2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER Owners Manual

Identification plates
Vehicle identification plate with vehi-
cle identification number (VIN) X
Open the right-hand door.
You will see vehicle identification plate :.Example: vehicle identification plate
:
Vehicle identification plate
; Vehicle manufacturer (Daimler AG)
= EU type approval number (only for certain
countries)
? VIN
A Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight (kg)
B Maximum permissible front axle load (kg)
C Maximum permissible rear axle load (kg)
D Paint code
i The data shown on the vehicle identifica-
tion plate is example data. This data is dif-
ferent for every vehicle and can deviate
from the data shown here. You can find the
data applicable to your vehicle on the vehi- cle's identification plate. VIN
X
Move the front-passenger seat to its rear-
most position.
X Fold up floor covering :in front of the
front-passenger seat.
VIN ;can be seen.
The VIN can also be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 622). Engine number
The engine number is stamped into the crank- case. You can obtain further information from
any qualified specialist workshop. Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Service product can be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Observe the instructions on the respective
original container when using, storing and dis- posing off service products. Always store ser-
vice products in the sealed original container. Always keep service products out of the reach
of children. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. 622
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windscreen washer fluid
R climate control system refrigerant
When handling, storing and disposing of any
service products, please observe the relevant regulations.
Components and service products must be
matched. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use products tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. They are listed in this
Mercedes-Benz Owner's Manual in the appro-
priate section.
You can identify service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following inscrip-
tions on the container:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations indi- cate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet Number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Further information can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre or on the
Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refuelling. G
WARNING
Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health. There is a danger of injury.
Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel
vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-
dren.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash the fuel off any affected areas of skin
with water and soap immediately.
R If you get fuel in your eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water immediately. Seek immediate medical attention.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek immediate medi-
cal attention. Do not induce vomiting.
R Change any clothing that has come into
contact with fuel immediately.
Tank capacity The total capacity of the fuel tank may vary,
depending on the vehicle equipment.
Model Total capa-
city AMG vehicles
75.0 l
All other models
65.0 l
or
75.0 l Model Of which
reserve fuel AMG vehicles
Approx.
14.0 l All other models
Approx.
8.0 l
or
9.0 l Service products and capacities
623Technical data Z

Petrol (EN 228, E DIN 51626-1)
Fuel grade
!
Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
petrol engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong
fuel. Otherwise, fuel can enter the fuel sys- tem. Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could result in damage to the fuel system
and the engine. Notify a qualified specialist
workshop and have the fuel tank and fuel
lines drained completely.
! Only refuel using premium-grade unlea-
ded petrol with at least 95 ROZ/85 MOZ,
that conforms to European standard
EN 228 or E DIN 51626–1 or an equivalent specification.
Fuel of this specification can contain up to 10 % ethanol.
Fuel that does not conform to EN 228 or
E DIN 51626–1 can lead to increased wear
and damage the engine and exhaust sys-
tem.
! Only use the fuel recommended. Operat-
ing the vehicle with other fuels can lead to
engine failure.
! Do not use the following:
R E85 (petrol with 85% ethanol)
R E100 (100% ethanol)
R M15 (petrol with 15% methanol)
R M30 (petrol with 30% methanol)
R M85 (petrol with 85% methanol)
R M100 (100% methanol)
R Petrol with additives containing metal
R Diesel
Do not mix such fuels with the fuel recom-
mended for your vehicle. Do not use addi-
tives. This can otherwise lead to engine
damage. This does not include cleaning
additives for the removal and prevention of residue build-up. Petrol must only be mixed
with additives recommended by Mercedes- Benz; see "Additives". You can obtain fur- ther information from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Usually you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the petrol pump, ask the filling sta-
tion staff.
i E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol.
Your vehicle is suitable for use with E10
fuel. You can refuel your vehicle using E10
fuel.
As a temporary measure, if the recommended fuel is not available, you may also use unlea-
ded petrol with an octane rating of 91 RON/
82 MON. This may reduce engine perform-
ance and increase fuel consumption. Avoid
driving at full throttle and sudden accelera-
tion. Never refuel using fuel with a lower
RON/MON.
i In some countries, the available petrol
may not be sufficiently low in sulphur. This fuel can temporarily produce unpleasant
odours, especially on short journeys. As
soon as sulphur-free fuel (sulphur content
<1 0 ppm) is used for refuelling, the odours
are reduced.
Information on refuelling (Y page 173).
AMG vehicles
! Only refuel using super unleaded petrol
with at least 98 RON/88 MON that con-
forms to European standard EN 228 or an
equivalent specification.
You can otherwise impair engine output or
damage the engine.
! Premium-grade unleaded petrol with an
octane rating of 95 RON/85 MON may be
used as a temporary measure if the recom-
mended fuel is not available. This may
reduce engine performance and increase
fuel consumption. As much as possible,
avoid driving at full throttle.
! Regular unleaded petrol with an octane
rating of 91 RON/82.5 MON may also be
used as a temporary measure if the recom-
mended fuel is not available. 624
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

Doing so results in noticeably higher fuel
consumption, and the engine power output is noticeably reduced. Avoid driving at full
throttle.
If only regular unleaded petrol with an
octane rating of 91 RON/82.5 MON or
lower is available, you must have the vehi-
cle adapted to this fuel at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol.
Your vehicle is suitable for use with E10
fuel. You may refuel your vehicle using E10 fuel.
SL 350
! Only refuel using premium-grade sulphur-
free unleaded petrol with at least 95 RO N/
85 MON that conforms to European stand-
ard EN 228 or an equivalent specification.
You could otherwise impair engine output
or damage the emission control system.
i In some countries, the available petrol
may not be sufficiently low in sulphur. This
fuel can temporarily produce unpleasant
odours, especially on short journeys. As
soon as sulphur-free fuel (sulphur content
<1 0 ppm) is used for refuelling, the odours
are reduced.
Additives in petrol
! Operating the engine with fuel additives
added later can lead to engine failure. Do
not mix fuel additives with fuel. This does
not include additives for the removal and
prevention of residue build-up. Petrol must
only be mixed with additives recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Observe the instruc-
tions for use in the product description.
More information about recommended
additives can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
fuel brands that have additives.
The quality of the fuel available in some coun- tries may not be sufficient. Residue could
build up in the injection system as a result. In this case, in consultation with a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre, the petrol may be mixed
with the cleaning additive recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Always observe the notes
and mixing ratios specified on the container.
Fuel consumption information H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which scien-
tists believe to be principally responsible for
global warming (the greenhouse effect). Your
vehicle's CO 2emissions are directly related to
fuel consumption and therefore depend on:
R efficient use of the fuel by the engine
R driving style
R other non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences, road conditions or
traffic flow
You can minimise your vehicle's CO 2emis-
sions by driving carefully and having it serv-
iced regularly.
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in the following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in urban traffic
R on short journeys
R in mountainous terrain
i Only for certain countries: you can find
the current consumption and emission val- ues of your vehicle in the COC documents
(EU CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY). These
documents are delivered with your vehicle.
The consumption figures were, in each
case, based on the currently applicable ver-sion:
R for vehicles that comply with standards
up to and including the EURO 4 standard,
in accordance with EU Directive
80/1268/EEC
R for vehicles that comply with or exceed
the EURO 5 standard, in accordance with
Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 Service products and capacities
625Technical data Z

Deviations from these values may occur
under normal operating conditions.
Engine oil
General notes When handling engine oil, observe the impor-
tant safety notes on service products
(Y page 622).
The quality of the engine oil is decisive for the function and service life of an engine. After
extensive tests, Mercedes-Benz approves
engine oils that correspond to the current
technical standard.
Therefore, only Mercedes-Benz approved
engine oils may be used in Mercedes-Benz
engines.
Further information on tested and approved
engine oils can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you have the oil
change carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Mercedes-Benz approval is indica-
ted on the oil container by the inscription "MB Approval" and the corresponding designa-
tion, e.g. MB Approval 229.51.
You can call up an overview of approved
engine oils on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com by enter-
ing the designation, e.g. 229.5.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
In certain countries, different engine oils can be used, provided that the maintenance inter-
vals are reduced. For more information,
please contact a qualified specialist work-
shop. Model MB Approval
All models
229.5
Use only SAE 0W-4
0or SAE 5W-40 engine oils
for AMG vehicles. i
If the engine oils listed in the table are not
available, you may add the following engine
oils until the next oil change:
R vehicles with a petrol engine: MB
Approval 229.1, 229.3 or ACEA A3
R diesel engines: MB Approval 229.1,
229.3, 229.5 or ACEA C3
This may only be added once and the
amount must not be greater than 1.0 l.
Ca pacities The following values refer to an oil change,
including the oil filter.
Model Replacement
amount SL 350
6.5 l
SL 500
8.0 l
SL 63 AMG
Without external oil
cooler: 8.5 l
With external oil cooler: 9.5 l SL 65 AMG V12
Without external oil
cooler: 10.0 l
With external oil cooler: 11.0 l Additives
!
Do not use any additives with the engine
oil. This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity 626
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity
rating, it flows slowly; the lower the viscosity,
the faster it flows.
Engine oil selection is based on the respective outside temperatures and in accordance with
the SAE classification (viscosity). The table
shows you which SAE classifications are to be
used. The low-temperature properties of
engine oils can be significantly impaired dur-
ing operation due to, for example, ageing or
soot and fuel accretion. It is therefore
strongly recommended to observe regular oil changes using an approved engine oil with the
appropriate SAE classification. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
The brake fluid continuously absorbs mois-
ture from the air. This results in the boiling
point of the brake fluid lowering. If the boiling
point of the brake fluid is too low, vapour
pockets may form when the brakes are sub-
jected to a heavy load. This would impair brak- ing efficiency. There is a risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid renewed at the prescri-
bed intervals.
When handling brake fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products
(Y page 622).
The brake fluid change intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz according to MB Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
i Have the brake fluid regularly replaced at
a qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Service
Booklet. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you top up
the antifreeze. Make sure that antifreeze is
not spilled next to the filler neck. Thoroughly
clean the antifreeze from components before
starting the engine.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products, MB Specifications for Service Products 310.1, e.g. on the Inter-
net at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Or contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
i Have the coolant regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Service
Booklet.
Comply with the important safety precautions for service products when handling coolant
(Y page 622).
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It is responsible
for the following:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor is present in
the correct concentration, the boiling point of Service products and capacities
627Technical data Z

the coolant during operation will be approx-
imately 130 †.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra- tion in the engine cooling system should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -37 †.
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -45 †). Heat will otherwise no t be
dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, top it up with
equal amounts of water and antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor.
Mercedes-Benz recommends an antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor concentrate in accord-
ance with MB Specifications for Service Prod-
ucts 310.1.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion.
i The coolant is checked at every mainte-
nance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop. Windscreen washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system
Important safety notes 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.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps. !
Do not use distilled or de-ionised water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
! Only the washer fluids SummerFit and
WinterFit can be mixed. Otherwise, the
spraying nozzles could become blocked.
When handling washer fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products
(Y page 622).
At temperatures above freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Sum-
merFit.
X Mix 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts
water.
At temperatures below freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Winter-
Fit.
Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside temper-
ature.
R Down to Ò10 †: mix 1 part MB WinterFit to
2 parts water.
R Down to Ò20 †: mix 1 part MB WinterFit to
1 part water.
R Down to Ò29 †: mix 2 parts MB WinterFit to
1 part water.
i Add washer fluid concentrate, e.g. MB
SummerFit or MB WinterFit, to the washer
fluid all year round. 628
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
- tyres
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload.
R vehicle-specific weight information can be
found on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 622).
R only for certain countries: you can find vehi-
cle-specific vehicle data in the COC docu-
ments (CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY).
These documents are delivered with your
vehicle. Dimensions and weights
Model
: :
Opening height AMG vehicles
1931 mm -
1945 mm All other models
1922 mm -
1923 mm All models (except AMG
vehicles)
Vehicle length
4612 mm
Vehicle length when
opening/closing the roof
4798 mm
Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
2099 mm
Vehicle width excluding
exterior mirrors
1877 mm
Wheelbase
2585 mm
Maximum boot load
100 kg
SL 350
Vehicle height
1314 mm
Vehicle height when
opening/closing the roof
1695 mm
SL 500
Vehicle height
1315 mm
Vehicle height when
opening/closing the roof
1696 mm
SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG
V12 Vehicle length
4633 mm
Vehicle length when
opening/closing the roof
4858 mm
Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
2099 mm
Vehicle width excluding
exterior mirrors
1877 mm
Vehicle height
1300 mm -
1308 mm Vehicle height when
opening/closing the roof
1688 mm -
1713 mm Vehicle data
629Technical data Z