2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS Owner's Manual

For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 325).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 252).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
or
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again.
If the windshield wipers fail to function at
all with the combination switch in position
Ä or Å ,
R set the combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed
R have the windshield wipers checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
Power windows
Opening and closing
The door windows are opened and closed
electrically. The switches for all windows are
located on the driver’s door. The switch for
operating the passenger-side windows is
located on the passenger door.GObserve Safety notes, see page 57.GWarning!
When opening or closing the door windows,
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the opening/closing procedure.
The door windows are equipped with the
express operation and automatic reversal
function. If in express operation mode a door
window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path, the automatic reversal
function will stop the door window and open
it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled and held. See the “Closing
when a door window is blocked” section in
this chapter for details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by either pressing or
pulling the respective switch.
If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the door windows by pressing
and holding button & on the SmartKey the
automatic reversal function will not operate.
i You can also open or close the door
windows using the SmartKey, see
“Summer opening feature” ( Y page 256)
and “Convenience closing feature”
( Y page 257).
i After switching off the ignition or
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch, you can operate the door windows
until you open a door. If no door was
opened you can operate the door windows
for up to 5 minutes.
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XSwitch on the ignition.XOpening/closing: Press or pull and hold
switch : or ; to the resistance point.
The corresponding door window moves
downward or upward until you release the
switch.
XExpress operation: Press or pull
switch : or ; past the resistance point
and release.
The corresponding door window opens or
closes completely.
XStopping during express operation:
Press or pull the respective switch again.
Closing when a door window is blocked
GWarning!
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
and be seriously or even fatally injured when
closing a door window with greater force or
without automatic reversal function.
If the upward movement of a door window is
blocked during the closing procedure, the
door window will stop and open slightly.
XImmediately after the door window has
stopped because it was blocked, pull and
hold the respective switch upward until the
door window is fully closed.
The door window closes with greater force.
If the door window is blocked again and opens
slightly:
XImmediately after the door window was
blocked, pull and hold the respective
switch upward until the door window is fully
closed.
The door window closes without automatic
reversal function.
GWarning!
Pulling and holding the switch to close the
door window immediately after it had been
blocked two times will cause the door window
to close without the anti-entrapment feature
for as long as you hold the switch.
Synchronizing power windows
The power windows must be synchronized if
they cannot be fully closed (express
operation).
Each power window must be synchronized
separately.
XClose all doors.XSwitch on the ignition.XPull and hold switch : or ;
(Y page 255) until the respective power
window is closed.
The power window opens again slightly.
XPull and hold the respective switch once
more immediately until the power window
is closed completely.
XHold the respective switch for
approximately 1 second.
The power window is synchronized.
Summer opening feature
When the weather is warm, you can ventilate
the vehicle before driving off by opening the
door windows.
The summer opening feature can only be
activated via the remote control of the
SmartKey. The SmartKey must be in close
proximity to the driver’s outside door handle.
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XAim the transmitter eye of the SmartKey at
the driver’s outside door handle.XPress button % on the SmartKey to
unlock the vehicle.
Keep button % pressed until the door
windows have reached the desired
position.XRelease button % on the SmartKey to
interrupt the opening procedure.
Convenience closing feature
When locking the vehicle, you can close the
door windows.
GWarning!
When closing the door windows, make sure
there is no danger of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.
If potential danger exists, proceed as follows:
R Release button & to stop the closing
procedure. To open, press and hold button
% . To continue the closing procedure
after making sure that there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure, press and hold button &.
The SmartKey must be in close proximity to
the driver’s outside door handle.
XAim the transmitter eye of the SmartKey at
the driver’s outside door handle.XPress button & on the SmartKey to lock
the vehicle.XPress and hold button & on the
SmartKey until the door windows are
closed completely.XRelease button & on the SmartKey to
interrupt the extending procedure.
Driving and parking
Safety notes
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 the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
GWarning!
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. Adapt your driving accordingly.
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Starting the engineGWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Gearshift pattern for AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT7-SPEED Transmission
jPark positionkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive position
For more information, see “AMG SPEEDSHIFT
DCT 7-SPEED Transmission” (Y page 263).
XMake sure the transmission is in park
position P.
With KEYLESS-GO
GWarning!
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
It will, however, not be detected in the trunk.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
:USA only;Canada onlyXDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
The engine starts automatically.
With SmartKey
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 (Y page 242) and release it.
The engine starts automatically.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
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The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 413).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.Driving offGWarning!
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.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Drive off immediately after starting the
engine to warm up the engine efficiently.
The engine must be at operating
temperature before using full engine
power. The engine has reached operating
temperature once the engine oil
temperature indicator in the AMG menu of
the control system has stopped flashing.
At engine temperatures below 32‡ (0†),
the engine’s maximum speed is restricted
in order to protect it from damage. Avoid
driving your vehicle at full speed when the
engine is cold to prevent premature engine
wear and/or diminished comfort.
! You have forgotten to release the
electronic parking brake when driving off if
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
Release the electronic parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
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premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED
TransmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the transmission out
of park position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
! Only shift the transmission into reverse
gear R or park position P when the vehicle
is stopped. Otherwise the transmission
could be damaged.
XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.XShift the transmission into drive position
D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the transmission out of park
position P is only possible with the brake
pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically.The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
After a cold start, the transmission shifts at a
higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic
converter to reach its operating temperature
earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 258).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above 248‡
(120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 324).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.260Driving and parkingControls in detail
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If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the transmission into park position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button,
or turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the transmission out of park position P,
either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Engaging electronic parking brake
XPress handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe transmission is in drive position D or
reverse gear R. With the transmission in
reverse gear R the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
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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.
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