2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 display

The thumbwheel for adjusting the following
distance is located on the right side of the
center console.
XIncreasing distance: Turn
thumbwheel : towards ª.
Increasing the distance setting tells
Distronic to maintain a greater following
distance to the preceding vehicle.
XDecreasing distance: Turn
thumbwheel : towards ¥.
Decreasing the distance setting tells
Distronic to maintain a shorter following
distance to the preceding vehicle.
Driving with Distronic
This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will
deactivate the Distronic system.
GWarning!
The Distronic works to maintain the speed
selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the Distronic
could lose sight of the preceding vehicle.
Your vehicle could then accelerate to the
previously selected speed.
The Distronic regulates only the distance
between your vehicle and those directly
ahead of it, but does not register stationary
objects in the road, e.g.:
Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
Ra disabled vehicle
Ran oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle.
GWarning!
The Distronic should not be used in snowy or
icy road conditions.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning
system is a dirty Distronic system sensor
cover (located in the hood grille), especially
at times of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, the Distronic will switch off,
and the message DISTRONIC Currently
Unavailable – See Oper. Manual
appears in the multifunction display.
For cleaning and care of the Distronic system
sensor cover, see (Y page 218).
iIf the message DISTRONIC Currently
Unavailable – See Oper. Manual
disappears during driving, the dirt (e.g.
slush) has dissolved; the Distronic is
available again if you reactivate it
(Y page 136).
Turns and bends
In turns or bends, the Distronic may not
detect a moving vehicle in front, or it may
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Example illustration (except SL 63 AMG)
SL 63 AMG:
The distance warning function on/off switch
is located on the right side of the center
console.
XActivating/deactivating: Press
switch :.
When the distance warning function is
activated, indicator lamp ; in switch :
comes on. A loudspeaker symbol appears
in the right multifunction display
(Y page 136).
RACE START (SL 63 AMG)
RACE START enables optimum acceleration
from a standing start with suitable high-grip
road surface conditions.
GWarning!
RACE START is only available when the SPORT
handling mode is switched on. The SPORT
handling mode stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent if the vehicle starts to skid or
when a wheel is spinning.
RACE START should be used only on closed
tracks. Always adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when
Rthe doors are closed
Rthe engine is running and has reached its
operating temperature of approximately
80†. This is the case when the engine oil
temperature indicator in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
Rthe SPORT handling mode is switched on
(Y page 58)
Rthe multifunction steering wheel is in the
straight-ahead position
Rthe vehicle is standing still and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot)
Rthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
XTurn the program mode selector dial
clockwise (Y page 107) until the RS lamp
on the dial comes on.
The message RACE START Cancel:
Paddle DOWN appears in the left
multifunction display and the message
RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
appears in the right multifunction display.
iWhen the activation conditions are not
fulfilled anymore, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START appears in the
left multifunction display and the message
Canceled appears in the right
multifunction display.
XTo cancel: Pull left steering wheel gearshift
control (Y page 108).
or
XTo confirm: Pull right steering wheel
gearshift control (Y page 108).
The message RACE START appears in the
left multifunction display and the message
Available Depress Gas Pedal appears
in the right multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within 2 seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START
appears in the left multifunction display
and the message Not Possible See
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Operator’s Manual appears in the right
multifunction display.XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed rises to approximately
4000 rpm.
The message RACE START appears in the
left multifunction display and the message
Release Brake To Start appears in the
right multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within 7 seconds, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START appears in the
left multifunction display and the message
Canceled appears in the right
multifunction display.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal while
keeping the accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The message RACE START appears in the
left multifunction display and the message
Active appears in the right multifunction
display.
RACE START deactivates at a vehicle speed
of approximately 50 km/h. The automatic
transmission switches to program mode S+.
The SPORT handling mode remains switched
on.
RACE START is canceled immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal while RACE
START is active or when the activation
conditions are not fulfilled anymore. The
message RACE START appears in the left
multifunction display and the message Not
Possible See Operator’s Manual
appears in the right multifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a
short period of time, it is only available
again after having driven the vehicle a
certain distance.
Hill-start assist system (SL 63 AMG)
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic transmission into
park position P.
XDepress the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
ABC
The ABC system is an active, computer-
controlled system that adjusts the
suspension hydraulically at all four wheels in
response to various driving situations. It
selects the optimum suspension tuning and
ride height for your vehicle automatically.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle adjusts its ride height
automatically to increase vehicle safety and
to reduce fuel consumption.
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Setting suspension tuning (except
SL 63 AMG)
XStart the engine.
Suspension for sporty driving style
The setting for sporty driving is selected when
indicator lamp ; is on.
XPress ABC suspension tuning button :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
Suspension for regular driving style
The setting for regular driving is selected
when indicator lamp ; is off.
XPress ABC suspension tuning button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
SL 65 AMG: You can display the current
settings in the SETUP of the AMG menu
(Y page 117).
Setting suspension tuning (SL 63 AMG)
XStart the engine.Suspension for sporty driving style
The suspension tuning for a sporty driving
style is selected when ABC suspension tuning
button : comes on in red.
XPress ABC suspension tuning button :.
Button : comes on in red.
Suspension for regular driving style
The suspension tuning for a regular driving
style is selected when ABC suspension tuning
button : is not on in red.
XPress ABC suspension tuning button :.
The red illumination on button : goes out.
Storing and calling up settings
When you have selected the suspension
tuning and the program mode (Y page 106),
you can store, call up, and display the settings
using AMG button ; when the engine is
running. Pressing AMG button ; when the
ignition is switched on, displays the current
settings only.
You can also call up the settings via the
control system (Y page 117).
XStoring: Press and hold AMG button ;
until an acoustic signal sounds.
The current setting is stored and appears
in the multifunction display.
XCalling up and displaying: Press AMG
button ;.
The stores suspension tuning and program
mode are in effect and the settings appear
in the multifunction display.
XDisplaying: Tap AMG button ;.
The stored and/or currently active settings
appear in the multifunction display.
Parktronic system (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative
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Climate control system
Control panel
Automatic climate control
FunctionRecommendation/Notes1Air distribution
display, driver’s side
2Front defrosteriKeep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the side windows are clear
again.
(Y page 153)3Air recirculationiOnly use this function for a short time,
e.g. in a tunnel. Otherwise, the windows
can fog up due to lack of fresh air.
(Y page 154)4Rear window
defroster
(Y page 155)5Air distribution
display, passenger
side
6Air distribution,
passenger side
(Y page 153)7Temperature control,
passenger side
iSet the temperature to 72‡ (22†).(Y page 151)8AC cooling on/offiSwitch on/off the air conditioning.(Y page 150)Residual heat/
ventilation
iWith the engine turned off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior.
(Y page 154)9Climate control on/
off
iSwitch on/off the climate control
system.
(Y page 149)aAir volume control(Y page 153)148Climate control systemControls in detail
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Adjusting air distribution
The air distribution can be adjusted
separately on each side of the passenger
compartment with buttons Ä.
The symbols on the controls represent the
following functions:SymbolFunction¯Directs air through the
defroster air vents to the
windshield and door windowsPDirects air through the center
and side air ventsODirects air to the footwellsNDirects air through the center,
side air vents and to the
footwellsaDirects air through the
defroster air vents to the
windshield, door windows and
footwellsXPress one button Ä until the desired
setting for the respective side of the
passenger compartment appears in air
distribution display : or A (Y page 148).
Adjusting air volume
XDecreasing/increasing: Turn air volume
control F (Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
Front defroster
You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the windshield and the
door windows.
i Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the door windows are clear
again.XActivating: Press button ¬.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The climate control switches to the following
functions automatically:
R cooling on to dehumidify
R most efficient blower speed and heating
power, depending on outside temperature
R air flows onto the windshield and the door
windows
R the air recirculation mode is switched off
XDeactivating: Press button ¬ again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previous settings are once again in
effect. The cooling remains switched on.
The air recirculation remains switched off.
or
XPress button Ã.
The indicator lamp in button ¬ goes out.
Air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
or
XTurn temperature controls C and H
( Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
or
XTurn air volume control F (Y page 148)
clockwise or counterclockwise.
Windshield fogged on the outside
XSwitch the windshield wipers on
( Y page 95).XPress one button Ä until the setting
P , N or O appears in air
distribution display : or A (Y page 148).
Maximum cooling MAX COOL
MAX COOL is only available in U.S. vehicles.
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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
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XClose the luggage cover (Y page 158).XClose the trunk lid.XAim the transmitter eye at an outside door
handle.
The SmartKey must be in close proximity to
the outside door handle.
Opening (Summer opening feature)
i Make sure the retractable hardtop is dry
before you open it. Otherwise water may
enter the trunk interior.
XPress and hold button % until the
retractable hardtop is completely open.
The seat ventilation for the driver’s seat
switches on and the rear side windows also
open.XRelease button % to interrupt the
opening procedure.XPress and hold button % once more to
open the door windows.
Closing (Convenience closing feature)
XPress and hold button & until the
retractable hardtop is completely closed.
All currently open windows also close.XRelease button & to interrupt the
closing procedure.
Locking
GObserve Safety notes, see page 155.
The retractable hardtop is not fully closed and
locked or not fully opened and locked if
R the message K Retractable Roof
In Operation appears in the
multifunction display
R a warning sounds for 10 seconds when
driving off or while driving
If the retractable hardtop is not properly
locked, lock it as follows.
Unlocked status noticed when stoppedXSwitch on the ignition.XTo lock the retractable hardtop in its fully
closed position, press down on the
retractable hardtop switch ( Y page 156)
until the retractable hardtop is fully closed.
or
XTo lock the retractable hardtop in its fully
opened position, pull up on the retractable
hardtop switch ( Y page 156) until the
retractable hardtop is fully opened.
Unlocked status noticed while driving
GWarning!
Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon
as it is safe to do so and lock the retractable
hardtop before continuing to drive. You could
otherwise endanger yourself and others.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as
soon as it is safe to do so.XLeave the ignition switched on.XTo lock the retractable hardtop in its fully
closed position, press down on the
retractable hardtop switch ( Y page 156)
until the retractable hardtop is fully closed.
or
XTo lock the retractable hardtop in its fully
opened position, pull up on the retractable
hardtop switch ( Y page 156) until the
retractable hardtop is fully opened.
Wind screen
GWarning!
The wind screen can restrict the driver’s
vision to the rear of the vehicle. To prevent a
possible accident when visibility is limited
(e.g. in darkness), the upper part of the wind
screen should be folded back.
The wind screen deflects drafts away from the
driver and passenger when the retractable
hardtop is lowered.
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