2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER towing

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 31 At a glance
........................................... 37 Safety
................................................... 49 Opening and closing
...........................83 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..111 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........125 Climate control
................................. 139 Driving and parking
..........................153 On-board computer and displays
....227 COMAND Online
................................ 285 Stowing and features
.......................543 Maintenance and care
......................561 Breakdown assistance
.....................575 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 595 Technical data
................................... 619 Contents
3

Bonnet
Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-tion) ............................................... 562
Closing ........................................... 563
Display message ............................ 270
Important safety notes .................. 562
Opening ......................................... 563
Boot
Emergency release .......................... 99
Important safety notes .................... 94
Locking separately ........................... 98
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 98
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 95
Opening/closing (from the out-
side, HANDS-FREE ACCESS) ............ 96
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 95
Overview .......................................... 94
Power closing .................................. 93
Boot lid
Display message ............................ 270
Opening dimensions ...................... 629
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Boot load (maximum) ........................ 629
Boot separator
Display message ............................ 271
Fitting ............................................ 106
General notes ................................ 105
Opening/closing ............................ 106
Removing ....................................... 106
Bottle holders .................................... 549
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 253
Notes ............................................. 627
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 73
Display message ............................ 256
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 71
BAS .................................................. 71
BAS PLUS ........................................ 72
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 627
Display message ............................ 248
Driving tips .................................... 179 High-performance brake system .... 180
Important safety notes .................. 179
Parking brake ................................ 176
Warning lamp ................................. 275
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away
Buttons on the COMAND control-
ler ........................................................ 296 C
Call ...................................................... 397
Accepting/ending/rejecting .......... 396
Connecting .................................... 397
see Telephone
Call list
Display details ............................... 406
Call lists
Deleting ......................................... 407
Opening and selecting an entry ..... 405
Saving an entry in the address
book .............................................. 406
Calling up a fault
see Display messages
Capacities (technical data) ............... 622
Car
see Vehicle
Car key
see Key
Car wash (care) ................................. 568
Care
Automatic car wash ....................... 568
Carpets .......................................... 574
Display ........................................... 572
Exhaust pipe .................................. 572
Exterior lighting ............................. 571
Gear or selector lever .................... 573
High-pressure cleaner .................... 569
Interior ........................................... 572
Matt paintwork .............................. 570
Night View Assist Plus ................... 572
Notes ............................................. 568
Paint .............................................. 570
Plastic trim .................................... 573
Reversing camera .......................... 572
Roof lining ...................................... 574
Seat belt ........................................ 574 Index
7

Text messages
Telephone module with Blue-
tooth® (SAP profile) ...................... 425
Text messages (SMS)
Notes and requirements ................ 409
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system )......... 79
Immobiliser ...................................... 79
Time
Setting ........................................... 312
Setting summer/standard time ..... 311
Setting the format ......................... 311
Setting the time ............................. 311
Setting the time manually .............. 311
Setting the time zone ..................... 311
Setting the time/date format ........ 311
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 245
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 579
TMC (Traffic Message Channel)
Displays on the map ...................... 365
Switching dynamic route guid-
ance on/of f................................... 364
Tone settings ..................................... 300
Balance and fader .......................... 300
Total distance recorder .................... 231
Tow-away protection
Activating ......................................... 80
Deactivating ..................................... 80
Function ........................................... 80
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 591
Important safety notes .................. 588
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 588
With the rear axle raised ................ 590
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye .................... 589
Removing the towing eye ............... 590
With both axles on the ground ....... 591
Track
Selecting (CD, DVD, MP3 ).............. 475
Selecting using the number key-
pad ................................................ 475
Track information .............................. 530
Traffic Announcement (TA)
Interrupting .................................... 468
Notes ............................................. 467 Switching on/of
f........................... 467
Traffic jam function ........................... 357
Traffic jam icon .................................. 365
Showing on route ........................... 365
Traffic jam message .......................... 367
Reading out on route ..................... 367
Traffic jams ........................................ 365
Showing in the map ....................... 365
Traffic Message Channel
see TMC (Traffic Message Channel)
Traffic messages
see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Traffic Programme (TA)
Switching off .................................. 299
Traffic reports ........................... 365, 367
Reading out on route ..................... 367
Real-time traffic news .................... 366
Showing in the map ....................... 365
Showing on route ........................... 365
Traffic symbol information ............. 365
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 163
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 591
Travel guide
Activating/deactivating data ......... 348
Calling up ....................................... 349
Choosing topics ............................. 350
Exploring a destination or route ..... 350
Selecting a destination or route on
the map ......................................... 350
ViaMichelin .................................... 348
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 573
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 231
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 231
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 232
True Image™ ...................................... 302
Turn signals
Switching on/of f........................... 129
TV
Alphabetical browser ..................... 506
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 501
Digital teletext (MHEG-5) ............... 508
Fixing a channel ............................. 507 Index
27

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

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may otherwise destroy the brake system.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 590).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 277) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 248).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tyre sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ®General notes
If the
÷ ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster. If ESP
®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving. When pulling away again, the engine
starts automatically. ESP ®
remains in its pre-
viously selected status. Example:if ESP®
was deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when
the engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 70).
You can select between the following states
of ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
is activated
R ESP ®
is deactivated G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
i Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilise the vehi- 74
Driving safety systemsSafety

The AIRSCARF function warms the head and
neck area of vehicle occupants with warm air.
The warm air flows out of the holes in the head restraints.
The three red indicator lamps in the button
indicate the heating level you have selected.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button:.
Three red indicator lamps in the button light up. The blower starts up after a preheating
phase of seven seconds.
X Press button :repeatedly until the
desired heating level is set.
X To switch off: press button:repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i The blower continues running for seven
seconds to cool down the heating ele-
ments.
i If the battery voltage is too low, AIRSCARF
may switch off. steering wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident. Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If the steering wheel lock is engaged, the vehi- cle can no longer be steered. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always switch on the ignition when towing
with a tow rope or a towing bar. Adjusting the steering wheel electri-
cally
:
To adjust the steering wheel height
; To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 118)
R storing settings (Y page 123) EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive off while the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature is making adjustments, you could lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always wait until the adjustment process is
complete before driving off. 118
steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

!
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
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DIS-
TRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take account of
road and weather conditions or traffic condi-
tions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time, and for staying correctly in lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed
(e.g. in heavy traffic or on winding roads).
R on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or
accelerating can cause the drive wheels to
lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-
ing the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example, in multi-storey car parks
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehi-
cle in front, it may unexpectedly accelerate to the speed stored. This speed can:
R be too high for a filter lane or a slip road
R be so high in the right lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the left
R be so high in the left lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the right
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
:
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To set the specified minimum distance
= LIM indicator lamp
? To store the current speed and to call up
the last stored speed
A To store the current speed or a lower
speed
B To switch between DISTRONIC PLUS and
variable SPEEDTRONIC
C To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
You can operate DISTRONIC PLUS and varia- ble SPEEDTRONIC with the cruise control
lever.
LIM indicator lamp =on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec- ted:
R LIM indicator lamp = =off: DISTRONIC
PLUS is selected.
R LIM indicator lamp = =on: variable
SPEEDTRONIC is selected. 186
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Selecting DISTRONIC PLUS
Cruise control lever
X Check whether LIM indicator lamp :is off.
If it is off, DISTRONIC PLUS is already selec- ted.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow ;.
LIM indicator lamp :in the cruise control
lever goes out. DISTRONIC PLUS is selec-
ted.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS; storing,
maintaining and calling up a speed Important safety notes
! 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
To activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following
conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be running. It may take up
to two minutes of driving before DIS-
TRONIC PLUS is ready for use.
R your vehicle must not be secured by the
electric parking brake.
R ESP ®
must be activated.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the bonnet must be closed. R
the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from Pto Dor your seat belt must be
fastened.
R the front-passenger door must be closed.
R the vehicle must not be skidding.
Activating Cruise control lever
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;, or press it up :or down =.
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed up :
or down =until the desired speed has
been set.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
If the vehicle in front has been detected and is
shown in the multifunction display, you can
also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when driving
at speeds below 30 km/h. If the vehicle in
front is no longer detected and displayed, for
example because it has changed lanes, DIS-
TRONIC PLUS is deactivated. You will hear a
warning tone if this is the case.
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS inactive
DISTRONIC PLUS inactive
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. The set distance to a slower-moving
vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed you deter-
mine by the position of the accelerator
pedal. Driving systems
187Driving and parking Z