2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG towing

Example 1Example 2Step 1Combined weight limit of
occupants and cargo from
Tire and Loading Information
placard1 500 lbs1 500 lbsStep 2Number of occupants (driver
and passengers)12Occupants weightOccupant 1: 175 lbsOccupant 1: 175 lbs
Occupant 2: 195 lbsCombined weight of all
occupants175 lbs370 lbsStep 3Available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (total
load limit from Tire and
Loading Information placard
minus combined weight of all
occupants)1 500 lbs - 175 lbs =
1 325 lbs1 500 lbs - 370 lbs =
1 130 lbsThe higher the weight of all occupants, the
less cargo and luggage load capacity is
available.
For more information, see “Trailer tongue
load” ( Y page 196).
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants, cargo and
the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
( Y page 196) as to not exceed the
permissible load limit, you must make sure
your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
GAWR from the certification label. The
certification label can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar , see the “Technical data” section
( Y page 294).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all
cargo, and the trailer tongue load (if
applicable) must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total
allowable weight that can be carried by a
single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible weight limits
(GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle),
have the loaded vehicle (including driver,
passengers and all cargo and, if applicable,
trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable
commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the load
you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the tongue load must be added to the
weight of all occupants riding and any cargo
you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue
load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their cargo.
Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer
towing with your vehicle.
196Tires and wheelsOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 196

Vehicle equipment ............................224
Where will I find ...? ..........................224
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .......................226
What to do if … ..................................254
Unlocking/locking manually ...........267
Replacing SmartKey batteries .........269
Replacing bulbs .................................271
Replacing wiper blades ....................275
Flat tire ..............................................276
Battery ...............................................283
Jump starting ....................................285
Towing the vehicle ............................287
Fuses ..................................................291
223Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 223

Vehicle equipment
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
! Always keep the storage compartment
under the passenger seat closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
iCheck expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
The first aid kit is located in the storage
compartment under the passenger seat.
XPull handle : upward.XFold lid ; down.XRemove the first aid kit.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
R2 open-end wrenches17
RAlignment bolt 17
RElectric air pump
RFuse chart
RHex-socket wrench
RInterchangeable slot/Phillips screwdriver
RJack17
RPair of universal pliers
RProtective wrap
RTowing eye bolt
RWheel wrench
RWheel wrench17
XRemoving: Open the trunk (Y page 73).XLift the trunk floor.:Electric air pump;Tool bag=Storage well casing?Protective wrap
iFor transporting the damaged road wheel,
use protective wrap ? (if so equipped).
17Vehicles with spare wheel only.224Where will I find ...?Practical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 224

towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
“Towing the vehicle”.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Reduced
Brake
Effect
Start
EngineThe battery has insufficient voltage and cannot supply
sufficient power to the electro-hydraulic brake system.XStart the engine.
The message disappears when sufficient voltage is
available.GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death. Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#Brake WearThe brake pads have reached their wear limit.XHave the brake pads replaced as soon as possible.
!
Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
out by qualified technicians only. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The electro-hydraulic brake system must be
deactivated prior to working on the system.
High pressure is intermittently built up in the
system as part of its automatic self-test.
In addition, the system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is unlocked by
remote control, when the driver or passenger
door is opened, when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button is pressed
once, when the brake pedal is depressed or
when the parking brake is released. Failure to
deactivate the system prior to maintenance
will cause brake pistons to extend and brake
fluid to leak, which may result in injuries
(contusions and acid burns). Extended brake
pistons may also cause injury.238Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 238

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
Towing the vehicle287Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 287Z

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
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 288

USA onlyXPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Canada only
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow and pull on lower edge
simultaneously.
XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Removing cover in rear bumper
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot.
Example illustration USA, bumper in Canada differsslightly
XInsert flat, blunt object as a lever into upper
left or right recess of cover :.
XLoosen cover : using the lever.XFold cover : down in direction of arrow to
reveal the threaded hole for the towing eye
bolt.
Fixing towing eye bolt
Example illustration front bumper
XTake the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 224).
XScrew towing eye bolt ; clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop.
XInsert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt ; by turning it
clockwise.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt.
Towing the vehicle289Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 289Z

Removing towing eye boltXLoosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.XUnscrew towing eye bolt ;.XReinstalling front cover: Fit locking tabs
of cover : (Y page 288) under the lower
edge of the opening in the bumper.XApply even pressure on the upper part of
the cover until it snaps into place.XReinstalling rear cover: Fit cover :
( Y page 288) and snap it into place.XStore the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit.
Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 126).XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the vehicle
is being towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Towing with all wheels on the groundGWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
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.
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
290Towing the vehiclePractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 290