2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER key

Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
( Y page 325).
Refueling
Fuel filler flap:Fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap 8 is
displayed in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XKEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to SmartKey position 0:
"SmartKey removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.XPress the fuel filler flap in marked area :.
Fuel filler flap : swings up.XTurn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.Refueling147Driving and parkingZ

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock immediately
and remove it ( Y page 131).XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap cannot be unlocked using the button on the
SmartKey.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 70).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. Do not park the vehicle on
dry grassland or harvested grain fields. These
materials could be ignited by the hot exhaust
system and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do
the following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the parking brake.
R shift the manual transmission to first gear
or reverse gear R.
R shift the automatic transmission to park
position P.
R
slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.GWARNING
Manual transmission: Wait until the vehicle is
stationary before removing the SmartKey
from the starter switch. The vehicle cannot be
steered when the SmartKey is removed from
the starter switch.
Parking149Driving and parkingZ

Switching off the engine
Important safety notesGWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. 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.
Vehicles with manual transmission
XShift to either first gear or reverse gear R.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.XApply the electric parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
i The SmartKey can only be removed if the
transmission is in position P.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 131).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
i When the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to SmartKey position 1. When
the driver's door is open, it corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 or "SmartKey
removed".
If you attempt to switch off the engine while
the selector lever is in a position other than
P , a message appears in the multifunction
display and you hear a tone.
Electric parking brake
General information
i The electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal.
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Applying/releasing manually
XTo apply: press handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release: switch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake cannot be
released unless the SmartKey is in position
1 in the ignition lock or if the ignition has
150ParkingDriving and parking

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roadsGWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 57).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the SLK 55 AMG.
GWARNING
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
154Driving tipsDriving and parking

example, the detected vehicle turns a corner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights
with crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
Dynamic handling package
General notes
The adjustable damping system adapts to the
current driving conditions. The adjustment
depends on whether you have selected sport
or comfort mode. Your selection remains
stored even if you remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
Sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode if you want
more direct contact with the road when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
XIf indicator lamp : is not lit: press
button ;.
Indicator lamp : lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
Comfort tuning
Select comfort mode if you prefer a more
comfortable driving style.
XIf indicator lamp : is lit: press
button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out. You have
selected the suspension for a comfortable
driving style.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
168Driving systemsDriving and parking

determine which warning display is active
when the engine is running.
Manual transmission:Gear lever
positionWarning displayForwards gear
or
NeutralFront area activatedReverse gear , or
the vehicle is rolling
backwardsRear and front areas
activated
Automatic transmission:
Transmission
positionWarning displayDFront area activatedR , N or the vehicle
is rolling
backwardsRear and front areas
activatedPNo areas activated
One or more segments light up as the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, depending on the
vehicle's distance from the obstacle.
From the:
R sixth segment onwards, you will hear an
intermittent warning tone for
approximately two seconds.
R seventh segment onwards, you will hear a
warning tone for approximately two
seconds. This indicates that you have now
reached the minimum distance.
Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC:Indicator lamp;To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC
If indicator lamp : lights up, PARKTRONIC is
deactivated. Parking Guidance is also
deactivated.
i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated
when you turn the SmartKey to position 2
in the ignition lock.
172Driving systemsDriving and parking

Coolant temperature displayGWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
! A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over
248 ‡(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display ( Y page 183).
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.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
Cruise control ( Y page 156) activated:
The segments light up from the stored speed
to the maximum speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 158) activated:
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light up.
Operating the on-board computer
Overview
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Displays and operation181On-board computer and displaysZ

XPress the : or 9 button to select
Ambient light .
You will see the selected setting.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to adjust the
brightness to any level from Off to Level
5 (bright).XPress the a or % button to save the
setting.
Activating/deactivating surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
If you have activated the Lighting: function
and the light switch is in the c or Ã
position, the following functions are active
when it is dark:
R Surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the key. The exterior lighting switches
off when you open the driver's door.
R Exterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close
all the doors, the exterior lighting goes off
after 15 seconds.
If you activate the Surround lighting:
function, the following light up depending on
the vehicle's equipment:
R parking lamps
R front fog lamps
R low-beam headlamps
R daytime running lamps
R side marker lamps
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Sett. menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Lights submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Locator Lighting function.
You will see the selected setting: on or
off .XPress the a button to save the setting.Deactivating delayed switch-off of the
exterior lighting temporarily:XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock and back to position 0.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
Activating/deactivating the interior
lighting delayed switch-off
If you activate the Interior lighting
delay sw. off function, the interior lighting
remains on for 20seconds after you remove
the key from the ignition lock.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Light submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Interior lighting delay sw. off:
function.
You will see the selected setting: on or
off .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Vehicle
Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism
If you select the Automatic Door Lock:
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of around 9 mph (15km/h).
i For further information on the automatic
locking feature, see ( Y page 75).
Menus and submenus193On-board computer and displaysZ