
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 

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
6Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 6 

Number .......................................... 295
Starting  ............................................ 98
Turning off  ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Engine coolant
see Coolant                                               
Engine oil  
Adding  ........................................... 183
Additives  ........................................ 306
Checking level  ............................... 181
Consumption  ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter  ............................................... 305
ESP ®
 (Electronic Stability
Program)  .............................................. 56
ETS  .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 228
Warning lamp  ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device)  ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines  ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System)  ....... 57
Express operation  
Power windows  ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch  ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors  .................. 86
Fold-in function  ................................ 88
Parking position  ............................... 87
Power-folding  ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off  .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle  ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts  ..................... 48
First aid kit  ......................................... 224
Flat tire  ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle  ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel  .............277
Preparing the vehicle  .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats  ........................................... 175
Fluids 
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid  .........304
Brake fluid  ..................................... 304
Capacities  ...................................... 303
Engine coolant  ............................... 304
Engine oil  ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid  .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system  ........................................... 305
Fog lamps  ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors  ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags                                              
Front lamps
see Headlamps                                         
Fuel  ..................................................... 178
Additives  ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank  .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel  .................209
Fuel consumption statistics  ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp  .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline  ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements  ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap  ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  ........ 303
Fuel tank  
Capacity  ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap  ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses  .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener  .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel                                                     
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)  ... 206
Gear range  ......................................... 106
Indicator  ........................................ 106
8Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 8 

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 

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
Index13230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 13 

Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking68Opening and closing73,
75
Valet locking77;Rear window defroster155=Fuel filler flap178?Doors:Locking and unlocking68,
267
AExterior rear view mirrors86BRetractable hardtop155CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid96Cleaning219DWipers95FunctionPageWiper blades, replacing275Wiper blades, cleaning219EHood180FFront lamps271GHeadlamp cleaning system93HFront towing eye288ITires and wheels186Rims and tires299JRear lamps271KRear towing eye28826Exterior viewAt a glance
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 26   

Lower partFunctionPage:Gear selector lever103;Parktronic system
deactivation switch147
=Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment86
?ABC suspension tuning
button143
ATow-away alarm switch64BPower-folding exterior rear
view mirrors, Canada only88
CRetractable hardtop switch155Roll bar buttons51DABC vehicle level control
button142
EElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®) switch656
FunctionPageFThumbwheel for setting
following distance for
Distronic6133,
138
GDistance warning function
switch6133,
141
HProgram mode selector
switch61066Layout in SL 63 AMG differs.34Center consoleAt a glance
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 34