2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE ignition

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

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

The transmission could be damaged.
i The E-SELECT lever always returns to its
original position.
The current transmission position P, R , N
or D appears in the transmission position
display in the multifunction display.
If you wish to select a transmission position
or to disengage park position P, the engine
must be running.
Engaging park position PXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPress the P button in the center console.
i
If you depress the brake pedal and push
the E-SELECT lever forwards or back to the
first point of resistance, park position P is
disengaged. The transmission shifts to
neutral N.
To shift directly from P to R:
XDepress the brake pedal and push the
E-SELECT lever forwards past the first
point of resistance.
To shift directly from P to D:
XDepress the brake pedal and push the
E-SELECT lever back past the first
point of resistance.
Engaging park position P automatically
Park position is engaged automatically in the
following circumstances:
R if you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
R if you remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
R if you open the door while traveling at low
speed in transmission position D or R.
Shifting to neutral NXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the E-SELECT lever forwards or back
to the first point of resistance.
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).
Engaging reverse gear R
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the E-SELECT lever forward past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to transmission position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the E-SELECT lever back past the first
point of resistance.120AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmissionDriving and parking

XTo store: press and hold AMG button :
until you hear a tone.XTo call up: press AMG button :.
The stored drive program is selected.XTo display: briefly press AMG button :.
The multifunction display shows the SETUP
in the AMG menu ( Y page 160).
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of
diesel will cause damage to the injection
system. Damage caused by adding diesel
is not covered by the Limited Warranty.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline (EN 228)
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
You will usually find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
Further information can be found:
R in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 280)
R at any Mercedes-Benz Service Center or
R online at http://www.mbusa.com 8
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
When you open or close the vehicle with the
SmartKey, the fuel filler flap is automatically
unlocked or locked.
The fuel filler flap is located to the rear on the
right. The position of the fuel filler cap is
displayed in the instrument cluster 8. The
arrow next to the filling pump indicates the
side of the vehicle.
8 USA only.Refueling127Driving and parkingZ

:To open the fuel filler flap;Tire pressure table=Fuel type?To insert the fuel filler cap
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.
iWhen the engine is running and the fuel
filler flap is open, the engine diagnostics
warning lamp ; may light up.
Further information can be found in the
"Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster" chapter ( Y page 194).
XOpen the driver's door. This switches the
ignition to position 0, which corresponds to
having removed the SmartKey. The driver’s
door can be closed again.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.XTurn the fuel filler cap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ?.XCompletely insert the fuel pump nozzle into
the filler neck and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
ClosingXReplace the fuel filler cap and turn it
clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly
engages.XClose the fuel filler flap.128RefuelingDriving 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