2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE engine

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).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
The automatic climate control regulates the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
out of the air.
Coupe: the automatic climate control is only
operational if the engine is running. Optimum
operation is achieved only when you drive
with the side windows closed.
Roadster: the automatic climate control is
only operational if the engine is running. The
system only works optimally when the side
windows and the roof are closed.
i Coupe: ventilate the vehicle for a brief
period during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 77).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
Roadster: ventilate the vehicle for a brief
period during warm weather. This will
speed up the cooling process and the
desired vehicle interior temperature will be
reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust, and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance
Booklet.104Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

BDefrosts the windshield (Y page 108)CActivates/deactivates air-recirculation mode ( Y page 109)DSets the temperature, right ( Y page 107)ESwitches the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 109)FIncreases the airflow ( Y page 108)GReduces the airflow ( Y page 108)HDisplayISets the air distribution ( Y page 107)Notes on using 2-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and ¿ buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 † ).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as in air-recirculation
mode no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the MONO function if you want to
adopt the temperature and air distribution
settings from the driver's side for all
climate zones. The indicator lamp in the
º button lights up.
Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 107).XSelect key position 2 with the Start/Stop
button.XTo switch on: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp in the ^ button lights
up.
Activating/deactivating the cooling
with air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
106Operating the climate control systemClimate control

XSelect key position 2 with the Start/Stop
button.XPress the _ button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic control is deactivated and
the air distribution is controlled according
to the selected setting.
Setting the airflow
XSelect key position 2 with the Start/Stop
button.XTo increase/reduce: press the K or
I button.
Switching the mono function on/off
The MONO function is only available in
vehicles for Canada.
You can use the MONO function to adopt the
temperature and air distribution settings on
the driver's side for the front-passenger side.
XPress the º button.
The indicator lamp in the º button lights
up or goes out.
Defrosting the windshield
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XSelect key position 2 with the Start/Stop
button.XTo activate: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button lights
up.
The system automatically switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 7
R high temperature 7R
air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the à button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬ button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XTurn controls : or D clockwise or
counter-clockwise ( Y page 105).
or
XPress the K or I button.
Switching maximum cooling MAX
COOL on/off
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
When you activate MAX COOL, climate
control switches to the following functions:
R maximum cooling
R maximum airflow
R air-recirculation mode on
XTo activate: press the Ù button.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.XTo deactivate: press the Ù button
again.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previously selected settings come into
effect again.
i To deactivate MAX COOL press the ^,
à , or ¬ button.
7
Depending on the outside temperature.108Operating the climate control systemClimate control

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 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 Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle. Do not
exceed ⅔ of the maximum permitted
engine speed for each gear.
R Select the manual drive program M in good
time.
R Do not carry out a RACE START.
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 the shift range limits 3, 2 or 1
when driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous
terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if your vehicle's engine or
transmission has been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not keep any objects in the driver's
footwell. If you use a floormat or carpet in the
driver's footwell, make sure that they are
correctly secured and that there is sufficient
clearance for the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another.
The objects or floormats could otherwise get
between the pedals in the event of sudden
braking or acceleration. You may then no
longer be able to brake, change gear or
accelerate as intended. This may result in an
accident and injury.
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. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
114DrivingDriving and parking

when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature. The
operating temperature has been reached
when the engine oil temperature display in
the on-board computer's AMG menu no
longer flashes.
Only shift into reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! During a cold start, if the engine oil
temperature is low (below 0 †), maximum
engine speed will be limited to protect the
engine. To protect the engine and maintain
smooth engine operation, avoid driving at
full throttle when the engine is cold.
! During a cold start, if the engine oil
temperature is low (below 32 ‡) (0 †),
maximum engine speed will be limited to
protect the engine. To protect the engine
and maintain smooth engine operation,
avoid driving at full throttle when the
engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
KEYLESS-GO start function
You can switch the engine on and off with the
Start/Stop button. For this, the SmartKey
must be inside the vehicle. The Start/Stop
button is located in the center console and is
illuminated when the vehicle is unlocked.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key 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.
If there is a SmartKey in the ignition lock, this
takes precedence over the KEYLESS-GO start
function.XPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
If you press Start/Stop button : twice when
in this position and the driver's door is open,
the power supply is deactivated again.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
If you press Start/Stop button : once when
in this position and the driver's door is open,
the power supply is deactivated again.
SmartKey
You can also start the vehicle with the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
The ignition lock is located in the rear
stowage space of the center console.
Driving115Driving and parkingZ

gTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
i The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain toxic
carbon monoxide. Breathing in exhaust fumes
is a health hazard and can lead to
unconsciousness or death.
GWARNING
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.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
i Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
buttonGWARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. You merely
need to carry the SmartKey on your person.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XPress the Start/Stop button once
( Y page 115).
The engine starts.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
If the Start/Stop button is inoperative, you
can also start the vehicle using the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3 in the
ignition lock (Y page 115) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.116DrivingDriving and parking

Pulling away
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmissionGWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the transmission out
of park position P or neutral position N if the
engine is running at anything more than idling
speed. If you do not depress the brake pedal
with force, the vehicle may accelerate
forwards or backwards. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause a
collision. Only shift the transmission into the
drive position when you are firmly depressing
the brake pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if the
engine is running and you depress the
brake pedal.
Only then is the parking lock released. If the
brake pedal is not depressed, the E-SELECT
lever can still be moved but the parking lock
remains engaged.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XUse the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to position D or R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electric parking brake is automatically
released ( Y page 130).
i
The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down. The automatic door lock can
also be deactivated (Roadster only).
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
on uphill gradients. It holds the vehicle for a
short time after you have removed your foot
from the brake pedal. This gives you enough
time to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal and depress it before
the vehicle begins to roll.GWARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is being held
by hill start assist. After approximately one
second, hill start assist will no longer brake
your vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist does not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the vehicle is secured with the electric
parking brake.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
Driving117Driving and parkingZ

Problems with the engineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.XBefore attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.XTry to start the engine again ( Y page 116). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 243).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.118DrivingDriving and parking