2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER engine

The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activat ethis delayed switch-off
using the on-board computer (Y page 193).
Manual interior lighting control X
To switch the interior lighting on/off:
press the cbutton.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the pbutton. Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
X To switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
X Lock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key. Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs are under high voltage. If you
touch the electrical contacts of a xenon bulb,
you could suffer an electric shock and be seri-
ously or even fatally injured. For this reason,
do not remove the cover of xenon bulbs.
Do not change the xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with xenon bulbs,
you can recognise this by the following: the cone of light from the xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y
page 107). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs, con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when fitting.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. G
WARNING
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children. Oth-
erwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurised and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear 106
Replacing bulbsLights and windscreen wipers

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Observe the settings recommended on the
following pages. Otherwise, th ewindows
could mist up. This may obstruct your view of
the traffic situation and, as a result, you may
cause an accident.
The air-conditioning system/
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
controls the temperature and the humidity of
the vehicle interior and filters undesirable
substances fro mthe air.
The air-conditioning system/
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control is
only operational when the engine is run-
ning. 8
The function 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. Aclogged 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 Service Booklet
.As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.
8 The residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated when the ignition is switched off. 114
Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

partment 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 resid-
ual heat function can only be activated or
deactivated with the ignition switched off. Operating the climate control system
Switching climate control on/off
Important information i
When climate control is switched off, the
air supply and air circulation are also
switched off. Only select this setting
briefly. Otherwise, the windows may mist
up.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button (Y page 118).
Activating/deactivating Air-conditioning system
X
To activate: turn airflow control
C(Y page 115) clockwise to the desired
position (except position 0).
X To deactivate: turn airflow control
C(Y page 115) anti-clockwise to position
0. THERMOTRONIC automatic climate con-
trol
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X To activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
X Press the ^button.
The indicator lamp in the ^button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.
X To switch off: press the^button.
The indicator lamp in the ^button lights
up. Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and dehu-
midified according to the temperature selec-
ted.
G
WARNING
If the "cooling with air dehumidification" func-
tion is deactivated, the air inside the vehicle
will not be cooled (during warm weather) or
dehumidified. The windows could mist up
more quickly. This may preven tyou from
observing the traffic conditions, thereby caus-
ing an accident.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when THERMOTRONIC is in cool-
ing mode. This is normal and not a sign that
there is a malfunction.
Depending on the equipment level, the con-
trol panel has either the Ábutton or the
¿ button.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This cool- Operating the climate control system
117Climate control Z

X
Convenience closing feature: press and
hold the gbutton until the side win-
dows are closed.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton lights
up. Air-recirculation mode is activated.
X Convenience opening feature: press and
hold the gbutton until the side win-
dows are opened. The side windows move
back to their original positions.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton goes
out .Air-recirculation mode is deactivated.
i If you open the side windows manually
after closing them with the convenience
closing feature, they will remain in this posi-
tion when opened using the convenience
opening feature. Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the station-
ary 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 con-
trol panel has either the Ìbutton or the
Á button.
i The blower will run at a low speed regard-
less of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it.
X To switch on: press theÌorÁ but-
ton.
The indicator lamp in the ÌorÁ
button lights up. X
To deactivate: press theÌorÁ
button.
The indicator lamp in the ÌorÁ
button goes out.
i Residual heat is deactivated automati-
cally:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low Adjusting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents.T his could cause burns or frostbite to
bare skin in the immediate vicinity of the
vents.K eep bare skin away from these air
outlets. If necessary, direct the airflow away
to a different area of the vehicle interior.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet grille on the bonnet and
in the engine compartment on the front-
passenger side free of blockages, such as
ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the vents or ventilation grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i You can move the adjuster sfor the air
vents vertically or horizontally, to set the
direction of the airflow.
i Optimal climate control function is ach-
ieved by opening the air vents fully and set-
ting the adjusters to the middle position. 122
Adjusting the air ventsClimate control

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Running-in notes
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
New brake pads/linings only have optimal
braking performance after several hundred
kilometres .Until then, compensate for this by
applying greate rforce to the brake pedal. This
also applies when brake pads/linings or
brake discs have been changed. The first 1,500 km
If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from the very start,y ou will be rewarded with
excellent performance for the remainder of
the engine's life.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1,500 km.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, before the rev
counter needle is Ôof the way to the red
area of the rev counter.
R Do not shift down a gear manually in order
to brake. Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R
Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain.
After 1,500 km, you may gradually bring the
vehicle up to full road and engine speeds.
Additional running-in notes for AMG vehicles:
R do not drive at speeds above 140 km/hf or
the first 1,500 km.
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced. AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is fitted with a self-locking dif-
ferential on the rear axle. Change the oil after
a running-in period of 3,000 km to improve
protection of the rear axle differential. This oil
change extends the service life of the differ-
ential. Have the oil change carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Do not place any objects in the driver's foot-
well. If you use a floormat or carpet in the
driver's footwell, make sure that it is correctly
secured and that there is sufficient clearance
for the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another.
Loose objects or the floormats could other-
wise get caught between the pedals if you
accelerate or brake suddenly. You will then 126
DrivingDriving and parking

not be able to brake, declutch or accelerate
as intended. This could lead to accidents and
injury. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery roa dsurface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do no tuse
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only set the automatic transmission to the
respective drive positions when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train.
! AMG vehicles: at low engine oil temper-
atures (below +20 †), the maximum
engine speed is restricted in order to pro-
tect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid
driving at full throttle when the engine is
cold. Key positions
Key g
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine
If the key is at position 0in the ignition lock
for a longer period, it can no longer be turned
in the ignition lock. The steering is then
locked. To unlock it, remove the key and rein-
sert it into the ignition lock.
The steering wheel is locked when the key is
removed from the ignition lock.
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle
it can still be turned in the ignition lock.
However, the ignition will not be switched
on The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO General notes
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a key featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the key must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal. Driving
127Driving and parking Z

If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
X
Position 0: if Start/Stop button :has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
key being removed from the ignition.
X Position 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windscree nwip-
ers, for example.
i If you the nopen the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is deactiva-
ted.
X Position 2(ignition): press Start/Stop but-
ton :twice.
i If you press Start/Stop button :once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
Removing the Start/Stop button
You can remove the Start/Stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as nor-
mal using the key.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. X
Remove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
i When you insert Start/Stop button :
into ignition lock ;, the system needs
approximately two seconds recognition
time before you can use Start/Stop but-
ton :. Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide. Inhaling exhaust fumes consti-
tutes a health hazard and could lead to loss
of consciousness or even death.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
General notes i
AMG vehicles: the exhaust flap of the
exhaust system will be checked after every
cold start .Aresulting noise can be heard
during this process.
i Vehicles with apetrol engine: the
engine runs at a highe rengine speed during
a cold start so that the catalytic converter
can reach operating temperature more
quickly. The sound of the engine may
change as a result. 128
DrivingDriving an
d parking

Manual transmission
X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
i You can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the key i
To start the engine using the key instead
of KEYLESS-GO, pullt he Start/Stop button
out of the ignition lock.
X To start a petrol engine: turn the key to
position 3in the ignition lock
(Y page 127) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
X To startad iesel engine: turn the key to
position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 127).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrumen tcluster lights up.
X When the %preglow indicator lamp
goes out, tur nthe key to position 3
(Y page 127) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
i Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: you can also use the touch-start func-
tion. To do this, turn the key to position 3
(Y page 127) and release it immediately.
The engine then starts automatically. Using KEYLESS-GO to startt
he engine G
WARNING
You rvehicle can be started using a valid KEY-
LESS-GO key. For this reason, children should
never be left unsupervised in the vehicle.
Always take the key with you when leaving the
vehicle, even if you are only leaving it for a
short time.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the key into the ignition lock. The key must
be in the vehicle and the Start/Stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock. This
mode for starting the engine operates inde-
pendently of the ECO start/stop automatic
engine start function.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X To star tapetrol engine: press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 127) once.
The engine starts.
X To start adiesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 127) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts. Pulling away
Manual transmission X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Release the electric parking brake
(Y page 147).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerato rpedal.
! Change gear in good time and avoid spin-
ning the wheels. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the vehicle. Driving
129Driving and parking Z