2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE automatic transmission

Drive
programCharacteristicC Controlled
EfficiencyComfort-oriented,
optimum-economy engine
and transmission settingsS SportSporty engine and
transmission settingsS+ SportPlusExtremely sporty engine
and transmission settingsM ManualManual gearshiftingDriving modeRS RACE
STARTOptimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstillXTurn drive program selector switch : until
the desired drive program is shown in the
multifunction display.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 123).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
In transmission position D, you can use the
steering wheel paddle shifters to restrict or
derestrict the transmission shift range. One
of the automatic drive programs, C, S or S+,
must be selected in order to do so.
In manual drive program M, you need to
change gear yourself using the steering wheel
paddle shifters. At low engine speeds, the
transmission shifts down automatically.
:Left steering wheel paddle shifter
(DOWN): shift down/restrict shift range;Right steering wheel paddle shifter (UP):
shift up/derestrict shift range
RACE START
RACE START facilitates optimum vehicle
acceleration from a standstill if the road
surface offers suitable grip.
GWARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode will only be able to stabilize the vehicle
to a limited degree if the vehicle starts to skid
or a wheel starts to spin. The vehicle is
therefore harder to control at the threshold
range. You could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.
RACE START must only be used on closed off
circuits. Always adapt your driving style to suit
the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
You can activate RACE START if:
R the doors are closed.
R the engine is running and the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature
( Y page 160).
R SPORT handling mode is switched on
( Y page 58).
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission123Driving and parkingZ

Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is set to D.
Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.XTurn the drive program selector switch
clockwise ( Y page 122) until the RS
indicator on the switch lights up in red.
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears
in the multifunction display.
i If the conditions for activation are not
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible message
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo cancel: pull the left-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (DOWN) ( Y page 123).
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Canceled message.XTo confirm: pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (UP) ( Y page 123).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START Canceled message.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed is increased.
The RACE START Release brake to
start. message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START Canceled message.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal while
keeping the accelerator pedal fully
depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.The RACE START Active message appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated once a speed of
approximately 50 km/h is reached. Drive
program S+ is activated. SPORT handling
mode remains switched on.
RACE START is immediately deactivated if
you take your foot off the accelerator pedal
during RACE START or if the conditions for
activation are no longer met. The RACE
START Not Possible or RACE START
Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display.
i After using it several times in short
succession, RACE START will be
unavailable until a certain distance has
been driven.
Automatic drive program
Drive program C is characterized by the
following:
R comfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the transmission shifting up sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity; this improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the transmission shifting up sooner; this
results in the vehicle being driven at lower
engine speeds and the wheels being less
likely to spin
Drive programs S and S+ are characterized
by the following:
R sporty engine and transmission settings
R the transmission shifting up later and
shifting down dynamically
124AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmissionDriving and parking

Ras a result of the later transmission
upshifts, the fuel consumption may be
higher
R if a period of dynamic driving is followed by
an extended phase with a constant
accelerator pedal position, the vehicle
shifts up to a higher gear. This optimizes
fuel consumption
If a gentle driving style is adopted in
automatic drive programs C/S/S+, the drive
program settings are adjusted to optimize
fuel consumption. Depending on the
operating conditions, the transmission shifts
to a higher gear.
Shift ranges
Introduction
In certain driving situations, it is
recommended to restrict the shift range. The
set shift range appears in the instrument
cluster's multifunction display ( Y page 121).
The transmission only shifts to the gear
displayed in the instrument cluster.
When the maximum engine speed is reached,
the transmission shifts up a gear in the
automatic programs C/S/S+. Gear
restriction is correspondingly increased by
one gear.
Driving situation=The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized in this position5To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretchesDerestricting the shift range/shifting
upXPull the right steering wheel paddle (UP).
The shift range is derestricted. If you are
driving in manual drive program M, the
transmission shifts up to the next gear.
Restricting the shift range/shifting
down
GWARNING
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.
XPull the left steering wheel paddle (DOWN).
The transmission shifts down one gear and
restricts the shift range to this gear.
If the engine speed in manual drive
program M is too high, it is not possible to
shift down. The two red segments in the
instrument cluster flash if you pull the left-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter (DOWN)
( Y page 126).
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (UP) until the number for the gear
disappears from the multifunction display.
or
XUse the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to position D.
The transmission shifts from the current
shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter repeatedly until the function is
activated.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the transmission shifts to a gear which
allows ideal acceleration and deceleration.
To do this, the transmission shifts down
one or more gears.AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission125Driving and parkingZ

Manual drive program
In manual drive program M, you need to
change gear yourself using the steering wheel
paddle shifters ( Y page 123). The
transmission only shifts down automatically
at low engine speeds depending on the
respective gear.
! In manual drive program M, the
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer and observe
the upshift indicator. There is otherwise a
risk of engine damage.XTo activate the manual drive program:
turn the drive program selector switch until
M appears in the instrument cluster's
multifunction display.
M lights up in red on the drive program
selector switch.XTo deactivate the manual drive
program: turn the drive program selector
switch and select another drive program.
Upshift indicator
The upshift indicator is a four-stage display
designed to assist you in sporty driving.
The upshift indicator allows you to recognize
the ideal shift point for dynamic acceleration.
White segments : and yellow segment ;
light up in succession from left to right.
When red segments = light up and the "up"
message appears in the multifunction
display, the ideal shift point has been
reached:XShift up using the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (UP) as quickly as possible.
The vehicle shifts up to the next gear.
i If you continue to increase the engine
speed without shifting up in time, the fuel
supply is shut off to protect the engine. This
results in abruptly reduced acceleration.
Display for downshift override
If the engine speed is too high, you cannot
shift down with the left steering wheel paddle
shifter. If you then pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter, both red segments = light up
briefly.
AMG button (SETUP)
With the AMG button, you can call up and
store a default drive program setting and the
default suspension tuning.
126AMG button (SETUP)Driving and parking

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XSet the Start/Stop button to key position 0 immediately.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle ( Y page 69).
or
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 71).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system. Combustible
materials, such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited by the hot exhaust system and
cause a vehicle fire. Do not park the vehicle
on dry grassland or harvested grain fields.
Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the electric parking brake.
R shift the transmission into park position P.
R slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the Start/Stop
button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
! Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in
transmission position D or R, park position
P is otherwise engaged automatically. This
can damage the transmission.
If you wish to maneuver the vehicle with the
door open, proceed as follows:XBring the vehicle to a standstill.XUse the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to position N or press the P
button on the center console.XOpen the driver's door.
You can maneuver the vehicle with the
driver's door open.Parking129Driving and parkingZ

Switching off the engine
Important safety notesGWARNING
If the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the steering and brakes.
Steering and braking then requires
significantly greater effort.
As a result, you could cause an accident and
injure yourself and others.
Therefore, do not switch off the engine while
you are driving.
! Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in
transmission position D or R, park position
P is otherwise engaged automatically. This
can damage the transmission.
i Observe the display messages in the
instrument cluster.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-gear sport
transmission
XUse the button on the center console to
shift the transmission to P.
Using the Start/Stop button
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 115).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.XApply the electric parking brake.
i If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position R or D, the
transmission automatically shifts to N.
If you move the E-SELECT lever to N before
switching off the engine, the transmission
remains in N for approximately 30 minutes.
If you open the driver's or front-passenger
door during this period, the transmission
automatically shifts to P.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for three seconds.
Using the SmartKey
! Do not remove the SmartKey while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds, park
position P will otherwise be engaged
automatically.
Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds,
transmission position P is engaged
automatically.
This can damage the transmission.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The parking lock is activated.XApply the electric parking brake.
i If you use the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to N before switching off the
engine, the transmission remains in N for
approximately 30 minutes. If you open the
driver's or front-passenger door during this
period, the transmission automatically
shifts to P.
If the SmartKey is in the ignition lock and
you use the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to N before switching off the
engine, the transmission remains in N. This
still applies if you open the driver's or front-
passenger door. Further information is
available in the "Car wash" section
( Y page 223).
Electric parking brake
General information
GWARNING
When you leave the vehicle, you should
always remove the SmartKey from the ignition
and take it with you, remembering to lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle and do not give them access to the
unlocked vehicle. The children could release
the parking brake and/or shift the
transmission out of park position P. In both
cases this could cause an accident and/or
serious injury.
130ParkingDriving and parking

Applying/releasing manually
XTo apply: press handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is in position
0 .
XPull handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake can only be
released when the ignition is switched on
using the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the electric parking brake
automatically
The electric parking brake is released
automatically when the following conditions
are simultaneously fulfilled:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position D or R.
R the hood is closed.
R your seat belt is fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the trunk
lid must be closed.
For the parking brake to be released
automatically if your seat belt is not fastened,
the following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you have shifted out of P or you have
previously driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h).
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake.
XWhile driving, push handle : of the electric
parking brake ( Y page 130).
i
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds.
R the Release parking brake message
appears.
R the red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
XConnect the battery to the charge
maintenance socket of a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
Parking131Driving and parkingZ

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
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The AMG high-performance compound brake
system and the AMG ceramic high-
performance compound brake system are
designed for high loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Please bear the following in mind
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 252).
Driving tips135Driving and parkingZ