2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER stop start

If ESP
®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The
engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
X adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away

and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could

otherwise damage the drivetrain. X
To deactivate: press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
If ESP ®


is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.60
Driving safety systems
Safety

R
ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
Driving in SPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver who
is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out. ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If SPORT

handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could

otherwise damage the drivetrain. Driving safety systems
61
Safety Z

X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
Deactivate ESP ®
when driving on
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteering and understeering
characteristics are
desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®


is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated. R
PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available, it
is also

not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. EBD (Electronic Brake-force
Distribution)
G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the

risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 257) as well as
display messages ( Y page 226).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. 62
Driving safety systems
Safety

ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 176) and hill start assist
(Y page 138). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake

is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically
as well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention.
Starting at a speed of around
4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you if
you very quickly approach a vehicle in front.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the · distance warning lamp will light
up in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
From a speed of approximately
4 mph (

7 km/h), if the driver and passengers
have fastened their seat belts, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can brake the vehicle automatically at
speeds up to approximately
124 mph (200 km/h).
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause
unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary
intervention of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake. You can end PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
intervention in
a non-critical driving situation at any time by:
R depressing the accelerator pedal further
R activating kickdown
R releasing the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R you maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can
also detect stationary obstacles such as
stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of a collision, the system
will alert you both visually and acoustically. If
you do not brake or take evasive action, the
system will warn you by automatically braking
the vehicle gently. If there is an increased risk
of collision, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated (Y page 48).
If, at speeds over 20 mph (30 km/h), a risk
of collision remains and you do not brake,
take evasive action or significantly
accelerate, automatic braking may be
performed up to a level of automatic
emergency braking. Automatic emergency
braking is not performed until immediately
prior to an accident that can no longer be
avoided. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will initially brake your
vehicle by a partial application of the brakes
if a

danger of collision is detected. There may
be a collision unless you also brake. Driving safety systems
63
Safety
Z

X
To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The
SmartKey must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside
the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the
Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The emergency call system
initiates the call provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELE AID service.
R the mbrace/TELE AID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.66
Theft deterrent locking system
Safety

Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking
system. This
means only the driver's door, the
lockable stowage compartments in the
vehicle interior and the fuel filler flap are
unlocked when the vehicle is unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
X To change the setting: press and hold
down the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice ( Y page 71).
i If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the
vehicle, pressing

the & or % button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.
X To unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.
X To lock centrally: press the & button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door.
X To unlock centrally: touch the inner
surface of

the front-passenger door handle.
X To lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles.
X To restore the factory settings: press
and hold

down the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice ( Y page 71). Mechanical key
General notes If the vehicle can no longer be locked or
unlocked with the SmartKey, use the
mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door or the trunk lid, the
anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
(

Y page 65).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
X To turn the alarm off with the
SmartKey: press

the % or & button
on the SmartKey.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X To deactivate the alarm with KEYLESS-
GO: press the Start/Stop button in the
ignition lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or
X Lock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
If you unlock the vehicle using the mechanical
key, the fuel filler flap will not be unlocked
automatically.
X To unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Removing the mechanical key 70
SmartKeyOpening/closing

load and unload more easily. For this
purpose, you can also open the trunk
partition.
Do not forget to close the trunk partition
again afterwards. Otherwise, it will not be
possible to close the roof.
Closing G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the trunk
opening when closing the trunk lid. Be
especially careful when small children are
around. X
Pull the trunk lid down using recess :.
X Lock the vehicle if necessary with
the & button on the key or with
KEYLESS-GO.
i If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the
trunk, the trunk lid cannot be locked and
then opens again. Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure the trunk lid is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may
enter the vehicle interior resulting
in unconsciousness and death. !
The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore,

make sure that there is
sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
i The opening dimensions of the trunk lid
can be found in the "Vehicle data" section
(Y page 565).
Opening You can open the trunk lid automatically
using
the

SmartKey or the handle in the trunk
lid.
X Press and hold the F button on the
SmartKey until the trunk lid opens.
or
X If the trunk lid is unlocked, pull the trunk lid
handle and let it go again immediately.
Closing G
WARNING
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep

hands and fingers away from the
trunk opening when closing the trunk lid. Be
especially careful when small children are
around. To stop the closing procedure, do one
of the following:
R Press button F on the SmartKey.
R Press the remote trunk opening/closing
switch (on the driver's door).
R Press the trunk closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull the trunk lid handle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-
GO removed from the vehicle, the remote
trunk opening/closing switch can be
operated. Therefore, do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. Trunk
79
Opening/closing Z

i
Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 102)
R storing settings (
Y page 105)EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
when you activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature.
If there is a risk of someone becoming
trapped, stop the adjustment procedure. To
halt the procedure:
R press the steering column adjustment
button.
R press one of the memory function position
buttons.
The steering column stops moving
immediately.
Do not keep the memory function position
button pressed as this will start the memory
function and set the steering wheel and seat
in motion.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle. They

could open the driver's door and
thereby unintentionally activate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature and become trapped. G
WARNING
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT

feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer (Y page 219). Position of the steering wheel when the
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is active The steering wheel swings upwards when
you:
R
remove the

SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door and KEYLESS-GO is
in position 1
R open the driver's door and the SmartKey is
in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock
i The steering wheel only moves upwards if
it has not already reached the upper end
stop.
Position of the steering wheel for
driving The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
R
the driver's door is closed.
R you insert the SmartKey into the ignition
lock.
or
R you press the Start/Stop button once on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
When you close the driver's door with the
ignition switched on, the steering wheel is
also automatically moved to the previously
set position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored when you switch off the ignition or
when you store the setting with the memory
function ( Y page 105).
Crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature If the crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
triggered
in

an accident, the steering column
will move upwards when the driver's door is
opened. This occurs irrespective of the
position of the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
This makes it easier to exit the vehicle and
rescue the occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational if the EASY-EXIT/ENTRY
feature is activated in the on-board computer. 102
Steering wheel
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors