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
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4
Check Engine Oil
Level (Add 1 Liter)The oil level is too low.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 219).XIf necessary, add engine oil.XHave the engine checked for leaks if you need to add engine oil
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine
oil. There is a risk of engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that
indicate that the oil level is too low must not be ignored.
4
Engine Oil Level
Too HighYou have added too much engine oil. The engine or catalytic
converter may be damaged.XSiphon off excess engine oil until it is at the specified level.
Observe the legal requirements.4
Engine Oil Level
Cannot Be MeasuredThe measuring system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Engine Oil
Pressure Control
See Operator's
ManualThe oil pressure sensor has reported a malfunction.
The oil pressure control is running in emergency mode.
Engine lubrication is guaranteed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Engine Oil
Pressure Stop
Vehicle Turn
Engine Off XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XCheck the engine oil level (Y page 219) and top up if necessary.XIf there are visible signs of oil loss from the vehicle, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.CThere is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Fuel Level LowThe fuel level has fallen below the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.Displays and operation179On-board computer and displaysZ
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
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products such as gloss preserver
(wax). These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
If wax comes into contact with the painted
surface by accident, remove it immediately
with commercially available petroleum
ether. Do so carefully and do not apply too
much pressure to the painted surface.
Ensure that no resinous, greasy or oily
substances come into contact with the
paint, as these can leave a residue. If such
substances do come into contact with the
painted surface accidentally, remove these
immediately with commercially available
petroleum ether. Do so carefully and do not
apply too much pressure to the painted
surface.
Tar stains or marks on the painted surface
can be removed with a commercially
available tar remover. Do so carefully and
do not apply too much pressure to the
painted surface.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
i The vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.Cleaning the Roadster soft topXLight soiling: you can clean the soft top
while it is dry or rinse it with clear water.XNormal to heavy soiling: clean the soft
top with a brush and clear water. Clean
stains and other dirt with a brush and soft
top cleaning agents that have been
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Always brush from front to back,
following the grain of the fabric.
! Never use any of the following to clean the
soft top:
R gasoline
R thinner
R tar or stain remover
R other organic solvents
! Remove bird droppings immediately as
they are corrosive and, therefore, can make
the soft-top fabric leak. Do not use high-
pressure cleaning equipment to clean the
vehicle. Do not use sharp-edged equipment
to remove ice and snow.
Frequent cleaning reduces the soft top's
resistance to dirt.
To restore this resistance to dirt, clean the
soft top using soft top cleaning agents that
have been recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Incorrect cleaning and care, as well as aging,
can cause the soft-top seams to leak. Have
the soft-top seams sealed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Cover the soft top appropriately if you
plan to leave the vehicle outside for a long
period of time.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
Switch the windshield wipers off before
cleaning the windshield or wiper blades. Press
the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all
226CareMaintenance and care
requires this. Do not change the direction of
wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressures.
For information on changing tires and
mounting the spare wheel, see (Y page 236).
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
You may mount a spare wheel/emergency
spare wheel against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limitation specified on the spare
wheel/emergency spare wheel.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Cleaning the wheels
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use Tires and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS
or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only
certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tire dimension variations could cause
the tires to come into contact with the
bodywork and axle components. This could
result in damage to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those
tested and approved.
Further information about tires, wheels and
approved combinations can be obtained
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
i The Tire and Load Information placard
with the recommended tire pressures is on
the B-pillar on the driver's side. Further
information about driving at high speeds or
driving with vehicle loads that are lighter
than the maximum vehicle load can be
found in the tire pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. Check tire
272Wheel and tire combinationsTires and wheels
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline must be used.
If premium-grade unleaded gasoline is
unavailable and regular gasoline is used,
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and add the
rest as soon as possible with premium-
grade unleaded gasoline.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R when the vehicle is carrying a light cargo,
e.g. two passengers without luggage, do
not allow the engine to rev above
3000 rpm.
R when the vehicle is fully loaded or being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than 2
/ 3 of the pedal travel.
Fuel requirements
Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and the
Motor Octane Number (MON): (RON +
MON) / 2, also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used.
The concentration of additives in the fuel
must, however, remain below 10%, such as:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol, including
other additives, in gasoline must not exceed
3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Additives in gasoline
One of the major problems in engine design
is the creation of carbon deposits during the
process of burning fuel. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use fuel brands
containing additives that prevent the build-up
of carbon deposits.
If you use fuels without these additives over
a longer period of time, carbon deposits may
build up. These deposits form at the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber in
particular.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
In areas where the availability of gasoline with
relevant additives is not adequate, carbon
deposits can form. In this case, Mercedes-
Benz recommends the use of additives that
have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for a list of approved products. Comply with
the instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
Service products and filling capacities281Technical dataZ