2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER engine

i
Follow the shift recommendations in the
multifunction display for an economical
driving style (Y page 136).
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away .The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock-
ing feature (Y page 193).
Automatic transmission i
It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position Pto the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the selector lever lock released.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electric parking brake (Y page 147) is
automatically released.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away.T he locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock-
ing feature (Y page 193).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Hill starta ssist Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll. G
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your vehi-
cle and it could roll away.
X Take your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
X Pull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
R the electric parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning. ECO start/stop function
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the ECO symbol appears in the multifunc-
tion display when the engine is switched off,
the engine was switched off automatically.
However, all vehicle systems remain active. If
you open the door, unfasten your seat belt or
remove your foot from the brake pedal, the
engine will automatically start .The vehicle
may begin moving. There is a risk of accident.
To prevent the vehicle from accidentally pull-
ing away, do not release the brake pedal until
you want to drive on.
Do not leave the vehicle until you have
switched off the ignition and secured the vehi-
cle to prevent it from rolling away.
! Always switch the ignition off and take the
key with you when leaving the vehicle. 130
DrivingDriving and parking

General notes
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving.
When pulling away again, the engine starts
automatically. The ECO start/stop function
thereby helps you to reduce the fuel con-
sumptio nand emissions of your vehicle.
All vehicles (except AM Gvehicles)
The ECO start/stop function is activated each
time the engine is switched on. The system is
operational if all conditions for automatic
engine switch-off have been fulfilled
(Y page 131) and the ¤symbol is shown
in the multifunction display.
If conditions for automatic engine switch-off
have not been fulfilled, the ¤symbol will
not be shown.
If the ECO start/stop function is deactivated
(Y page 132), the ¤symbol is not shown.
AMG vehicles
The ECO start/stop function is only available
in drive program C.
The ECO start/stop function is activated each
time the engine is switched on. The system is
operational if all conditions for automatic
engine switch-off have been fulfilled
(Y page 131) and the ¤symbol is shown
in the multifunction display. In addition, the
Stop/Start active message is shown in
the AMG menu in the multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off are fulfilled, the border of the ECO
symbol disappears in the multifunction dis-
play. In addition, the Stop/Start inac‐tive message is shown in the AMG menu in
the multifunction display.
If the ECO start/stop function is deactivated
(Y page 132), the ¤symbol and the
Stop/Start active or
Stop/Start inac‐ tive message are not shown.
i If automatic cylinder shut-off is active in
drive program C, the active number of cyl-
inders 4is also shown in the ¤symbol. This means that the engine will only oper-
ate with four cylinders.
If cylinder shut-of fis not active, the engine
will operate with all eight cylinders. In this
case, the active number of cylinders 8is
shown in the ¤symbol.
Automatic engine switch-off The engine is only switched off if:
R
the vehicle is at a standstill.
R the outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windscreen is
not misted up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the bonnet is closed.
R there are no active engine-related diagno-
ses.
R the front door is closed and the seat belt is
fastened.
i You can also activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary if the engine
has been switched off automatically. It is
then not necessary to continue applying
the brakes during the automatic stop
phase. When you depress the accelerator
pedal, the engine starts automatically and
the braking effect of the HOLD function is
deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal
carefully, as the engine must be started
first.
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
againo nce the ¤symbol reappears in
the multifunctio ndisplay.
i All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): the
engine can be switched off automatically a
maximum of three times in succession .The
automatic engine switch-off is then availa-
ble again after the ¤symbol appears in
the multifunction display. Driving
131Driving and parking Z

i
AMG vehicles: the engine can be
switched off automatically amaximum of
three times in succession .The automatic
engine switch-off is then available again
after the border of the ECO symbol appears
in the multifunction display.
Vehicles with manual transmission The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X Brake the vehicle until it comes to a stand-
still.
X Engage neutral N(Ypage 136) (follow
gearshift instruction :to engage neutral
N, if necessary).
X Release the clutch pedal.
The engine is switched off automatically.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is
braked to a standstill and the brake remains
depressed with the transmission in position
D or N.
Automatic engine start The engine is started automatically if:
R
the ECO start/stop function is deactivated
by pressing the ECO button.
R you switch to drive program Sor M(AMG
vehicles).
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this. R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
screen when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's charge status is too low.
R the driver's seat belt is removed or the driv-
er's door is opened.
R you shift the transmission from position D
to R.
R you steer the vehicle.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine is started automatically if you:
R depress the clutch pedal
R depress the accelerator pedal
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is started automatically if you:
R release the brakes when in transmission
position Dor N, unless the HOLD function
is activated or
R engage reverse gear Ror
R depress the accelerator pedal
i Shifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function Example: ECO button
i
If indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated man-
ually or as the result of a malfunction. The 132
DrivingDriving and parking

engine will then not be switched off auto-
matically when the vehicle stops.
i The ECO start/stop function is activated
every time you restart the engine, and the
automatic transmission switches into auto-
matic drive program E(AMG vehicles: drive
program C).
Deactivating (except for AMG vehicles)
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;on button :and the
¤ symbol in the multifunction display go
out.
Deactivating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button :in drive program C.
or
X Switch to drive program Sor M
(Y page 138).
Indicator lamp ;on button :and the
¤ symbol in the multifunction display go
out.
The Stop/Start active or
Stop/Start inactive message in the AMG menu in the
multifunction display goes out.
Activating (except for AMG vehicles)
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. If all conditions
for automatic engine switch-off
(Y page 131)a re fulfilled, the ¤symbol
is show ninthe multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 131) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is not shown in the multifunc-
tion display. If this is the case, the ECO
start/stop function is not available.
Activating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. If drive pro-
gram Sor Mis active, the automatic trans-
mission switches to drive program C.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 131) are fulfilled, the
¤ symbol is shown in the multifunction display. In addition, the
Stop/Start active message is shown in the AMG
menu in the multifunction display.
If not all conditions have been fulfilled for
automatic engine switch-off (Y page 131),
the Stop/Start inactive message is
shown in the AMG menu of the multifunc-
tion display and the border of the ECO sym-
bol disappears. If this is the case, the ECO
start/stop function is not available. Driving
133Driving and parking Z

Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The engine does not
start. The HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
X
Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 165) or DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 156).
X Try to start the engine again. The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Before attempting to start the engine again, turn the key in the
ignition back to position 0or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrumen tcluster go
out.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 128). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine, as this will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.
X
Jump-star tthe vehicle (Y page 277).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X
Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.
X Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with a petrol
engine:
The engine is not run-
ning smoothly and is
misfiring. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-
verter and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. 134
DrivingDriving and parking

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The coolant tempera-
ture display is showing
more than 120 †. The
coolant warning lamp
may also be lit and a
warning tone may
sound. The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 251). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and top up the coolant if necessary. If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X If the coolant temperature is less than 120 †, you can continue
driving to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving on
mountain roads and stop-start traffic. Manual transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The movement of the pedals must not be
impaired in any way. Do not keep any objects
in the driver's footwell. Make sure that floor-
mats or carpets are correctly secured and
that there is sufficient clearance for the ped-
als.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. 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. Gear lever
Gear lever
!
Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
! When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all
the way to the right. Otherwise, you could
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-
mission braking), this can cause the engine
to overrev, leading to engine damage.
Do not use the clutch bite point to keep the
vehicle stationary on uphill gradients.
There is otherwise a risk of damaging the
clutch. Manual transmission
135Driving and parking Z

Neutral N with ECO start/stop func-
tion activated
In neutral N, the engine is switched off if the
vehicle speed is below a certai nthreshold and
the clutch pedal is not depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function, see (Y page 131). Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
i The ECO start/stop function is not avail-
able when reverse gear is engaged.
For further information on the ECO start/
stop function, see (Y page 131).
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and then
forwards. Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display. X
Shift gear according to gearshift recom-
mendation :shown in the multifunction
display of the instrumentc luster. Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The movemen tofthe pedals must not be
impaired in any way.D o not keep any objects
in the driver's footwell. Make sure that floor-
mats or carpets are correctly secured and
that there is sufficient clearance for the ped-
als.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. 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.
i Bear in mind that the power transmission
between the engine and the transmission
is interrupted when the engine is switched
off. Therefore, to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, shift the automatic transmis-
sion to transmission position Pand apply
the electric parking brake when the engine
is switched off and the vehicle is stationary. 136
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

R
the positio nofthe accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R
little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch func-
tion is active regardless of the currently selec-
ted drive program. The double-clutch function
reduces load change reactions and is condu-
cive to a sporty driving style. The sound gen-
erated by the double-clutchf
unction depends
on the drive program selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerato rpedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up. Program selector button
General notes The program selector button allows you to
choose between differen tdriving character-
istics. Example
:program selector button
On AMG vehicles, drive program Eis called
drive program C. E
Economy
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 139).
X Press progra mselecto rbutton :repeat-
edly until the lette rfor the desired gearshift
program appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program E(drive program
C in AMG vehicles) each time the engine is
started.
i AMG vehicles: when in drive program C
and with a small load demand, e.g. in urban
traffic or on a country road, the engine will
automatically only operate with four cylin-
ders. This reduces fuel consumption. Cyl-
inder shut-off is inactive in drive programs
S and M, so that the engine will operate
with all eight cylinders. 138
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking