
Tire type code
Tire type code ? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code
for identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture A identifies the
week and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3208” represents the 32nd
week of 2008.
Tire ply material
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall : and
under the tread ;.
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight 
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Air pressure 
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), kilopascal (kPa), or bar.
Aspect ratio 
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar 
Metric unit for air pressure. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Bead 
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure 
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight 
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation) 
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Tires and wheels205Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 205Z   

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Engine 
Oil Level 
Stop car, 
switch 
engine 
off.The engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 183) and check the engine oil level
( Y  page 181).CThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Reserve 
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Fuel Cap 
OpenA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 178).XIf it is not closed properly:  Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Lamps
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and  M SolutionsbActive 
Headlamps 
Inoperativ
eThe active Bi-Xenon headlamp system is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bReverse 
Lamp Left
or
Reverse 
Lamp RightThe left or right backup lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display249Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 249Z 

Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÒThe white
Distronic
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.The Distronic distance sensor has recognized a preceding vehicle.ÒThe red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or the
distance warning system has recognized a stationary obstacle on
your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
Vehicle
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and  M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel cap is not closed properly.XClose the fuel cap.262What to do if …Practical hints
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EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions=  (USA only 19
)
;  (Canada only 19
)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
=  (USA only 19
)
;  (Canada only 19
)
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 178).XIf it is not closed properly:  Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric radiator fan may be
broken.XImmediately add coolant to prevent engine from overheating
( Y  page 184).XHave the cooling system checked.XIf the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you can
continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XAvoid high engine loads (e.g. driving uphill) and stop-and-go
driving.19 Depending on vehicle production date, U.S. vehicles may be equipped with the Canada engine malfunction
indicator lamp  ;.What to do if …263Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 263Z 

Spare wheel
!  Compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure
given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
i Please note that the tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.SL 550
SL 550 (Sport Package)SL 600
SL 600 (Sport Package)
SL 63 AMGRim6 B x 17 H26 B x 18 H2Wheel offset0.98 in (25 mm)0.98 in (25 mm)Collapsible tire 40185/60-17 93P175/55-18 95PRecommended tire 
inflation pressure41 psi (2.8 bar)51 psi (3.5 bar)SL 63 AMG (Performance Package)
SL 65 AMGRim6.5 B x 19 H2Wheel offset0.55 in (14 mm)Collapsible tire 40175/50-19 97PRecommended tire 
inflation pressure51 psi (3.5 bar)Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit  www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
GWarning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
40 Must not be used with snow chains.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.303Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 303Z 

If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, 
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil 
filterSL 550
SL 65 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsSL 600
SL 63 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Automatic 
transmissionSL 5509.8 US qt (9.3 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidSL 63 AMG9.3 US qt (8.8 l)SL 600
SL 65 AMG8.0 US qt (7.5 l)Rear axleSL 550
SL 6001.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)SL 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DSL 63 AMG 41
SL 65 AMGCastrol SAF-XJ
(SAE 75W-140)Hydraulic 
system for 
active body 
control (ABC)All models3.7 US qt (3.5 l)MB ABC FluidPower steeringAll modelsapprox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)Brake systemAll models0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemSL 550approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeSL 600approx. 15.9 US qt (15.0 l)SL 63 AMGapprox. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 14.8 US qt (14.0 l)Low 
temperature 
cooling systemSL 600approx. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.4 US qt (3.2 l)41 With Performance Package.304Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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![MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012  Owners Manual ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, 
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank 
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx. MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012  Owners Manual ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, 
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank 
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx.](/manual-img/4/58121/w960_58121-306.png)
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, 
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank 
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)SL 63 AMG
SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air 
conditioning 
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Hydraulic 
system for 
retractable 
hardtopAll models0.42 US qt (0.4 l)MB Hydraulic OilWasher system 
and headlamp 
cleaning 
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 42
( Y  page 309)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 309)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit  www.mbusa.com  (USA only).
!  Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage notcovered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.ModelEngine,
typeMB sheet
numberSL 550273229.5SL 600275229.542 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.305Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 305Z 

approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
!  Add premixed coolant solution only.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze separately from each other,
could cause engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37† ), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solution
or other Mercedes-Benz approved products
of equal specification are used to renew the
coolant concentration or bring it back up to
the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit  www.mbusa.com  (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this amount
of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be used to
bring it up to the proper level (have cooling
system checked for signs of leakage). Pleasemake sure the mixture is in accordance with
label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water.
If you are not sure about the water quality,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum
parts. The use of aluminum components in
motor vehicle engines necessitates that
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in
such engines be specifically formulated to
protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use
such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will
result in a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or once
a year in hot southern regions), you should
have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked.
The coolant is also regularly checked each
time you bring your vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
308Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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