2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG steering

ROnly use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 62)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the transmission to neutral position N. Try to
keep the vehicle under control by corrective
steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 347).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly - save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Power assistance
GWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Brakes
Downhill grades
! When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces
wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Continuous or hard braking
GWarning!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop
the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on
for some time, rather than immediately park,
so that the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Wet roads
GWarning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary to obtain expected brake effect.
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is
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Starting approximately 1 month before the
next maintenance service is required, one of
the following messages will appear in the
multifunction display. The messages will
appear while you are driving or when you
switch on the ignition (example service A):
Next Service A in XXXX mi (km)
Next Service A in XX days
Service A Due
An additional number or a further letter in
combination with the maintenance type can
be indicated. This indicates that further
auxiliary maintenance work is required.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for more information.
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator message
The maintenance service indicator message
is cleared automatically
R after approximately 10 seconds when you
switch on the ignition
R after approximately 10 seconds when
reaching the service threshold while driving
R after approximately 30 seconds, once the
suggested maintenance service term has
passed
XClearing the maintenance service
indicator message manually: Press
button 0041 or button 0064 on the
multifunction steering wheel.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display.
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
maintenance service term, you will see the
following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A Exceeded by XXXXX mi (km)
Service A Exceeded by XXX days
In addition, a signal sounds when the
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance service.
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
i The menu overview can be found on
( Y page 275).
You can call up the maintenance service
indicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is required.
XSwitch on the ignition.
The standard display of the control system
appears ( Y page 275).XPress button 0040 or 003E on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu.XPress button 003D or 003C to select
ASSYST PLUS .XPress button 0064 on the multifunction
steering wheel to confirm.
The maintenance service indicator display
with the maintenance service deadline
appears in the multifunction display.
i If the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
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Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber partsXUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.XWipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry.GWarning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display
! You must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
XUse a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.Steering wheel and gear selector leverXWipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Carpets
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet and
Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.
Headliner
XUse a soft bristle brush or a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Seat belts
XOnly use clear, lukewarm water and soap.
! The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the
seat belts at temperatures above 176‡
(80†) or in direct sunlight.
GWarning!
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause the
upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will
be prevented.
GWarning!
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the side impact air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
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Before placing the jack back into the vehicle
tool kit:XFully collapse the jack.XFold in the crank handle (storage position).
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
0064 or 0041 on the multifunction steering
wheel ( Y page 272).
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
0064 or 0041 . They are then stored in the
vehicle status message memory
( Y page 281). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message
disappear. Clearing a message will not
correct the condition that caused the
message to appear.
GWarning!
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury.
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may appear.
For your convenience the messages are
divided into text messages ( Y page 365) and
symbol messages ( Y page 370).
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 SolutionsAt least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is mounted.
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire inflation
pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.Tire Press. Monitor
Currently
UnavailableThe Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure due
to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient power supply.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified, the
Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after a few
minutes of driving.Correct Tire
PressureThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from each
other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the multifunction
display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 329).XRestart the Advanced TPMS ( Y page 329).Caution Tire
MalfunctionAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 405).Check TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly below
the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 405).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0027
(USA only) 004D
(Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp 00F2, the yellow ESC OFF
warning lamp 00C7, and the yellow ABS indicator lamp 0031 come
on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability. XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
0027
(USA only) 004D
(Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp 00F2, the yellow ESC OFF
warning lamp 00C7, and the yellow ABS indicator lamp 0031 come
on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS, the
BAS, the ESC, and the hill-start assist system are operational again
and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0027
(USA only) 004D
(Canada only)
EBD, ABS, and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp 00F2, the yellow ESC OFF
warning lamp 00C7, and the yellow ABS indicator lamp 0031 come
on and an acoustic warning sounds.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the EBP, and the ESC are
unavailable. XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
0049
(USA only) 0024
(Canada only)
Release Parking
BrakeIn addition, the red indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake
flashes and an acoustic warning sounds.
You are driving with the electronic parking brake engaged, or you
are carrying out an emergency brake maneuver with the electronic
parking brake ( Y page 261).XRelease electronic parking brake.
or
XDrive off carefully.
or
XRelease the handle for electronic parking brake.372Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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