2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER roof

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
The air-conditioning system/automatic
climate control controls the temperature and
the humidity of the vehicle interior and filters
undesirable substances from the air.
The air-conditioning system/automatic
climate control is only operational when the
engine is running. 7
The system only works
optimally when the side windows and the roof
are closed.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather. This will speed up the
cooling process and the desired vehicle
interior temperature will be reached more
quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance
Booklet.7 The residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated when the ignition is switched off.116Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

compartment as well. The indicator lamp in
the á button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
Operating the climate control
systems
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is switched
off, the outside air supply and circulation are
also switched off. Only choose this setting for
a short time when the retractable hardtop
(vario-roof) is closed. Otherwise, the windows
could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Activate climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 122).
Activating/deactivating
Air-conditioning system
XTo activate: turn airflow control C
( Y page 117) clockwise to the desired
position (except position 0).XTo deactivate: turn airflow control C
( Y page 117) counter-clockwise to position
0 .Dual-zone automatic climate controlXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.X To activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.XTo deactivate: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button lights
up.
Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
Depending on the equipment level, the
control panel has either the Á button or
¿ button.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Operating the climate control systems121Climate controlZ

If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
If the indicator lamp in the ¤ rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low or the roof is open. The rear
window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
or
XClose the roof.
The rear window defroster can be activated
again.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
Depending on the equipment level, the
control panel has either the Ì or the
Á button.
The "residual heat" function is only available
in Canada.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
Operating the climate control systems125Climate controlZ

important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 296).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 296).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
Driving tips155Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsJ
Trunk Partition
OpenThe trunk partition is open.XClose the trunk partition ( Y page 85).D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering is malfunctioning.
You will need to use more force to steer.
A warning tone also sounds.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.Phone No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider's transmitter/
receiver range.XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.K
Decrease SpeedYou wanted to open the roof while the vehicle was in motion.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the roof ( Y page 83).K
Vario-Roof
LoweringThe roof is not fully opened or closed. The hydraulics are
depressurized.XFully open or close the roof ( Y page 83).K
Open/Close Vario-
Roof CompletelyThe roof is not locked.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XPush or pull the roof switch ( Y page 83) until the roof is fully
open or closed.K
Vario-Roof in
Operation Please
WaitThe on-board voltage is too low.XStart the engine.Display messages225On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe roof has been opened and closed several times in a row. The
roof drive has been switched off automatically for safety reasons.
You can open and close the roof again after approximately
10 minutes.XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure ( Y page 83).¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 263).
SmartKey
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleYou have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.XUse the correct SmartKey.+
Take Your Key from
IgnitionThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.+
Obtain a New KeyThe SmartKey needs to be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Replace Key BatteryThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 71).+
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is shown for a maximum of 60 seconds and
is only a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XRemember to take the KEYLESS-GO key with you when you
leave the vehicle.226Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Attached to the reversible floor panel are two
flexible straps ; that you can use to secure
objects, for example draft stop = when
reversible floor panel : has been turned
over.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
! This vehicle is not designed to transport
items on the roof. Roof carriers and other
devices which are mounted on the roof that
have not been specifically approved for this
model by Mercedes-Benz must not be used
as they could damage the vehicle and the
retractable hardtop (vario-roof).
At the time of going to print, Mercedes-
Benz does not offer any roof carrier or other
roof-installed devices for this model.
! This vehicle is not designed to transport
any items on the trunk lid or to allow
luggage carriers or equipment of any kind
to be installed to the trunk lid. Otherwise
the vehicle and the retractable hardtop
could be damaged.
Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes
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
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the front-compartment
center console
You can remove the cup holder insert for
cleaning. Clean with clear, lukewarm water
only.
Features245Stowage and featuresZ

XTo open: slide cover ; back.XTo remove the insert: slide catch :
inwards on both sides in the direction of the
arrow.XRemove the cup holder insert upwards.XTo re-install the insert: place the insert in
the stowage space.XSlide catch : outwards in the direction of
the arrow until it engages.
Bottle holder
GWARNING
Do not transport heavy, sharp-edged, or
fragile bottles in the bottle holder.
In the event of an accident, the bottle holder
cannot secure a bottle sufficiently. You and/
or vehicle occupants could be injured.
! Make sure that any bottles weighing more
than 0.5 kg that are stored in the bottle
holder rest on the vehicle floor. The bottle
holder could otherwise be damaged.
The bottle holder is designed for bottles with
a capacity of 25 fl. oz. (0.7 l) up to 54 fl. oz.
(1.5 l).
The bottle holder does not secure the bottles;
it merely prevents them from tipping over.
XPress the outer edge of button : and slide
in the direction of the arrow until the bottle
fits into the opening.XInsert the bottle into the bottle holder.Sun visors
Overview of sun visorsGWARNING
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Mirror light;Bracket=Retaining strip, e.g. for a car park ticket?Vanity mirrorAMirror cover
i When driving at high speeds with the side
window or roof open:
If you have inserted a car park ticket into
retaining strip =, make sure that it is not
blown away by the wind.
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the side
XFold down the sun visor.XPull the sun visor out of retainer ;.XSwing the sun visor to the side.XSlide the sun visor forwards and back as
required.246FeaturesStowage and features