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
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift
program) ................................ 106, 107
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................109
Shifting procedure .........................104
Steering wheel gearshift control ....108
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 161
Axle oils .............................................. 304
B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 205
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................71
Replacing ....................................... 269
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 283
Charging ........................................ 285
Jump starting ................................. 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Bead (tire) .......................................... 205
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 185
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 238
Brakes ................................................ 210
High-performance brake system ....211
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 255
Break-in period .................................. 178
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) ...................................... 129
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 303
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 220
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 73, 126
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Locking/unlocking from inside ........73
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 73
Certification label .............................. 294
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 39
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Safety notes ..................................... 51
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 221
Cigarette lighter ................................ 166
Climate control system
Air conditioning ............................. 150
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Air distribution ............................... 153
Air recirculation mode ...................154
Air vents ........................................ 151
Air volume ..................................... 153
Automatic mode ............................ 150
Deactivating system ......................149
Front defroster .............................. 153
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........153
Residual heat and ventilation .........154
Temperature .................................. 151
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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
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ESP®
.............................................. 228
Fog lamps .............................. 250, 252
Gas cap .......................................... 249
Gear selector lever ........................234
High-beam lamps ........................... 251
Hood .............................................. 241
License plate lamps .......................251
Light sensor ................................... 251
Low-beam lamps ............................ 251
Parking brake ................................ 239
Parking lamps ................................ 251
Passenger front air bag ..................229
Reserve fuel ................................... 249
Retractable hardtop .......................241
Reverse lamp ................................. 249
Roll bar .................................... 51, 240
Side marker lamps .........................250
SmartKey ....................................... 242
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........242
SRS ................................................ 240
Tail lamps ...................................... 252
Tele Aid .......................................... 240
Tire inflation pressure ............234, 253
Tire pressure monitor ....................234
Tires ...................................... 234, 253
Trunk ............................................. 241
Turn signals ................................... 253
Washer fluid ................................... 243
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 84
Buttons .......................................... 113
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Easy-entry/exit feature ...........85, 127
Gearshift control ............................ 108
Memory function .............................. 88
Overview .......................................... 27
N
Navigation menu ............................... 120
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions
Nets, parcel ....................................... 161
Night security illumination .............. 125
Normal occupant weight .................. 206
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 295
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 206
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 39
Children and air bags .......................39
Children in the vehicle .....................51
Fastening the seat belts ................... 48
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
Introduction ..................................... 38
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 43, 266
Roll bar ............................................ 51
Seat belts .................................. 40, 46
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 43
Self-test ........................................... 45
Odometer ........................................... 115
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 108
Operating safety .................................. 21
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 218
Overhead control panel ...................... 35
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 216
Paintwork code ................................. 295
Panic alarm .......................................... 54
Panorama roof
Sunshade ....................................... 160
Parcel nets ......................................... 161
Parking ............................................... 101
Parktronic system ..........................144
Parking and standing lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Parking brake .................................... 102
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
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Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................87
Transmission position ....................104
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............218
Malfunction .................................... 147
Minimum distance .........................146
Sensor range ................................. 145
Switching on/off ........................... 147
System sensors ............................. 145
Warning indicators ...................28, 146
Parts service ...................................... 294
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger front air bag ...................... 41
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 229
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ....................... 33, 43, 266
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 209
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Power assistance .............................. 210
Power closing assist for trunk lid ...... 78
Power outlet ...................................... 166
Power seats see Seats
Power washer .................................... 216
Power windows ................................... 96
Cleaning ......................................... 219
Door windows .................................. 97
Operation ......................................... 96
Rear side windows ...........................97
Synchronizing .................................. 98
Practical hints ................................... 224
Problems
While driving .................................. 101
With vehicle ..................................... 22
With wipers ...................................... 96
Product information ............................ 19
Production options weight ............... 206Program mode selector dial
(SL 63 AMG)
Automatic shift program ................107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift
program ................................. 106, 107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 206
R
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) ................. 141
RACETIMER ........................................ 117
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................119
Radio transmitters ............................ 213
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 304
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear window defroster ..................... 155
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 187, 206
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 306
Refueling ............................................ 178
Regular checks .................................. 180
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 171
Replacing
Key .................................................. 72
Replacing bulbs ................................. 271
Reporting safety defects .................... 22
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
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Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 303).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 181)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 189)
RCoolant level (Y page 184)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 271)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 185)
RBrake fluid (Y page 185)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
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! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap \000F back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 303) and
(Y page 305).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap approximately1/2 turn counterclockwise to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning the cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: is up to the upper mark
on the bracing rib of coolant expansion
tank \000F (translucent)
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap back on and tighten it.
! SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on the coolant expansion tank. Never open
the cap between the two charge-air
coolers. Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.
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Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 198)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator \000F appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
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