2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS transmission

Automatic shift program
Program mode selector dial
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingS+ Sport PlusFor sporty driving with
shorter shift times
M ManualFor manual gearshifting
(Y page 268)
RS RACE STARTFor optimum
acceleration from a
standing start
iProgram mode RS cannot be selected
while driving. For more information, see
“RACE START” (Y page 292).
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:Program mode indicator
iIn addition, the currently selected
program mode is indicated in red on the
program mode selector dial.
You should only change the program mode
when the transmission is in park position P.
Automatic program mode S or S+ will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with the
automatic program mode S or S+ selected,
the transmission will go to the automatic
program mode C when the engine is
restarted.
XTurn the program mode selector dial until
the letter of the desired program mode
appears in the multifunction display.
Selecting program mode C means:
RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
RTraction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later.
One-touch gearshifting
With the transmission in drive position D and
driving in automatic program mode C, S, or
S+, you can limit or extend the gear range
using the gear selector lever or the steering
wheel gearshift control.
For information on using the gear selector
lever or the steering wheel gearshift control
in manual program mode M, see “Manual shift
program” (Y page 268).
Steering wheel gearshift control
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iYou cannot shift with the steering wheel
gearshift control when the transmission is
in park position P, neutral position N, or
reverse gear R.
Limiting gear range 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.
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :.
or
XMove the gear selector lever forward briefly
( Y page 263).
The transmission will shift into the next
lower gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously limits
the gear range of the transmission.
i To avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the transmission will not shift
into a lower gear if the engine’s maximum
speed would be exceeded.
Extending gear range
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;.
or
XMove the gear selector lever back briefly
( Y page 263).
The transmission will shift into the next
higher gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the transmission.
i If you press on the accelerator pedal
when the engine has reached the
revolution limit of the current gear range,
the transmission will upshift beyond any
gear range limit selected.
Canceling gear range limitXPull and hold right gearshift control ; until
the gear range indicator disappears from
the multifunction display.
or
XMove the gear selector lever back and hold
it there until the numeral for the current
gear disappears from the multifunction
display.
The transmission will shift from the current
gear range directly into drive position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
XPull and hold left gearshift control :.
or
XMove the gear selector lever forward and
hold it there.
The transmission will select the gear range
suited for optimal acceleration and
deceleration automatically. This will involve
shifting down one or more gears.
Manual shift program
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program modes
S or S+.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
upshifting or downshifting using the gear
selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift
control.
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Program mode selector dial
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingS+ Sport PlusFor sporty driving with
shorter shift times
M ManualFor manual gearshiftingRS RACE STARTFor optimum
acceleration from a
standing start
iProgram mode RS cannot be selected
while driving. For more information, see
“RACE START” (Y page 292).
iIn addition, the currently selected
program mode is indicated in red on the
program mode selector dial.
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 267).
For information on automatic program mode
(C, S, or S+), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 267) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 267).
Activating manual shift program
XTurn the program mode selector dial until
M appears in the multifunction display. In
addition, M is indicated in red on the
program mode selector dial.
The transmission switches to manual
program mode M. Automatic shifting is
switched off. The gear range is not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
iManual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
transmission will go to automatic program
mode C when the engine is restarted.
Upshifting
! In manual program mode M, the
transmission will not upshift, even if the
engine has reached its overrevving range.
Shift up into the next gear before the
engine has reached its overrevving range.
Make absolutely certain that the engine
speed does not reach the red marking on
the tachometer. Otherwise the engine
could be damaged which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XMove the gear selector lever back briefly
(Y page 263).
or
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;
(Y page 267).
The transmission shifts into the next higher
gear.
Upshift indicator
In manual program mode M, the upshift
indicator in the multifunction display advises
you to upshift before the engine reaches the
overspeed range. Thus you can drive at the
maximum engine speed for each gear without
overrevving the engine.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED Transmission269Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 269Z

The white segments : and the yellow
segment ; come on in succession from left
to right.
The optimal moment to upshift is reached
when the red segments = come on and the
message up appears in the multifunction
display:
XShift the transmission from current gear
into the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be
interrupted to prevent the engine from
overrevving.
Downshifting
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.
XMove the gear selector lever forward briefly
(Y page 263).
or
XBriefly pull left gearshift control :
(Y page 267).
The transmission shifts into the next lower
gear.
iWhen you brake or stop, the transmission
shifts down into a gear from which you can
easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown
Using the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode M is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program
XTurn the program mode selector dial until
C or S appears in the multifunction display.
or
XRestart the engine.
The transmission will go to automatic
program mode C.
Manual program mode M is not stored.
AMG button (SETUP)
You can select a preset driving program
(SETUP) and store it using the AMG button.
XStoring: Press and hold AMG button :
until an acoustic signal sounds.
XSelecting: Press AMG button :.
The selected driving program is selected.
XDisplaying: Press AMG button : briefly.
In the multifunction display, the SETUP
appears in the AMG menu (Y page 288).
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely
operating in limp-home (emergency
operation) mode. In this mode only second
gear and reverse gear R can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the transmission into park position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the transmission into drive position
D (for second gear) or reverse gear R.
XHave the transmission checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
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Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
( Y page 34).
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.
The language setting for the multifunction
display can be changed via COMAND system
( Y page 99).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
R open the driver’s door
R switch on the ignition
R switch on the exterior lamps
Engine oil temperature gauge
The engine oil temperature gauge is located
in the instrument cluster. The engine oil
temperature may rise up to 140† under
normal driving conditions.
! The engine should not be operated with
the engine oil temperature above 140†.
Doing so may cause serious damage which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
The temperature of the transmission fluid and
coolant are displayed in the AMG menu
( Y page 287).
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
( Y page 34) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking.
Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature indicator is
displayed in the multifunction display
( Y page 273).
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.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge is on the left-hand side of the
instrument cluster (Y page 34). Once the fuel
level has fallen below the reserve mark, the
yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp 8
for the fuel reserve comes on.
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Press button briefly9
:to select submenu or scroll
through lists
within Audio menu to select
previous or next track, scene or
stored station
within Tel menu to switch to
the phone book and select a
name or numberPress and hold button9
:within Audio menu to select a
track or scene with quick
search or to select previous or
next station in station list or
wave band
within Tel menu to start the
quick search in the phone bookPress buttonato confirm selection or
messages
Depending on the selected menu, pressing
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel will alter what appears in the
multifunction display.
The information available in the multifunction
display is arranged in menus and
accompanying functions and submenus.
The individual functions are then found within
the relevant menu (radio or CD operations
under Audio, for example). These functions
serve to call up relevant information or to
customize the settings for your vehicle.
It is helpful to think of the menus, and the
functions within each menu, as being
arranged in a circular pattern.
In the Settings menu, instead of functions,
you will find a number of submenus for calling
up and changing settings. For instructions on
using these submenus, see “Settings menu”
( Y page 282).
The number of menus available in the system
depends on which optional equipment is
installed in your vehicle.
Using the control systemXTo select a menu: Press button =
or ; .XTo select a submenu: Press button :
or 9 .XTo go to the next higher menu level:
Press button %.XTo select the standard display: Press
button % repeatedly until the standard
display featuring the odometer and
speedometer appears.
or
XPress and hold button % until the
standard display featuring the trip
odometer and the main odometer appears.XTo confirm selection: Press button a.XTo confirm display message: Press
button a or % .
The control system saves certain display
messages. Calling up display messages
( Y page 282).
For information about warning and
malfunction messages appearing in the
multifunction display ( Y page 364).
Multifunction display
:Transmission position/gear range
indicator;Transmission program mode indicator=Text fieldControl system273Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 273Z

wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment stalk or press one
of the memory position buttons.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Easy Entry/Exit: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Easy Entry/Exit: feature will be
Enabled or Disabled .
Switching fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors on or off
Use this function to set the exterior rear view
mirrors to be folded in automatically when
you lock your vehicle.
With this function set to Enabled and the
exterior rear view mirrors folded in using the
button on the door control panel
( Y page 248), the exterior rear view mirrors
will not fold out when you switch on the
ignition. You will then have to fold out the
exterior rear view mirrors using the button on
the door control panel ( Y page 248).
Make sure both exterior rear view mirrors are
folded out completely before driving off.XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.XPress a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Fold Mirrors in when Locking:
function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
automatic fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors will be Enabled or Disabled .
AMG menu
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.:Digital speedometer;Engine oil temperature indicator=Coolant temperature indicator?Transmission fluid temperature indicator
The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
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176‡ (80†). During this time, avoid driving
at full engine speed.
Use buttons : or 9 to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
R SETUP ( Y page 288)
R RACETIMER ( Y page 288)
R Overall analysis ( Y page 289)
R Lap analysis ( Y page 289)
SETUP
SETUP indicates the current driving program
mode and the ESC mode.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.XPress button 9 to select SETUP.
or
XTap the AMG button on the center console
( Y page 270).:Transmission program mode indicator;ESC mode indicator
RACETIMER
GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.XPress button 9 repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.:Digital tachometer;RACETIMER=Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 241).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X .
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you press button W after switching
the ignition back on or restarting the engine.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to 16 laps.
XPress button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.XPress button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.288Control systemControls in detail
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