& on the SmartKey. This immediately
interrupts the raising or lowering procedure.
You then can operate the retractable hardtop
switch or press button % or & on the
SmartKey to raise or lower the retractable
hardtop away from the danger zone
! Never sit or place heavy objects on the
rear shelf. Doing so could cause damage to
the retractable hardtop and the rear shelf.
! Please keep in mind that weather
conditions can sometimes change rapidly.
Make sure to close the retractable hardtop
when leaving the vehicle. If water enters
the vehicle interior, vehicle electronics
could be damaged which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! When opening and closing the retractable
hardtop, make sure
Rthere is sufficient clearance for the
retractable hardtop to move up and for
the trunk lid to move back
Rthe luggage cover is installed, extended
and closed
Rthe trunk is loaded only to the height of
the luggage cover
Rthe luggage/cargo does not push up the
closed luggage cover
Rthe trunk lid is closed
Rthe outside temperature is above +5‡
(-15†)
Otherwise the retractable hardtop and
trunk as well as other parts of the vehicle
could be damaged.
Opening and closing
With the retractable hardtop switch
GObserve Safety notes, see page 155.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the luggage cover (Y page 158).XClose the trunk lid.XSwitch on the ignition.
Retractable hardtop switch
Opening
iMake sure the retractable hardtop is dry
before you open it. Otherwise water may
enter the trunk interior.
XPull up on the retractable hardtop switch as
indicated by arrow : until the retractable
hardtop is completely lowered into its trunk
storage compartment.
Closing
XPress down on the retractable hardtop
switch as indicated by arrow ; until the
retractable hardtop is completely closed
and locked.
With the SmartKey
GObserve Safety notes, see page 155.156Retractable hardtopControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 156
The wind screen is stored in the trunk.
Installing
XLeave the wind screen folded and place it
on the roll bar.
XMake sure the fastening straps are
unbuckled.
XSlide the wind screen into the roll bar until
guide tabs : on each side latch
underneath the roll bar.
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
iThe fastening straps must be directed
into the vehicle interior.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XGuide the fastening straps around the top
of the roll bar and close buckles ;.
XTighten the fastening straps if necessary.XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).XFold the upper section of the wind screen
up towards the head restraints until it
stops.
Removing
XFold the upper section of the wind screen
back.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XUndo the buckles on the upper section of
the roll bar by pressing release button :.
XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
XPull the wind screen out towards the front
of the vehicle.
Be careful not to damage interior trim with
the guide tabs.
XStore the wind screen in a safe place.
Luggage cover
The luggage cover covers luggage/cargo in
the trunk.
158Retractable hardtopControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 158
! To prevent damage to the retractable
hardtop or luggage/cargo when lowering
the retractable hardtop:
RLoad trunk only to the height of the
luggage cover.
RDo not permit luggage/cargo to push up
the closed luggage cover.
RDo not place anything on top of or in front
of the luggage cover.
RDo not place anything on the shelf behind
the roll bar.
Closing
Closed luggage cover
:Luggage cover;Zipper=Side holder?HandleXPull out luggage cover : in direction of
arrow using handle ?.
XHook luggage cover : into left and right
side holders =.
Opening
XUnhook luggage cover : from side holders
=.
XWhile holding on to handle ?, guide
luggage cover : in the opposite direction
of arrow.
Removing
Closed luggage cover
:Luggage cover;Zipper=Side holder?HandleXFold back the entire length of the zipper’s
cloth cover.
XOpen zipper ; completely while the
luggage cover is closed.
XOpen luggage cover :.
Opened luggage cover
ATensioning claspBRetainer springGWarning!
Only open the tensioning clasps when the
luggage cover is opened. You could otherwise
be injured.
Retractable hardtop159Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 159Z
XSecuring luggage: Pull strap : out of
holder ;.
XSecure the luggage with strap : so that it
cannot move.
XInsert strap : into latch =.XReleasing strap: Press release button ?
and guide strap : back to holder ;.
Load assist in the trunk
To facilitate trunk loading after opening the
trunk lid, use the load assist feature to raise
the retracted hardtop from its storage
position in the trunk.
GWarning!
To prevent injuries, make sure that there is no
possibility of body parts getting caught in
moving parts. If potential danger exists, press
the switch again. This will immediately stop
the movement of the hardtop.
Hardtop : can only be raised or lowered
when luggage cover ; is closed and the
trunk lid is completely opened.
XRaising the hardtop: Press load assist
button =.
Retracted hardtop : rises a short
distance. Load assist button = comes on
brightly. You can now open luggage
cover ;.
XLowering the hardtop: Close luggage
cover ;.
XPress load assist button =.
Hardtop : lowers. Load assist button =
is dimly lit.
! Only close the trunk if the hardtop is
completely lowered. Otherwise you could
damage the hardtop.
If you begin to close the trunk lid before the
hardtop is completely lowered, the load
assist button will flash and a warning will
sound.
Useful features
Cup holder
GWarning!
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
164Useful featuresControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 164
XPush handle ; under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the headlamps, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop with
somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground.
SL 550, SL 63 AMG: The vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
SL 600, SL 65 AMG: With the engine at
operating temperature, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
With the engine not at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 30 minutes with the engine turned off.
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG you can check
the engine oil level with the oil dipstick.
iIn vehicles without an oil dipstick, the
engine oil level is measured with the control
system (Y page 182).
XOpen the hood (Y page 180).Engine compartment181Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 181Z
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio ; is the dimensional
relationship between tire section height and
section width and is expressed in percentage.
The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing
section height by section width.
Tire code
Tire code = indicates the tire construction
type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter
“D” means diagonal or bias ply construction;
letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18). For
additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” ( Y page 202).
Rim diameter
Rim diameter ? is the diameter of the bead
seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. The
rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).
Load indexGWarning!
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may be the result which may cause
an accident and/or serious injury to you or
others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part.
GWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Load index A is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corresponds
to a maximum load of 1356 lb (615 kg) the
tire is designed to support. See also
“Maximum tire load” (Y page 197) where the
maximum load associated with the load index
is indicated in kilograms and lbs.
For additional information on the load index,
see “Load identification” ( Y page 204).
Speed symbol GWarning!
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum
speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires
are rated can lead to sudden tire failure,
causing loss of vehicle control and possibly
resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Speed symbol B indicates the approved
maximum speed (tire speed rating) for the
tire.
Summer tires
IndexSpeed ratingQup to 100 mph (160 km/h)Rup to 106 mph (170 km/h)Sup to 112 mph (180 km/h)Tup to 118 mph (190 km/h)Hup to 130 mph (210 km/h)Vup to 149 mph (240 km/h)Wup to 168 mph (270 km/h)Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)202Tires and wheelsOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 202
Tire type code
Tire type code ? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code
for identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture A identifies the
week and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3208” represents the 32nd
week of 2008.
Tire ply material
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall : and
under the tread ;.
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), kilopascal (kPa), or bar.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar
Metric unit for air pressure. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Tires and wheels205Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 205Z
Unlocking the driver’s doorXInsert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1 until the locking knob moves
up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XPull the door handle to open the driver’s
door.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 6.2 ft (1.89 m)
is required to open the trunk lid.
XInsert mechanical key = into the trunk lid
lock.
XTurn mechanical key = counterclockwise
to position 2.
XPull handle : and lift the trunk lid.! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
XTurn mechanical key = back and remove
it from the trunk lid lock.
Unlocking the glove box
Lockable storage areas in the passenger
compartment include:
Rthe glove box
Rthe storage compartment under the
armrest
Rthe rear storage compartments
If these cannot be unlocked by means of the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key to unlock
the glove box.
iTo unlock the remaining storage
compartments, the cause for the
malfunction of the SmartKey must be
determined and corrected, see
(Y page 68).
XInsert mechanical key : into the glove box
lock.
XTurn mechanical key : counterclockwise
to position 2.
You can now open the glove box.
iUnlocking the glove box with the
mechanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey in
the starter switch.
268Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 268