2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER ESP

Disclaimer
Das folgen de PDF -Doku ment für die ses Fahrze ugmodell be zieht sich in allen
Sprachver sionen nur auf die Fahrz euge, d ie fü r den deutsche n Markt best immt
sind und die den deutschen Vorschriften entsprechen. Bitte wenden Sie sich an
Ihr en autorisierten Mer cedes-Benz Services tützpunkt, um ein gedruckt es Exem plar
für andere Fahrzeugmodelle und Fahrzeugmodelljahre zu erhalten.
Dieses PDF -Dokume nt stellt die aktuelle Version dar . Mögliche Abweic hungen zu
Ihrem konkreten Fahrzeug könnten nicht berücksichtigt sein, da Mercedes-Benz
seine Fahrzeuge st ändig dem neuest en Stand d er Technik anp asst, so wie
Änderungen in Form und Ausstattung vornimmt. Bitte beachten Sie daher, dass
dieses PDF-Dokument in keinem Fall das gedruckte Exemplar ersetzt, das mit
dem Fahrzeug ausgeliefert wurde.
Internal use only
Disclaimer
All language versions of the following PD\f document for this vehicle model
relate solel\b to vehicles intended for sale on the German market and which
correspond to German regulations.
Please contact \bour authorised Mercedes-Benz Service Centre to obtain
a printed version for other vehicle models and vehicle model \bears. This PD\f
document is the latest version. Possible variations to \bour vehicle ma\b not
be taken into account as Mercedes-Benz constantl\b updates their vehicles to
the state of the art and introduces changes in design and e\Dquipment. Please
therefore note that this PD\f document in no wa\b replaces the printed version
which was delivered with \bour vehicle.
Internal use only
Disclaimer
The following version of the Owner‘s Manual describes all models, series and
special equipment of your vehicle. Country-specific language variations are
possible. Please note that your vehicle might not be equipped with all the
described functions. This also affects safety-relevant systems and functions.
Please contact your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership if you would like
to receive a printed Owner‘s Manual for other vehicle models and vehicle
model years.
The online Owner‘s Manual is the current and valid version. It is possible that
deviations affecting your specific vehicle could not be taken into account
as Mercedes-Benz constantly adapts its vehicles according to the latest
technology and makes changes to the form and the equipment.
Please also read the printed Owner‘s Manual, supplementary documents and
the digital Owner‘s Manual in the vehicle.
Copyright
All rights reserved. All texts, images and graphics are subject to copyright
and other laws for the protection of intellectual property. They may not be
copied or changed for any commercial use or for the purpose of being passed
on nor used on other webistes.

Problem with the rear window
heating .......................................... 148
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................1 44
Setting the air distribution ............. 145
Setting the air vents ..................... .150
Setting the airflow ......................... 146
Setting the temperature ................ 145
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 148
Switching on/off ........................... 142
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 149
Switching the rear window heat-
ing on/off ...................................... 147
Switching the ZONE function on/
off ................................................. .146
THERMOTRONIC (2-zone) auto-
matic climate control ..................... 141
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 38
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible emergency spare
wheel
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND control panel ..................... 294
...................................................... 294
COMAND controller ........................... 296
COMAND display ............................... 293
Cleaning ......................................... 572
Cleaning instructions ..................... 293
Driving conditions menu (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 204
Driving conditions menu (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 201
Setting .......................................... .310
Switching on/off ........................... 293
COMAND Online ........................ 446, 461
Active multicontour seat ................ 319
Basic functions .............................. 298
Calling up drive status regulator
(ABC) ............................................. 318
Display .......................................... .289
Emergency call system displays .... 432
Examples of operation ................... 296
Importing POIs ............................... 446
Menu overview .............................. 291
Multicontour seat .......................... 319
Seat functions ............................... 318 Settings ......................................... 461
Switching on/off ........................... 298
COMAND Online and Internet
see Online and Internet functions
Combination switch .......................... 129
Compass function .............................381
Connecting a USB device ................. 472
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 231
Contacts
Deleting ......................................... 418
Importing ....................................... 417
Convenience closing feature ............ 101
Convenience opening feature
see Side windows
Convenience opening/closing (air-
recirculation mode) ........................... 148
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 565
Display message ............................ 258
Important safety notes .................. 627
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Temperature gauge ........................ 228
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Cooling
see Climate control
Copy protection (CD/DVD) ...............480
Copyright ............................................. 36
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ............................ .131
Country-specific information (nav-
igation) ............................................... 382
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 135
Cruise control
Cruise control lever ....................... 182
Deactivating ................................... 184
Display message ............................ 265
Driving system ............................... 182
Important safety notes .................. 182
LIM indicator lamp ......................... 182
Selecting ........................................ 183
Setting a speed .............................. 184
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 183 Index
9

Lights .............................................2
55
Safety systems .............................. 248
Tyres .............................................. 267
Vehicle .......................................... .269
Displaying the arrival time ...............358
Displaying the distance to the des-
tination ............................................... 358
Displaying the track and album ....... 478
Distance recorder
see Trip meter
Distance warning signal (warning
lamp) ................................................. .283
DISTRONIC PLUS
Cruise control lever ....................... 186
Deactivating ................................... 192
Display message ............................ 264
Displays in the multifunction dis-
pla y................................................ 191
Driving tips .................................... 192
Function/note s............................. 185
Important safety notes .................. 185
Selecting ........................................ 187
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 190
Warning lamp ................................. 283
Dolby® Digital ................................... 300
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 242
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 92
Central locking/unlocking (key) ...... 85
Control panel ................................... 48
Display message ............................ 270
Emergency locking ........................... 93
Emergency unlocking ....................... 93
Important safety notes .................... 90
Opening (from the inside) ................ 91
Power closing .................................. 93
Doors
Overview .......................................... 90
Draught stop
Electrical draught stop ................... 108
Manual draught stop ...................... 107
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 169
Display ........................................... 165
Manual ........................................... 169 Manual (vehicles with Sports
package AMG) ............................... 170
Drive program selector ..................... 168
Driver's door
see Door
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 568
Symmetrical dipped beam ............. 126
Driving on flooded roads .................. 181
Driving safety system
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 72
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 71
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 77
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 73
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 71
Electronic Brake-force Distribu-
tion .................................................. 76
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 73
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ..... 73
Important safety guidelines ............. 70
Overview .......................................... 70
PRE-SAFE® Brake ............................ 77
STEER CONTROL ............................. 78
Driving system
Active Body Control (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 202
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 199
Adaptive Damping System ............. 199
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 220
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 220
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 223
Active Parking Assist ..................... 207
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 214
Cruise control ................................ 182
Display message ............................ 260
Distronic Plus ................................ 185
HOLD function ............................... 196
Night View Assist Plus ................... 217
PARKTRONIC ................................. 204
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .......... 198
Reversing camera .......................... 211
Speed Limit Assist ......................... 215 Index
11

SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 193
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 180
Aquaplaning ................................... 181
Automatic transmission ................. 167
Brakes ........................................... 179
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 192
Downhill gradient ........................... 179
Driving abroad ............................... 126
Driving in winter ............................. 181
Driving on flooded roads ................ 181
Driving on wet roads ...................... 181
Fuel ................................................ 178
General .......................................... 178
Icy road surfaces ........................... 181
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 180
New brake pads/linings ................ 180
Running-in tips ............................... 154
Snow chains .................................. 599
Symmetrical dipped beam ............. 126
Wet road surface ........................... 180
DTMF tone transmission .................. 398
DVD
Copy protection ............................. 480
Fast forward/fast rewind ............... 476
Inserting ........................................ 469
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 528
Notes on discs ............................... 480
Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 528
Selecting a media type .................. 474
Selecting a track ............................ 475
Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble) ............................................ 299
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 234
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 235
Rear Seat Entertainment System ... 535
Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Displaying traffic reports ............... 365
Displays on the map ...................... 365
Introduction ................................... 364
Switching on/of f........................... 364 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating ................. 243
Function/note s............................. 118
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 119
Function/note s............................. 118
Switching on/of f........................... 243
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 250
Function/note s................................ 76
ECO display
Function/note s............................. 178
On-board computer ....................... 232
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 159
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 159
Deactivating/activating ................. 160
General information ....................... 159
Important safety notes .................. 158
Introduction ................................... 158
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electromagnetic compatibility
Declaration of conformity ................ 33
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency call 999 or 112 .............. 389
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door .............. 93
Emergency key element
Function/note s................................ 86
Locking vehicle ................................ 93
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 93
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 614
Important safety notes .................. 614
Inflating the collapsible spare
wheel ............................................. 615
Removing ....................................... 615
Technical data ............................... 617
Emergency unlocking
Vehicle ............................................. 93
Engine
Display message ............................ 258 12
Index

ECO start/stop functio
n................ 158
Engine number ............................... 622
Jump-starting ................................. 586
Running irregularly ......................... 162
Starting problems .......................... 162
Starting the engine with the key .... 157
Starting with KEYLESS GO ............. 157
Stopping ........................................ 176
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 591
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 280
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 620
Problem (fault) ............................... 162
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 626
Checking the oil level ..................... 564
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 564
Display message ............................ 259
Filling capacity ............................... 626
Notes about oil grade s................... 626
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 564
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Topping up ..................................... 564
Viscosity ........................................ 626
Entering a junction name ................. 330
Entering a street name ..................... 327
Entering an address (example) ........ 326
Entering the house number .............. 327
Entering the town .............................. 327
Entry ........................................... 304, 307
Deleting ......................................... 307
Saving ............................................ 304
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle ....... 31
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 244
Characteristics ................................. 74
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 75
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ...................... 74 Display message ............................ 248
ETS .................................................. 73
Function/note s................................ 73
General notes .................................. 73
Important safety guidelines ............. 74
Warning lamp ................................. 277
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 73
Example display ........................ 473, 484
Audio CD mode .............................. 473
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 484
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 572
Exterior lighting
Settings options ............................. 126
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 120
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 121
Folding in when locking (on-boardcomputer) ...................................... 243
Folding in/out (automatically )....... 121
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 121
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 121
Parking position ............................. 122
Resetting ....................................... 121
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 123 F
Factory setting (reset function) ....... 316
Fast forward
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) ......... 476
Video DVD ..................................... 513
Fast rewind
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) ......... 476
Video DVD ..................................... 513
Fault message
see Display messages
Favourites (Internet) ......................... 459
Favourites button .............................. 313
Filler cap
see Fuel filler flap
Fire extinguisher ............................... 577
First-aid kit ......................................... 576
Fitting a wheel
Fitting a wheel ............................... 609
Lowering the vehicle ...................... 609 Index
13

Locking (in an emergency) ............... 93
Locking (key) ................................... 85
Lowering ........................................ 609
Pulling away ................................... 158
Raising ........................................... 607
Registration ..................................... 34
Securing from rolling away ............ 606
Tow-starting ................................... 588
Towing away .................................. 588
Transporting .................................. 591
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 93
Unlocking (key) ................................ 85
Vehicle data ................................... 629
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 629
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 629
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 93
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 622
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 202
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 199
Display message ............................ 260
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 577
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 235
see Video DVD
Video DVD .......................................... 514
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 501
Data carrier .................................... 511
DVD menu ..................................... 514
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 513
Function restrictions ...................... 511
Interactive content ........................ 516
Operation ....................................... 511
Pause function ............................... 513
Playing conditions .......................... 511
Safety notes .................................. 511
Selecting ........................................ 514
Selecting a film/title ...................... 514
Selecting a scene/chapter ............ 513
Setting the audio format ................ 515
Setting the language ...................... 515 Setting the picture ......................... 502
Showing/hiding the menu ............. 512
Showing/hiding the navigation
menu ............................................. 512
Stop function ................................. 513
Subtitles ........................................ 516
Switching on .................................. 512
Video-AUX
Setting the picture ......................... 502
VIN ...................................................... 622 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 275
Brakes ........................................... 275
Distance warning signal ................. 283
ESP® ............................................. 277
ESP® OFF ...................................... 278
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 182
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 186
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 194
Overview .......................................... 42
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 63
Reserve fuel ................................... 280
Seat belt ........................................ 274
SRS ................................................ 280
Tyre pressure monitor ................... 284
Warning triangle ................................ 576
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 272
Waypoints .......................... 335, 337, 338
Accepting waypoints for the
route .............................................. 338
Creating ......................................... 335
Editing ........................................... 337
Entering ......................................... 335
Searching for a filling station when the fuel level is lo w........................ 338
Weather display (COMAND
Online) ........................................ 447, 448
Calling up the weather map ........... 448
Information chart ........................... 447
Selecting locations in the informa-
tion chart ....................................... 447
Selecting the location .................... 447
Selecting the location in the
weather map .................................. 448 Index
29

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
Our objectives are to use the natural resour-
ces which form the basis of our existence on
this planet sparingly and in a manner which
takes the requirements of both nature and
humanity into consideration.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tyre wear depend on
the following factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. Therefore,
please bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips, as these increase fuel
consumption.
R observe the correct tyre pressure.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight in the
vehicle.
R remove the roof rack once you no longer
need it.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R all maintenance work should be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R monitor the vehicle's fuel consumption. Returning an end-of-life vehicle
EU countries only:
Mercedes-Benz will take back your old vehicle to dispose of it in an environmentally-respon-sible manner in accordance with the Euro-
pean Union (EU) End of Life Vehicles Direc-
tive.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants available. You can return
your vehicle to these plants free of charge.
This makes a valuable contribution to the
recycling process and the conservation of
resources.
For further information on recycling old vehi- cles, recovery and the terms of the policy,
visit the Mercedes-Benz homepage. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. For these, the same war-
ranty applies as for new parts.
! Airbags and seat belt tensioners, as well
as control units and sensors for these
restraint systems, may be installed in the
following areas of your vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R centre console Introduction
31 Z

Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have accessories retrofitted at a qualified
specialist workshop.
You could jeopardise the operating safety of
your vehicle if you use parts, tyres and wheels
as well as accessories relevant to safety
which have not been approved by Mercedes. This could lead to malfunctions in safety-rel-
evant systems, e.g. the brake system. Use
only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tyres, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts and con-
version parts and accessories that have been specifically approved for your vehicle for their
reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Mercedes-Benz therefore accepts no responsibility for the
use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, even if they have been officially approved or
independently approved by a testing centre.
In Germany, certain parts are only officially
approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. This
also applies to some other countries. All gen-
uine Mercedes-Benz parts meet the approval
requirements. The use of non-approved parts may invalidate the vehicle's general operating
permit.
This is the case:
R if they cause a change of the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted
R if other road users could be endangered
R if the emission or noise levels are adversely
affected
Always specify the vehicle identification num- ber (VIN) when ordering genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts (Y page 622). Owner's Manual
Vehicle equipment
This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available for your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-spe- cific differences are possible. Note that your
vehicle may not be fitted with all features
described. This is also the case for systems
and functions relevant to safety. Therefore,
the equipment on your vehicle may differ from
that in the descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documenta-
tion for your vehicle contains a list of all of the
systems in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should kept in the
vehicle. Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or necessary repairs car-
ried out, this could result in malfunctions or
system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as necessary repairs car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. 32
Introduction