2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER service

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).Breaking-in notes
The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more

you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000miles (1,500km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is Ô of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
R Ideally, drive for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500km) in drive program C.
After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed. Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R
do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h ) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these notes on
running

in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced. AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking
differential on the rear axle. To improve the
protection of

the differential on the rear axle,
change the oil after a break-in distance of
2,000 miles (3,000 km). This oil change
extends the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. Driving
Important safety notes
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 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. 134
Driving
Driving and parking

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

R
you have switched on the corresponding
turn signal.
R DISTRONIC PLUS
does not detect a danger
of collision.
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle
is accelerated. Acceleration will be
interrupted if changing lanes takes too long
or if the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front becomes too small.
Vehicles with COMAND
i The following function is not operational
in all countries.
DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information
from your navigation system so that it can
react appropriately to certain traffic
situations. This is the case if, while following
a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you:
R approach or drive through a traffic circle
R approach a T intersection
R turn off at a freeway exit
Even if the vehicle in front leaves the
detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS
temporarily maintains the current driving
speed and does not accelerate. This is based
on the current map data in the navigation
system. Example: traffic circle
The current speed is maintained:
R
approximately ten seconds before the
traffic circle/T intersection and for approximately 1.5seconds
when driving on
the traffic circle
R approximately twelve seconds before
reaching a freeway exit and approximately
four seconds after the freeway exit
Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to
the set speed you specified.
Stopping G
WARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated.
DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be
operated, activated or deactivated by a
passenger or from outside the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is
canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
cruise control lever.
R you accelerate.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it,
deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front

is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake. After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill
at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in 170
Driving systems
Driving and parking

The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R
the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking

effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if:
R
the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
R the driver's

door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the electric parking brake is released.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated. Activating the HOLD function
X
Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until
HOLD display
: appears in the
multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R
you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the multifunction display.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the

vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is
activated and:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.176
Driving systems
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

Multifunction display
:
Transmission position ( Y page 145)
; Drive program (Y page 145)
= Description field
? Menu bar
A Outside temperature or speed
(Y page 216)
B Time ( Y page 290)
X To show menu bar ?: press the =
or ; button on the steering wheel.
Menu bar ? is hidden after a few seconds.
Text field = shows the selected menu or
submenu as well as display messages.
The following messages may appear in the
multifunction display:
Z Upshift indicator (Y page 150)
XjY Active Parking Assist (Y page 186)
CRUISE Cruise control (
Y page 162)
_ Adaptive Highbeam Assist
(Y page 115)
À ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 194)
¤ ECO start/stop function
(Y page 138)
à Active Lane Keeping Assist
(Y page 199)
ë HOLD function ( Y page 175)
Ä PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 63) Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to call up the menu bar and
select a menu.
Operating the on-board computer
(Y page 206).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
R Trip menu (Y page 208)
R Navi menu (navigation instructions)
(Y page 210)
R Audio menu (Y page 211)
R Tel menu (telephone) ( Y page 212)
R DriveAssist menu (assistance)
(Y page 214)
R Service menu (Y page 215)
R Settings menu (Y page 215)
R AMG menu in AMG vehicles ( Y page 220) Trip menu
Standard display X
Press and hold the % button on the
steering wheel until the Trip menu with
trip odometer : and odometer ; is
shown. 208
Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

X
Switch on the mobile phone (see the
separate operating instructions).
X Switch on COMAND (Y page 275).
X Establish a Bluetooth ®
connection to
COMAND (Y page 358).
X Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.
You will see one of the following display
messages in the multifunction display:
R Phone READY or the name of the network
provider: the mobile phone has found a
network and is ready to receive.
R Phone No Service: there is no network
available or the mobile phone is searching
for a network.
Accepting a call Example: incoming call
X
Press the 6 button on the steering
wheel to accept an incoming call.
If someone calls you when you are in the
Tel menu, a display message appears in the
multifunction display.
You can accept a call even if you are not in
the Tel menu.
Rejecting or ending a call X
Press the ~ button on the steering
wheel.
You can end or reject a call even if you are not
in the Tel menu. Dialing a number from the phone book X
Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.
X Press the 9, : or a button to call
up the phone book.
X Press the 9 or :
button to select the
desired name.
or
X To begin rapid scrolling: press and hold
the 9 or : button for longer than
one second.
Rapid scrolling

stops when you release the
button or reach the end of the list.
X If only one telephone number is stored
for a

name: press the 6 or a button
to start dialing.
or
X If there is more than one number for a
particular name: press the 6 or a
button to display the numbers.
X Press the 9
or :
button to select the
number you want to dial.
X Press the 6 or a button to start
dialing.
or
X To exit the telephone book: press the
~ or % button.
Redialing The on-board computer saves the last names
or numbers dialed in the redial memory.
X
Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Tel menu.
X Press the 6 button to switch to the
redial memory.
X Press the 9
or :
button to select the
desired name or number.
X Press the 6 or a button to start
dialing.
or
X To exit the redial memory: press the
~ or % button. Menus and submenus
213
On-board computer and displays Z