A
ABC (Active Body Control) ................ 142
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 231
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 55
Indicator lamp ................................ 255
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 227
Accessory weight .............................. 205
Accidents ........................................... 101
Air bags ........................................... 39
Distance warning function .............140
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............168
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps
Active Body Control
see ABC
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 306
Gasoline ......................................... 307
Address change ................................... 20
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 190
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 234, 253
Air bags ................................................ 39
Emergency call upon deployment ..168
Front, driver and passenger .............41
Head-thorax ..................................... 42
Knee bag .......................................... 42
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 229
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ...................33, 43, 266
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 306
Air distribution .................................. 153
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 205
Air pump (electric) ............................ 280
Air recirculation mode ...................... 154
AIRSCARF neck-level heating ............. 84Air vents ............................................. 151
Air volume .......................................... 153
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 224, 279
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 116
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 308
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 63
Anti-theft alarm system ...................63
Immobilizer ...................................... 63
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment ....................162
Ashtray ............................................... 166
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 205
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 119
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 86
Automatic central locking .......... 73, 126
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 90
Automatic interior lighting control .... 94
Automatic locking when driving ...... 126
Automatic shift program .................. 106
Automatic transmission ................... 103
Automatic shift program ................106
Gear range indicator ......................106
Gear ranges ................................... 106
Gear selector lever ........................103
Hill-start assist system ..................142
Kickdown ....................................... 105
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..111
Manual shift program ..................... 109
One-touch gearshifting ..................108
Program mode indicator ................107
Program mode selector dial
(SL 63 AMG) .......................... 107, 1094Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 4
Vehicle status message memory ...120
Vehicle system settings .................121
Distronic ............................................ 133
Cleaning system sensor cover .......218
Control system .............................. 120
Distance warning function .............140
Driving with .................................... 139
Menu ............................................. 135
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 138
Sensor cover .................................. 218
Speed settings ............................... 137
Warning and indicator
lamps ..................................... 135, 262
Door control panel .............................. 35
Doors
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...69
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........68
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening from inside ......................... 72
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........267
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 205
Drinking and driving ......................... 209
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 212
Hydroplaning ................................. 212
Instructions ............................. 98, 209
In winter ........................................ 208
Problems ....................................... 101
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Safety systems ................................ 54
Systems ......................................... 130
Through standing water .................212
With Distronic ................................ 139
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 98
Driving off .................................. 100, 212
Driving safety systems ....................... 54
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 56
ESP ®
................................................ 56
ETS .................................................. 57Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............142
Cruise control ................................ 130
Distronic ........................................ 133
Hill-start assist system ..................142
Parktronic system ..........................144
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 105
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 85, 127
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 21
Power outlet .................................. 166
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 224
Flat tire .......................................... 276
Hazard warning flasher ....................92
Roadside Assistance ................ 20, 169
Towing the vehicle .........................287
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 168
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 292
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........77
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 213
Information label ............................ 295
System warranties ...........................19
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............178
Cleaning ......................................... 217
Compartment ................................ 180
Malfunction indicator
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
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Tire Identification Numbersee TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 189
Important notes on ........................188
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 188
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....193
Tire labeling ....................................... 200
Tire load rating .................................. 206
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 207
Tires ........................................... 186, 299
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 190
Air pressure ................................... 187
Care and maintenance ...................197
Cleaning ......................................... 198
Direction of rotation, spinning .......197
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 188
Inflation pressure ........................... 189
Information placard .......................193
Inspection ...................................... 198
Labeling ......................................... 200
Load index ............................. 201, 206
Load rating .................................... 206
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 234, 253
MOExtended .................................. 300
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 207
Problems under-/overinflation ......189
Retreads ........................................ 186
Rims and tires (technical data) ......299
Rotation ......................................... 200
Service life ..................................... 198
Sizes .............................................. 299
Snow chains .................................. 208
Speed rating .......................... 202, 207
Storing ........................................... 198
Temperature .......................... 188, 200
Terminology ................................... 205
Tire Identification Number .............207
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunctiontelltale
.......................................... 31, 32, 265
Traction ................................. 199, 207
Tread ............................................. 207
Tread depth ........................... 198, 207
Treadwear ...................................... 199
Treadwear indicators .............198, 207
Vehicle maximum load on ..............207
Wear pattern .................................. 200
Winter tires ............................ 207, 299
Tire speed rating ....................... 202, 207
Total load limit ................................... 207
Tow-away alarm .................................. 64
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 288
Vehicle ........................................... 287
Towing eye bolt ................................. 288
Traction ...................................... 199, 207
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 184
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 104
Traveling abroad ............................... 212
Tread (tires) ....................................... 207
Tread depth (tires) .................... 198, 207
Treadwear .......................................... 199
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 198, 207
Trip computer menu ......................... 128
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 113
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 75
Load assist .................................... 164
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening ........................................... 73
Opening/closing system ...........74, 76
Trunk lid emergency release ............77
Unlocking manually .......................268
Valet locking .................................... 77
Turning off the engine ...................... 102
Turn signals ......................................... 92
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
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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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contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction21230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 21Z
Exterior view
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.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking68Opening and closing73,
75
Valet locking77;Rear window defroster155=Fuel filler flap178?Doors:Locking and unlocking68,
267
AExterior rear view mirrors86BRetractable hardtop155CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid96Cleaning219DWipers95FunctionPageWiper blades, replacing275Wiper blades, cleaning219EHood180FFront lamps271GHeadlamp cleaning system93HFront towing eye288ITires and wheels186Rims and tires299JRear lamps271KRear towing eye28826Exterior viewAt a glance
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Lower partFunctionPage:Gear selector lever103;Parktronic system
deactivation switch147
=Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment86
?ABC suspension tuning
button143
ATow-away alarm switch64BPower-folding exterior rear
view mirrors, Canada only88
CRetractable hardtop switch155Roll bar buttons51DABC vehicle level control
button142
EElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®) switch656
FunctionPageFThumbwheel for setting
following distance for
Distronic6133,
138
GDistance warning function
switch6133,
141
HProgram mode selector
switch61066Layout in SL 63 AMG differs.34Center consoleAt a glance
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If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the
passenger’s seat belt (with the passenger
seat occupied) is not fastened with both
doors closed,
R the seat belt telltale 7 remains
illuminated for as long as either the driver’s
or passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.
R and if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale
7 starts flashing and a warning chime
sounds with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver’s and passenger’s seat belt are
fastened.
If you and/or your passenger release the
seat belt during driving, the seat belt
telltale 7 starts flashing and the
warning chime sounds as described before.
If the driver’s or the passenger’s seat belt
remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the
warning chime stops sounding, the seat
belt telltale 7 stops flashing but
continues to be illuminated.
After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime
is reactivated and the seat belt telltale
7 is flashing again if the vehicle speed
once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The seat belt telltale 7 will only go out if
both the driver’s and the passenger’s seat
belt (with the passenger seat occupied) are
fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a
door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
( Y page 256).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts are equipped with ETDs and
seat belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator
lamp” ( Y page 38)
R in certain vehicle rollovers if the system
determines an additional degree of
protection
The ETDs will only activate if the seat belts are
fastened (latch plate properly inserted into
buckle).
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.GWarning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt
The automatic comfort-fit feature reduces the
retracting force of the seat belts when they
are in normal use.
Occupant safety49Safety and security230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 49Z