2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300 Owner's Manual

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not
face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
Panic alarm
X
Activating: Press and hold !
button : for at least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate.
i Without the antenna on the left rear side
of the vehicle installed, the SmartKey
signaling range for the panic alarm is
considerably reduced. The panic alarm
then only functions if the SmartKey is held
in close proximity towards the antenna
base. X
Deactivating: Press ! button : again.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
( Electronic Stability Program)Driving safety systems
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i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the
natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48. G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the

brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely

braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. 48
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G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance. BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated. G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore,

the braking distance may increase. ESP
® G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
) is
operational
as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP
®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®


is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically,

the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or when the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size Driving safety systems
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as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP ®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching off the ESP ®G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning. When you switch off the ESP
®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R the cruise control cannot be activated
R the cruise control switches off if activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle. X
With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ®
is switched off. G
Warning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
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!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP ®X
Press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP ®
switched on. Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating X
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Deactivating X
Switch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the trunk
R the hood
R the glove box
R the storage compartment under the
armrest
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The

alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is raised (tow-away alarm)
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R a door is opened from the inside
R the trunk is opened with the emergency
release button
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 53).
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The Tele Aid system will
initiate the call provided that
R you have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
R the Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
R the necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available Anti-theft systems
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X
Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.
X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
i Unless you open a door or the trunk within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R The vehicle will be locked again.
R The anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed. Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 53). i
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Customer
Assistance Center is initiated automatically
by the Tele Aid system provided that you
have subscribed to the Tele Aid service and
that it has been activated properly, and that
the necessary mobile phone, power supply
and GPS coverage are available.
X Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm is armed after about
30 seconds automatically.
X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until
you lock the vehicle again.
Disabling tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
disable the tow-away alarm feature before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry
or auto train.
X
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
X Press tow-away alarm switch ;.
Indicator lamp : comes on briefly.
X Exit and lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm remains disabled until
you lock the vehicle again. 52
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Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
X Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
X Press button % or & on the
SmartKey. Anti-theft systems
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