Clock ..................................................... 28
Cockpit ................................................. 28
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 205
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 303
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 92
Control system .................................. 113
Multifunction display .....................114
Multifunction steering wheel .........113
Resetting to factory settings ..........121
Control system menus ...................... 115
AMG ............................................... 116
Audio/DVD .................................... 119
Distronic ........................................ 120
Navigation ..................................... 120
Settings ......................................... 121
Standard display ............................ 116
Telephone ...................................... 129
Trip computer ................................ 128
Vehicle status message memory ...120
Control system submenus
Convenience .................................. 127
Instrument cluster .........................122
Lighting .......................................... 124
Vehicle ........................................... 126
Convenience submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 127
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 127
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............308
Capacities ...................................... 304
Checking level ............................... 184
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
Temperature gauge ........................ 112
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Corner-illuminating lamps .................. 93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Cruise control .................................... 130
Activating ....................................... 131
Canceling ....................................... 132
Changing the set speed .................132
Last stored speed ..........................132
Lever .............................................. 131Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 132
Setting current speed ....................131
Cup holders ........................................ 164
Curb weight ....................................... 205
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 22
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 90
Switching on or off ......................... 124
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 153
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......153
Rear window .................................. 155
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 125
Interior lighting .............................. 126
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 101
With starting .................................... 99
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 116
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 197
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................116
Distronic ........................................ 135
Maintenance service indicator .......214
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 226
Multifunction display .....................114
Outside temperature ...................... 116
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Trip computer ................................ 128
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Number .......................................... 295
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 183
Additives ........................................ 306
Checking level ............................... 181
Consumption ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 305
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 56
ETS .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Warning lamp ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 57
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 48
First aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel .............277
Preparing the vehicle .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats ........................................... 175
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid .........304
Brake fluid ..................................... 304
Capacities ...................................... 303
Engine coolant ............................... 304
Engine oil ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 305
Fog lamps ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Fuel ..................................................... 178
Additives ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................209
Fuel consumption statistics ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 303
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 206
Gear range ......................................... 106
Indicator ........................................ 106
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Reset button ................................ 30, 112
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retractable hardtop .......................... 155
Locking .......................................... 157
Luggage cover ............................... 158
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Sunshade ....................................... 160
Wind screen ................................... 157
Rims ........................................... 206, 299
Roadside Assistance ................... 20, 169
Roll bar ................................................. 51
Lowering .......................................... 51
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Raising ............................................. 51
Warning lamp ................................. 258
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 307
Roof see Retractable hardtop
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................54
Occupant safety ............................... 38
Reporting defects ............................ 22
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 49
Seat belts ............................................. 46
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........49
Children in the vehicle .....................51
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Fastening ......................................... 48
Proper use of ................................... 47
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Safety notes ..................................... 46
Telltale
.................................... 31, 32, 48, 256
Seat heating ......................................... 83
Seating capacity ................................ 194
Seats ..................................................... 80
Adjustment ...................................... 80
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................85
Heating ............................................ 83
Memory function .............................. 88
Multicontour seat ............................ 82
Ventilation ....................................... 82
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 45
Tele Aid .......................................... 167
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 294
Service and warranty information ..... 19
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 198
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........71
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............69
Memory function .............................. 88
Menu ............................................. 121
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......71
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............69
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 250
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 207
Side windows see Power windows
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 208
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 299
Mounting ....................................... 277
Storage location ............................ 225
Speedometer ..................................... 13514Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 14
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 131
Distronic ........................................ 137
Resume function ...................132, 138
SRS
Indicator lamp ............................ 31, 32
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 38, 257
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Standing water, driving through ...... 212
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 79
SmartKey ......................................... 78
Starting difficulties (engine) .............. 99
Starting the engine ............................. 98
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 108
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 172
Storage compartments ..................... 161
Storing tires ....................................... 198
Sunshade ........................................... 160
Sun visors .......................................... 165
T
Tachometer ........................................ 113
Overspeed range ........................... 113
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Tar stains ........................................... 216
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Brake fluid ..................................... 306
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 303
Coolant .......................................... 307
Engine oil additives ........................306
Engine oils ..................................... 305
Fuel requirements .......................... 307
Gasoline additives .......................... 307
Identification labels .......................294
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Rims and tires ................................ 299
Spare wheel ................................... 303
Vehicle specification SL 550 .........296
Vehicle specification SL 600 .........296
Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG ...297
Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG ...298
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 305, 309
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 167
Emergency calls ............................. 168
Information button .........................170
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 168
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Remote door unlock ......................171
Roadside Assistance button ..........169
Search & Send ............................... 171
SOS button .................................... 168
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ..172
System self-test ............................. 167
Telephone ............................................. 27
Answering/ending a call ................129
Hands-free microphone ...................35
Menu ............................................. 129
Operation ....................................... 129
Phone book .................................... 130
Redialing ........................................ 130
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 112
Interior temperature ......................151
Outside .......................................... 116
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 282
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 207
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 193
Tire and loading terminology ........... 205Index15230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 15
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 253
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 199, 207
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 123
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................123
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 306
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Manually ........................................ 267
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 221
Useful features .................................. 164
V
Valet locking ........................................ 77
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 283
Care ............................................... 215
Control system .............................. 113
Identification Number (VIN) ...........294
Locking/unlocking ........................... 68
Lowering (wheel change) ...............282
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 21
Towing ........................................... 287
Unlocking/locking manually ..........267
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 294
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 89
Vehicle loading
Load limit ....................................... 195
Terminology ................................... 205
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 207
Vehicle specification
SL 550 ........................................... 296
SL 600 ........................................... 296
SL 63 AMG .................................... 297
SL 65 AMG .................................... 298
Vehicle status message memory .... 120
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............140
Distronic ........................................ 135
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....48
Parking brake ................................ 239
Parktronic system ..........................147
Seat belt telltale ............................ 256
Warranty coverage ............................ 294
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 309
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Mixing ratio .................................... 309
Refilling .......................................... 185
Washing the vehicle .......................... 215
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 200
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 276
Removing ....................................... 279
Spare ............................................. 276
Tightening torque ........................... 282
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 299
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 186
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 219
Wind screen ....................................... 157
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as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
iThe Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP®. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP®, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching the ESP® off or on (except
SL 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp ÷ or d8 in the
instrument cluster flashes. However, the
ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP® OFF8Depending on vehicle production date.Driving safety systems57Safety and security230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 57Z
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling mode
when a spare wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
the SPORT handling mode. This allows the
drive wheels to spin and thus cut into
surfaces for better grip, for example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When you switch on the SPORT handling
mode
Rthe ESP® stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the SPORT handling mode is
switched on and one or more drive wheels
are spinning, the ABS/ESP® warning lamp
÷ or d8 in the instrument cluster
flashes. However, the ESP® will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The SPORT handling mode warning lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on.
The message SPORT handling mode
appears in the multifunction display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The SPORT handling mode warning lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
8Depending on vehicle production date.Driving safety systems59Safety and security230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 59Z
Version 2
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESP-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch : briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
The SPORT handling mode switches off
automatically when you turn off the engine.
When starting the engine, the ESP® is
activated automatically.
Switching the ESP® off or on
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESP® OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp ÷ or d8 in the
8Depending on vehicle production date.60Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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