
The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
80†. During this time, avoid driving at full
engine speed.
If the engine reaches the overspeed range in
the manual shift program, the menu will be
shown in red. In addition, you will see UP next
to gear indicator \000G as a reminder to upshift.
Use buttons \000\) or \000- to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
RSETUP (Y page 117)
RRACETIMER (Y page 117)
ROverall analysis (Y page 118)
RLap analysis (Y page 118)
SETUP
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) repeatedly until the
SETUP appears in the multifunction
display.
or
XTap the AMG button on the center console
(SL 63 AMG only) (Y page 144).
iYou can store and call up automatic
transmission program mode and
suspension style settings with the AMG
button on the center console (SL 63 AMG
only). For more information, see
(Y page 144).
\000FAutomatic transmission program mode
indicator
\000GSuspension style indicatorRACETIMER GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
\000FLap number\000GRACETIMER\000

Example illustration
\000FDisc number\000GCurrent trackXSelecting next or previous track: Press
button \000- or \000\) briefly.
XSelecting a track from the track list
(quick search): Press and hold button
\000- or \000\).
The current track does not appear during
Audio AUX mode operation.
Operating video DVD
XSwitch on the COMAND system and select
DVD-Video. Refer to separate COMAND
system operating instructions.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Audio/DVD menu appears in the
multifunction display.
\000FDisc number\000GCurrent sceneXPress button \000- or \000\) to select a
scene.
Navigation menu
The Navigation menu contains the functions
needed to operate your navigation system.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Navigation menu appears in the
multifunction display.
The message shown in the multifunction
display depends on the status of the
navigation system:
RWith the COMAND system switched off,
the message NAVI Off appears in the
multifunction display.
RWith the COMAND system switched on
but route guidance not activated, the
direction of travel and, if applicable, the
name of the street currently traveled on
appear in the multifunction display.
RWith the COMAND system switched on
and route guidance activated, the
direction of travel and maneuver
instructions appear in the multifunction
display.
Please refer to separate COMAND system
operating instructions for instructions on how
to activate the route guidance system.
Distronic menu
Use the Distronic menu to display the
current settings for your Distronic system.
The information shown in the multifunction
display depends on whether the Distronic
system is activated or deactivated.
Please refer to the “Driving systems” section
of this manual (Y page 133) for instructions
on how to activate Distronic.
Vehicle status message memory
menu
Use the Vehicle status message memory
menu to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the memory.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
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The Vehicle status message memory menu
only appears if messages have been stored.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Vehicle status message memory
menu appears in the multifunction display.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the right
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) or \000-.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 226).
iAfter you have scrolled through all
recorded status messages, the first
recorded message appears again.
Should the vehicle’s system record any
conditions while driving, the number of
messages will reappear in the multifunction
display when the SmartKey in the starter
switch is turned to position 0 or removed
from the starter switch. With KEYLESS-GO,
the number of messages will reappear when
you turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open the
driver’s door.
Except for high-priority messages, the vehicle
status message memory will be cleared when
you switch off the ignition.
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Settings menu there are two
functions: The function To reset, press
reset button for 3 seconds, with which
you can reset all the settings to the original
factory settings and a collection of submenus
with which you can make individual settings
for your vehicle.
The following settings and submenus are
available in the Settings menu:
RResetting to factory settings
(Y page 121)
RSubmenus in the Settings menu
(Y page 122)
RInstrument cluster submenu
(Y page 122)
RLighting submenu (Y page 124)
RVehicle submenu (Y page 126)
RConvenience submenu (Y page 127)
Resetting to factory settings
You can reset the settings of all submenus to
the factory settings.
For safety reasons, the function Light
Circuit Headlamp Mode in the Lighting
submenu cannot be reset while driving.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
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Convenience submenu
Access the Convenience submenu via the
Settings menu. Use the Convenience
submenu to activate the easy-entry/exit
feature (Y page 127), or to set the fold-in
function for exterior rear view mirrors
(Y page 127).
Activating easy-entry/exit feature
Use this function to activate and deactivate
the easy-entry/exit feature (Y page 85).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement do one of
the following:
RMove steering wheel adjustment stalk.
RPress one of the memory position buttons.
RPress memory button M.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\).XMove the selection marker with button
\000Z or \000[ to the Convenience
submenu.
XPress button \000\) or \000- repeatedly until
the message Easy-entry Function
appears in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button \000Z or \000[ to activate (On)
or deactivate (Off) the easy-entry/exit
feature.
Switching fold-in function for exterior
rear view mirrors on or off
This feature is only available in Canada
vehicles.
Use this function to set the exterior rear view
mirrors to be folded in automatically when
you lock your vehicle.
With this function set to On and the exterior
rear view mirrors folded in using the button
on the door control panel (Y page 88), the
exterior rear view mirrors will not fold out
when you switch on the ignition. You will then
have to fold out the exterior rear view mirrors
using the button on the door control panel
(Y page 88).
Make sure both exterior rear view mirrors are
folded out completely before driving off.
XPress button \000Y or \000X repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\).XMove the selection marker with button
\000Z or \000[ to the Convenience
submenu.
XPress button \000\) or \000- repeatedly until
the message Fold In Mirrors When
Locking appears in the multifunction
display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
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Dialing a number from the phone book
When your telephone is ready to receive calls,
you may select and dial a number from the
phone book. You can add new numbers to the
phone book with the telephone, see separate
operating instructions.
XPress button \000X or \000Y repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the left
multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) or \000- repeatedly until
the desired name appears in the right
multifunction display.
If you press and hold button \000\) or
\000- for longer than 1 second, the system
scrolls rapidly through the list of names
until you release the button again.
The stored names are displayed in
alphabetical order.
XPress button \000j.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
If the connection is successful and this
feature is supported by your network
provider, the name of the party (if stored in
your phone book) you are calling will
appear in the multifunction display.
The control system stores the dialed
number in the redial memory.
or
XPress button \000 if you do not want to
make the call.
Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button \000X or \000Y repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the left
multifunction display.
XPress button \000j.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the right multifunction display.
XPress button \000\) or \000- repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button \000j.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
RCruise control
RDistronic
RDistance warning function (only available
with Distronic)
RActive Body Control (ABC)
RParktronic system
RHill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG)
RRACE START (SL 63 AMG)
The driving safety systems ABS, BAS, ESP®
and the electro-hydraulic brake system are
described in the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 54).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
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the grade eases, the set speed will be
resumed.
On downhill grades, the cruise control
maintains the set speed by braking with the
vehicle’s brake system. In addition, on
longer downhill grades the automatic
transmission will downshift automatically.
Canceling cruise control XDepress the brake pedal.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 008A.
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The cruise control switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the parking brake.
The cruise control also switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESP ®
is in operation
R the ESP ®
is switched off with the ESP ®
switch
R the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R you shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N while driving
An acoustic warning will sound. Observe
additional messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the cruise control. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise
control will resume the last set speed.
Changing the set speed GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
When you use the cruise control lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
XIncreasing: Lift the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0046 and hold it up until
the desired speed is reached.XDecreasing: Press the cruise control lever
in direction of arrow 0047 and hold it down
until the desired speed is reached.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Fine adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
XIncreasing: Briefly tip the cruise control
lever in direction of arrow 0046.XDecreasing: Briefly tip the cruise control
lever in direction of arrow 0047.
Setting stored speed (Resume
function)
GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
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XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 0088.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
Distronic
Safety notes
When activated, the Distronic adaptive cruise
control increases the driving convenience
afforded by the cruise control while traveling
on expressways and other major roadways.
R If the Distronic distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your
vehicle speed will be reduced so that you
follow that vehicle at your preset following
distance.
R If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you,
the Distronic will function in the same way
as standard cruise control ( Y page 130).
GWarning!
The Distronic requires familiarity with its
operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWarning!
The Distronic is a convenience system. Its
speed adjustment reduction capability is
intended to make cruise control more
effective and usable when traffic speeds vary.
It is not however, intended to, nor does it,
replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle’s speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The Distronic cannot take street and traffic
conditions into account. Complex driving
situations are not always fully recognized by
the Distronic. This could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings.GWarning!
The Distronic adaptive cruise control is not a
substitute for active driving involvement. It
does not react to pedestrians or on stationary
objects, nor does it recognize or predict the
lane curvature or the movement of preceding
vehicles.
The Distronic can only apply 20% of the
maximum braking power of the vehicle.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
Distronic system to malfunction.
GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take road and traffic
conditions into account. Only use the
Distronic if the road, weather and traffic
conditions make it advisable to travel at a
constant speed.
GWarning!
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The Distronic does not function in adverse
sight and distance conditions. Do not use the
Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain,
snow or sleet.
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GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take weather conditions
into account. Switch off the Distronic or do
not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the Distronic system sensor cover is dirty
or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain
or fog, for example. The distance control
system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the Distronic is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.
GWarning!
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the Distronic is activated.
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The Distronic will not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The
Distronic will also not respond to oncoming
vehicles.
Switch off the Distronic
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the Distronic will continue
to maintain the set speed unless deactivated.
The Distronic is designed and intended only
to maintain a set speed and keep a set
distance from moving objects in front of it.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
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