2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 battery

switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 285).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Driving off
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
SL 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below
68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed
is restricted in order to protect it from
damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full
speed when the engine is cold to prevent
premature engine wear and/or diminished
comfort.
! If an acoustic warning sounds and the
message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
The automatic central locking function can
be switched off ( Y page 126).
Automatic transmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
100Driving and parkingControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 100

The residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R when the ignition is switched on
R after approximately 30 minutes
R if the battery voltage drops
Rear window defroster
GWarning!
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster uses a large
amount of power. To keep the battery drain
to a minimum, switch off the defroster as
soon as the rear window is clear. The
defroster is switched off automatically after
some time of operation depending on the
outside temperature.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press button ¤.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
! The rear window defroster cannot be
switched on when the retractable hardtop
is open. The indicator lamp will start
flashing if the hardtop is open.
R Close the retractable hardtop.
The rear window defroster can then be
switched on.
XSwitching off: Press button ¤ again.
The rear window defroster switches off when
the battery voltage is too low. The indicator
lamp in button ¤ flashes. Too many
electrical consumers may be operating
simultaneously.
XSwitch off consumers that are currently not
needed if required.Retractable hardtop
Safety notes
For safety reasons, the retractable hardtop
can only be opened and closed when the
vehicle is standing still.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.GWarning!
To prevent possible accidents, only drive the
vehicle with the retractable hardtop either
completely closed and locked, or fully lowered
into its storage compartment.
If the retractable hardtop does not completely
open or close, the roof hydraulics will lose
pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered
R after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on
R after approximately 15 seconds when the
ignition is switched off
Shortly before the retractable hardtop is
lowered, a warning will sound. In the
multifunction display you will see K and
the message Retractable Roof Lowering .
Properly lock the retractable hardtop before
continuing to drive. Otherwise, the unlocked
hardtop could open while the vehicle is in
motion and cause you to lose control of the
vehicle. You or others could be injured as a
result.
GWarning!
Before operating the retractable hardtop,
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
injured by the moving parts (retractable
hardtop, roof frame, and trunk lid).
Hands must never be placed near the roof
frame, upper windshield area, hardtop, shelf
behind roll bars, or trunk lid while the
retractable hardtop is being raised or
lowered. Serious personal injury may occur.
If potential danger exists, release the
retractable hardtop switch or button % or
Retractable hardtop155Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 155Z

AshtrayXOpening: Briefly touch cover plate :.XRemoving ashtray insert: Secure vehicle
from movement by engaging the parking
brake.
XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
XPress sliding knob ; to the right.
The ashtray insert will eject a short
distance.
XReinstalling ashtray insert: Press ashtray
insert into the frame until it snaps into
place.
XClosing: Push down cover plate :.
Cigarette lighter
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.GWarning!
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
XOpen the cover (Y page 166).XSwitch on the ignition.XPush in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when hot.
XTake out cigarette lighter :.XReinsert cigarette lighter : in its socket
after use.
Power outlet
The power outlet can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. auxiliary lamps, mobile phone chargers)
up to a maximum of 15 A (180 W).
XSwitch on the ignition.
Power outlet in trunk
If the engine is off and power outlet : is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
166Useful featuresControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 166

Tele Aid
! In order to activate the Tele Aid system, a
subscriber agreement must be completed.
To ensure your system is activated and
operational, please press Information
button E to perform the acquaintance
call. Failure to complete either of these
steps may result in a system that is not
activated.
If you have any questions regarding
activation, please call the Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)
(USA only) or 1-888-923-8367 (Canada
only).
Shortly after the completion of your Tele Aid
acquaintance call, you will receive a user ID
and password in the mail. You may use this
password to access the Tele Aid section in
“Owner’s Online” at www.mbusa.com (USA
only). The “My Tele Aid” section will give you
access to account information, remote door
unlock and more.
The Tele Aid system is available if
R it has been activated and is operational.
Activation requires a subscription for
monitoring services, connection and
cellular air time
R vehicle battery power is available
R the relevant cellular phone network and
GPS signals are available and pass the
information on to the Customer Assistance
Center
i Location of the vehicle on a map is only
possible if the vehicle is able to receive
signals from the GPS satellite network and
pass the information on to the Customer
Assistance Center.
The Tele Aid system
(Telematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types
of response:
R Automatic and manual emergency
R Roadside Assistance
R Information
To adjust the speaker volume during a Tele
Aid call do the following:XPress button W or X on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the adjustment button on your
COMAND system.
Be sure to check “Owner’s Online” at
www.mbusa.com (USA only) for more
information and a description of all available
features.
System self-test
The system performs a self-test after you
have switched on the ignition.
GWarning!
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if any or all of the following
conditions occur:
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not come on during the system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button º does not come on during the
system self-test.
R The indicator lamp in Information button
E does not come on during the system
self-test.
R The indicator lamp in the SOS button,
Roadside Assistance button º, or
Information button E remains
illuminated constantly in red after the
system self-test.
R The message Tele Aid Inoperative
appears in the multifunction display after
the system self-test.
Useful features167Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 167Z

Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming the
integrated remote control, here are some
helpful tips:
R Check the frequency of hand-held remote
control A (typically located on the reverse
side of the remote). The integrated remote
control is compatible with radio-frequency
devices operating between 280-390 MHz.
R Put a new battery in hand-held remote
control A. This will increase the likelihood
of the hand-held remote control sending a
stronger and more accurate signal to the
integrated remote control.
R While performing step 3, hold hand-held
remote control A at different lengths and
angles from the signal transmitter button
( ; , = or ?) you are programming.
Attempt varying angles at the distance of 2
to 12 inches (5 to 30 cm) away or the same
angle at varying distances.
R If another hand-held remote control is
available for the same device, try the
programming steps again using that other
hand-held remote control. Make sure new
batteries are in the hand-held remote
control before beginning the procedure.
R Straighten the antenna wire from the
garage door opener assembly. This may
help improve transmitting and/or receiving
signals.
i Certain types of garage door openers are
incompatible with the integrated remote
control. If you should experience further
difficulties with programming the
integrated remote control, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or call
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA only) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372),
or the HomeLink ®
Hotline (USA only) at
1-800-355-3515, or the Customer Service
(Canada only) at 1-800-387-0100.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Floormats
GWarning!
Whenever you are using floormats, make sure
there is enough clearance and that the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fastened
using the fastening equipment.
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if
necessary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of each
other as this may impair pedal movement.
Useful features175Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 175Z

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR for the front
and rear axle indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo and, if
applicable, trailer tongue load. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passengers,
fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer
tongue load). It is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa
to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure
is bar. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Load index
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit, and production options
weight.
Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure for
normal driving conditions is listed on the Tire
and Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B-pillar. It provides best
handling, tread life and riding comfort.
Supplemental information pertaining to
special driving situations can be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
206Tires and wheelsOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 206

until the standard display (Y page 116)
appears in the multifunction display.XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ or ± appears
in the left multifunction display and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the right multifunction display.
i If the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
4 .
Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes
Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
Vehicle care215Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 215Z

Vehicle equipment ............................224
Where will I find ...? ..........................224
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .......................226
What to do if … ..................................254
Unlocking/locking manually ...........267
Replacing SmartKey batteries .........269
Replacing bulbs .................................271
Replacing wiper blades ....................275
Flat tire ..............................................276
Battery ...............................................283
Jump starting ....................................285
Towing the vehicle ............................287
Fuses ..................................................291
223Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 223