2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class tow

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 38).Where will I find...?
First-aid kit
First-aid kit
0002is located in the trunk under
the trunk floor.
X Open the trun klid.
X Open the trunk partition (Y page 106).
X Lift the trunk floor upwards (Y page 494).
X Remove first-aid kit 0002.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace the
contents if necessary, and replace missing
items. Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit consists of a towing eye
and tes
tgauge for measuring the brake pad
thickness (Y page 181). The towing eye is
located in the trunk in a bracket below the
trunk lid lock. The gauge for measuring brake
pad/lining thickness is in the vehicle
documen twallet .Ifthe vehicle is equipped
with a TIREFIT kit, this will be located in the
stowage space under the trunk floor.
Vehicles with aTIREFIT kit 0002
Towing eye
0003 Tire sealan tfiller bottle
0027 Fuse allocation chart
0026 Tire inflation compressor
X Open the trunk lid.
X Open the trunk partition (Y page 106).
X Lift the trunk floor upwards (Y page 494).526
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

If you come into contact with the tire sealant,
observe the following:
R Rinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
R If the tire sealant comes into contact with
youre yes, immediately rinse them
thoroughly with clean water.
R If tire sealant is swallowed ,immediately
rinse yourm outh out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
! Do not operate the tire inflation
compressor for longer than eight minutes
at a time without a break. It may otherwise
overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be
operated again once it has cooled down. TIREFIT sticker, 2-part
X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove the tire sealant bottle, the
accompanying TIREFIT sticker and the tire
inflation compressor from the stowage well
underneath the trunk floor (Y page 526).
X Affix part 0002of the TIREFIT sticker within
the driver's field of vision.
X Affix part 0003of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire. X
Pull plug 0026with the cable and hose 0024out
of the housing.
X Screw hose 0024onto flange 0025of tire
sealant bottle 0002.
X Place tire sealant bottle 0002head
downwards into recess 0003of the tire
inflation compressor. X
Remove the cap from valve 0016on the faulty
tire.
X Screw filler hose 0017onto valve.
X Insert plug 0026into the socket of the
cigarette lighter or into a 12 Vpower socket
in your vehicle.
Observe the notes on the cigarette lighter
(Y page 496). Observe the notes on
sockets (Y page 496).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1in the
ignition lock (Y page 155).
X Press on/offs witch0027on the tire inflation
compressor to I.
The tire inflatio ncompressor is switched
on. The tire is inflated. Flat tire
529Breakdown assistance Z

i
First, tire sealant is pumped into the tire.
The pressure can briefly rise to
approximately 500 kPa (5.0 bar/73 psi).
Do no tswitch off the tire inflation
compressor during this phase.
X Allow the tire inflation compressor to run
forf ive minutes. The tire should the nhave
attained a pressure of at least 18 0kPa
(1.8 bar/26 psi).
If at ire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 ba r/26 psi)
has bee nattained after five minutes:
(Y page 530).
If at ire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 ba r/26 psi)
has not bee nattained after five minutes:
(Y page 530).
i If tire sealant leaks out, allow it to dry .It
can then be removed like a laye roffilm.
If your clothes are soiled with tire sealant,
have the mcleaned with perchloroethylene
at a dry cleaner as soon as possible.
Tire pressure not reached If
at ire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 ba r/26 psi)
has not bee nattained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tire inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose fro mthe valve of
the faulty tire.
X Very slowly drive forwards or reverse
approximately 30 ft (10 m).
X Pump up the tire again.
After a maximum of five minutes the tire
pressure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tire is too badly
damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair the
tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a tire
pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving
characteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop. Tire pressure reached G
WARNING
At ire temporarily sealed with tire sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds. There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed
the specified maximum speed with a tire that
has been repaired using tire sealant.
! Residue fro mthe tire sealant may come
out of the filler hose after use. This could
cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit. H
Environmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at aqualified specialist
workshop.
If ap ressure of 180 kPa (1.8 ba r/26 psi) has
been attained after a maximum of ten
minutes:
X Switch off the tire inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tire.
X Stow the tire sealant bottle and the tire
inflation compressor.
X Pull away immediately.
The maximu mspeed for a tire sealed with
tire sealant is 50 mph (80 km/h). The upper
part of the TIREFIT sticker must be affixed
to the instrument cluster in the driver's
field of vision.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and chec kthe tire pressure with
the tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too 530
Flat tireBreakdown assistance

badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving
characteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Correct the tire pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi) (for the values,
see the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or tire pressure table on the fuel filler flap).
X To increase the tire pressure: switch on
the tire inflation compressor. X
To reduce the tire pressure: depress
pressure release button 0002next to
pressure gauge 0003.
X If the tire pressure is correct, unscrew the
filler hose from the valve of the repaired
tire.
X Screw the valve cap onto the valve of the
repaired tire.
X Pull the tire sealant bottle out of the tire
inflation compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tire
sealant bottle.
X Stow the tire sealant bottle and the tire
inflation compressor.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tire changed there. X
Have the tire sealant bottle replaced as
soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Have the tire sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist
workshop. Batter
y(vehicle) Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are
required when working on the battery, e.g.
removal and installing. You should therefore
have all work involving the battery carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This
can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program).
R If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability
of the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilized if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures when handling batteries. Risk of explosion
Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks. Battery (vehicle)
531Breakdown assistance
Z

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing ba rif:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will need more
force to steer and brake, you may have to
depress the brake pedal with maximu mforce.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly .Ifthe tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position Pwhen
the driver's or front-passenger door are opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 577).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
The automatic transmission must be in
position Nwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
(Y page 235). You could otherwise be
locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye G
WARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could
burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be
particularly careful when removing the rear
cover. 536
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

Example: towing eye mounting covers
0002 Front cover
0003 Back cover
The mountings for the screw-i ntowing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (Y page 526).
X Front bumper: insert a finger into the
recess on the bottom edge of cover 0002.
X Pull cover 0002out of the bumper towards
you in the direction of the arrow.
Cover 0002is attached to the opening with a
strap.
X Rear bumper: press the mark on
cover 0003inwards in the direction of the
arrow.
X Take cover 0003off the opening.
X Screw in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop. Removing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers
0002
Front cover
0003 Back cover
X Unscrew and remove the towing eye.
X Front bumper: position cover0002on the
opening in the bumper, as shown.
X Twist cover 0002into the opening in the
direction of the arrow.
Cover 0002is now attached at the top edge
of the opening.
X To close, press the lower section of
cover 0002.
X Rear bumper: position cover0003on the
bumper and press until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 526). Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could
otherwise damage the brake system. Towing and tow-starting
537Breakdown assistance Z

X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 130).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X Whe nleaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 536).Towing
avehicle with both axles on
the ground G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the
vehicle .Adapt your style of driving
accordingly.
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 130).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. When you reset the
combination switch, the hazard warning
flashers start flashing again.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y
page 155).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 536). Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Preven tthe vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with an automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission. 538
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

You can find information on "Jump-starting"
at (Y page 534). Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and that have the
correct fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Do not attempt to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be
overloaded and result in afire. Have the cause
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Ben zvehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If afuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replace dwith fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Ben zCenter. Before changing a fuse
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 175).
X Switch off all electrical consumers. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Y page 155).
or
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Y page 155).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R Fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R Dashboard fuse box
R Fuse box in the rear compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit in the stowage compartment
under the trunk floor (Y page 526). Dashboard fuse box
! Do not use a pointed objec tsuch as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
! Make sure that no moisture can ente rthe
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. Fuses
539Breakdown assistance Z