2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class brakes

Always apply the brakes yoursel
fand try to
take evasive action. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake canno talways clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warnin gand then
brake the vehicle
R not give a warning or intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particula rattention to the traffic
situatio nand be ready to brake, especially if
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake warns you. Terminate the
interventio ninanon-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by othe rradar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in fron tonadifferent line
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all critical
situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
X
To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer (Y page 202).
When PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is activated, the
0001 symbol appears in the multifunction
display as long as the HOLD function is
deactivated (Y page 177). On vehicles with
Parking Guidance, the 0001symbol is
displayed when position Pis engaged or
you are driving faster than 22 mph
(35 km/h).
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar senso rsystem mus tbe
switched on (Y page 206) and be
operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
i USA only: This device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular RadarS ystem".
The rada rsensor is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removing,
altering or tampering with the device will
void any warranties, and is not permitted
by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or
use the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.66
Theft deterrent locking systemSafety

High-beam headlamps
X
To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Aor0005.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0003.
In the 0005position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The 0009 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignitio nlock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0024. Hazard warning lamps
X
To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0003.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch, only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0003.
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y page 115) while the
lights are on and the engine is running. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. The
cornering light function can only be activated Exterior lighting
109Lights and windshield wipers Z

Automatic engine switch-off
Method of operation
The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the
000Esymbol is displayed in the
multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in th eECO butto nis lit
green.
R the outside temperature is within the
comfort range.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on
R the hood is closed.
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If conditions for automatic engine switch-off
have not been fulfilled, the 000Esymbol will
not be shown.
i All vehicles (apart from AMG
vehicles): automatic engine switch-off can
take place a maximum of four times
consecutively (initial stop then repeated
three times). The automatic engine switch-
off is then available againa fter the000E
symbol appears in the multifunction
display.
i AMG vehicles: times which the engine
can be automatically switched off.
i You can still activate the HOLD function
whe nthe vehicle is stationary, even if the
engine has been switched off
automatically. It is then not necessary to
continue applying the brakes during the
automatic stop phase. When you depress
the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOLD function is deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal carefully, as the engine
must be started first.
Vehicles with manual transmission The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X
Brake the vehicle until it comes to a
standstill.
X Engage neutral N(Ypage 144) (follow
gearshift instruction 0003to engage neutral
N, if necessary).
X Release the clutch pedal.
The engine is switched off automatically.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor
N, the ECO start/stop function switches off
the engine automatically.
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the 000Esymbol reappears in
the multifunction display.
Automatic engine start Method of operation
The engine starts automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you switch to drive program Sor M(AMG
vehicles).
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door. Driving
141Driving and parking Z

0002
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g .to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train. 0009
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program (Y page 147)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the
automatic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up. Program selector button
General notes Example: program selector button
X
Press program selector button 0003
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
In AMG vehicles, drive program Eis called
drive program C. Automatic transmission
147Driving and parking Z

In addition to driving style, the consumption
is affected by many other factors, such as:
R
Load
R Tire pressure
R Cold start
R Choice of route
R the use of electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO
display.
The evaluationofy our driving style takes the
following three categories into consideration:
Acceleration (evaluation of all
acceleration processes) The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Moderate
acceleration,
especially at higher
speeds Sporty acceleration
Constant (assessment of driving
behavior at all times) The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Constant speed and
avoidance of
unnecessary
acceleration and
deceleration Fluctuations in
speed
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes)
The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Anticipatory driving,
keeping your
distance and early
release of the
accelerator: the
vehicle can coast
without use of the
brakes Frequent braking i
An economical driving style involves
driving with a moderate engine speed.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"acceleration" and "smooth driving":
R observe the gearshift recommendation.
R drive the vehicle in drive program E
(vehicles with automatic transmission).
i On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the freeway, only the bar for "smooth
driving" will change.
i The ECO display summarizes the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey
to its completion .Therefore, there are
dynamic changes in the bars at the start of
a journey. During a prolonged driving time,
these changes are smaller. For dynamic
changes, perform a manual reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see (Y page 196). Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
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 160
Driving tipsDriving and parking

conditions
.This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Ben zwarranty.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden, you must
shif tto a lower gear in good time or select
shift range 1,2or 3in vehicles with automatic
transmission.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
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 If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time.
This may also occur after driving through
water deep enough to wet brake
components.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle 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
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion. Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
High performance and ceramic brake
system for AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the SLK 55 AMG.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
R
speed
R braking force
R ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain more
information on this from a qualified specialist
workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt your driving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe Driving tips
161Driving and parking Z

the brake syste
mwarning lamp in the
instrumen tcluster and note any brake status
messages in the multifunction display. For
high-performance driving in particular, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Servicing the brakes !
If the red brake warnin glamp lights up in
the instrumen tcluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1in the ignition lock) if the electric
parking brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Have this work
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should tes tthe
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS):
(Y page 60) Mercedes-Ben
zrecommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benzv ehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benzv ehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benzr ecommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benzv ehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety. Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
R brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads !
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engin eorthe automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in 162
Driving tipsDriving and parking

traffi
cbecause 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, 2or 3in good time (Y page 149). By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effec tof
the engine, which relieves the load on the
brake syste mand 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 prolonge dperiod. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h). Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
0003
To store the curren tspeed or a higher
speed
0004 To store the curren tspeed or calling up
the last stored speed
0024 To store the curren tspeed or a lower
speed
0023 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. 001090 Km/h Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed
Storing and maintaining
aspeed
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0003 or down 0023.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
You can store the current speed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30km/h).
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the 164
Driving systemsDriving and parking