork.
i Of the Mercedes-Benz care products, use
only insect remover and car shampoo. 282
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Cleaning paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosio nand damage caused by inade-
quate care canno talways be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop immediately, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
X Remove the following types of dirt immedi-
ately, whilst avoiding rubbin gtoo hard.
Soak:
R insect remains with insect remover
R bird droppings with water
and rinse off the treated surface after-
wards.
Remove:
R tree resin, oils, fuels and greases by rub-
bing gently with a cloth soaked in petro-
leum ether or lighter fluid
R tar stain with tar remover
R wax with silicone remover
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. Otherwise, you could
damage the paintwork.
Cleaning the windows X
Clean the inside and outside of the win-
dows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
product approved and recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windscreen and the rear window at regular
intervals. Under certain circumstances,
deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen
may prevent water from draining away
leading to corrosion damage. Cleaning wiper blades G
Risk of injury
Before cleaning the windscreen or wiper
blades, turn the key to position 0in the igni-
tion lock or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster have gone out. The wind-
screen wipers could otherwise move and
injure you.
! Only fold the windscreen wipers away
from the windscreen when vertical. Other-
wise, you will damage the bonnet.
! Do not clean the wiper blades too often
and do not rub them too hard, as this will
result in damage to the graphite coating.
This could cause wiper noise.
X Switch off the engine.
X Take your foot off the brake pedal.
X Set the windscreen wipers to posi-
tion 0014 on the combination switch.
X Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windscreen wipers start.
X When the wiper arms have reached a ver-
tical position: press the Start/Stop button.
X Fold the wiper arm away from the wind-
screen until it engages.
X Set the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.
X Clean the wiper blades carefully using a
damp cloth.
X Fold the windscreen wipers back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the headlamps X
Clean the plastic lenses of the headlamps
and rear lighting with a damp sponge and
windscreen washer fluid or cleaning cloths.
! Only use windscreen washer fluid or
cleaning cloths which are suitable for plas-
tic lamp lenses. Unsuitable windscreen
washer fluid or cleaning cloths could Care
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R
alcohol-based solvents or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
no te xert pressure when cleaning the dis-
play surface as this ma ylead to irreversible
damage.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Do not use microfibre cloths to clean gen-
uine leather covers, as these are too
aggressive and, if used often, may damage
the cover.
! Clean genuine leather cover swith a damp
cloth, the nwipe the covers down with a dry
cloth. Make sure that the leathe rdoes not
become soaked. Only use leather care
agents that have been tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain these
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i Note that regular care is essential to
ensure that the quality (both appearance
and comfort) of the covers is retained over
time.
Cleaning the plastic trim !
Do not affix to plastic surfaces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You can otherwise damage the plastic.
! Ensure that cosmetics, insect repellent
and suntan lotion do not come into contact
with the vehicle's trim. This will protec tthe
vehicle's high-quality trim and help retain
its overall appearance.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth (e.g. a microfibre cloth).
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Cleaning trim strips X
Wipe the trim strips with a damp, lint-free
cloth (e.g. a microfibre cloth).
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Care
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Please respond in accordance with the dis-
play messages and follow the additional
notes in this Owner's Manual. G
Risk of accident
No further messages can be displayed if the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play fails.
This means that you will not see information
about the driving situation, such as the speed,
outside temperature, warning/indicator
lamps, display messages or system failures.
The vehicle's handling characteristics may be
affected. Adapt your driving style and speed
accordingly.
Immediately consult a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for
this purpose. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Calling up display messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X Using 0008or000E select the Service
menu.
If there are display messages, the multi-
function display shows 2 messages, for
example.
X Press the 000For000C button to select the
entry, e.g. 2 messages.
X Confirm with 000A.
X Using 000Cor000F scroll through the dis-
play messages.
Hiding display messages You cannot hide display messages of the
highest priority. The multifunction display
shows these messages continuously until the
causes for the messages have been rem-
edied. The on-board computer saves certain
display messages. Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X
Press 000Aor0001 to hide the display
message.
The following tables contain all the display
messages. 290
Display messagesPractical advice
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