2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 display

Version 2
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESP-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
The SPORT handling mode switches off
automatically when you turn off the engine.
When starting the engine, the ESP® is
activated automatically.
Switching the ESP® off or on
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESP® OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp ÷ or d8 in the
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instrument cluster does not flash. The
ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP® OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The message ESP-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP® OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster goes out.
The message ESP-ON appears in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
When the ESP® OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESP® is switched off.
When the ABS/ESP® warning lamp ÷ and
the ESP® OFF warning lamp å are
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is not
operational due to a malfunction
When the ESP® is switched off or not
operational due to a malfunction, vehicle
stability in standard driving maneuvers is
reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
Version 2
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ABS/ESP®
warning lamp d and the ESP® OFF
warning lamp % in the instrument
cluster come on.
The message ESP-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp % in the
instrument cluster go out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
GWarning!
When the ABS/ESP® warning lamp d and
the ESP® OFF warning lamp % are
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
switched off. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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Electro-hydraulic brake system
The electro-hydraulic brake system combines
a hydraulic brake circuit with electronically
controlled brake servo assistance. You have
increased braking safety and improved
braking comfort.GWarning!
Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated in
the speedometer display, for example by the
$ (USA only) or J (Canada only)
indicator lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints”
section. Also read and observe the messages
in the instrument cluster multifunction
display.
For information on warning and indicator
lamps, see the “Practical hints” section
( Y page 255). For information on the
messages that may appear in the
multifunction display, see the “Practical
hints” section ( Y page 227) and
( Y page 237).
GWarning!
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply or
electrical system may impair brake system
operation and switch it into its emergency
operation mode. In such a case, the red brake
warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
the “Towing the vehicle” section in this
Operator’s Manual.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated automatically when you
R unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
with KEYLESS-GO
R open the driver’s or passenger door
R turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1
R press the start/stop button on the gear
selector lever once (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
R depress the brake pedal
R release the parking brake
If the electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated as the brake pedal is first
depressed, you may feel a reduced pedal
resistance and longer pedal travel than
normal. When releasing the pedal, you may
also feel the brake pedal pulsate and you may
hear a sound which is caused by the
activation of the electro-hydraulic brake
system pump. This is normal and not an
indication of a malfunction. Pedal travel
returns to normal when you release the brake
pedal and the sound soon ceases.
If you experience the above while driving and
the red brake warning lamp illuminates
and/or warning messages appear in the
multifunction display, the brake system is
malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the
warning message(s) and have the brake
system checked immediately.GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
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you cannot shut a door, do not force it or
you could damage the door or the window.
Fix whatever is affecting the window before
trying to shut the door.
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.
Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
R You can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
( Y page 68).
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R Never store the SmartKey together with
-electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
- metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
trunk.
R When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
while the engine is running (e.g. if a
passenger exits the vehicle with the
SmartKey), the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display while driving off.
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
passenger seat or insert it in shirt pocket).
R If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
only turn it off again with this button, even
if you have put the SmartKey in the starter
switch in the meantime.
R This does not apply if, after starting, the
automatic transmission is still in park
position P and the SmartKey is then
inserted in the starter switch. The
SmartKey will then have priority over the
KEYLESS-GO function and the vehicle’s
electrical system will operate according to
the position of the SmartKey in the starter
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RThe vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
-an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
-you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
RRemember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle. If you leave the
SmartKey behind when exiting and locking
the vehicle, the message Key Detected
In Vehicle appears in the multifunction
display.
Factory setting
XGlobal unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.
Unless you open a door or the trunk within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
RThe vehicle will be locked again.
RThe anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
XGlobal locking: Press lock button : on an
outside door handle.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogram the SmartKey. Grasping the
driver’s outside door handle will then only
unlock the driver’s door, interior lockable
storage compartments, and the fuel filler flap.
XSwitching on/off: Press and hold buttons
% and & simultaneously for
approximately 6 seconds until the battery
check lamp (Y page 71) flashes twice.
KEYLESS-GO will then function as follows:
XUnlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Grasp the driver’s outside door
handle.
XGlobal unlocking: Grasp the outside door
handle on the passenger side.
XGlobal locking: Press lock button : on an
outside door handle.
Checking SmartKey batteries
Example illustration: SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
XPress button & or % on the
SmartKey.
Battery check lamp : comes on briefly to
indicate that the SmartKey batteries are in
order.
If the battery check lamp does not come on
briefly during check, the SmartKey batteries
are discharged.
XReplace the batteries (Y page 269).
iYou can obtain the required batteries at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iIf the batteries are checked within signal
range of the vehicle, pressing button
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XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on seat heating: Press
switch :.
Both red indicator lamps in switch : come
on.
XSwitching off seat heating: Press
switch : repeatedly until all red indicator
lamps go out.
If one or both of the indicator lamps in the
seat heating switch are flashing, there is
insufficient voltage available since too many
electrical consumers are turned on. The seat
heating switches off automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available.
AIRSCARF neck-level heating
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating provides
the area surrounding the occupants’ necks
with a heated air stream flowing from
openings in the head restraints.
GWarning!
When switching on the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the air streaming from the openings
may be very hot. When in close proximity to
the openings, you could be seriously burned.
To help avoid serious personal injuries, switch
the AIRSCARF to a lower heating level.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Press AIRSCARF switch :
for the desired side.
All three indicator lamps on respective
AIRSCARF switch : come on. After a
preheating time of approximately
10 seconds, the blower starts.
XPress AIRSCARF switch : repeatedly until
the desired AIRSCARF heating level for the
corresponding seat is reached.
XSwitching off: Press AIRSCARF
switch : repeatedly until all indicator
lamps on AIRSCARF switch : go out.
After switching off the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the AIRSCARF fan continues to
operate for approximately 7 seconds to cool
down the heater elements.
Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
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SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition the message Lights Are
Still On appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
R Instrument panel lamps
R Green indicator lamp T in the exterior
lamp switchXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position Ã.
The following lamps come on and go out
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light with the SmartKey in starter switch
position 1 or the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button pressed once:
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps will also come on and turn off
automatically.
Canada only: High-beam headlamps are only
available with the exterior lamp switch in
position L.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
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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
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