Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
G
WARNING
The layer of salt on th ebrake discs and the
brake pads/linings may caus eadelay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distanc eto the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes !
If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extentt
hat safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1in the ignition lock) if the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Y page 57).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the SLK 55 AMG.
G
WARNING
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is 154
Driving tipsDriving and parking
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).Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 27). G
WARNING
The driver's concentration must always be
directed primarily at road traffic.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) per
second. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicato rlamps R
malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution .Contactana uthorized Mercedes-
Ben zCenter as soon as possible. G
WARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages. Displays and operation
Instrument lighting
The brightness control knob is located on the
bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 27).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
Instrument cluster: if the light switch is set
to 0005, 0011or0009, brightness control
takes ambient light into account.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Displays and switches in the vehicle
interior: if the light switch is set to 0005,
brightness control takes ambient light into
account. If the light switch is set to 0011or
0009, brightness control does not take
ambient light into account. 180
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
If track information is stored on the audio
device or medium, the multifunction display
will show the number and name of the track.
The current track does not appear in audio
AUX mode (Auxiliary audio mode: external
audio source connected).
Video DVD operation X
Switch on COMAND and select video DVD
(see the separate operating instructions).
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the
steering wheel to select the Audio menu.
DVD changer display (example)
0002
Current scene
X To select the next or previous scene:
briefly press the 0003or0004 button.
X To select ascene from the scene list
(rapid scrolling): press and hold the
0003 or0004 buttonuntil the desired
scene has been reached. Telephone menu
Introduction You can establish a Bluetooth
®
connection to
Audio 20 or to COMAND (see the separate
operating instructions). G
WARNING
The driver's attentio nto the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we
recommend that you pull over to a safe location and stop before placing or taking a
telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-
free device and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h) , your vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m)
every second.
X Switch on the mobile phone and Audio 20
or COMAN D(see the separate operating
instructions).
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.
You will see one of the following display
messages in the multifunction display:
R Telephone ready or the name of the
network provider: the mobile phone has
found a network and is ready to receive.
R Telephone No Service : no network is
available, or the mobile phone is searching
for a network.
Accepting acall If someone calls you whe
nyou are in the Tel menu, a display message appears in the
multifunction display, for example:
X
Press the 0005button on the steering
wheel to accept an incoming call.
If you are not in the Tel menu, you can still
accept a call. Menus and submenus
189On-board computer and displays Z
When the engine temperature is below
80 †, the oil temperature gauge flashes.
Avoid driving at full engine output during this
time.
SETUP SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 0003button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed. 0002
Drive program (C /S /M )
0003 ESP ®
mode (ON /OFF ) or SPORT handling
mode (SPORT )
RACETIMER Displaying and starting RACETIMER
G
WARNING
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
You can use the RACETIMER to store lap
times.
X Press the 0002or0005 button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.
X Press the 0003button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown. i
If RACETIMER is selected, the menu bar
cannot be called up with the 0002
and 0005 buttons. 0002
Lap
0003 RACETIMER
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X To start: press the 000Cbutton to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time X
Press the 0002or0005 button to select
Interm. Time .
X Press the 000Cbutton to confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap
X Press 000Cto confirm New Lap .196
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
G
WARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For yours afety, we strongly recommend that you contac tanauthorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury. Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
000E
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running. There may be a malfunction, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning
lamp lights up. This is due to the legal requirement sineffect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving. 0010
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. In addition,
the
000E Check Engine
warning lamp may light
up. The fuel system pressure is too low
.The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. 0010
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running. The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 234
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
If you pull on the trunk handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking, you must wait
15 minutes before you can pull on the trunk
lid handle again.
Vehicle remote closing If you forget to lock your vehicle but are no
longer in the vicinity of the vehicle, it can be
locked for you by the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be locked remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
X
Contact the following service hotlines:
R
USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372 )or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are in your vehicle and
switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid: Doors
Locked by Remote message appears in the
multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be locked
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password.
i The vehicle valet locking feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Stolen vehicle recovery service If your vehicle has been stolen:
X Notify the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.
X This number will be forwarded to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center together with your PIN.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center then attempts to locate the mbrace system. The Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement agency if the vehicle
is located. However, only the law
enforcement agency is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system is active for
longer than 30 seconds, mbrace
automatically informs the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. Garage door opener
Important safety notes The HomeLink
®
garage door opener
integrated in the rear-view mirror allows you
to operate up to three different door and gate
systems.
i Certain garage door drives are
incompatible with the integrated garage
door opener. If you have difficulty
programming the integrated garage door
opener, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call one of the following
telephone hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-800-387-0100 G
WARNING
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured 254
FeaturesStowage and features
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).Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/o rothers. G
WARNING
There is a ris kofinjury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the ris kofburns, only touch those
components described in th eOperator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. G
WARNING
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
X Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel. X
Pull release lever 0002for the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 260
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when
cornering, accelerating quickly and when
braking. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneuvers,
and driving over obstacles (curbs, potholes,
off-road). This applies in particular to a laden
vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
defective tire must be replaced in every case.
i When replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you only use tires marked
MOExtended. Also ensure that they are of
the specified size for the vehicle. Battery
Important safety notes
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or contact a qualified
specialist workshop for more information. Have the battery charge level checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop if you
wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long
period of time.
G
WARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures when handling batteries. Risk of explosion
Fire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid contact with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's
Manual.282
BatteryBreakdown assistance