2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER headlamp

For safety reasons, resetting all the functions
of all submenus to the factory settings while
driving (Y page 121) will not deactivate the
daytime running lamp mode.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Lighting Cannot be fully reset to
factory settings while driving.
Switching locator lighting on or off
With the locator lighting feature activated and
the exterior lamp switch in position Ã, the
following lamps will come on during darkness
when the vehicle is unlocked using button
% on the SmartKey:
RParking lamps
RTail lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
RFront fog lamps
The locator lighting goes out when the driver’s
door is opened.
If you do not open the driver’s door after
unlocking the vehicle with the SmartKey, the
lamps will go out automatically after
approximately 40 seconds.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Lighting submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Locator Lighting appears
in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to switch the
locator lighting function On or Off.
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
à when exiting the vehicle.
The locator lighting feature is activated.
Switching night security illumination
(Headlamps delayed shut-off feature) on
or off
Use this function to set whether you would
like the exterior lamps to remain on for
15 seconds during darkness after exiting the
vehicle and closing all doors.
With the headlamps delayed shut-off feature
activated and the exterior lamp switch in
position à before the engine is turned off,
the following lamps will come on when the
engine is turned off:
RParking lamps
RTail lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
RFront fog lamps
If, after turning off the engine, you do not
open a door or do not close an opened door,
the lamps will automatically go out after
60 seconds.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Lighting submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Headlamps Delayed
Switch-off appears in the multifunction
display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
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XPress button W or X to switch the
headlamps delayed shut-off feature On or
Off.
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
à before turning off the engine.
The headlamps delayed shut-off feature is
activated.
You can temporarily deactivate the
headlamps delayed shut-off feature:
XBefore exiting the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to position
0.
XThen turn it to position 2 and back to
position 0.
The headlamps delayed shut-off feature is
deactivated. It will reactivate as soon as
you start the engine.
Switching interior lighting delayed shut-
off on or off
Use this function to set whether you would
like the interior lighting to remain on for
10 seconds during darkness after you have
removed the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Lighting submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Interior Lighting
Delayed Switch-off appears in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to switch the
interior lighting delayed shut-off feature
On or Off.
Vehicle submenu
Access the Vehicle submenu via the
Settings menu. Use the Vehicle submenu
to set the automatic central locking.
Switching automatic central locking on or
off
Use this function to switch the automatic
central locking on or off. With the automatic
central locking activated, the vehicle is
locked centrally at a vehicle speed of
approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Vehicle submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Automatic Door Lock
appears in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to switch the
automatic central locking On or Off.
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Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 303).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 181)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 189)
RCoolant level (Y page 184)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 271)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 185)
RBrake fluid (Y page 185)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
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XPush handle ; under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the headlamps, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop with
somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground.
SL 550, SL 63 AMG: The vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
SL 600, SL 65 AMG: With the engine at
operating temperature, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
With the engine not at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 30 minutes with the engine turned off.
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG you can check
the engine oil level with the oil dipstick.
iIn vehicles without an oil dipstick, the
engine oil level is measured with the control
system (Y page 182).
XOpen the hood (Y page 180).Engine compartment181Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 181Z

For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 304) and
(Y page 307).
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
GWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system is supplied from the washer
fluid reservoir.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature (Y page 309).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 305).
Brake fluid level
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground.
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Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
XTo protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using button g on
the climate control panel.
! Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting 0. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running
the vehicle through an automatic car wash
to prevent damage to the mirrors.
XWhen taking the vehicle through an
automatic conveyor-type car wash:
Make sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N.
When leaving the automatic car wash, make
sure the mirrors are folded out.
After running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the
windshield and the wiper blade inserts. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise
which can be caused by residual wax on the
windshield.
Ornamental moldings
XFor regular cleaning and care of ornamental
moldings, use a damp cloth.
! Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings
may have chrome appearance, they could
be made of anodized aluminum that will be
damaged when cleaned with chrome
cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean
those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of
which you are sure are chrome-plated, use
a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps,
side markers, turn signal lenses
XUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
! Only use window cleaning solutions that
are suitable for plastic lamp lenses.
Window cleaning solutions which are not
suitable may damage the plastic lamp
lenses of the headlamps. Therefore, do not
use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that
contain solvents.
Cleaning the driving systems sensors
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean Distronic system sensor cover : by
hand.
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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

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbParking
Lamp
Front
Left
Auxiliary
Bulb On
or
Parking
Lamp
Front
Right
Auxiliary
Bulb OnThe left or right front parking lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).bHigh Beam
Left
or
High Beam
RightThe left or right high-beam lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).bLicense
Plate
Lamp -
Left
or
License
Plate
Lamp -
RightThe left or right license plate lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).bAUTO
Light
Inoperativ
eThe light sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps come on
automatically.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
XIn the control system, set daytime running lamp mode to
manual ( Y page 124).XSwitch off the headlamps using the exterior lamp switch
( Y page 89).bLow Beam
Left
or
Low Beam
RightThe left or right low-beam lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display251Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 251Z