2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE ECO mode

XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
or
XPress the AMG button on the center
console.:Drive program (C/S/S+/M);ESP®
mode ( ON/Sport Handling Mode /
OFF )=AMG adaptive sport suspension system
setting ( COMFORT /SPORT /SPORT + )
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
GWARNING
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.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
i If the RACETIMER is selected, the =
and ; buttons are inoperative.
:Digital speedometer;RACETIMER=Lap
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if key position 2 is
selected with the Start/Stop button.
XTo start: start the RACETIMER with a.
Displaying the intermediate time
XPress the = or ; button to select
Interm. Time .XPress the a button to confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen
laps.
XPress a to confirm New Lap.:RACETIMER;Fastest lap time (best lap)=LapDisplays and operation161On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService Required
Do Not Shift Gears
Visit DealerYou cannot change gear due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D is selected:XDo not switch off the engine.XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
XMake sure that the electric parking brake is applied.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 236).XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.
If no transmission position and no drive program is displayed:
XMake sure that the electric parking brake is applied.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 236).XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.Only select Park
(P)
when vehicle is
stationaryThe vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to P using the button on the center
console.backing up not
poss.
Consult workshopThe sub geartrain with the even gears has failed. You can no longer
engage reverse gear. The smoothness of the gear change is
restricted. The transmission is in emergency mode.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.j
Parking lock
malfunct. Apply
parking brakeTransmission position P cannot be selected.XMake sure that the electric parking brake is applied.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 236).XVisit a qualified specialist workshop. Have the vehicle
transported on a recovery vehicle or towed with the rear axle
raised ( Y page 244).Displays and operation187On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsMThe yellow
SPORT handling
mode warning
lamp is lit while
the engine is
running.GRisk of accident
SPORT handling mode is activated. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle
in extreme situations. ESP ®
intervention may not be able to
provide enough assistance in such situations, and the vehicle may
start to skid.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions: ( Y page 56).h
åThe yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF
warning lamps
are lit while the
engine is
running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction. ESP ®
will not stabilize
the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin. The brake
system continues to function normally, but without ESP ®
.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.6The red SRS
warning lamp is
lit while the
engine is
running.GRisk of injury
The restraint systems are malfunctioning. The air bags or ETDs
may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an
accident, not be triggered at all.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.GWARNING
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
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.
Displays and operation193On-board computer and displaysZ

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 21).
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWARNING
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/or others.
GWARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWARNING
To help prevent personal 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 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWARNING
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
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWARNING
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. When using KEYLESS-GO, make
sure that no ignition position is selected. All
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must
be off.
Hood release lever in driver's footwell
218Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

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 21).
Important safety notes
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on approved and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter operation. Advice on purchasing
and caring for tires is also available there.
GWARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.GWARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
i Further information about tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Operation
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
250OperationTires and wheels

Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tiresGWARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or cracks or severe corrosion
on wheels) at least once a month, as well
as after driving off-road or on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 251). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
( Y page 253).
Tire tread
GWARNING
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the tread wear indicators (TWI) become
visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not use tires that are excessively worn as
the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread depth
is less than ⅛ inch (3 mm).
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They become visible as soon as a tread
depth of approximately 1
/ 16 inch (1.6 mm)
has been reached. If this is the case, the tire
is so worn that it must be replaced.
The recommended tread depth for summer
tires is at least ⅛ inch (3 mm). The
recommended tread depth for winter tires is
at least 1
/ 6 inch (4 mm).
Bar marking
: for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Notes on selecting, mounting and
replacing tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After mounting new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
Operation251Tires and wheelsZ

pressures regularly, and only when the tires
are cold. Comply with the maintenance
recommendations of the tire manufacturer.
These are located in the vehicle document
wallet.
For further information on the recommended
tire inflation pressure and on tire pressures
for specific driving conditions ( Y page 253).
i Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tires on all wheels
at a given time (summer tires, winter
tires)
i The following pages contain information
on approved wheel rims and tire sizes for
equipping your vehicle with winter tires.
Winter tires are not available ex factory as
standard equipment or optional extras.
If you wish to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, you will also require,
in certain circumstances, wheel rims of an
appropriate size, as the sizes of approved
winter tires can deviate from those of
standard tires. This is dependent on the
model and the equipment installed at the
factory.
The tires and wheel rims, as well as further
information, can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.Wheel and tire combinations273Tires and wheelsZ

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 21).
Notes on technical data
i The technical data was determined in
accordance with EC Directives. All data
applies to the vehicle's standard
equipment. The data may therefore differ
for vehicles with optional equipment. You
can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You can find technical data on the Internet at:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
GWARNING
Driving safety may be impaired if non-
approved parts, tires and wheels or safety-
relevant accessories are used.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-
relevant systems, e.g. the brake system. This
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and cause an accident.
For this reason, Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or
parts of equal quality. Only use tires, wheels
and accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Devices, as well as control units and
sensors for these restraint systems may be
installed in the following areas of your
vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R center console
Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint
systems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at
a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose.
All Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a supply
of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In
addition, strategically located parts delivery
centers provide quick and reliable parts
service.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Each part has been
specially developed, manufactured or
selected for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
fine-tuned for them.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
276Genuine Mercedes-Benz partsTechnical data