2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE Owners Manual

Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lights
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to Ã.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate the daytime running
lamps: activate the daytime running lampsfunction in the on-board computer
( Y page 157).XTurn the light switch to Ã.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
GWARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 4
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.4 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting95Lights and windshield wipersZ

Combination switch
Turn signals:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or à .XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the à position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
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.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.96Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph (10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running ( Y page 99). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive 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 not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off;p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off=c Switches the interior lighting on/off?p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
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.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
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 unlock the 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
Interior lighting97Lights and windshield wipersZ

ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
( Y page 159).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the interior lighting on/off:
press the c button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle 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.
GDANGER
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 Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at 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.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed ( Y page 99). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out 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.
GWARNING
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.
98Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, 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 pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
Changing the front bulbs
You cannot replace the bulbs at the front
yourself. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for this purpose.
Changing the rear bulbs
License plate lamps
The only rear bulbs you can change are the
W 5 W license plate lamp bulbs.
XSwitch off the lights.XLever lamp housing : out of the frame
using a screwdriver.XUnscrew the bulb holder from the lamp
housing and pull out the bulb.XInsert a new bulb into the bulb holder and
screw the bulb holder into the lamp
housing.XPress the lamp housing back into the frame
until it engages.
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWARNING
The windshield will not longer be wiped
properly if the wiper blades are worn. This
could prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions, thereby causing an accident.
Replace the wiper blades twice a year, ideally
in spring and fall.
! 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.
Windshield wipers99Lights and windshield wipersZ

Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 53Å
Intermittent wipe, high 64°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming 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 Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notesGWARNING
The wiper arms could start moving and cause
an injury if you leave the windshield wipers
switched on.
Remove the key from the ignition lock before
replacing the wiper blades.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the 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.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Replacing the wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
Moving the wiper blades to a vertical
position
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove your foot from the brake pedal.XSet the windshield wipers to
position °.XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start.5 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
6 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.100Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

XWhen the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, press the Start/Stop
button.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.XSet the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm.
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the wiper blade from the retainer
on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper blades
XSlide the new wiper blade into the retainer
on the wiper arm in the opposite direction
to the arrow.XTurn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
The spray nozzles are misaligned
The windshield washer fluid from the spray
nozzles no longer hits the center of the
windshield. The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop.
The wiper arms are on the windshield
The wiper arms have been moved by an
external force.
XSelect key position 2 (ignition) with the
Start/Stop button.
The wiper arms move back down
automatically.Windshield wipers101Lights and windshield wipersZ

102