2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 engine

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.
90LightingControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 90

XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching
daytime running lamp mode on or off (USA
only)” ( Y page 124).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ or à .
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
With the daytime running lamp mode
activated and the engine running, you cannot
switch off the low-beam headlamps manually.
Canada only
With the exterior lamp switch in position
$ or à , you cannot switch on the
high-beam headlamps.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
XFor nighttime driving turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L to permit activation
of the high-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to neutral
position N or park position P with the
vehicle at a standstill, the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T , the low-beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate lamps
and the side marker lamps come on
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 89).
USA only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 89).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position Ã.
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy 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.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps
and/or the low-beam headlamps on. Fog
lamps should only be used in conjunction with
low-beam headlamps. Consult your State or
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding permissible lamp operation.
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 89).XSwitching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The green indicator lamp N in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.XSwitching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green N and the yellow indicator lamp
R in the exterior lamp switch come on.XSwitching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop.Lighting91Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 91Z

XSwitching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
iWith the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either
left or right turn, only the respective left or
right turn signals will operate when the
ignition is switched on.
XSwitching off: Press hazard warning
flasher switch : again.
iIf the hazard warning flasher has been
activated automatically, press hazard
warning flasher switch : to switch it off.
Headlamp cleaning system
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress headlamp cleaning button :.
The headlamps are cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet.
The headlamps will be cleaned automatically
when you have
Rswitched on the headlamps
and
Rthe windshield wipers have wiped the
windshield with washer fluid fifteen times
The counter resets when you switch off the
ignition.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” (Y page 185).
Corner-illuminating lamps
The corner-illuminating lamps improve
illumination of the area in the direction into
which you are turning.
The corner-illuminating lamps will only
operate in low ambient lighting conditions.
If you are driving faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h) the corner-illuminating function is
not available.
Switching on
XMake sure the engine is running.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
L or à (Y page 89).
or
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
(Y page 90).
XSwitch on the left or right turn signal,
depending on whether you are turning left
or right.
The respective corner-illuminating lamp
comes on. If you have switched on the turn
signal for one side but turn the steering
wheel in the other direction, the corner-
illuminating lamp comes on on the side of
the turn signal.
or
XTurn steering wheel in desired direction.
Driving forward: The corner-illuminating
lamp on the side of your steering direction
comes on.
Driving in reverse: The corner-illuminating
lamp opposite to your steering direction
comes on.
The corner-illuminating lamps will come on
automatically depending on the steering
angle, even if you did not switch on either turn
signal. If the corner-illuminating lamps came
on automatically, they will also go out
automatically depending on the steering
angle and vehicle speed.
The corner-illuminating lamps temporarily
come on on both sides of the vehicle if you
turn the steering wheel in one direction and
Lighting93Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 93Z

then again in the other direction shortly
thereafter.
The corner-illuminating lamp remains lit for a
short time only. It then goes out
automatically.
Switching off
XSwitch off the left or right turn signal.
or
XSteer straight ahead.
The corner-illuminating lamp goes out.
iThere may be a brief delay before the
corner-illuminating lamps go out.
Interior lighting
The interior lighting controls are located in
the overhead control panel.
:p Left reading lamp on/off ;p Right reading lamp on/off=c Interior lighting on/off ?Slide switch for automatic control
Automatic control
XActivating: Slide switch ? to the left.
The interior lighting and the entry/exit
lamps come on in darkness, when you
Runlock the vehicle
Rremove the SmartKey from the starter
switch (Interior Lighting Delayed
Switch-off must be switched on
(Y page 126))
Ropen a door
Ropen the trunk
The interior lighting goes out after a short
time.
iIf a door remains open, the interior lamps
go out automatically after approximately
5 minutes.
XDeactivating: Slide switch ? to the right.
Manual control
! An interior lamp switched on manually
does not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switched on for an
extended period of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged
battery.
XSwitching interior lighting on/off: Press
switch c.
XSwitching reading lamps on/off: Press
respective switch p.
Courtesy lighting
For better orientation in the dark, courtesy
lamps will illuminate the interior of your
vehicle as follows:
With parking lamps switched on:
Rthe door handles
Rthe driver and passenger footwells
With SmartKey in starter switch position 1:
Rthe door handles
Rthe center console
iIf you turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and switch off the
headlamps, the door handle lamps will
remain lit for approximately 5 minutes.
94LightingControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 94

Wiping with washer fluidXPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow A past the resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 185).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 93).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
R Engage the parking brake.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again.
If the windshield wipers fail to function at
all with the combination switch in position
I ,
R set the combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed
R have the windshield wipers checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
Power windows
Opening and closing
The windows are opened and closed
electrically. The switches for all windows are
located on the driver’s door. The switch for
operating the passenger-side windows is
located on the passenger door.
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.GWarning!
When closing the windows, make sure there
is no danger of anyone being harmed by the
closing procedure.
The door windows are equipped with the
express operation and automatic reversal
function. If in express operation mode a door
window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path, the automatic reversal
function will stop the door window and open
it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled and held. See the “Closing
when a door window is blocked” section for
details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by pressing or pulling the
respective switch.
The closing of the rear side windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch.
If a window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path in a circumstance where you
are closing the windows by pressing and
96Power windowsControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 96

XClosing: Close the door window.XPull and hold switch : or ;.
The corresponding rear side window moves
upward until you release the switch.
Closing with KEYLESS-GO
When locking the vehicle, you can
simultaneously close the windows.
XPress and hold the lock button on an
outside door handle ( Y page 71) until the
windows are completely closed.XRelease the lock button on the outside door
handle to interrupt the closing procedure.
Synchronizing power windows
The windows must be synchronized after the
battery has been disconnected or if the
windows cannot be fully closed (express
operation).
Each window must be synchronized
separately.
XClose all doors.XSwitch on the ignition.XPull and hold switch : or ; (Y page 97)
until the respective window is closed.
The window opens again slightly.XPull and hold the respective switch once
more immediately until the window is
closed completely.XHold the respective switch for
approximately 1 second.
The window is synchronized.
Driving and parking
Safety notes
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.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.
Starting the engine
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
98Driving and parkingControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 98

Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
jPark position with gear selector lever lockkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission” (Y page 103).
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
With SmartKey
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 (Y page 78) and release it.
The engine starts automatically.
With KEYLESS-GO
GWarning!
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. 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.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
:USA only;Canada onlyXDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
The engine starts automatically.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:
XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
Driving and parking99Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 99Z

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