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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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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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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FunctionRecommendation/NotesbAir distribution and
air volume
(automatic mode)i Switch on the automatic mode. The
indicator lamp in button à comes on.(Y page 150)cTemperature control,
driver’s sidei Set the temperature to 72‡ (22†).(Y page 151)dAir distribution,
driver’s side( Y page 153)Notes on climate control system
The climate control system is operational
whenever the engine is running. You can
operate the climate control system in either
the automatic or manual mode. The system
cools or heats the interior depending on the
selected interior temperature.
It can only function optimally when you are
driving with the windows and the retractable
hardtop closed.
Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and odors
are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air
distribution system.GWarning!
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a clogged filter replaced as soon as
possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The air conditioning will not engage (no
cooling) if the A/C mode ( Y page 150) is
deactivated.
GWarning!
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.XKeep the air intake grille in front of the
windshield free of snow and debris.
When the retractable hardtop is closed, do
not obstruct air flow by placing objects on the
air flow-through exhaust slots below the rear
window.
i If the vehicle interior is hot, ventilate the
interior before driving off. The climate
control will then adjust the interior
temperature to the set value much faster.
Deactivating the climate control
system
GWarning!
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time when the
retractable hardtop is closed. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
XDeactivating: Press button ^.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.XReactivating: Press button ^.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previous settings are once again in
effect.
or
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XTurn temperature controls C or H
( Y page 148) clockwise or
counterclockwise.
The indicator lamp in button ^ goes out.
or
XPress button Ã.
The indicator lamp in button à comes
on. The air volume and air distribution are
adjusted automatically.
or
XPress button ¬.
The indicator lamp in button ^ goes out.
Air conditioning
The air conditioning is operational while the
engine is running and cools the interior air to
the temperature set by the operator. In
addition, the air conditioning dehumidifies
the interior air and helps prevent window
fogging.
GWarning!
If you deactivate the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
i Condensated water may drip out from
underneath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.
The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs which
are harmful to the ozone layer.
Deactivating
It is possible to deactivate the air
conditioning. The interior air will then no
longer be cooled or dehumidified.
XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The cooling function switches off after a
short delay.Activating
Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the interior air with the air
conditioning.
XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
Automatic mode
Air distribution and air volume can be
adjusted automatically by the climate control
system. You can also adjust the settings for
air distribution and air volume manually.
When operating the climate control system in
automatic mode, the interior air temperature,
air volume and air distribution are adjusted
automatically.
In automatic mode, cooling with
dehumidification is switched on. This function
can be switched off if necessary.
GWarning!
If you deactivate the air conditioning, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
XSet the desired temperature
( Y page 151).XActivating: Press button Ã.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
The air volume and air distribution are
adjusted automatically.XDeactivating: Press button Ã.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The blower will run at speed setting 3. The
air flows through the center and side air
vents.
or
XPress one button Ä.
The indicator lamp in button à goes out.
The climate control settings for the
respective side of the passenger
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MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
If the air distribution controls as well as the
air volume control are set to à and there
is a high need for cooling, MAX COOL is
activated. “MAX COOL” appears in
temperature controls C and H
(Y page 148).
This provides the fastest possible cooling of
the vehicle interior (when retractable hardtop
is closed).
Automatic climate control panel with MAX COOLactivated
Air recirculation mode
Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e. g. before driving through
a tunnel). This setting cuts off the intake of
outside air and recirculates the air in the
passenger compartment.
GWarning!
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press button
¬.
XActivating: Press button g.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
iThe air recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures.
The indicator lamp in button g is not lit
when the air recirculation mode is switched
on automatically.
A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.
XDeactivating: Press button g again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
iThe manually selected air recirculation
mode is deactivated automatically:
Rafter 5 minutes if the outside
temperature is below approximately
41‡ (5†)
Rafter 5 minutes if the air conditioning is
turned off
Rafter 30 minutes if the outside
temperature is above approximately
41‡ (5†)
Residual heat and ventilation
With the engine turned off, it is possible to
continue to heat or ventilate the interior for
up to 30 minutes. This feature makes use of
the residual heat produced by the engine.
iIf you switch on the residual heat function
when outside temperatures are high, only
the ventilation will be switched on.
iHow long the system will provide heating
depends on the coolant temperature and
the selected temperature. The blower will
run at low speed regardless of the air
distribution control setting.
XActivating: Switch off the ignition.XPress button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button comes on.
XDeactivating: Press button Á.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
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