Vehicles with automatic transmission
X
Vehicles with a SmartKey: move the
transmission to position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: press the
Start/Stop button (
Y page 135).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to key position 1. When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
key position 0(Y page 135).
If you try to switch off the engine when the
transmission is not in position P, a message
appears in
the multifunction display. A signal
sounds.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for three seconds.
This function operates independently from
the ECO start/stop automatic engine
switch-off function. Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from
the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
i The electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal. Engaging and releasing manually
X
To engage: push handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
X To release: switch on the ignition.
X Pull handle :.
The red F (USA only) or ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake can only be
released:
R if the SmartKey is in position 1 in the
ignition lock or
R if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button.
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is applied
automatically:
R
if DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R if the
HOLD function is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following
conditions must be fulfilled: Parking
155
Driving and parking Z
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i
USA only:
This device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".
The radar sensor is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removing,
altering or tampering with the device will
void any warranties, and is not permitted
by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or
use the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
:
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To set the specified minimum distance
= To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
? To store the current speed or a lower
speed
A To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS; storing,
maintaining and calling up a speed Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on,
the vehicle can be braked. You should
therefore switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS if
the vehicle must be towed.
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine
must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R your vehicle must not be secured by the
electric parking brake.
R ESP ®
must be activated.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from P to D or your seat belt must be
fastened. Driving systems
167
Driving and parking Z
R
a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
If a
malfunction occurs, then the transmission
may also be shifted into position P
automatically. RACE START
Important safety notes G
WARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE START
should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
i RACE START is only available for the
SL 63 AMG model.
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if:
R
the doors are closed.
R the engine
is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †. This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated
(Y page 61).
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D. Activating RACE START X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the drive program selector clockwise
(Y page 147) until the RS lamp lights up.
The multifunction
display shows the RACE
START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel:
Paddle DOWN message.
i If the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
multifunction display shows the RACE
START Canceled message.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (
Y
page 148).
or
X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter ( Y
page 148).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. The multifunction
display shows the RACE START Not
Possible See Operator's Manual
message.
X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed increases to at least
3500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to
start. message appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START Canceled message.
X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The RACE START
Active message appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph Driving systems
177
Driving and parking Z
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe red
F (USA only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are making an emergency stop using the electric parking
brake ( Y page 155). F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Parking Brake See
Operator's Manual The yellow
! warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To apply:
X Switch the ignition off.
X Press the electric parking brake handle for at least ten seconds.
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The yellow
! warning lamp and the red F (USA
only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp light up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Release the electric parking brake manually.
or
X Release the electric parking brake automatically ( Y page 155).
If the yellow !
warning lamp remains lit or continues to flash:
X Do not drive on.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
227
On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe red
F (USA only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes and the yellow ! warning lamp lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Release the electric parking brake manually.
To apply:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
If the red F (USA only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp
continues to flash:
X Do not drive on.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 549).
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Turn the front wheels towards the curb.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The yellow
! warning lamp lights up. The red F (USA
only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about ten
seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or
released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
If it is not possible to engage the electric parking brake:
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If it is not possible to release the electric parking brake:
X Release the electric parking brake automatically ( Y page 155).
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.228
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe yellow
! warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release the electric parking brake, the red F (USA
only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning. It is not possible to
apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
i If you do not wish the electric parking brake to be applied,
leave the
ignition switched on, e.g. when washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash or when having the vehicle towed.
Exception: when having the vehicle towed with the rear axle
raised ( Y page 518). F(USA
only)!(Canada
only)
Parking Brake
Inoperative The yellow
! warning lamp lights up. The red F (USA
only)/! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes for about ten
seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or
released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of
overvoltage or undervoltage.
X Remove the cause for the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by
charging the battery or restarting the engine.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
If it remains impossible to apply or release the electric parking
brake:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The display message is only shown while the vehicle is in motion.
The yellow
! warning lamp lights up and the red F (USA
only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Shift the transmission to P.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display messages
229
On-board computer and displays Z
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! 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.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(Y page 548).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be replaced
every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear 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 pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. 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. 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
G
WARNING
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. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Unload the vehicle. The jack can only be
used when the vehicle is unladen.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P
.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 135).
X If included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.548
Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires