2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE brakes

Jump starting ................................. 243
Location ......................................... 242
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................156
Display message ............................ 181
Notes/function .............................. 143
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 169
Notes ............................................. 282
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 174
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 55
Brake fluid (notes) .........................282
Display message ............................ 165
Driving tips .................................... 133
High-performance brake system ....134
Important safety notes ..................133
Maintenance .................................. 134
Warning lamp ........................ 190, 192
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 223
Display ........................................... 228
Exterior lights ................................ 227
Matte finish ................................... 225
Notes ............................................. 223
Paint .............................................. 225
Plastic trim .................................... 228
Power washer ................................ 224
Rear view camera .......................... 228
Seat belt ........................................ 229
Seat cover ..................................... 229
Sensors ......................................... 228
Soft top .......................................... 226
Tail pipes ....................................... 228
Trim pieces .................................... 229
Wheels ........................................... 225
Windows ........................................ 226
Wiper blades .................................. 227
Wooden trim .................................. 229
Car wash (care) ................................. 223
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 154
Center console Lower section .................................. 31
Upper section .................................. 30
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 159
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........64
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes ....................98
License plate lighting .......................99
Charge maintenance socket ............ 215
Children In the vehicle ................................... 51
Restraint systems ............................ 51
Child seat
Special seat belt retractor ...............53
Top Tether ....................................... 53
Cigarette lighter ................................ 203
Climate control Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 105
Controlling automatically ...............107
Cooling with air dehumidification ..106
Defrosting the windows .................109
Defrosting the windshield ..............108
Important safety notes ..................104
Indicator lamp ................................ 107
Maximum cooling .......................... 108
Notes on using automatic climate
control ........................................... 106
Overview of systems ......................104Index5

Door control panelOverview .......................................... 33
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 159
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 71
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 64
Display message .................... 183, 185
Emergency locking ........................... 72
Emergency unlocking .......................71
Important safety notes ....................69
Opening (from inside) ......................70
Draft stop ............................................. 80
Drinking and driving ......................... 132
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program .................................... 122
Automatic ...................................... 124
Manual ........................................... 126
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........160
Drive program display ...................... 121
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................223
Symmetrical low beam ....................94
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 135
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......55
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 59
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............55
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) ..................................... 59
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 56
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....56
Important safety information ...........54
Overview .......................................... 54
Driving systems
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 138
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 143Cruise control ................................ 136
Display message ............................ 180
PARKTRONIC ................................. 139
Rear view camera .......................... 142
Driving tips
AMG ceramic high-performance
compound brake system ...............134
Brakes ........................................... 133
Break-in period .............................. 114
Downhill gradient ........................... 133
Drinking and driving .......................132
Driving abroad ................................. 94
Driving in winter ............................. 135
Driving on wet roads ......................135
Exhaust check ............................... 133
Fuel ................................................ 132
General .......................................... 132
Hydroplaning ................................. 135
Icy road surfaces ........................... 136
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 134
Pedals ............................................ 132
Snow chains .................................. 252
Symmetrical low beam ....................94
Wet road surface ........................... 133
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 154
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 155
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................159
Function/notes ................................ 88
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 89
Function/notes ................................ 88
Switching on/off ........................... 159
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 165
Function/notes ................................ 59
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS
Index7

Trunk lidDisplay message ............................ 183
Opening/closing ........................73, 74
Trunk load (maximum)
see Technical data
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 174
Switching on/off .............................. 96
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................71
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 70
Upshift indicator ............................... 126
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 203
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 22
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Display message ............................ 183
Equipment ....................................... 18
Individual settings ..........................157
Limited Warranty ............................. 22
Loading .......................................... 259
Locking (in an emergency) ...............72
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 64
Lowering ........................................ 240
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking for a long period ................ 131
Raising ........................................... 237
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 244
Transporting .................................. 246
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........71
Unlocking (SmartKey) ................64, 69
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 72
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 277
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 232
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 155
VIN ...................................................... 277
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 192
Brakes ................................... 190, 192
Cruise control ................................ 137
Engine diagnostics .........................194
ESP ®
.............................................. 192
Fuel tank ........................................ 195
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 195
Seat belt ........................................ 191
SPORT handling mode ...................193
SRS ................................................ 193
Tire pressure monitor ....................196
Warranty ............................................ 277
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 184
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 240
Wheel chock ...................................... 236
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 236
Checking ........................................ 251
Cleaning ......................................... 225
Important safety notes ..................250
Interchanging/changing ................271
Mounting a wheel .......................... 239
Removing a wheel ..........................239
Storing ........................................... 272
Tightening torque ........................... 240
Wheel size/tire size .......................272
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 226
see Side windows
16Index

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:ESP®192;Seat belt191=Brakes (USA only)J
Brakes (Canada only)?High-beam headlamps96ALow-beam headlamps95BTurn signal96CSRS193DCheck engineEABS192FunctionPageFEngine oil temperature148GTire pressure196HElectric parking brake (USA
only)! Electric parking brake
(Canada only)IReserve fuel195JSPORT handling mode58KESP ®
OFF5628Instrument clusterAt a glance

The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Driving safety systems55SafetyZ

GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the rear
axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
You can select between the three following
states of ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated.
ESP ®
is activated as soon as you start the
engine. When SPORT handling mode is
activated, the M warning lamp lights up in
the instrument panel. When ESP ®
is
deactivated, the å and h warning
lamps light up in the instrument panel.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Characteristics of ESP ®
GWARNING
ESP should not be deactivated during normal
driving.
Deactivating ESP SPORT will have the
following effects:
R there is no limit to the engine torque.
R the system-based traction control is
limited.
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off ESP.
GWARNING
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
56Driving safety systemsSafety

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

ANeutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it.
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.7Drive
The transmission shifts into drive
programs C/S/S+ automatically.
All forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The transmission shifts into individual gears
automatically. This is determined by:
R drive position D
R the selected drive program ( C/S/ S+ )
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
R a shift range restriction, if selected
The shift points primarily depend on:
R the position of the accelerator pedal:
little throttle: early upshifts; high throttle:
late upshifts
R the driving dynamics
A dynamic driving style with high
longitudinal and lateral acceleration delays
the shift points to higher engine speeds.
Driving tips
Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces the load change reaction on
the drive axle. The sound generated by the
double-clutch function depends on the drive
program selected.
Kickdown
i Kickdown is not available in manual drive
program M.
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the transmission shifts to the lowest gear
allowing ideal acceleration.
Working on the vehicle
GWARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
electric parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise,
the vehicle could roll away and cause an
accident and/or serious injuries.
Drive program selector
With the drive program selector switch, you
can choose from a range of different
transmission configurations or select the
RACE START drive mode.
122AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmissionDriving and parking