2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER maintenance

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 34). Engine compartment
Bonnet
Important safety notes G
WARNING
An unlocked bonnet may open while driving
and block your view. There is a risk of an acci- dent.
Never unlock the bonnet while driving. G
WARNING
When being opened and closed, the bonnet
may suddenly fall into the closed position.
There is a risk of injury to persons in the range of movement of the bonnet.
Open and close the bonnet only when nobody
is in the range of movement. G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade. G
WARNING
There are moving components in the engine
compartment. Certain components may con-
tinue to move or suddenly move again even
after the ignition has been switched off, e.g.
the radiator fan. There is a risk of injury.
If you have to carry out work in the engine
compartment:
R switch off the ignition
R never touch the dangerous areas surround-
ing moving components, e.g. the rotation
area of the fan
R remove jewellery and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts.
Active bonnet (pedestrian protection) Operating principle
! An active bonnet that had been triggered
must be repaired at a qualified specialist
workshop. The active bonnet function will
then be available again. The additional
pedestrian protection provided by the
active bonnet will then be restored.
The active bonnet is only available in certain
countries.
The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians in certain accident situations.
Raising the active bonnet increases the clear-
ance to hard components, such as the engine.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, it is
raised at the rear in the area around the hinge
by approximately 85 mm. The active bonnet is triggered by pyrotechnics.
For the drive to the workshop, reset the trig-
gered active bonnet yourself. If the active
bonnet has been triggered, pedestrian pro-
tection may be limited.
Resetting G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system. 562
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. X
With your hand flat, push down active bon-
net :in the area around the hinges on
both sides (arrows) until you feel it engage.
If you can raise the active bonnet slightly in
the area around the hinges, it is not engaged correctly. Repeat the step.
Opening the bonnet G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
When the bonnet is open, and the windscreen wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windscreen wipers and
the ignition before opening the bonnet.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen. Oth-
erwise, you could damage the windscreen
wipers or the bonnet. X
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet.
If you lift the bonnet by approximately
40 cm, the bonnet is opened and held open automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the bonnet X
Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine compartment
563Maintenance and care Z

Engine oil
Notes on oil level Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.8 litres of oil per 1,000 km.
The oil consumption may be higher than this
when the vehicle is new or if you frequently
drive at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be installed at a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. Example
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, top up with 1.0 l of engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil does not spill out
over the filler neck. Allow the engine to cool
down and thoroughly clean the components
that have come into contact with engine oil
before you start the engine. 564
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R changing the engine oil and oil filter after
missing the change interval required by
the service system
R using engine oil additives
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil filler cap
X Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, top up with 1.0 l of engine
oil. X
Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into place.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 564).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 626). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is under pressure, particularly if the engine is warm. You could
be scalded by hot coolant spraying out when
opening the cap. There is a danger of injury.
Allow the engine to cool before opening the
cap. Wear gloves and protective eyewear
when opening. Slowly turn the cap half a turn
to allow pressure to escape. Example Engine compartment
565Maintenance and care Z

X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle is
on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 155).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 155).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Turn the key to position 0(Y page 155) in
the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap ;half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap ;further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank :.
If the coolant level is approximately 1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler neck when
warm, there is enough coolant in coolant
expansion tank :.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap ;and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 627).
Windscreen washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
Windscreen washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust system it
could ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windscreen washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. Example
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer system and the headlamp cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 litre, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to top up the washer fluid
(Y page 272).
Further information on windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 628). ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. 566
ASSYST PLUSMaintenance and care

i
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 564).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
R Service A in .. days
Service A in .. days
R Service A due Service A due
R Service A overdue by .. days
Service A overdue by .. days
Depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter indicates which service is due. A A
stands for a minor service and B
Bfor a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter.
Only for certain countries: the position after
the letter A
A or B Bindicates any necessary addi-
tional maintenance work to be performed. If
you notify a qualified specialist workshop of
this display, you will receive a statement on
the associated costs.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the service date shown on the display. Hiding a service message
X Press the aor% button on the steer-
ing wheel. Displaying a service message
X Switch the ignition on.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Serv. Serv.menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select the
ASSYST PLUS ASSYST PLUS submenu and confirm by
pressing the abutton.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display. Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play has been inadvertently reset, this set-
ting can be corrected at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise
lead to increased wear and damage to the
major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the ASSYST PLUS service interval display after
the service work has been carried out. You
can also obtain further information on main-
tenance work, for example.
Special service requirements The prescribed service interval is based on
normal operation of the vehicle. Service work
will need to be performed more often if the
vehicle is operated under arduous conditions
or increased loads, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R for frequent operation in mountainous ter-
rain or on poor road surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods ASSYST PLUS
567Maintenance and care Z

In these or similar operating conditions, have
the air filter, engine oil and oil filter, for exam- ple, changed more frequently. The tyres mustbe checked more frequently if the vehicle is
operated under increased loads. Further
information can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Care
Notes on care
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up. Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after the vehicle has been washed. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
After washing the vehicle, brake carefully
while paying attention to the traffic conditions in order to restore full braking efficiency.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! It is preferable to use car washes with
adjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning that
corresponds to the specification for the
Cabriolet programme. In car washes that
use high water pressures, there is a risk
that a small amount of water may leak into
the vehicle.
! Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS: if a
key with KEYLESS-GO is within the detec-
tion range of the KEYLESS-GO antenna, the
following situations could lead to the unin-
tentional opening of the boot lid:
R using a car wash
R using a high-pressure cleaner
Make sure that the key is at least 2 maway
from the vehicle.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your 568
CareMaintenance and care

vehicle in a tow-through car wash. Other
transmission positions may lead to damage to the vehicle.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the roof are com-
pletely closed
R the climate control blower is switched off
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi- cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe wax
off the windscreen and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises caused by residue on the windscreen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi- vidual country.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible. High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind- ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam- aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high-
pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
! Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS: if a
key with KEYLESS-GO is within the detec-
tion range of the KEYLESS-GO antenna, the
following situations could lead to the unin-
tentional opening of the boot lid:
R using a car wash
R using a high-pressure cleaner
Make sure that the key is at least 2 m away
from the vehicle. Care
569Maintenance and care Z