2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER brake fluid

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

G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................257
Notes ............................................. 254
Opening/closing the garage door ..257
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 255
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 195
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 270
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 322
Glove box ........................................... 242
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 108
Head bags Display message ............................ 209
Operation ......................................... 41
Headlamp cleaning system
Notes ............................................. 328
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....263
Cleaning system (function) ............107
Fogging up ..................................... 108
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head level heating (AIRSCARF) .......... 96
Head restraints Adjusting ......................................... 95
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 111
Display message ............................ 214
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Hill start assist .................................. 134
HOLD function Display message ............................ 219
Function/notes ............................. 168
Hood
Closing ........................................... 261
Display message ............................ 224
Opening ......................................... 260
Hydroplaning ..................................... 155
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 64
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 27
Settings ......................................... 191
Warning and indicator lamps ...........28
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 180
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting ................................. 109
Automatic control ..........................109
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 193
Emergency lighting ........................109
Manual control ............................... 109
Overview ........................................ 109
Reading lamp ................................. 109
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 192
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 274
Using ............................................. 277
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 285
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............81
Display message ............................ 226
Locking ............................................ 69
Start/Stop button .......................... 131
Starting the engine ........................133
Unlocking ......................................... 69
10Index

Notes ............................................. 264
Service messages ..........................264
Service menu (on-board computer) . 191
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 327
Coolant (engine) ............................ 327
Engine oil ....................................... 326
Fuel ................................................ 325
Important safety notes ..................324
Washer fluid ................................... 328
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........195
On-board computer .......................191
Setting the air distribution ............... 123
Setting the airflow ............................ 123
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 196
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 215
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............81
Important safety information ...........80
Opening/closing (all) .......................80
Opening/closing (front) ...................80
Problem (malfunction) .....................82
Resetting ......................................... 82
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................71
Changing the programming .............70
Checking the battery .......................71
Convenience opening feature ..........81
Display message ............................ 226
Door central locking/unlocking .......68
Important safety notes ....................68
Loss ................................................. 73
Mechanical key ................................ 70
Opening/closing the roof ................84
Positions (ignition lock) .................131
Problem (malfunction) .....................73
Starting the engine ........................133
Snow chains ...................................... 297
Sockets Center console .............................. 248
Points to observe before use .........247
Under the armrest .........................248
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 318Storage location ............................ 274
Stowing .......................................... 275
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 23
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................192
Digital ............................................ 186
In the Instrument cluster .................27
Segments ...................................... 181
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 191
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 60
Warning lamp ................................. 232
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 208
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 233
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 112
Display message ............................ 215
Switching on/off ........................... 104
Starting (engine) ................................ 132
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 225
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................97
Adjusting (manually) ........................97
Button overview ............................... 29
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
Cleaning ......................................... 270
Important safety notes ....................96
Paddle shifters ............................... 142
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 100
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 142
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 196
Stowage areas ................................... 242Index15

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

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

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe display message is only shown while the vehicle is in motion.
The yellow ! warning lamp lights up and the red F (USA
only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.XVehicles with manual transmission: engage first gear.XVehicles with automatic transmission: shift the transmission
to P.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Turn On the
Ignition to
Release the
Parking BrakeThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.XSmartKey: turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition lock.XKEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition.$(USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Brake ImmediatelyA malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock
the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.XPaying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 276).
You can restart the engine.$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XApply the electric parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.206Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsG
Tele Aid
InoperativeUSA only: one or more of the main functions in the mbrace system
are malfunctioning.
Canada only: one or more of the main functions of the TELEAID
system are malfunctioning.XUSA only: have the mbrace system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.XCanada only: have the TELEAID system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of injury
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages207On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 48).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.
Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XApply the electric parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
GWARNING
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster229On-board computer and displaysZ