2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS Owner's Manual

Removing the wheelGWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built
into both sides of the vehicle. Make sure the
jack arm is fully seated in the jack take-up
bracket. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always make sure the electronic parking
brake is engaged. In addition, block the
wheels with wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects before raising the vehicle with the
jack. Do not disengage the electronic parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
XOn the wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with wheel
wrench :).
XAssemble the jack (Y page 363).
The jack take-up bracket is located centrally
between the front and rear wheel housings
where indicated by the arrow.
GWarning!
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets. Make
sure the jack arm is fully seated in the jack
take-up bracket.
If you do not position the jack correctly in the
jack take-up bracket, the vehicle can fall off
the jack and seriously or fatally injure you or
others.
! Do not position the jack on the body of
the vehicle, as this may cause damage to
the vehicle.
Wheel change407Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 407Z

XPlace jack = on firm ground.XPosition jack = under take-up
bracket ; so that it is always vertical as
seen from the side, even if the vehicle is
parked on an incline.
XTurn crank ? clockwise until jack = is
fully seated in take-up bracket ; and the
jack base evenly meets the ground.
XJack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
! The rim could strike the ceramic
composite brake disk when removing and
attaching the wheel. The ceramic
composite brake disk could be damaged.
Exercise appropriate care and have a
second person assist you if possible or use
a second alignment bolt.
XUnscrew the uppermost wheel bolt and
remove it.
XReplace this wheel bolt with alignment bolt
A.
XRemove the remaining bolts.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the wheel
bolts and wheel hub threads.
XRemove the wheel.
Mounting the wheel
GWarning!
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts.
GWarning!
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
408Wheel changePractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 408

:Wheel boltXClean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel
hub.
! To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt.
! The rim could strike the ceramic
composite brake disk when removing and
attaching the wheel. The ceramic
composite brake disk could be damaged.
Exercise appropriate care and have a
second person assist you if possible or use
a second alignment bolt.
XGuide the wheel onto the alignment bolt
and push it on.
XInsert the wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
XUnscrew the alignment bolt.XInstall the last wheel bolt and tighten it
slightly.
XLower the vehicle by turning the crank
counterclockwise until the vehicle is
resting fully on its own weight.
XRemove the jack.
Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly, following
the diagonal sequence illustrated (: to A),
until all bolts are tight. Observe a tightening
torque of 96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
XFully collapse the jack, with handle folded
in (storage position), see (Y page 363).
XStore the jack and the other vehicle tools
in the designated storage space.
Wheel change409Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 409Z

Battery
Safety notes
A battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated service
life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing a battery, always use a
battery approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
GWarning!
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries.
Risk of explosion.Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling batteries.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do
not allow it to come into
contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, especially gloves,
apron and faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills
immediately with clear
water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Keep children away.Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual.
A battery contains materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly. A
large 12 V storage battery contains lead.
Recycling of the battery is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states (USA only)
or provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept the old battery for
recycling.
GWarning!
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
GWarning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
410BatteryPractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 410

Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! The battery is a Valve-Regulated Lead
Acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery.
Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries
therefore do not have cell caps and the
battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the battery as otherwise
the battery will be damaged.
VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. They cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level.
However, the battery condition must be
checked periodically by performing a
battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
Rhas the same security features
Ris of identical size
Ris of identical voltage
Ris of identical capacity
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
iMake sure the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status 0 when you turn off
the engine and no longer require any
electrical consumers. The vehicle then
uses very little power and the battery is
spared.
iIf the battery is discharged, you must use
the mechanical key to unlock the vehicle.
iAfter battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
RSynchronize the power windows
(Y page 256).
RSynchronize the exterior rear view
mirrors (Y page 248).
Battery location
The battery is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side.
XOpen the hood (Y page 322).:Negative terminal;Positive terminal with positive terminal
cover
Battery411Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 411Z

Charging the batteryGWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
XCharge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.412BatteryPractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 412

Jump startingGWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could otherwise seriously damage the transmission which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuccessful starting attempts, have it checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated failed starting attempts may damage the
catalytic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any other metal part while the other end is still
attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be started with jumper cables and the fully charged
battery of another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack. Observe the following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all vehicles. If you cannot access the battery of the
other vehicle, provide jump start power by an external battery or starter pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed when the engine and catalytic converter are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the battery if the battery is frozen. Let the battery
thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting with a
more powerful battery could damage the vehicle’s electrical system. Such damage will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts that
move when an engine is started or running.
R Should the battery be drained completely, let the donating power source charge the vehicle
for several minutes before reattempting the starting process.
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side.
Jump starting413Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 413Z

XMake sure the two vehicles do not touch.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XMake sure the transmission is in park position P.XOpen the hood (Y page 322).
Position B represents the charged battery of another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
XSlide cover A from positive terminal : in direction of arrow.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
XConnect positive terminal ; of charged battery B with positive terminal : with a jumper
cable. Clamp the cable to positive terminal ; of charged battery B first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with charged battery B and run at idle speed.XConnect negative terminal = of charged battery B with negative terminal ? with a jumper
cable. Clamp the cable to negative terminal ? of charged battery B first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical consumers. Do not switch on the headlamps under any
circumstances.
XRemove the jumper cables from negative terminals ? and = first.XRemove the jumper cables from positive terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
XSlide cover A back onto positive terminal :.XHave the battery checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.414Jump startingPractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 414