2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER traction control

Setting the specified minimum
distance .........................................
172
Warning lamp ................................. 265
Dolby ®
Digital
.................................... 278
Doors Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 218
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 76
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 68
Display message ............................ 251
Emergency locking ........................... 77
Emergency unlocking .......................76
Important safety notes .................... 74
Opening (from inside) ......................75
Overview .......................................... 74
Power closing feature ......................76
Drinking and driving .........................157
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 149
Display ........................................... 145
Manual ........................................... 150
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 220
Drive program selector ..................... 147
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low beam .................. 108
Driving on flooded roads ..................161
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 57
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 63
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............58
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 58
Electronic brake force distribution ... 62
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 59
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ..... 60
Important safety information ........... 57
Overview .......................................... 57
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 63
STEER CONTROL ............................. 65Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist
.................195
Active Body Control (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 181
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 179
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 195
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 199
Active Parking Assist .....................186
Adaptive Damping System ............. 178
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 194
Cruise control ................................ 162
Display message ............................ 241
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 164
HOLD function ............................... 175
PARKTRONIC ................................. 183
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........177
Rear view camera .......................... 190
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 159
Automatic transmission ................. 146
Brakes ........................................... 158
Break-in period .............................. 134
Checking brake lining thickness ....160
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 174
Downhill gradient ........................... 158
Drinking and driving .......................157
Driving abroad ............................... 108
Driving in winter ............................. 161
Driving on flooded roads ................161
Driving on wet roads ...................... 161
Exhaust check ............................... 158
Fuel ................................................ 157
General .......................................... 156
Hydroplaning ................................. 161
Icy road surfaces ........................... 161
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 159
Pedals ............................................ 157
Snow chains .................................. 529
Symmetrical low beam .................. 108
Wet road surface ........................... 158
DVD
Copy protection ............................. 432
Fast forward/fast rewind ............... 428
Inserting ........................................ 421
Notes on discs ............................... 43210
Index

Selecting a media type ..................
426
Selecting a track
............................ 427
Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble) ............................................ 278
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 212
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 212E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating

.................219
Function/notes ............................. 102
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 102
Function/notes ............................. 102
Switching on/off ........................... 219
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 226
Function/notes ................................ 62
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 139
General information ....................... 139
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 76
Trunk ............................................... 83
Vehicle ............................................. 76
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 38
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 28
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 263
Display message ............................ 238
ECO start/stop function ................ 138
Engine number ............................... 560
Irregular running ............................ 142
Jump-starting ................................. 516
Starting problems .......................... 142
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 137Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............
137
Switching off .................................. 154
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 520
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................142
Engine oil
Adding

........................................... 498
Additives ........................................ 563
Checking the oil level ..................... 497
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 497
Display message ............................ 240
Filling capacity ............................... 563
Notes about oil grades ................... 562
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 497
Temperature (on-board computer) . 220
Viscosity ........................................ 563
Entering an intersection name ......... 301
Entering a street name ..................... 299
Entering the address (example) ....... 298
Entering the city ................................ 299
Entering the house number .............. 299
Entry Deleting ......................................... 284
Saving ............................................ 282
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 220
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 61
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ...................... 60
Display message ............................ 224
ETS .................................................. 60
Function/notes ................................ 59
Important safety information ........... 59
Warning lamp ................................. 259
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 60
Example display Audio CD mode .............................. 425
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 436
Exhaust check ................................... 158
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 504
Exterior lighting see Lights Index
11

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

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

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsTire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel Sensors The wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.
X
Mount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The tire
pressure monitor is activated automatically after driving
for a few minutes. Check
Tire Press. The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they may

wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 154).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 509).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 534).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. Warning
Tire Malfunction The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
G WARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
R A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
R You could lose control of the vehicle.
R Continued driving

with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay

attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 154).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 509).248
Display messages
On-board computer and displays