2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class Owner's Manual

Double-clutch function
Whe
nshifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up. Program selector button
Selecting drive program Program selector button
Program selector button
0002allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
X Press program selector button 0002
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display in the speedometer. R
EEconomy: comfortable, economical
driving
R SSport: sporty driving style
R M Manual: manual gearshifting
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program Eeach time the
engine is started.
i Further information on the "Automatic
drive program" (Y page 168).
Drive program for AMG vehicles With the drive program selector switch, you
can choose from a range of different
transmission configurations or select the
RACE START drive mode.
X
Turn drive program selector 0002until the
desired drive program appears in the
multifunction display.
R CControlled Efficiency: comfortable
engine and transmission design that
provides for optimum fuel consumption
R SSport: sporty engine and transmission
settings
R S+ SportPlus: extremely sporty engine
and transmission settings
R M Manual: manual gearshifting
R RS driving mode RACE START: optimum
acceleration dynamics from a standstill
(SL 63 AMG only) Automatic transmission
167Driving and parking Z

X
Turn drive program selector switch 0002until
the desired drive program is shown in the
multifunction display.
The drive program indicator on the drive
program selector lights up red.
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program Ceach time the
engine is started.
i RScannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see (Y page 196).
AMG button (SETUP) You can save and call up the following
presettings with the AMG button:
R
Drive program (Y page 167)
R Suspension tuning X
To store: press and hold AMG button 0002
until you hear a tone.
X To call up: press AMG button 0002.
The stored drive program is selected.
X To display: briefly press AMG button 0002.
The multifunction display shows the SETUP
in the AMG menu (Y page 237). Steering wheel paddle shifters
0002
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
0003 Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel paddle shifters
(Y page 169).
In the manual drive program, you can change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
paddle shifters (Y page 170).
i The full range of functions for the steering
wheel paddle shifters is available only once
operating temperature has been reached.
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D. Automatic drive program
Drive program Eis characterized by the
following:
R comfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully 168
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

R
increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
drive natl ower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program Sis characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine and transmission settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestric tthe shift range.
The set shift range appears in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations 0009
You can use the engine's braking
effect.
000C
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized on downhill gradients or
when driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 0010
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized on extremely steep
downhill gradients and long
downhill stretches. Restricting the shift range
X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter 0002.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, even if the shift range is
restricted. This is to prevent the engine
from overrevving.
Derestricting the shift range X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter 0003.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction X
Pull and hold right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter 0003until Dis shown again in
the multifunction display.
or
X Use the selector lever to shift the
transmission to transmission position D.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D. Automatic transmission
169Driving and parking Z

Selecting the ideal shift range
X
Pull and hold left-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter 0002until the function is
activated.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the automatic transmission shifts to a gear
which allows ideal acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears. Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program Manual drive program
Mis different from
drive program Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
You can select manual drive program Mwith
the program selector button or the drive
program selector ( AMG vehicles). In manual
drive program M, you can change gear using
the steering wheel paddle shifters if the
transmission is in position D.The selected
gear appears in the multifunction display.
X Press the program selector button
repeatedly until M(Ypage 167) appears in
the multifunction display.
X AMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector until M(Ypage 167) appears in the
multifunction display.
Upshifting X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 168).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Before the engine speed reaches the red
area, an upshift indicator will be shown in
the multifunction display. 0002
Upshift indicator
0003 Gear indicator
X Shift up a gear if upshift symbol 0002appears
in the multifunction display.
AMG vehicles !
In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X If the display color of the multifunction
display changes to red and upshift
symbol 0002appears, shift up a gear.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 168).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Maximum acceleration
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the
optimum gear according to the speed.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again. 170
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Kickdown
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M.
X Depress the accelerato rpedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
i AMG vehicles: it is not possible to use
kickdown in manual drive program M.
Switching off the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 167) repeatedly until Eor S
appears in the multifunction display.
X AMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector until C,Sor S+(Y page 167)
appears in the multifunction display. Automatic transmission
171Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0003 Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay.Don ot induce
vomiting.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. G
WARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged. 172
RefuelingDriving and parking

!
Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the
ignition if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. The repair
costs are high. Notify aqualified specialist
workshop and have the fuel tan kand fuel
lines drained completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces .You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray
out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 579). Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel filler flap 0002
To open the fuel filler flap
0003 To insert the fuel filler cap 0027
Tire pressure table
0026 Fuel type to be used
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
0014 in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening X
Switch the engine off.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to key position 0: "key
removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow 0002.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
X Open the fuel filler flap fully.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap 0003.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel could leak out.
Closing X
Place fuel filler cap on the fuel filler neck
and turn clockwise until it engages.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Refueling
173Driving and parking Z

i
If you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, the 0014reserve fuel warning lamp
flashes. The 0013warning lamp may also
lightu p.Am essage appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 256).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Y page 277). 174
RefuelingDriving and parking