2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER sport mode

Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 563
Coolant (engine) ............................ 563
Engine oil ....................................... 562
Fuel ................................................ 561
Important safety notes
..................560
Washer fluid ................................... 564
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 219
On-board computer ....................... 215
Picture (COMAND) ......................... 453
Sound settings ............................... 278
System settings ............................. 289
Setting the air distribution ...............127
Setting the airflow ............................ 127
Setting the language COMAND ....................................... 292
Setting the night design ...................289
Setting the text reader speed ..........291
Setting the volume Telephone calls .............................. 277
Video AUX ..................................... 459
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 220
Side impact air bag ............................. 41
Side windows Cleaning ......................................... 503
Convenience closing feature ............ 85
Important safety information ........... 83
Opening/closing (all) ....................... 84
Opening/closing (front) ................... 83
Opening/closing (rear) .................... 84
Overview .......................................... 83
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
Resetting ......................................... 85
SIRIUS weather display
5-day forecast ................................ 462
Daily forecast ................................. 462
Detail information .......................... 462
Information chart ........................... 462
Selecting the area for the weather
forecast ......................................... 463
Switching on/off ........................... 462
Weather map ................................. 465
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 71
Changing the programming ............. 70
Checking the battery ....................... 71
Convenience opening feature .......... 84Display message
............................ 253
Door central locking/unlocking
.......68
Important safety notes .................... 68
Loss ................................................. 73
Mechanical key ................................ 70
Opening/closing the roof ................88
Overview .......................................... 68
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 135
Problem (malfunction) .....................73
Starting the engine ........................ 137
Snow chains ...................................... 529
Sockets Front-passenger footwell ...............481
General notes ................................ 480
Trunk ............................................. 481
Under the armrest .........................481
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 277
Sound menu ....................................... 278
Sound Mode ....................................... 280
Sound settings Calling up the sound menu ............ 278
Surround sound ............................. 278
Treble and bass ............................. 278
Spare wheel
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 31
Special seat belt retractor .................. 56
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speed dial list
Storing a phone book entry in the
speed dial list ................................ 374
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 209
In the Instrument cluster ............... 205
Segments ...................................... 206
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 215
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 61
Warning lamp ................................. 260 Index
21

Raising ...........................................
549
Reporting problems .........................32
Securing from rolling away ............ 549
Towing away
.................................. 518
Tow-starting ................................... 518
Transporting .................................. 520
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 76
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 565
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 565
Vehicle dimensions ...........................565
Vehicle emergency locking ................77
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............559
Vehicle level Active Body Control (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 181
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 179
Display message ............................ 241
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 508
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 212
Overview ........................................ 452
see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture ......................... 453
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff ..............452
DVD menu ..................................... 457
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 455
Function restrictions ...................... 454
Interactive content ........................458
Notes on discs ............................... 453
Operation ....................................... 453
Pause function ............................... 456
Playing conditions .......................... 453
Safety notes .................................. 453
Selecting ........................................ 456
Selecting a film/title ...................... 456
Selecting a scene/chapter ............ 456
Setting the audio format ................ 458
Setting the language ...................... 458Setting the picture .........................
453
Showing/hiding the control menu . 454
Showing/hiding the menu
.............455
Stop function ................................. 455
Subtitles ........................................ 458
Switching to ................................... 454
VIN ...................................................... 559
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 291
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 277
Navigation messages ..................... 277 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 257
Brakes ........................................... 257
Check Engine ................................. 263
Coolant .......................................... 263
Distance warning ........................... 265
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 265
ESP ®
.............................................. 259
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 260
Fuel tank ........................................ 263
Overview ........................................ 255
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Reserve fuel ................................... 263
Seat belt ........................................ 256
SPORT handling mode ................... 260
SRS ................................................ 262
Tire pressure monitor .................... 266
Warranty ............................................ 558
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 253
Waypoints
Accepting waypoints for the route . 310
Editing ........................................... 310
Entering ......................................... 308
Weather Band
Searching for a channel ................. 415
Switching on .................................. 414
Weather display (COMAND)
Calling up the weather map ...........395
Information chart ........................... 393
Selecting locations in the
information chart ........................... 39426
Index

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

With the drive program selector switch, you
can choose from a range of different
transmission configurations or select the
RACE START drive mode.
X
Turn drive program selector : until the
desired drive program appears in the
multifunction display.
R
C Controlled Efficiency: comfortable
engine and transmission design that
provides for optimum fuel consumption
R S Sport: sporty engine and transmission
settings
R S+ SportPlus: extremely sporty engine
and transmission settings
R M Manual: manual gearshifting
R RS driving
mode RACE START: optimum
acceleration dynamics from a standstill
(SL 63 AMG only)
X Turn drive program selector switch : until
the desired drive program is shown in the
multifunction display.
The drive program indicator on the drive
program selector lights up red.
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program C

each time the
engine is started.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 177).
AMG button (SETUP) You can save and call up the following
presettings with the AMG button:
R
Drive program (Y page 147)
R Suspension tuning X
To store: press and hold AMG button :
until you hear a tone.
X To call up: press AMG button :.
The stored drive program is selected.
X To display: briefly press AMG button :.
The multifunction

display shows the SETUP
in the AMG menu (Y page 220). Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel paddle shifters
(Y page 149).
In
the

manual drive program, you can change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
paddle shifters ( Y page 150).
i The full range of functions for the steering
wheel paddle shifters is available only once
operating temperature has been reached.
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D. 148
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

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

(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S+ is
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. The
multifunction
display
shows the RACE START
Not Possible See Operator's Manual
message.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance. Adaptive Damping System
General notes The adjustable damping system adapts to the
current driving conditions. The adjustment
depends
on

whether you have selected sport
or comfort mode. 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 message
SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode if you want
more direct contact with the road when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
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 message COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style. 178
Driving systems
Driving and parking

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

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