2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER wheel size

Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................315
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 311
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............312
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 313
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 313
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................313
Important safety notes ..................294
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......313
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........314
Labeling (overview) ........................309
Load bearing index (definition) ......315
Load index ..................................... 311
Load index (definition) ...................314
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 313
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 314
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 314
Maximum tire load .........................307
Maximum tire load (definition) .......314
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 314
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 314
Replacing ....................................... 315
Service life ..................................... 295
Sidewall (definition) .......................314
Speed rating (definition) ................313
Storing ........................................... 316
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 312
Temperature .................................. 308
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 315
Tire bead (definition) ......................314
Tire pressure (definition) ................314
Tire pressures (recommended) ......313
Tire size (data) ............................... 316
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 309Tire tread ....................................... 295
Tire tread (definition) .....................314
Total load limit (definition) .............315
Traction ......................................... 308
Traction (definition) .......................315
Tread wear ..................................... 308
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................313
Unladen weight (definition) ............314
Wear indicator (definition) .............315
Wheel rim (definition) ....................313
see Flat tire
Towing
Important safety guidelines ...........287
Installing the towing eye ................287
Removing the towing eye ...............288
With the rear axle raised ................288
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......288
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............289
Important safety notes ..................287
Installing the towing eye ................287
Removing the towing eye ...............288
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 289
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 270
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 185
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 185
Resetting (on-board computer) ......186
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................79
Important safety notes ....................77
Locking separately ...........................78
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 78
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 224
Opening/closing .............................. 77Index17

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

impact air bag and/or head bag inflates.
This could result in serious or fatal injuries
should the side impact air bag and/or head
bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as
possible, wear the seat belt properly and
use an appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWARNING
If the side impact air bag and/or head bag is
deployed in the event of a side impact and the
front passenger, especially a child, is not
properly seated or restrained when next to a
side impact air bag/head bag, injuries are
possible due to the rapid inflation of the side
impact air bag/head bag.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Always sit as upright as possible,
and use the seat belts properly.
Make sure that children 12 years
old and under use an appropriately
sized child restraint, infant
restraint or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.(2)Always wear seat belts properly.
The air bags are only deployed if the air bag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The
driver and passengers will then be protected
to the extent possible by a properly fastened
seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat
belts regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with air bags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bags
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
:Driver's air bag;Front-passenger front air bag=Front-passenger knee bag?Driver's knee bag
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air
bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove
box.
Occupant safety39SafetyZ

RWhen securing a child in a child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat, you
must:
- move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible
- use a child restraint system that is
suitable for the age, size and weight of
the child
- observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions in order to install and secure
the child restraint system correctly.
R For children larger than the typical 12-
month-old child, the front-passenger front
air bag may or may not be activated.GWARNING
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. In the event
of an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position the shoulder belt across the chest
and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat
may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap-shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
XSecure the infant or child with an
appropriate infant or child restraintrecommended for the child's age and
weight.XMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment unless they are
firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of:
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
54Children in the vehicleSafety

GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front or rear
axle raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene
and damage the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
If the drive wheels spin, traction control
brakes them individually. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles)
GWARNING
ESP ®
should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
Driving safety systems59SafetyZ

Seats
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWARNING
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWARNING
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWARNING
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWARNING
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, child
restraint system, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWARNING
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
Seats93Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 301).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 315).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
approximately one
minute and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least once every two weeks
when cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the tire pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure indicator lamp when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure indicator lamp.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the indicator lamp will flash for
238Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

XApply the electric parking brake manually
( Y page 150).XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the selector lever to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 131).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
When using a different size spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel, do not exceed the
maximum road speed of 50 mph (80 km/h)
GWARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type
of the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R never install more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
R only use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly.
R do not switch ESP ®
off.
R have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
i Vehicles without a spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel are not equipped
with a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, lug wrench or
alignment bolt, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 275).XRemove the following items (depending on
the vehicle's equipment) from the stowage
well under the trunk floor:
R emergency spare wheel
R lug wrench
R folding wheel chock
R jack
R alignment bolt
R tire inflation compressorXSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 274).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from
276Flat tireBreakdown assistance