A
ABC (Active Body Control) ................ 142
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 231
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 55
Indicator lamp ................................ 255
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 227
Accessory weight .............................. 205
Accidents ........................................... 101
Air bags ........................................... 39
Distance warning function .............140
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............168
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps
Active Body Control
see ABC
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 306
Gasoline ......................................... 307
Address change ................................... 20
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 190
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 234, 253
Air bags ................................................ 39
Emergency call upon deployment ..168
Front, driver and passenger .............41
Head-thorax ..................................... 42
Knee bag .......................................... 42
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 229
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ...................33, 43, 266
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 306
Air distribution .................................. 153
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 205
Air pump (electric) ............................ 280
Air recirculation mode ...................... 154
AIRSCARF neck-level heating ............. 84Air vents ............................................. 151
Air volume .......................................... 153
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 224, 279
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 116
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 308
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 63
Anti-theft alarm system ...................63
Immobilizer ...................................... 63
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment ....................162
Ashtray ............................................... 166
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 205
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 119
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 86
Automatic central locking .......... 73, 126
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 90
Automatic interior lighting control .... 94
Automatic locking when driving ...... 126
Automatic shift program .................. 106
Automatic transmission ................... 103
Automatic shift program ................106
Gear range indicator ......................106
Gear ranges ................................... 106
Gear selector lever ........................103
Hill-start assist system ..................142
Kickdown ....................................... 105
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..111
Manual shift program ..................... 109
One-touch gearshifting ..................108
Program mode indicator ................107
Program mode selector dial
(SL 63 AMG) .......................... 107, 1094Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 4
Limiting .......................................... 108
Shifting into optimal ......................109
Gear selector lever ............................ 103
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Gearshift pattern ........................... 103
Lock ......................................... 99, 103
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 234
Shifting procedure .........................104
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 161
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 206
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 206
H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 220
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 92
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 93
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............89
Automatic headlamp mode ..............90
Bi-Xenon .................................. 89, 272
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Cleaning system .............................. 93
Daytime running lamp mode ............90
Delayed shut-off ............................ 125
High-beam flasher ............................ 92
High-beam headlamps .....................92
Low-beam headlamps ......................90
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 271
Switch .............................................. 89
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 220
Head restraints .................................... 80
Adjustment ...................................... 80
Head-thorax air bags ........................... 42
Height adjustment
Seats ............................................... 80
High-beam flasher ............................... 92
High-beam headlamps ................ 92, 272
Indicator lamp ............................ 31, 32
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
High-performance brake system ..... 211
Hill-start assist system ..................... 142
Hood ................................................... 180
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Horn ...................................................... 28
Hydroplaning ..................................... 212
I
Identification labels .......................... 294
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 295
Ignition ..................................... 78, 79, 99
Immobilizer .......................................... 63
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Inside door handle ........................ 35, 72
Instrument cluster ...................... 30, 111
Illumination .................................... 112
Lamps ............................................ 254
Multifunction display .....................114
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting ................................... 94
Delayed shut-off ............................ 126
Reading lamps ................................. 94
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 86
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 86
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Index9230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 9
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 251
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 220
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 89
Daytime running lamp mode ............90
Exterior ............................................ 89
Interior ............................................. 94
Limp-home mode .............................. 111
Load assist ......................................... 164
Load index (tires) ...................... 201, 206
Locator lighting ................................. 125
Lock button
Outside door handle (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Manually ........................................ 269
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Loss of
Key .................................................. 72
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 294
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 90
Exterior lamp switch ........................89
Switching on .................................... 90
Lubricants .......................................... 303
Luggage cover ................................... 158
Lumbar support ................................... 81
M
Maintenance ........................................ 20
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................214
Service indicator message .............214
Service term exceeded ..................214
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 90
Manual shift program ....................... 109
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 206
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 206
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 206
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 162
Memory function ................................. 88
Menus see Control system menus
Mirrors .................................................. 86
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 86
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 87
Exterior rear view mirrors ................86
Interior rear view mirror ...................86
Memory function .............................. 88
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ............................................. 88
Vanity mirror .................................. 165
MOExtended system ......................... 283
MOExtended tires ..................... 283, 300
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 307
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multicontour seat ................................ 82
Multifunction display ........................ 114
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Vehicle status messages ...............226
Multifunction display messages
ABC (Active Body Control) .............231
ABS ................................................ 227
Active headlamps .......................... 249
Advanced TPMS ..................... 234, 253
Air bags ......................................... 229
Alternator ...................................... 247
Automatic transmission .................234
Battery ........................................... 247
Brake fluid ..................................... 239
Brake pads ..................................... 238
Check engine ................................. 244
Coolant .......................................... 244
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............252
Cruise control ................................ 232
Distronic ........................................ 232
Doors ............................................. 241
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 243
Engine oil ....................................... 247
Engine service ............................... 244Index11230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 11
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions003FThe battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic system
Do not forget that the brake system requires electrical energy
and may be operating with restricted capability. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.003FBattery/
Alternator
Stop CarThe battery is defective.
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires electrical energy
and therefore has only limited operation. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.00B4Engine
Oil Level
Check
LevelVehicles with oil dipstick only:
The engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 181) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 183).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display247Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 247Z
BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0031The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG only) are
also switched off.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still functioning normally but
without the systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
0031The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 226).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
and the battery checked.0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.What to do if …255Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 255Z
The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
R has the same security features
R is of identical size
R is of identical voltage
R is of identical capacity
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
i After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Synchronize the ESP ®
(Y page 228).
R Synchronize the power windows
( Y page 98).Charging the batteryGWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
XCharge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Jump starting
GWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
Jump starting285Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 285Z
Vehicle specification SL 550
(230.471)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.Engine SL 550Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.2 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 20382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm
(530 Nm/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 401 mmElectrical system SL 550Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhElectrical system SL 550Battery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeBosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions SL 550Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 21Overall vehicle
width 2281.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 21Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 550Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 600
(230.477)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
20 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
21 When opening/closing hardtop.
22 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.296Vehicle specification SL 600 (230.477)Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 296
Engine SL 600Engine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.23 in (82.00 mm)Stroke3.43 in (87.00 mm)Total piston
displacement336.4 cu in
(5 513 cm 3
)Compression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 23510 hp/5
000 rpm
(380 kW/5 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349612 lb-ft/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm
(830 Nm/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 600Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/2.0 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GElectrical system SL 600Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 22 lb-ft
(20 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 600Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 24Overall vehicle
width 2581.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 24Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 600Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG
(230.470)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
23 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
24 When opening/closing hardtop.
25 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG (230.470)297Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 297Z