2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER wheel

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X
Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid
sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 529).Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use

the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded. General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed
for

you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time (Y page 149). By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effect of
the engine, which relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
:
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
= To store the current speed or a lower
speed
? To deactivate cruise control
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the status indicator of the
multifunction display:
R USA only: e.g. CRUISE 55 Miles
R Canada only: e.g. ¯90 Km/h162
Driving systems
Driving and parking

G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute
for the

active intervention of the driver. It does
not detect pedestrians or stationary objects,
nor can it detect, recognize or predict the
road's course or the movements of vehicles
in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the
vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum
available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane
next to your vehicle, especially if the vehicles
are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a
manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle.
Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such
as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc.,
can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail
temporarily. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed. G
WARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight

and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are

slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
WARNING
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
Your undivided attention to street and traffic
conditions is necessary at all times whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.
The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on

winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary
objects on the road (for example, a vehicle
stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle).
DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to
oncoming vehicles. Driving systems
165
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

Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles)
Vehicle level Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You can raise and lower the level of the
stationary vehicle using the corresponding
button.
Someone could
become trapped if the vehicle
is raised or lowered.
Therefore, make sure that nobody is in the
vicinity of the wheel housing or under the
vehicle. Otherwise limbs, e.g. hands and feet,
could become trapped.
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the driving dynamics, the vehicle is
lowered as its speed increases. With the
SPORT suspension tuning, it is lowered by up
to 0.5 in (13mm), with COMFORT by up to
0.2 in (5mm). As the speed is reduced, the
vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Setting raised level X
Make
sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X Make sure that a speed of 75 mph
(120 km/h ) is not exceeded.
X If indicator lamp

; is not lit: press
button :.
If the engine has been switched off by the
ECO start/stop function, it is now
restarted.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level X
Make
sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If indicator lamp ; is lit: press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level. Driving systems
179
Driving and parking Z

The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R
are driving faster than approximately
75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80km/h)
Suspension tuning General notes
The
electronically
controlled ABC suspension
system features improved driving dynamics
and ride comfort.
The ABC suspension system is tuned
individually to each wheel and depends on:
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R the vehicle load
R your individual selection of the sporty or
comfort button
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Selecting sports tuning X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have
selected the

suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The ABC Active Body Control SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display. The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode if you favor a firmer
suspension tuning.
Selecting comfort tuning
X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a comfortable
driving style.
The ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT message appears in the
multifunction display.
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style.
Driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display 180
Driving systems
Driving and parking

You can display some driving systems and
additional information in the COMAND
display.
X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Make sure COMAND is switched on
(Y page 275).
X Press button :.
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display. Example: displays in the COMAND display
:
Selection of raised level (Y page 179)
; Activity of ABC spring struts for roll and
pitching support
= Selected suspension tuning, i.e. sports or
comfort (
Y page 180)
? G-FORCE (longitudinal and lateral
acceleration)
A Current vehicle level Active Body Control (AMG vehicles)
Vehicle level Important safety notes
G
Warning
When the vehicle is stationary, you can raise
and lower it from the on-board computer.
Someone could

become trapped if the vehicle
is raised or lowered.
Therefore, make sure that nobody is in the
vicinity of the wheel housing or under the vehicle. Otherwise limbs, e.g. hands and feet,
could become trapped.
Notes
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the driving dynamics, the vehicle is
lowered as its speed increases. With the
SPORT suspension

tuning, it is lowered by up
to 0.5 in (13mm), with COMFORT by up to
0.2 in (5mm). As the speed is reduced, the
vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Setting raised level X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X Make sure that a speed of 75 mph
(120 km/h ) is not exceeded.
X If icon ;

is not shown: press =
or ; on

the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Vehicle Level.
X Press the a button.
The following message appears: Press
'OK' to Raise.
X Press the a button.
If the engine has been switched off by the
ECO start/stop function, it is now
restarted.
Icon ; appears. The vehicle height is
adjusted to raised level. Driving systems
181
Driving and parking Z

Setting the normal level
X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If icon ; is shown: press = or ;
on the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select
Vehicle Level.
X Press the a button.
The following message appears: Press
'OK' to Lower.
X Press the a button.
Icon ; is
faded out. The vehicle is adjusted
to normal level.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R are driving faster than approximately
75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80km/h)
Suspension tuning General notes
The
electronically

controlled ABC suspension
system features improved driving dynamics
and ride comfort.
The ABC suspension system is tuned
individually to each wheel and depends on:
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R the vehicle load
R your individual selection of the sporty or
comfort button Selecting sports tuning
X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have
selected the

suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode if you favor a firmer
suspension tuning.
Selecting comfort tuning 182
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning
displays
are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately five
seconds, and the
indicator lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning
displays

are lit.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately five
seconds. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 504).
X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Active Parking Assist
Important safety notes G
WARNING
PARKTRONIC and Active Parking Assist are
merely parking aids and may not detect all
obstacles. They do not relieve you of the
responsibility of paying attention.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking,
exiting parking

spaces and maneuvering. You
could otherwise endanger yourself and
others. G
WARNING
When parking or exiting a parking space, you
need to make sure that no obstacles are
located in

the vicinity of the vehicle during the entire operation. Active Parking Assist does
not relieve you of the responsibility of paying
attention. It merely aids you by intervening
actively in the steering.
To stop the vehicle or to avoid an accident,
you need to apply the brakes yourself.
G
WARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp

angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Active steering
intervention can assist you when parking or 186
Driving systems
Driving and parking