2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER roof

Product information ............................ 18
Program selector ............................... 122
Pulling away ...................................... 117
Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 21
R
RACE START ....................................... 123
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 161
Radio Selecting a station .........................154
see separate operating instructions
Reading lamp ....................................... 97
Rear spoiler Display message ............................ 189
Extending/retracting .....................210
Problem ......................................... 212
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................228
Function/notes ............................. 142
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ..........................89
Dipping (automatic) .........................90
Rear window defroster
Problem (malfunction) ...................109
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Important safety notes ..................127
Refueling process ..........................127
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................212
Reporting safety defects .................... 22
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 179
Warning lamp ................................. 195
see Fuel
Restraint system
see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 19
Roof
see Soft top
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 153
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................51
Child restraint systems ....................51
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 42
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Belt force limiters ............................ 50
Cleaning ......................................... 229
Correct usage .................................. 48
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 50
Fastening ......................................... 49
Important safety guidelines .............47
Releasing ......................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Special seat belt retractor ...............53
Warning lamp ................................. 191
Warning lamp (function) ................... 49
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................86
Adjusting lumbar support ................86
Cleaning the cover .........................229
Correct driver's seat position ........... 84
Important safety notes ....................85
Seat heating problem ......................87
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 91
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ............87
Switching seat heating on/off .........86
Selector lever
Positions ........................................ 119
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 228
Service Center see Qualified specialist workshop
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........222
Hiding service messages ...............222
12Index

Exiting in an emergency (Coupe only)
If the vehicle is lying on its roof after an
accident, the hinge fasteners of the gullwing
doors are released pyrotechnically. You will
hear a bang if this is the case. After the
fasteners have been released, the doors are
forced outwards. Simultaneously, the door
locks are unlocked. The 6 SRS warning
lamp lights up.
i The hinge fasteners are only released
when the control unit recognizes that
certain conditions have been fulfilled, e.g.
when the vehicle is in a stabilized position
on its roof.
The doors can then be moved from the
inside/outside by pulling the door handle.
Seat belts
Important safety notes
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Even where this is not the case, all vehicle
occupants should have their seat belts
fastened when the vehicle is in motion.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 51) for further information on
infants and children traveling in the vehicle
as well as on child restraint systems.
GWARNING
Always fasten your seat belt before driving off.
Always make sure your passenger is properly
restrained. You and your passenger should
always wear seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt considerably increases
your risk of injuries and their likely severity in
an accident.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
could be considerably more severe if you have
not fastened your seat belt correctly. If you do
not fasten your seat belt, you are much more
likely to collide with parts of the vehicle
interior or be ejected from it. This may result
in serious or fatal injury.
In the same crash, the possibility of serious or
fatal injury is considerably reduced if you wear
your seat belt properly. The air bags can only
offer the intended protection if the occupants
are wearing their seat belts properly.GWARNING
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and the seat belt is properly
positioned on the body.
GWARNING
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than
there are seat belts available. Make sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt. Never
use a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.
GWARNING
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident must
be replaced and their anchoring points must
also be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to their failure to activate when
necessary.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Occupant safety47SafetyZ

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

of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The AMG high-performance compound brake
system and the AMG ceramic high-
performance compound brake system are
designed for high loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Please bear the following in mind
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 252).
Driving tips135Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsK
Convertible Top
Operation Possible
to 31 mphIf you are traveling at more than 31 mph (50 km/h), you cannot
open or close the soft top.XFully open or close the soft top ( Y page 78).K
Convertible top
Opening/Closing
Not FinishedThe soft top is not fully opened or closed. The hydraulics are
depressurized.XFully open or close the soft top ( Y page 78).K
Open/Close
Convertible Top
CompletelyThe roof is not locked. If you are traveling at more than 31 mph
(50 km/h), you cannot open or close the soft top.XIf you are traveling at more than 31 mph (50 km/h), slow down.XPush or pull the soft-top switch (Y page 78) until the soft top is
fully open or closed.K
Convertible Top in
Operation Please
WaitThe on-board voltage is too low.XStart the engine.The soft top has been opened and closed several times in a row.
The soft-top drive has been switched off automatically for safety
reasons.
You can open and close the soft top again after approximately ten
minutes.XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure ( Y page 78).K
Depress brakeYou have attempted to close the soft top with the soft top switch
while the vehicle was stationary.XDepress the brake pedal.XPress the soft-top switch until the soft top is completely closed.¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.Xadd washer fluid ( Y page 221).184Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRemove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gentlywith a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to correct smaller areas of
paint damage quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe the following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
Care225Maintenance and careZ

Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary.Wear eye protection.Keep children away.Observe this Operator's
Manual.HEnvironmental noteBatteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Return discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, or to a special
collection point for old
batteries.GWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.GWARNING
Do not place any metal objects on the battery
as this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First, touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! Switch off the engine and ensure that no
ignition position has been selected before
detaching the battery terminals. All
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. Otherwise, you may destroy
electronic components such as the
alternator.
! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery
may discharge over time if you do not use
the vehicle. In this case have the battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. You can also charge the battery
with a charger recommended by Mercedes-
Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for more information.
The battery, breather hose and cover of the
positive terminal clamp must be installed
securely during operation.
Battery241Breakdown assistanceZ

(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires that are excessively worn
as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread
depth is less than 1
/ 8 inch (3 mm).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. This also applies
to the spare wheel/emergency spare
wheel.
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R mileage
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y page 271).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), the
elasticity of summer tires and therefore also
the traction and braking capability are
reduced considerably — equip your vehicle
with M+S tires. Using summer tires at very
cold temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.
Snow chains
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
R local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R only use snow chains when driving on roads
completely covered by snow. Remove the
snow chains as soon as possible when you
come to a road that is not snow-covered.
R Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
R you may not mount snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the
information under "Wheels and tires" in the
"Technical data" section.
R snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 56) when pulling away with
snow chains mounted. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
M+S tires
GWARNING
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
252Winter operationTires and wheels