2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER ABS

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 200
Function/notes ................................ 56
Important safety notes ....................56
Warning lamp ................................. 230
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 121
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 62
Additional speedometer ................... 192
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 327
Air bags Display message ............................ 211
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Head bag ......................................... 41
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRGUIDE ............................................. 88
Air pressure see Tire pressure
AIRSCARF
Problem (malfunction) .....................96
Setting the vents ........................... 127
Switching on/off .............................. 96
Air vents
Important safety notes ..................126
Setting ........................................... 126
Setting the AIRSCARF vents ..........127
Setting the center air vents ...........126
Setting the side air vents ...............127
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ............96
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 192
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 195
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 247
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 190
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................65
Function ........................................... 65
Switching off the alarm ....................65
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................191
Display message ............................ 219
Function/notes ............................. 176
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 188
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 216
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 136
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 135
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 106
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............143
Changing gear ............................... 141
Display message ............................ 224
Driving tips .................................... 141
Emergency running mode ..............146
Kickdown ....................................... 142
Manual drive program ....................144
Problem (malfunction) ...................146
Program selector button ................1424Index

Pulling away ................................... 134
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 146
Selector lever ................................ 140
Shift ranges ................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................133
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......142
Transmission position display ........140
Transmission positions ..................141
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 146
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 112
Display message ............................ 215
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 57
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 57
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 71
Important safety notes ....................71
Replacing ......................................... 71
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 283
Display message ............................ 218
Important safety notes ..................282
Jump starting ................................. 285
Belt
see Seat belts
Bottle holder ...................................... 246
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 327
Brake fluid level ................................ 263
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 214
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 56
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 57
Brake fluid (notes) .........................327
Display message ............................ 200
Driving tips .................................... 153
High-performance brake system ....154
Important safety notes ..................153
Maintenance .................................. 154
Parking brake ................................ 150
Warning lamp ................................. 229
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 271
Car wash ........................................ 265
Display ........................................... 269
Exterior lights ................................ 268
Gear or selector lever ....................270
Interior ........................................... 269
Matte finish ................................... 267
Notes ............................................. 265
Paint .............................................. 267
Plastic trim .................................... 269
Power washer ................................ 266
Roof lining ...................................... 271
Seat belt ........................................ 270
Seat cover ..................................... 270
Sensors ......................................... 269
Steering wheel ............................... 270
Tail pipes ....................................... 269
Trim pieces .................................... 270
Washing by hand ........................... 266
Wheels ........................................... 266
Windows ........................................ 268
Index5

Driving system ............................... 156
Function/notes ............................. 156
Important safety notes ..................156
Setting a speed .............................. 157
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 157
Cup holder ......................................... 245
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 215
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 192
Switching on/off (switch) ..............105
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 193
Interior lighting .............................. 193
Diagnostics connection ...................... 23
Digital speedometer ......................... 186
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 269
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....199
Driving systems ............................. 219
Engine ............................................ 216
General notes ................................ 199
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........199
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 226
Lights ............................................. 213
Safety systems .............................. 200
Service interval display ..................264
SmartKey ....................................... 226
Tires ............................................... 222
Vehicle ........................................... 224
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 190
Distance recorder ............................. 185
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 237
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 166
Display message ............................ 220
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 165
Driving tips .................................... 166
Function/notes ............................. 158
Important safety notes ..................158
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 164
Warning lamp ................................. 237
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 193
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 75
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 68
Control panel ................................... 33
Display message ............................ 224
Emergency locking ........................... 76
Emergency unlocking .......................76
Important safety notes ....................74
Opening (from inside) ......................75
Drinking and driving ......................... 152
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 143
Display ........................................... 140
Manual ........................................... 144
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........196
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................265
Symmetrical low beam ..................104
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 155
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......56
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 62
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............57
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 57Index7

Trunk partitionDisplay message ............................ 225
General notes .................................. 85
Opening/closing .............................. 85
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................112
Display message ............................ 213
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................76
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 75
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 246
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Display message ............................ 224
Emergency unlocking .......................76
Equipment ....................................... 20
Individual settings ..........................191
Limited Warranty ............................. 24
Loading .......................................... 304
Locking (in an emergency) ...............76
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 281
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking for a long period ................ 151
Pulling away ................................... 133
Raising ........................................... 277
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 287
Tow-starting ................................... 287
Transporting .................................. 289
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........76
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 329
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 329
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 329
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 76
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 323
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 274
Video (DVD) ........................................ 189
VIN ...................................................... 323
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 230
Brakes ........................................... 229
Check Engine ................................. 234
Coolant .......................................... 235
Distance warning ........................... 237
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 237
ESP ®
.............................................. 231
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 232
Fuel tank ........................................ 234
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 234
Seat belt ........................................ 228
SPORT handling mode ...................232
SRS ................................................ 233
Tire pressure monitor ....................238
Warranty ............................................ 323
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 226
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 281
Wheel chock ...................................... 276
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 276
Checking ........................................ 295
Cleaning ......................................... 266
Important safety notes ..................294
Interchanging/changing ................315
Mounting a new wheel ...................279
Removing a wheel ..........................279
Storing ........................................... 316
Tightening torque ........................... 281
Wheel size/tire size .......................316
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 268
see Side windows
18Index

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:L Low-beam
headlamps
105
;K High-beam
headlamps
107
=÷ ESP®231?Electric parking brake (red)229F
(USA only)! (Canada only)A! Electric parking brake
(yellow)
229
B· Distance warning237C#! Turn signals107Dh Tire pressure monitor238E6 SRS233FunctionPageF7 Seat belt228GM SPORT handling
mode in AMG vehicles
232
H? Coolant235IR Rear fog lamp106JN Front fog lamps106K; Engine Check234L8 Reserve fuel234Må ESP®
OFF231N! ABS230OBrakes229$ (USA only)J (Canada only)28Instrument clusterAt a glance

1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 294).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
( 8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
56Driving safety systemsSafety

GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Brakes
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
BAS PLUS assists you when braking in a
hazardous situation at speeds of over
20 mph (30 km/h), and uses the radar sensor
system to assess traffic conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
BAS PLUS can also react to stationary
obstacles, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles, at
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the braking force necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply
the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can
Driving safety systems57SafetyZ

automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Radar sensor system" in the
index.
GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 56).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
58Driving safety systemsSafety