2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS service

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company2305849396 É2305849396dËÍ
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Clock ..................................................... 28
Cockpit ................................................. 28
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 205
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 303
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 92
Control system .................................. 113
Multifunction display .....................114
Multifunction steering wheel .........113
Resetting to factory settings ..........121
Control system menus ...................... 115
AMG ............................................... 116
Audio/DVD .................................... 119
Distronic ........................................ 120
Navigation ..................................... 120
Settings ......................................... 121
Standard display ............................ 116
Telephone ...................................... 129
Trip computer ................................ 128
Vehicle status message memory ...120
Control system submenus
Convenience .................................. 127
Instrument cluster .........................122
Lighting .......................................... 124
Vehicle ........................................... 126
Convenience submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 127
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 127
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............308
Capacities ...................................... 304
Checking level ............................... 184
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
Temperature gauge ........................ 112
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Corner-illuminating lamps .................. 93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Cruise control .................................... 130
Activating ....................................... 131
Canceling ....................................... 132
Changing the set speed .................132
Last stored speed ..........................132
Lever .............................................. 131Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 132
Setting current speed ....................131
Cup holders ........................................ 164
Curb weight ....................................... 205
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 22
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 90
Switching on or off ......................... 124
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 153
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......153
Rear window .................................. 155
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 125
Interior lighting .............................. 126
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 101
With starting .................................... 99
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 116
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 197
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................116
Distronic ........................................ 135
Maintenance service indicator .......214
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 226
Multifunction display .....................114
Outside temperature ...................... 116
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Trip computer ................................ 128
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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
Engine service ............................... 244Index11230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 11

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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Reset button ................................ 30, 112
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retractable hardtop .......................... 155
Locking .......................................... 157
Luggage cover ............................... 158
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Sunshade ....................................... 160
Wind screen ................................... 157
Rims ........................................... 206, 299
Roadside Assistance ................... 20, 169
Roll bar ................................................. 51
Lowering .......................................... 51
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Raising ............................................. 51
Warning lamp ................................. 258
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 307
Roof see Retractable hardtop
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................54
Occupant safety ............................... 38
Reporting defects ............................ 22
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 49
Seat belts ............................................. 46
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........49
Children in the vehicle .....................51
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Fastening ......................................... 48
Proper use of ................................... 47
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Safety notes ..................................... 46
Telltale
.................................... 31, 32, 48, 256
Seat heating ......................................... 83
Seating capacity ................................ 194
Seats ..................................................... 80
Adjustment ...................................... 80
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................85
Heating ............................................ 83
Memory function .............................. 88
Multicontour seat ............................ 82
Ventilation ....................................... 82
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 45
Tele Aid .......................................... 167
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 294
Service and warranty information ..... 19
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 198
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........71
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............69
Memory function .............................. 88
Menu ............................................. 121
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......71
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............69
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 250
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 207
Side windows see Power windows
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 208
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 299
Mounting ....................................... 277
Storage location ............................ 225
Speedometer ..................................... 13514Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 14

Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 131
Distronic ........................................ 137
Resume function ...................132, 138
SRS
Indicator lamp ............................ 31, 32
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 38, 257
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Standing water, driving through ...... 212
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 79
SmartKey ......................................... 78
Starting difficulties (engine) .............. 99
Starting the engine ............................. 98
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 108
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 172
Storage compartments ..................... 161
Storing tires ....................................... 198
Sunshade ........................................... 160
Sun visors .......................................... 165
T
Tachometer ........................................ 113
Overspeed range ........................... 113
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Tar stains ........................................... 216
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Brake fluid ..................................... 306
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 303
Coolant .......................................... 307
Engine oil additives ........................306
Engine oils ..................................... 305
Fuel requirements .......................... 307
Gasoline additives .......................... 307
Identification labels .......................294
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Rims and tires ................................ 299
Spare wheel ................................... 303
Vehicle specification SL 550 .........296
Vehicle specification SL 600 .........296
Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG ...297
Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG ...298
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 305, 309
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 167
Emergency calls ............................. 168
Information button .........................170
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 168
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Remote door unlock ......................171
Roadside Assistance button ..........169
Search & Send ............................... 171
SOS button .................................... 168
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..172
System self-test ............................. 167
Telephone ............................................. 27
Answering/ending a call ................129
Hands-free microphone ...................35
Menu ............................................. 129
Operation ....................................... 129
Phone book .................................... 130
Redialing ........................................ 130
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 112
Interior temperature ......................151
Outside .......................................... 116
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 282
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 207
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 193
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Tire Identification Numbersee TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 189
Important notes on ........................188
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 188
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....193
Tire labeling ....................................... 200
Tire load rating .................................. 206
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 207
Tires ........................................... 186, 299
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 190
Air pressure ................................... 187
Care and maintenance ...................197
Cleaning ......................................... 198
Direction of rotation, spinning .......197
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 188
Inflation pressure ........................... 189
Information placard .......................193
Inspection ...................................... 198
Labeling ......................................... 200
Load index ............................. 201, 206
Load rating .................................... 206
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 234, 253
MOExtended .................................. 300
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 207
Problems under-/overinflation ......189
Retreads ........................................ 186
Rims and tires (technical data) ......299
Rotation ......................................... 200
Service life ..................................... 198
Sizes .............................................. 299
Snow chains .................................. 208
Speed rating .......................... 202, 207
Storing ........................................... 198
Temperature .......................... 188, 200
Terminology ................................... 205
Tire Identification Number .............207
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunctiontelltale
.......................................... 31, 32, 265
Traction ................................. 199, 207
Tread ............................................. 207
Tread depth ........................... 198, 207
Treadwear ...................................... 199
Treadwear indicators .............198, 207
Vehicle maximum load on ..............207
Wear pattern .................................. 200
Winter tires ............................ 207, 299
Tire speed rating ....................... 202, 207
Total load limit ................................... 207
Tow-away alarm .................................. 64
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 288
Vehicle ........................................... 287
Towing eye bolt ................................. 288
Traction ...................................... 199, 207
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 184
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 104
Traveling abroad ............................... 212
Tread (tires) ....................................... 207
Tread depth (tires) .................... 198, 207
Treadwear .......................................... 199
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 198, 207
Trip computer menu ......................... 128
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 113
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 75
Load assist .................................... 164
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening ........................................... 73
Opening/closing system ...........74, 76
Trunk lid emergency release ............77
Unlocking manually .......................268
Valet locking .................................... 77
Turning off the engine ...................... 102
Turn signals ......................................... 92
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
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Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
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