2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER maintenance

Customer Service (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100
.Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities
or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9 Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them

to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact
an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving. G
WARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance,

or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs. Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) These devices may not cause
harmful interference, and 2) These devices
must accept any interference received,30
Introduction

including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the
equipment."
Canada:
"The
wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) These devices
may not cause interference, and (2) These
devices must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device." Diagnostics connection
G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to the on-board
diagnostics connection, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This can
impair the operating safety of your vehicle
while driving. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to the on-
board diagnostics connection. G
WARNING
Loose equipment or equipment cables which
are connected to the on-board diagnostics
connection can obstruct the area around the
pedals. The equipment or the cables could
come between the pedals in the event of
sudden braking or acceleration. This may
affect the function of the pedals. There is a
risk of an accident.
Do not

attach any equipment or cables in the
driver's footwell.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection
is used, the starter battery may discharge.
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics
connection can, for example, lead to emissions monitoring information being
reset. This may lead to the vehicle failing to
meet
the

requirements of the next emissions
test during the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on

your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components Correct use
G
WARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle.

Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
Observe the following information when
driving your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the "Technical data" section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles Introduction
31 Z

some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only
operate
COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) a second when
it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately
50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
R
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Warm up

the engine at low engine speeds.
R Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
R Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or in the service
interval display. Have all the maintenance
work carried in accordance with Daimler
AG regulations.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking
and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are

greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs. Pedals G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off G
WARNING
There
is no power assistance for the steering
and the

brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion. G
WARNING
Electric power is required to operate the
brake system.
A malfunction in the power supply or in the
vehicle's electrical system can impair the
operation of the brake system and result in
the brake system switching to emergency
mode. In this situation, the red brake system
warning lamp and warning messages may
appear in the instrument cluster while the
vehicle is moving. When braking, the driver
must depress the brake pedal considerably
more firmly and much further in order to
obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased. Driving tips
157
Driving and parking Z

Exhaust check
G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. All work
on the engine must be carried out by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Brakes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in

drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes. Downhill gradients !
On long, steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes. In order to
use engine

braking effect, restrict the shift
range in good time. This helps you to avoid
overheating the brakes and wearing them
out excessively.
When making use of the engine braking
effect, it is possible that a drive wheel may
not turn for some time, e.g. in the case of
suddenly changing or slippery road surface
conditions. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive

and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads G
WARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying

the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them 158
Driving tips
Driving and parking

!
As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
system must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0
or 1
in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Have this work
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Have the brake pads and brake fluid installed
or replaced at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS):
(Y page 58)
Checking brake lining thickness You can measure the break pad/lining
thickness using a test gauge. Color-coding
(green
or

red) on the test gauge allows you to
determine whether the brake pad/lining
thickness is still sufficient. The test gauge is
in the vehicle document wallet in the glove
box. Front wheel
Rear wheel
X
Bring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gauge
A.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 154).
X Move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Place test gauge A between the wheel's
spokes on brake pad/lining =. 160
Driving tips
Driving and parking

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 31).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The driver's concentration must always be
directed primarily at road traffic.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when

traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) per
second. G
WARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired. If
you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. G
WARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
displayed for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance services and safety checks
performed on

the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to
address the malfunction and warning
messages. G
WARNING
All
categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause damage

not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury.
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "Displays and operation"
section ( Y page 205).204
Important safety notes
On-board computer and displays

Useful information
i These operating instructions describe all
the standard and optional equipment of
your COMAND system, as available at the
time of going to print. Country-specific
differences are possible. Please note that
your COMAND system may not be
equipped with all the features described.
This also applies to safety-related systems
and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 31).
Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Making alterations to electronic components
can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite

radio, amplifier, DVD changer,
navigation module, phone and voice control
are networked. If one component is not
functional or if it has been incorrectly
removed/replaced, this could impair the
operation of other components.
This could seriously jeopardize the
operational safety of your vehicle.
We recommend that you always have
maintenance work on electronic components
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. G
WARNING
In
order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should only enter
system settings

with the vehicle at a standstill
and operate the system only when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) per
second. COMAND delivers information to simplify
your choice of route and guide you
comfortably and safely to your destination.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you
bring your vehicle to a standstill, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions,
before making or accepting a telephone call
or viewing navigation maps, instructions or
downloaded information on the COMAND
screen.
G
WARNING
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance,

the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system's audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver's
personal responsibility. DVD maps do not
cover all areas nor all routes within an area. G
WARNING
This equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for uncontrolled
equipment and meets the FCC radio
frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in
Supplement C to OET65.
This equipment has very low levels of RF
energy that is deemed to comply without
maximum permissive exposure evaluation
(MPE). But it is desirable that it should be
installed and operated with at least 8
inches
(20 cm)

and more between the radiator and a
person's body (excluding extremities: hands,
wrists, feet and legs.) 268
Operating safety
COMAND

X
Select Sat Radio in the submenu bar by
turning cVd the COMAND controller and
press W to confirm.
X Select Service and press W to confirm.
The provider's details appear.
X To return to the SatRadio main display:
slide XVY the COMAND controller.
Channel list updates
When receiving
a new channel list, the display
shows the Updating Channels...
message.
The station last selected is switched to mute
until the update has been completed.
Satellite radio mode is not available during
this process.
Once the update has been completed, the
satellite radio main menu appears. The
station last selected is played.
Sound settings
Information on sound settings ( Y page 278).Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
Important safety notes G
WARNING
COMAND is classified as a Class 1 laser
product. Never open the housing. There is a
risk of

damage to the eyes due to exposure to
invisible laser radiation if you open the casing,
or if the casing is faulty or damaged.
COMAND does not contain any parts that can
be serviced by the user. For safety reasons,
all maintenance work must be carried out by
qualified aftersales technicians. G
WARNING
Only when the vehicle is stationary should
you:
R insert a data carrier
R eject a disc There is a risk of being distracted from the
road and traffic conditions if you insert or
eject a disc while the vehicle is in motion.
Inserting/ejecting CDs/DVDs Notes
If the CD/DVD has a printed side, this must
face upwards when the CD/DVD is inserted.
If
neither

side is printed, the side to be played
should face downwards. The system may not
be able to play CDs/DVDs with copy
protection.
i If a medium contains other files in
addition to music files, the loading time
before the first track starts to play may be
longer.
Inserting a disc into the single DVD drive
X Press the 8 eject button.
If there is a disc already inserted, it will be
ejected.
X Take the disc out of the slot.
X Insert a disc into the slot.
If the disc is correctly inserted and is a
suitable disc,

it is drawn in by the drive and
played.
Ejecting a disc from the single DVD drive
X Press the 8 eject button.
X Take the disc out of the slot.
If you

do not take the disc out of the slot, it
is drawn in again automatically after a short
while and reloaded.
Inserting discs into the DVD changer
The DVD changer has a fixed magazine with
six trays.
X To insert a CD/DVD into the magazine
tray: press the V load/eject button.
A menu shows the current load status of
the magazine trays. The last tray selected
is identified by a red digit. Audio
421
COMAND Z