2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 ESP

X
Press the 000Cbutton.
The yellow 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
000C button.
The yellow 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i If you switch the engine off (SmartKey in
position 1in the ignition lock) and then
restart it, the previous rear fog lamp
settings are restored.
Headlam pcleaning system If the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y
page 113) while the
lights are on and the engine is running, the
headlamps are cleaned automatically. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning syste mis reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Combination switch
Turn signals 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Right turn signal
0023 High-beam flasher
0022 Left turn signal X
To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0003or0022.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0003or0022.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 0009or0008 or
0005.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
In the 0008or0005 position, the high-
beam headlamps are only switched on
when it is dark and the engine is running.
The 0008 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The 0008 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0023. Exterior lighting
107Lights and windshield wipers Z

Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed downr apidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
X To switch on th ehazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. The
cornering light function can only be activated
when the low-beam headlamps are switched
on.
Active:
R if you are driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signals
or turn the steering wheel
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h)
and turn the steering wheel
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheri chumidity.
X Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does no tdiminish: 108
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

X
Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interio
rlighting Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
0002
0010 Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
0003 0017 Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
0023 0010 Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
0022 0002 Switches the interior lighting on/off Interior lighting control
Important notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
The color and brightness of the ambient
lighting may be set using the on-board
computer (Y page 192).
Automatic interior lighting control X
To switch on/off: press the0017button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel. The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unloc kthe vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this 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 0002button.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the 0010button. 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
SmartKey. Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change the Xenon bulbs yourself, but
have them replaced at a qualified workshop. Replacing bulbs
109Lights and windshield wipers Z

If yourv
ehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize 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 110). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult 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 installing.
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 become very hot. For
this reason, allow them to cool down before
changing them. Otherwise, you could burn
yourself when you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could, for example, damage
the bulbs and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may explode and injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and could
explode when you change them, especially if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them. Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend. Halogen headlamps
0002
Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
0003 High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W
0023 Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W Bi-Xenon headlamps
0002
Cornering lamp: H7 55 W 110
Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off G
WARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wea rand tear. Replace the wipe rblades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash. Combination switch
0005
0009 Windshield wipers off
0006 0001 Intermittent wipe, low 5
0007 0002 Intermittent wipe, high 6
000C 0013 Continuous wipe, slow 000D
000E Continuous wipe, fast
0021 0003 Single wipe/ 0004To wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Vehicles with a rain sensor: if the
windshield becomes dirty in dry weather
conditions, the windshield wipers may be
activated inadvertently. This could then
damage the windshield wiper blades or
scratch the windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the 0001or0002 position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the 0002 position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the 0001position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touc honly the wiper
ar moft he wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
5 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
6 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity. Windshield wipers
113Lights and windshield wipers Z

Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settings Air-conditioning system
0007
Directs the airflow through the
defroster vents
0018 Directs the airflow through the
footwell air vents
0019 Directs the airflow through the center
and side air vents
i You can also activate several air
distribution settings simultaneously .To do
this, press multiple air distribution buttons.
The air is then directed through various
vents.
Dual-zone automatic climate control
0019 Directs the airflow through the center
and side air vents
0018 Directs the airflow through the
footwell air vents
001A Directs the airflow through the center
and side air vents as well as the
footwell air vents
0007 Directs the airflow through the
defroster vents
0014 Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents. 10
0013 Directs the airflow through the
footwell and defroster vents
0015 Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents as
well as the footwell air vents 10
i Regardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side
air vents. You can only close the side air
vents, by fully closing the adjuster on the
side air vents (Y page 127). Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Press one or more of the 0019,0018,
0007 buttons.
The corresponding indicator lamp lights up
briefly.
Dual-zone automatic climate control X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Press the 0015button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display. Setting the airflow
Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To increase/reduce: turn thumbwheel
0014 clockwise or counter-clockwise
(Y page 117).
Dual-zone automatic climate control X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To increase/reduce: press the0017or
0016 button. Switching the ZONE function on/off
This function is only available with automatic
climate control.
X To switch on: press the0003button.
The indicator lamp in the 0003button lights
up.
The temperature setting for the driver's
side is not adopted for the front-passenger
side.
10 Canada only. Operating the climate control systems
123Climate control Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 23).Breaking-in notes
The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000miles (1,500km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is 0001of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Ideally, for the first 1,000 miles (1,500km)
drive in drive program C.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3,2or 1when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed. Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R
do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,50 0rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with aself-locking
differential on the rear axle. To improve the
protection of the differential on the rear axle,
change the oil after a break-in distance of
2,000 miles (3,000 km). This oil change
extends the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficien tclearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught betwee nthe
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury. 130
DrivingDriving and parking

Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
SmartKey positions in the ignition lock. This
is only the case if you are not depressing the
brake pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then, you can insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
i
You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle. 0002
Start/Stop button
0003 Ignition lock
X Insert Start/Stop button 0002into ignition
lock 0003.
i When you insert Start/Stop button 0002
into ignition lock 0003, the system requires a
detection time of approximately
two seconds before you can use Start/
Stop button 0002. Start/Stop button
0023
USA only
0022 Canada only
X Position 0: if Start/Stop button 0002has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.
X Position 1: press Start/Stop button 0002.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
X Position 2(ignition): press Start/Stop
button 0002twice.
i If you press Start/Stop button 0002once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see (Y page 229). Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death. 132
DrivingDriving and parking