2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS brakes

Beverage holdersee Cup holder
Bit rates for digital audio .................. 179
Blocked areas for route guidance .... 112
Blocking routes ................................. 137
Bluetooth ®
activating phone ............................ 149
Device authorizing ........................... 97
Device de-authorizing ......................98
Displaying details ............................. 97
downloading address book
content .......................................... 166
external authorization ....................150
External authorization ......................98
List of devices .................................. 97
making calls ................................... 148
Settings ........................................... 96
Switching On/Off ............................ 96
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 325
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 376
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 357
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 370
Brakes ................................................ 349
Ceramic brake system ...................350
High-performance brake system ....350
Warning lamp ................................. 389
Break-in period .................................. 320
Brightness Setting ............................................. 93
Brightness setting
main video ..................................... 203
Browsing lists
see Predictive speller
see Searching
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 29
Calculating routes see Route guidance
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 27
Calling (See also Telephone) dialing with keypad ........................159
emergency calls ............................. 152
history of calls ............................... 155
redialing ................................... 85, 159
using address book entries ............165
using phone book
entries ............................. 84, 153, 160
voice control with .......................... 219
see Call lists
Call lists ............................................. 155
calling number in ........................... 160
deleting .......................................... 158
displaying details ........................... 156
saving entries in address
book ...................................... 156, 157
selecting ........................................ 156
Calls (phone) ...................................... 280
Call waiting function ......................... 160
Camera angle, DVD Video ................. 205
Canceling entry into COMAND ........... 87
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 425
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 359
Categories points of interest (POIs) .................128
satellite radio ......................... 175, 222
stopover destinations ....................124
CD/DVD discs
Loading .......................................... 180
CD Audio, main vehicle ..................... 177
ejecting discs ................................. 182
fast forward and reverse ................187
Gracenote ®
Media Database .........188
handling and care of discs .............180
loading discs .................................. 180
selecting a track ............................ 187
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iPod®
devices ..................................... 192
connecting to ................................. 192
playback options ............................ 197
playlists and folders .......................195
selecting tracks ............................. 195
J
Jack ..................................................... 363
Jump starting ..................................... 413
K
Key, Mechanical Loss of ........................................... 237
Replacing ....................................... 238
Unlocking/locking manually ..........397
Valet locking .................................. 241
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ........................237
Checking battery ........................... 237
Closing the windows ......................257
Factory setting ............................... 237
Global locking (SmartKey) .............237
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ..................................... 237
Locking/unlocking ........................236
Loss of ........................................... 237
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 379
Opening, trunk ............................... 239
Opening and closing the windows . 256
Remote control .............................. 236
Replacing ....................................... 238
Replacing battery ........................... 399
Restoring to factory setting ...........237
Selective setting ............................ 237
Starter switch positions .................242
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions .................241
Keypad, entering characters with ..... 87
Kickdown ........................................... 266
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 270
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 345
Knee bags ............................................ 48
L
Labels Certification ................................... 420
Emission control information .........421
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 334
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ......................250
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 384
Switching on/off ........................... 250
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 35, 389
Brakes ........................................... 389
Center console ................................ 38
Engine malfunction ........................394
Engine oil temperature ..................394
ESC .......................................... 35, 393
Fuel tank reserve ........................... 394
High-beam headlamps .............35, 252
Instrument cluster .........................388
Low-beam headlamps ..............35, 250
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ........................395
Passenger front air bag off ......49, 396
Seat belt telltale ................35, 55, 391
SRS .......................................... 44, 392
Turn signals ..................................... 35
Lane recommendations .................... 135
Language Setting ............................................. 99
Language settings
DVD Video ..................................... 205
Last Destinations .............................. 147
adding stopover destination ..........124
adding to memory .......................... 145
choosing destination from .............123
deleting destination from ...............147
saving current vehicle
position ................................. 106, 147
voice control for ............................ 216
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 385
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 358
Lighter see Cigarette lighter Index13BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 13

Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R EBP ( Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC ( Electronic Stability Control)
R Trunk Wing
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance from other road users
and objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
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functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuverXKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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.
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! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESC engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESC. The ETS improves the
vehicle’s ability to utilize available traction,
especially under slippery road conditions by
applying the brakes to a spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESC, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching ESC SPORT on or off
GWarning!
ESC SPORT should not be switched on during
normal driving.
Switching ESC SPORT on will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R system-supported traction control is
limited
ESC SPORT is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on ESC SPORT.
Do not switch on ESC SPORT when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
ESC SPORT. This allows the drive wheels to
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip,
for example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravelGWarning!
Switch off ESC SPORT and switch on the ESC
immediately if the aforementioned
circumstances do not apply anymore.
Otherwise ESC SPORT will only stabilize the
vehicle to a limited extent when it is starting
to skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch on ESC SPORT
R the ESC stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
R the engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
R the cruise control cannot be activated
R the cruise control switches off if activated
i When ESC SPORT is switched on and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
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XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESC-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESC SPORT switches off automatically when
you turn off the engine. When starting the
engine, the ESC is activated automatically.
Switching the ESC off or on
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
Rthe ESC will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen ESC is switched off and one or more
drive wheels are spinning, the ESC warning
lamp ÷ in the instrument cluster does
not flash. The ESC will not stabilize the
vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : until the ESC OFF
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warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
The ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addition, Adaptive Brake provides the hill-
start assist system (Y page 293).
For more information on the brake system,
see (Y page 349).
Trunk Wing
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Trunk Wing enhances the vehicle’s
driving stability. It adapts the aerodynamics
of the vehicle to the driving conditions
according to the speed.
Trunk Wing switch : should be used for
cleaning only, see “Trunk Wing”
(Y page 360). It is not needed for Trunk Wing
operation.
The Trunk Wing extends at a vehicle speed of
above 75 mph (120 km/h) automatically.
Trunk Wing switch : flashes for as long as
the Trunk Wing extends. It remains
illuminated in red when the Trunk Wing is fully
extended.
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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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