2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL550 suspension

Lower partFunctionPage:Gear selector lever103;Parktronic system
deactivation switch147
=Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment86
?ABC suspension tuning
button143
ATow-away alarm switch64BPower-folding exterior rear
view mirrors, Canada only88
CRetractable hardtop switch155Roll bar buttons51DABC vehicle level control
button142
EElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®) switch656
FunctionPageFThumbwheel for setting
following distance for
Distronic6133,
138
GDistance warning function
switch6133,
141
HProgram mode selector
switch61066Layout in SL 63 AMG differs.34Center consoleAt a glance
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The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
80†. During this time, avoid driving at full
engine speed.
If the engine reaches the overspeed range in
the manual shift program, the menu will be
shown in red. In addition, you will see UP next
to gear indicator ; as a reminder to upshift.
Use buttons & or * to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
RSETUP (Y page 117)
RRACETIMER (Y page 117)
ROverall analysis (Y page 118)
RLap analysis (Y page 118)
SETUP
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & repeatedly until the
SETUP appears in the multifunction
display.
or
XTap the AMG button on the center console
(SL 63 AMG only) (Y page 144).
iYou can store and call up automatic
transmission program mode and
suspension style settings with the AMG
button on the center console (SL 63 AMG
only). For more information, see
(Y page 144).
:Automatic transmission program mode
indicator
;Suspension style indicatorRACETIMER GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
:Lap number;RACETIMER=Gear indicator
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 78).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 78) or, in
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
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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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The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, the ride height is reduced
by up to approximately 0.5 in (12 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change.
Setting the vehicle level
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
LevelUse forIndicator
lamps
NormalFor driving on
normal roads.
Both lamps
are off.
Level 1For driving on
rough roads or
with snow chains
(Y page 208).
One lamp
is on.
Level 2For driving on very
rough road surface
conditions.
Both lamps
are on.
Select the level 1 and level 2 settings only
when required by current driving conditions.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling may be
impaired.
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
XStart the engine.XPress vehicle level control button = briefly
to change from one level setting to the
next.
RThe normal level is selected if both
indicator lamps are off.
RAt level 1, indicator lamp : is on.
RAt level 2, both indicator lamps :
and ; are on.
When the vehicle is at level 2, pressing
vehicle level control button = will return
the vehicle to normal level.
iPressing vehicle level control button =
twice in quick succession will cause the
vehicle to immediately raise or lower to the
new vehicle level as selected.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour choice of suspension style
Rthe vehicle loading
You can set the following suspension styles:
RRegular (Comfort)
RSporty
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
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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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The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
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Position A represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
XRemove cover from battery positive
terminal ;.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
XConnect positive terminal : of charged
battery A with positive terminal ; with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal : of charged battery A first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with charged
battery A and run at idle speed.
XConnect negative terminal = of charged
battery A with negative terminal ? with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal = of charged battery
A first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
XRemove the jumper cables from negative
terminals = and ? first.
XRemove the jumper cables from positive
terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
XHave the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
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
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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! For
more information, see “Electro-hydraulic
brake system” in this in this Operator’s
Manual.
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.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed.XSwitch off the tow-away alarm before
towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or one axle raised ( Y page 64).
!
Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
( Y page 283) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 285).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor ( Y page 224).
XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.288Towing the vehiclePractical hints
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