2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE coolant level

Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 107
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 109
Refrigerant ..................................... 282
Setting the air distribution .............107
Setting the airflow .........................108
Setting the air vents ......................110
Setting the temperature ................107
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 109
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Switching the MONO function on/
off .................................................. 108
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 109
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 26
see Instrument cluster
COMAND
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 96
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 152
Convenience closing feature .............. 77
Convenience opening feature ............ 77
see Opening/closing the side
windows (all)
Coolant
Display message ............................ 177
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level .........................220
Notes ............................................. 283
Temperature (on-board computer) . 160
Cooling
see Climate control
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ................................................. 98
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................137
Deactivating ................................... 138
Display message ............................ 180
Driving system ............................... 136
Function/notes ............................. 136
Important safety notes ..................136
LIM indicator lamp .........................137Setting a speed .............................. 137
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 137
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 202
Important safety notes ..................202
Curb weight
see Technical data
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 175
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 157
Switching on/off (switch) ................95
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 158
Interior lighting .............................. 159
Diagnostics connection ...................... 21
Digital speedometer ......................... 152
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 228
Display messages ASSYST PLUS service interval
display ........................................... 222
Calling up (on-board computer) .....164
Driving systems ............................. 180
Engine ............................................ 176
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........164
Lights ............................................. 173
Safety systems .............................. 170
Service interval display ..................222
SmartKey ....................................... 185
Tires ............................................... 181
Vehicle ........................................... 183
Distance recorder ............................. 152
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
6Index

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡(120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 220). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive on to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop, e.g. to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
E-SELECT selector lever
Overview of transmission positionsjPark position with parking lockkReverse geariNeutralhDrive
! If the engine speed is too high or if the
vehicle is rolling, do not shift the
transmission directly from D to R, from R
to D or directly to P.
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.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission119Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.Xadd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
( Y page 220).XIf coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with
too little coolant in the cooling system. The engine will otherwise
be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that
indicate that the coolant level is too low must not be ignored.
4
Engine Oil Level
low Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine OffThere is insufficient oil in the engine. There is a risk of engine
damage.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XTop up and check the engine oil level ( Y page 219).178Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsçThe red engine
oil temperature
warning lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running. The
engine oil
temperature is
not displayed.The engine control unit data transfer is malfunctioning.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.7The yellow
reserve fuel
warning lamp
lights up while
the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.7
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the engine is
running.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Displays and operation195On-board computer and displaysZ

Adding engine oilHEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
XUnscrew and remove oil filler cap : with
the integrated dipstick.XAdd the amount of oil required.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
You will find further information about engine
oil in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 282).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
GWARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XSet the Start/Stop button to key position
2 .XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the "AMG" menu ( Y page 160).
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).220Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of the marker
bar in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above the marker bar in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
You will find further information about coolant
in the "Technical data" section
( Y page 283).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to theEngine compartment221Maintenance and careZ

If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Coolant
Important safety notes
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with coolant which contains an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures
protection down to approximately Ò35 ‡
( Ò 37 †).
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com . You can
also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to Ò35 ‡ ( Ò37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized system is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant which has
been specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The coolant must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and provide protection from
overheating. In the Maintenance Booklet, you
can find information on the intervals for
renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the
Maintenance Booklet is only valid if the
coolant is renewed or replenished with
Mercedes-Benz approved products.
Therefore, only use MB 325.0 antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz
approved product of the same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com .
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately Ò35 ‡ ( Ò37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks.Service products and filling capacities283Technical dataZ