2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG automatic transmission

Vehicle equipment ..............................68
Locking and unlocking .......................68
Starter switch positions .....................78
Seats ....................................................80
Multifunction steering wheel .............84
Mirrors .................................................86
Memory function .................................88
Lighting ................................................89
Wipers ..................................................95
Power windows ...................................96
Driving and parking ............................98
Automatic transmission ...................103
Instrument cluster ............................111
Control system ..................................113
Driving systems ................................130
Climate control system ....................148
Rear window defroster .....................155
Retractable hardtop .........................155
Loading and storing ..........................161
Useful features .................................164
67Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 67

you cannot shut a door, do not force it or
you could damage the door or the window.
Fix whatever is affecting the window before
trying to shut the door.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
R You can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
( Y page 68).
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R Never store the SmartKey together with
-electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
- metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
trunk.
R When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
while the engine is running (e.g. if a
passenger exits the vehicle with the
SmartKey), the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display while driving off.
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
passenger seat or insert it in shirt pocket).
R If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
only turn it off again with this button, even
if you have put the SmartKey in the starter
switch in the meantime.
R This does not apply if, after starting, the
automatic transmission is still in park
position P and the SmartKey is then
inserted in the starter switch. The
SmartKey will then have priority over the
KEYLESS-GO function and the vehicle’s
electrical system will operate according to
the position of the SmartKey in the starter
switch, even stopping the engine.70Locking and unlockingControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 70

orXGet a jump start (Y page 285).
KEYLESS-GO
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.
Vehicles equipped with the KEYLESS-GO
feature are supplied with a SmartKey with
integrated KEYLESS-GO function.
The SmartKey must be present in the vehicle.
Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
without depressing the brake pedal
corresponds to the various starter switch
positions (Y page 78).
Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
with the brake pedal firmly depressed will
start the engine (Y page 98).
The function of the SmartKey overrules the
KEYLESS-GO function.
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
XDo not depress the brake pedal.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
:USA only;Canada only
Position 0
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button, the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0 (as with SmartKey removed).
Position 1XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, e.g. wipers.
iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button
Ronce more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
Rtwice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2)
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
in the instrument cluster come on. The
high-beam headlamp indicator lamp and
turn signal indicator lamps will only come
on if activated. If a lamp in the instrument
cluster fails to come on when the ignition
is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” (Y page 254).
iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once, the power supply
is again switched off.
Starter switch positions79Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 79Z

Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Mirrors
Notes
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a good
view of the road and traffic conditions.
Interior rear view mirror
XAdjust the interior rear view mirror
manually.
Exterior rear view mirrors
GWarning!
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
iYou can store the settings for the exterior
rear view mirror position with the memory
function (Y page 88).
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button : for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or button ; for
the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
XPress adjustment button = up, down, left
or right according to the desired setting.
! If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
hit from the front, manually snap it back
into place.
iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
86MirrorsControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 86

GWarning!
The auto dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, if the wind screen is
installed.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
To assist during parking maneuvers, you can
set the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror so that you can see the rear wheel and
the road curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button ;, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button = so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
You can also store the parking position using
the memory button M (Y page 89).
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button ;, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button = so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
XPress memory button M and within
3 seconds, press one of the arrows of
adjustment button =.
The parking position is stored if the exterior
rear view mirror does not move.
iIf the exterior rear view mirror does move,
repeat the above steps. After the setting is
stored, you can move the exterior rear view
mirror again.
Calling up the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button ;, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear R
Rimmediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
Rimmediately when you press button : to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
Mirrors87Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 87Z

Wipers
Notes
! Do not operate the wipers when the
windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on
a windshield might scratch the glass and/
or damage the wiper blades when wiping
occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary
to operate the wipers in dry weather
conditions, always operate the wipers with
washer fluid.
Windshield wipers
XObserve notes on page (Y page 95).
Switching on/off
Combination switch
10 Windshield wipers off2I Intermittent wiping3II Slow continuous wiping4III Fast continuous wipingAí Single wipe/ î Wiping with
washer fluid
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the desired
position, depending on the intensity of the
rain.
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
When you select intermittent wiping, the rain
sensor is activated. The rain sensor sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface automatically.
! Do not leave windshield wipers on an
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water sprayed
on the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
the surface of the rain sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers to
wipe in an undesired fashion. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades
or scratch the windshield. You should
therefore switch off the windshield wipers
when weather conditions are dry.
Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on
the wetness of the windshield. After the initial
wipe, pauses between wipes are controlled by
the rain sensor automatically.
XTurn the combination switch to position I.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is at a standstill and a door is opened.
This protects persons getting into or out of
the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed andRthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
Rthe wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipe
XPress the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow A to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wipers95Controls in detail230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 95Z

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