2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER run flat

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

Tyres
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure
Check tyres Check tyres The tyre pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes:
R you have changed the wheels and tyres or fitted new wheels and
tyres
R the tyre pressure in one or more tyres is incorrect
G WARNING
Tyre pressures which are too low, harbour the following hazards: R the tyres may burst, especially as vehicle load and speed increa-
ses
R the tyres may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may
greatly impair tyre traction
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
manoeuvres. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Y page 175).
X Check the tyres and, if necessary, follow the instructions for a
flat tyre (Y page 578).
X Check the tyre pressures and, if necessary, correct the tyre
pressure.
X Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system when the tyre
pressure is correct (Y page 601).Check tyre pres‐ Check tyre pres‐
sures sures
then restart Run then restart Run
Flat Indicator Flat Indicator The tyre pressure loss warning system generated a display mes-
sage and has not been restarted since.
X Set the correct tyre pressure in all four tyres.
X Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system (Y page 601).Run Flat Indicator Run Flat Indicator
inoperative inoperative The tyre pressure loss warning system is faulty.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Rectify
Rectify
tyre pressure tyre pressure The tyre pressure is too low in at least one of the tyres, or the tyre
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
X Check the tyre pressures at the next opportunity (Y page 602).
X If necessary, correct the tyre pressure.
X Restart the tyre pressure monitor (Y page 604). Display
messages
267On-board computer and displays Z

Tyre-change tool kit
:
Bag containing the tyre-changing tools
X Open the boot lid.
X Open the boot separator (Y page 106).
X Lift the boot floor upwards (Y page 548).
i Depending on the vehicle equipment, not
all vehicles will have the tools that are
required for changing a wheel, such as a
jack. Tools approved for your vehicle are
available at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bag with tyre-changing tools :contains:
R jack
R wheel wrench
R centring pin
R wheel chock
R gloves Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics) (Y page 578)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tyres.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 579)
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries) (Y page 614)
Information on changing/fitting a wheel
(Y page 605). X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away from traffic as
possible.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 175).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 155).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle a suitable dis-
tance away (Y page 576). Observe legal
requirements. MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
General notes With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tyres. The affected
tyre must not show any clearly visible dam-
age. 578
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

You can recognise MOExtended tyres by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
tyre wall. You will find this marking next to the
tyre size designation, the load-bearing capa-
city and the speed index.
MOExtended tyres may only be used in con-
junction with an activated tyre pressure loss
warning system or tyre pressure monitor.
If the pressure loss warning message
appears in the multifunction display:
R observe the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Y page 267).
R check the tyre for damage
R if driving on, observe the following notes
The maximum driving distance is approx-
imately 80 km when the vehicle is partially
laden and approximately 30 km when the
vehicle is fully laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis- tance possible depends upon:
R speed
R road condition
R outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode may be reduced by extreme driving condi-
tions/manoeuvres, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tyre pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
80 km/h.
i When replacing one or all tyres, make
sure that you use only:
R the tyre size specified for the vehicle and
R tyre(s) marked "MOExtended"
If a tyre has gone flat and cannot be
replaced with an MOExtended tyre, a
standard tyre may be used as a temporary
measure. Make sure that you use the
proper size and type (summer or winter
tyre). i
Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not
equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you addi-
tionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you fit tyres that do not feature run-flat
characteristics, e.g. winter tyres. A TIREFIT
kit is available, for example, from a qualified
specialist workshop.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when corner-
ing, accelerating quickly and when braking.
There is a risk of accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving manoeu-
vres, and driving over obstacles (kerbs, pot-
holes, off-road). This applies in particular to a laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tyre.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
faulty tyre must be replaced. TIREFIT kit
Important safety notes TIREFIT is a tyre sealant.
You can use TIREFIT to seal punctures of up to
4 mm, particularly those in the tyre tread. You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to Ò20 †. Flat tyre
579Breakdown assistance Z

X
Remove the cap from valve Con the faulty
tyre.
X Screw filler hose Donto the valve.
X Insert plug ?into the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter or into a 12 V power socket in your vehicle.
Observe the notes on the cigarette lighter
(Y page 550). Observe the notes on sock-
ets (Y page 550).
X Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock (Y page 155).
X Press on/off switch =on the tyre inflation
compressor to I.
The tyre inflation compressor is switched
on. The tyre is inflated.
i First, tyre sealant is pumped into the tyre.
The pressure may briefly rise to approx-
imately 500 kPa (5.0 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tyre inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
X Let the tyre inflation compressor run for
five minutes. The tyre should then have
attained a pressure of at least 180 kPa
(1.8 bar/26 psi).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kP a(1.8 bar/26 psi)
has been attained after five minutes:
(Y page 581).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi)
has not been attained after five minutes:
(Y page 581).
i If the tyre sealant leaks out, allow it to dry.
It can then be removed like a layer of film. If you get tyre sealant on your clothing,
have it cleaned as soon as possible with
perchloroethylene.
Tyre pressure not reached If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
not been attained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tyre.
X Very slowly drive forwards or reverse,
approximately 10 m.
X Pump up the tyre again.
After a maximum of five minutes, the tyre
pressure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre sealant cannot repair the
tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres and a tyre pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tyre pressure reached G
WARNING
A tyre temporarily sealed with tyre sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed the specified maximum speed with a tyre that
has been repaired using tyre sealant.
! After use, excess tyre sealant may run out
of the filler hose. This could cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit. Flat tyre
581Breakdown assistance Z

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). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R type
When replacing tyres, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R type G
WARNING
A flat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not
being used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on dimensions and types of
wheels and tyres for your vehicle can be
found (Y page 610).
Information on air pressure for the tyres on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the tyre pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Y page 174)
R in the "Tyre pressure" section
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of wheel
spacers or brake dust shields is not permit-
ted. This invalidates the general operating
permit for the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information on driving
Check the tyre pressures when the vehicle is
heavily laden and, if necessary, adjust.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that the wheels or tyres are damaged. If you sus-
pect that a tyre is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tyres for 596
OperationWheels and tyres

tyre load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
Pay special attention to country-specific
requirements for tyre approval. These
requirements can stipulate a specific tyre
type for your vehicle. Furthermore, the use of certain tyre types in certain regions and areas
of operation can be highly beneficial. You can find further information regarding tyres at
specialist tyre retailers, at qualified specialist
workshops or at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
R Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type
and make.
Exception: it is permissible to fit a different
type or make in the event of a flat tyre.
Observe the "MOExtended tyres (tyres with
run-flat characteristics" section
(Y page 578).
R Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R Run in new tyres at moderate speeds for
the first 100 km. They only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth. This otherwise significantly
reduces the traction on wet roads (aqua-
planing).
R Replace the tyres after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear.
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 614). MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tyres.
Only use MOExtended tyres in conjunction
with an activated tyre pressure loss warning
system or tyre pressure monitoring system
and only on tyres specifically inspected by
Mercedes ‑Benz. Notes on driving with MOExtended tyres with
a flat tyre (Y page 578).
i Vehicles with MOExtended tyres are not
equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you addi-
tionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you fit tyres that do not feature run-flat
characteristics, e.g. winter tyres. A TIREFIT
kit can be obtained from a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel" section (Y page 605). Driving with summer tyres
At temperatures below +7 †, summer tyres
lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tyres on your vehi- cle to M+S tyres. Using summer tyres at very
cold temperatures could cause tears to form, thereby damaging the tyres permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage. M+S tyres
G
WARNING
M+S tyres with a tyre tread depth of less than 4 mm are not suitable for use in winter as they
do not provide sufficient traction. There is a
risk of accident.
M+S tyres with a tread depth of less than
4 mm must be replaced.
At temperatures below +7 †, use winter tyres or all-season tyres. Both are marked with
M+S. 598
Winter operationWheels and tyres

The tyres are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked with the tyres
out of direct sunlight for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1.6 km
Depending on the ambient temperature, the
speed at which you are driving and the load on the tyres, the tyre temperature and thus the
tyre pressure changes by approximately
10 kPa (0.1 bar/1.5 psi) per 10 †. Take this
into account when checking the pressure of
warm tyres. Only correct the tyre pressure if it
is too low for the current operating condi-
tions.
Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R shorten the service life of the tyres
R cause increased tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics and thus driving safety (e.g. aqua- planing)
i The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However, you can also use the values given for higher loads. These are permissible andwill not adversely affect the running of the
vehicle. Tyre pressure loss warning system
General notes While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of aloss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multifunction dis-
play.
You can recognise the tyre pressure loss
warning by the Run Flat Indicator
Run Flat Indicator active Restart with OK active Restart with OK
message which
appears in the Serv.
Serv.menu of the multifunc-
tion display. Information on the message dis- play can be found in the "Restarting the tyre
pressure loss warning system" section
(Y page 601).
Important safety notes The tyre pressure warning system does not
warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pressure.
Observe the notes on the recommended tyre
pressure (Y page 600).
The tyre pressure loss warning does not
replace the need to regularly check the tyre
pressures. An even loss of pressure on sev-
eral tyres at the same time cannot be detec-
ted by the tyre pressure loss warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Avoid
abrupt steering manoeuvres.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you drive with a heavy load.
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, make sure that the tyre
pressures are set properly on all four tyres
for the respective operating conditions. Tyre pressure
601Wheels and tyres Z