2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER ECU

You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling mode
when a spare wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
the SPORT handling mode. 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 off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When you switch on the SPORT handling
mode
Rthe ESP® stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that 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 ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the SPORT handling mode is
switched on and one or more drive wheels
are spinning, the ABS/ESP® warning lamp
÷ or d8 in the instrument cluster
flashes. However, the ESP® will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The SPORT handling mode warning lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on.
The message SPORT handling mode
appears in the multifunction display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The SPORT handling mode warning lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
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Version 2
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESP-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
The SPORT handling mode switches off
automatically when you turn off the engine.
When starting the engine, the ESP® is
activated automatically.
Switching the ESP® off or on
GWarning!
The ESP® 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
“ESP® 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 ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. 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 ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® 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 ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp ÷ or d8 in the
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instrument cluster does not flash. The
ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP® OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The message ESP-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP® OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster goes out.
The message ESP-ON appears in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
When the ESP® OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESP® is switched off.
When the ABS/ESP® warning lamp ÷ and
the ESP® OFF warning lamp å are
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is not
operational due to a malfunction
When the ESP® is switched off or not
operational due to a malfunction, 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 ESP®.
Version 2
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ABS/ESP®
warning lamp d and the ESP® OFF
warning lamp % in the instrument
cluster come on.
The message ESP-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp % in the
instrument cluster go out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
GWarning!
When the ABS/ESP® warning lamp d and
the ESP® OFF warning lamp % are
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
switched off. 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 ESP®.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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Electro-hydraulic brake system
The electro-hydraulic brake system combines
a hydraulic brake circuit with electronically
controlled brake servo assistance. You have
increased braking safety and improved
braking comfort.GWarning!
Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated in
the speedometer display, for example by the
$ (USA only) or J (Canada only)
indicator lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints”
section. Also read and observe the messages
in the instrument cluster multifunction
display.
For information on warning and indicator
lamps, see the “Practical hints” section
( Y page 255). For information on the
messages that may appear in the
multifunction display, see the “Practical
hints” section ( Y page 227) and
( Y page 237).
GWarning!
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply or
electrical system may impair brake system
operation and switch it into its emergency
operation mode. In such a case, the red brake
warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
the “Towing the vehicle” section in this
Operator’s Manual.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated automatically when you
R unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
with KEYLESS-GO
R open the driver’s or passenger door
R turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1
R press the start/stop button on the gear
selector lever once (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
R depress the brake pedal
R release the parking brake
If the electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated as the brake pedal is first
depressed, you may feel a reduced pedal
resistance and longer pedal travel than
normal. When releasing the pedal, you may
also feel the brake pedal pulsate and you may
hear a sound which is caused by the
activation of the electro-hydraulic brake
system pump. This is normal and not an
indication of a malfunction. Pedal travel
returns to normal when you release the brake
pedal and the sound soon ceases.
If you experience the above while driving and
the red brake warning lamp illuminates
and/or warning messages appear in the
multifunction display, the brake system is
malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the
warning message(s) and have the brake
system checked immediately.GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
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out by qualified technicians only. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The electro-hydraulic brake system must be
deactivated prior to working on the system.
High pressure is intermittently built up in the
system as part of its automatic self-test.
In addition, the system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is unlocked by
remote control, when the driver or passenger
door is opened, when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button is pressed
once, when the brake pedal is depressed or
when the parking brake is released. Failure to
deactivate the system prior to maintenance
will cause brake pistons to extend and brake
fluid to leak, which may result in injuries
(contusions and acid burns). Extended brake
pistons may also cause injury.
The electro-hydraulic brake system switches
off automatically
R approximately 2 minutes after you turned
the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 or removed the SmartKey
R approximately 2 minutes after you pressed
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button to turn
off the engine or power supply and opened
the driver’s door (with driver’s door open,
the starter switch is set to position 0, same
as SmartKey removed from starter switch)
R approximately 20 seconds after you locked
the vehicle from outside
For more information on your vehicle’s
brakes, see the “Driving instructions” section
( Y page 210).
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
ActivatingXWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the trunk
R the hood
R a storage compartment in the rear
R the glove box
R the storage compartment under the
armrest
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is raised (tow-away alarm)
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
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Ra door is opened from the inside
Rthe trunk is opened with the emergency
release button
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 65).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The Tele Aid system will
initiate the call provided that
Ryou have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
Rthe Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
Rthe necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
iUnless you open a door or the trunk within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
RThe vehicle will be locked again.
RThe anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 65).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Customer
Assistance Center is initiated automatically
by the Tele Aid system provided that you
have subscribed to the Tele Aid service and
that it has been activated properly, and that
the necessary mobile phone, power supply
and GPS coverage are available.
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The tow-away alarm is armed after about
30 seconds automatically.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until
you lock the vehicle again.
Disabling tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
disable the tow-away alarm feature before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
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surface subject to movement, such as a ferry
or auto train.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XPress tow-away alarm switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on briefly.
XExit and lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm remains disabled until
you lock the vehicle again.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XPress button % or & on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
XGrasp an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
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Remember to re-secure the luggage cover
after loading/unloading the trunk.
Otherwise you will not be able to lower the
retractable hardtop.
Opening the trunk from the outside
Vehicles without trunk opening/closing
system
XPress button F on the SmartKey.
or
XPull on handle :.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
If the trunk does not open, it is still locked
separately (Y page 77).
Vehicles with trunk opening/closing
system
XPress and hold button F on the
SmartKey until trunk unlocks and begins to
open.
or
XPull on handle :.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
If the trunk does not open, it is still locked
separately (Y page 77).
XStopping the opening procedure: Press
button F on the SmartKey or pull the
trunk lid handle.
Opening the trunk from the inside
Vehicles without trunk opening/closing
system
XPull remote trunk opening switch : until
the trunk unlocks and opens slightly.
Indicator lamp ; comes on and remains lit
until the trunk is closed.
XLift the trunk lid.
Vehicles with trunk opening/closing
system
XPull and hold remote trunk opening/
closing switch : until the trunk unlocks
and begins to open.
Indicator lamp ; comes on and remains lit
until the trunk is closed.
XRelease remote trunk opening switch :.X To interrupt the opening procedure:
Press or pull remote trunk opening/closing
switch :.
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