2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS park assist

iIf you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
R The driver’s door is closed and you shift
the transmission out of park position P.
or
R The driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Emergency braking with electronic
parking brake
In an emergency situation, you can also brake
your vehicle by using the electronic parking
brake.XWhile driving, press handle :.
All four wheels of the vehicle will be braked
for as long as you press and hold the handle
for the electronic parking brake. The longer
you keep the handle pressed, the stronger
your vehicle will be braked.
During the braking procedure
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake F (USA only) or !
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop,
the electronic parking brake will engage
automatically.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
XShift the transmission into park position P .With KEYLESS-GOXPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter
switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s
door opened, the starter switch is set to
position 0, same as the SmartKey removed
from the starter switch ( Y page 242).
Read and observe messages that may appear
in the multifunction display ( Y page 367).
i The transmission will shift into neutral
position N automatically when you turn off
the engine with the transmission in reverse
gear R or drive position D.
The transmission will remain in neutral
position N for approximately 30 minutes
when you have shifted the transmission to
neutral position N before turning off the
engine.
The transmission will shift into park
position P automatically when you open a
door during this period.
i In an emergency you can turn off the
engine while driving by pressing and
holding the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
for approximately 3 seconds.
With SmartKey
! Do not remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch while driving. When driving
at low speed, the transmission will
otherwise shift into park position P
automatically. The transmission could be
damaged as a result.
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Read and observe messages that may appear
in the multifunction display ( Y page 367).
i The transmission will shift into neutral
position N automatically when you turn off
the engine with the transmission in reverse
gear R or drive position D.
262Driving and parkingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 262

=Average speed during lap?Lap lengthAMaximum speed during lapXPress button : or 9 to see other lap
analyses.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R RACE START
R Hill-start assist system
R Parktronic system
R Rear view camera
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, EBP, ESC and Trunk Wing are
described in the “Safety and security” section
( Y page 61).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.GWarning!
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
:Setting current or higher speed;Setting current or lower speed=Canceling the cruise control?Activating the cruise control or resuming
to last set speed
Activating cruise control
You can activate the cruise control at a
vehicle speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
You cannot activate the cruise control
R when you brake
R when you have engaged the electronic
parking brake
290Driving systemsControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 290

Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.XTurn the program mode selector dial
clockwise ( Y page 267) until the RS lamp
on the dial comes on.
The message RACE START Confirm:
Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN
appears in the multifunction display.
i When the activation conditions are not
fulfilled anymore, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START Canceled
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo cancel: Pull left steering wheel gearshift
control ( Y page 267).
or
XTo confirm: Pull right steering wheel
gearshift control ( Y page 267).
The message RACE START Available
Depress gas pedal. appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START Not
Possible See Operator’s Manual
appears in the multifunction display.
XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed increases.
The message RACE START Release
brake to start appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START
Canceled appears in the multifunction
display.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal while
keeping the accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The message RACE START Active appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START deactivates at a vehicle speed
of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). The transmission
switches to program mode S+. ESC SPORT
remains switched on.
RACE START is canceled immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal while RACE
START is active or when the activation
conditions are not fulfilled anymore. The
message RACE START Not Possible See
Operator’s Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a
short period of time, it is only available
again after having driven the vehicle a
certain distance.
Hill-start assist system
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the electronic parking brake
in addition to shifting the transmission into
park position P.
XDepress the brake pedal.XShift the transmission into drive position
D or reverse gear R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the transmission in neutral position N
R with the electronic parking brake engaged
R if the ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
Driving systems293Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 293Z

Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
Ryou switch on the ignition
and
Ryou release the electronic parking brake
or
Ryou start the engine
and
Rshift the transmission into drive position
D, reverse gear R, or neutral position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the transmission into park position
P or engage the electronic parking brake and
turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with four
sensors in the front bumper and four sensors
in the rear bumper.
Example illustration, sensors in the front bumper
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the Parktronic system sensors”
(Y page 357).
GWarning!
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the need
for extreme care. The responsibility during
parking and other critical maneuvers always
remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
! Ultrasonic signals from outside sources
(e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the operation of
the Parktronic system.
Range of the sensors
294Driving systemsControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 294

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
Driving instructions349OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 349Z

advisable to brake the vehicle with
considerable force prior to parking. The heat
generated serves to dry the brakes.
Salt-covered roadsGWarning!
A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake
linings may cause a delay in the braking
effect, resulting in a significantly increased
braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully when you are
driving on salt-covered roads, so that any
layer of salt that may have built up on the
brake discs and the brake linings is
removed without putting other road users
at risk
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc
Brake service
! The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the red brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running and an acoustic warning
sounds. Observe additional messages in
the multifunction display that may appear.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
GWarning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position
0 or 1, or SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the rear axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 62).
High-performance brake system and
ceramic brake system
GWarning!
New vehicle brake pads and disks, and
replacement brake pads and disks may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
350Driving instructionsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 350

Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCruise Control
InoperativeThe cruise control is malfunctioning.
In addition an acoustic warning sounds.XHave the cruise control checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.Cruise Control
- - - mph One of the activation conditions for cruise control has not been
fulfilled. You may have attempted to set a speed below 20 mph
(30 km/h). XDrive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) if the situation allows and
set the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 290).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsApply Brake
to Shift from 'P'You have attempted to shift the transmission into drive position
D , reverse gear R or neutral position N without depressing the
brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.Door Open
Vehicle Not in 'P'In addition an acoustic warning sounds.
You have opened the driver’s door and the transmission is still in
drive position D, reverse gear R or neutral position N.XBefore you leave the vehicle, make sure the transmission is in
park position P and the electronic parking brake is engaged.Service Required
Do Not Shift Gears
Visit DealerIn addition an acoustic warning sounds.
The transmission cannot be shifted out of the current transmission
position because of a malfunction.
If the transmission is in drive position D:XWithout shifting the transmission out of drive position D, drive
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the transmission is set to neutral position N, reverse gear R or
park position P:
XDo not drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display367Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 367Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsF
(USA only) !
(Canada only)
Parking Brake
InoperativeWhen you engage or release the electronic parking brake, the red
indicator lamp for the electronic parking brake flashes and goes
out after approx. 10 seconds. The yellow warning lamp for the
electronic parking brake comes on.
The electronic parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch ignition off and back on again, and engage or release
electronic parking brake.
If the electronic parking brake cannot be engaged:
XShift the transmission to park position P (Y page 263).XProtect vehicle from rolling away while parked by using a chock
from the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 362).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only) J
(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe to do
so.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
376Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 376