2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 Owner's Manual

Special seat belt retractor
The seat belt on the front-passenger side is
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt
retractor ensures the seat belt will not
slacken once the child restraint system has
been secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
X Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.
X Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
X Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is enabled.
X Push down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.
Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
X Always comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
X Press the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated. G
WARNING
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated. Panic alarm
X
To activate: press0011button 0002for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.
X To deactivate: press0011button 0002
again.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X Press the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
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.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada.O peration is subjectto
the following two conditions: Panic alarm
55Safety Z

1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accep
tany interference
received, including interference tha tmay
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modificatio nto 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 BrakingSystem)
R BAS (Brake AssistSystem)
R BAS PLUS ( BrakeAssist System Plus)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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. 56
Driving safety systemsSafety

G
WARNING
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 0014 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignitio nis 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.
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To 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. G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal.U se firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness. BAS (Brake AssistS
ystem)
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.
X Keep 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. G
WARNING
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 yourv ehicle 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 brakin gforce necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply
the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can Driving safety systems
57Safety Z

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.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situatio nis over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally againi f:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longe rany dange rofarear-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
rada rsensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Rada rsensor system" in the
index. G
WARNING
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 fron tonadifferent line G
WARNING
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 fron tend of the
vehicle, have the configuratio nand operation
of the rada rsensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the fron tofthe 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 000BESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrumentc luster.58
Driving safety systemsSafety

G
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the 000BESP®
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 yours peed 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 fron torrear
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) G
WARNING
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 deactivat
eESP®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automaticall ywhen 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 gravel G
WARNING
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 000BESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle. Driving safety systems
59Safety Z

X
To switch off: press button0002.
The 0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. G
WARNING
Whe nthe 0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the 000B ESP®
warning lamp and the
0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to amalfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or no toperational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To switch on: press button0002.
The 0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
G
WARNING
The SPORT handling mode should not be
switched on during normal driving.
Switching on the SPORT handling mode will
result in the following:
R no restriction to the engine torque
R system supported traction control is
limited
The SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's
own natural oversteer and understeer
characteristics are desired and requires a
highly skilled and experienced driver able to
handle these critical driving situations. You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling when a
spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with ECO start/stop function:
the ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
comes to a stop. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engin ewas
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
WARNING
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do no tapply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, 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
firmly. 60
Driving safet
ysystemsSafety

If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the 000BESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree. X
To activate: briefly press button 0002.
The 0002 SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
X To deactivate: briefly press button 0002.
The 0002 SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system willr esult in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP ®
OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP ®
. Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with ECO start/stop function:
the ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
comes to a stop. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
WARNING
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 no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effec tfor better
traction.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available,
nor is it activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 000BESP®
warning lamp in Driving safety systems
61Safety Z

the instrument cluste
rdoes not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle. X
To deactivate: press button0002until the
0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The 000BOFF message appears in the
multifunction display. G
WARNING
When the 0012ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the 000B ESP®
warning lamp and the
0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to amalfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or no toperational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To activate: briefly press button 0002.
The 0012 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The 000BONmessage appears in the multifunction
display. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. G
WARNING
If EBDh as malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect .However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident .You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
X Observe the notes on warning and indicator
lamps (Y page 230) as well as display
messages (Y page 202). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 168) and hill start assist
(Y page 134). For further information, see
Driving tips (Y page 153). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effect sofsuch a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
ris kofc ollision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic 62
Driving safety systemsSafety