2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER GT manual transmission

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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
New brake pads/linings only reach their
optimum braking effect after several hundred
kilometers of driving. Until that time, you may
need to use increased brake pedal pressure
while braking. This also applies after the
brake discs or the brake pads/linings have
been replaced. 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
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R For the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km), do not
drive faster than 85 mph (140 km/h).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period. Do not exceed
00C3 of the maximum permitted engine speed
for each gear.
R Select the manual drive program Min good
time.
R Do not carry out a RACE START. 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 the shift range limits 3,2or 1
when driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous
terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if your vehicle's engine or
transmission has been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has 112
DrivingDriving and parking

0044
Neutral
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.
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
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. 003A
Drive
The transmission shifts into drive
programs (C/S/S+) automatically.
All forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The transmission shifts into individual gears
automatically. This is determined by:
R drive position D
R the selected drive program (C/S /S+)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
R a shift range restriction, if selected
The shift points primarily depend on:
R the position of the accelerator pedal:
little throttle: early upshifts; high throttle:
late upshifts
R the driving dynamics
A dynamic driving style with high
longitudinal and lateral acceleration delays
the shift points to higher engine speeds. Driving tips
Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch function reduces the load change reaction on
the drive axle. The sound generated by the
double-clutch function and its characteristics
depend on the drive program selected.
Kickdown
i
Kickdown is not available in manual drive
program M.
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the transmission shifts to the lowest gear
allowing ideal acceleration. Drive program selector
With the drive program selector switch, you
can choose from a range of different
transmission configurations or select the
RACE START drive mode. Drive
program Characteristic
C
Controlled
Efficiency Comfort-oriented,
optimum-economy engine
and transmission settings S
Sport Sporty engine and
transmission settings
S+
SportPlus Extremely sporty engine
and transmission settings M
Manual Manual gear shifting120
AMG SPEE
DSHIFT DCT 7-speed spor ts transmissionDriving and parking

Drive
program Characteristic
Driving mode
RS
RACE
START Optimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstill
X
Turn drive program selector switch 0043until
the desired drive program is shown in the
multifunction display.
i RScannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see (Y page 121). Steering wheel paddle shifters
In transmission position D, you can use the
steering wheel paddle shifters to restrict or
derestrict the transmission shift range. One
of the automatic drive programs, C,Sor S+,
must be selected in order to do so.
In manual drive program M, you need to
change gear yourself using the steering wheel
paddle shifters. At low engine speeds, the
transmission shifts down automatically.
i GT model: in manual drive program M,
the transmission shift and response times
are significantly shorter with sportier and
more aggressive gear changes. 0043
Left steering wheel paddle shifter
(DOWN): shift down/restrict shift range
0044 Right steering wheel paddle shifter (UP):
shift up/derestrict shift range RACE START
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start under suitable high-grip
road surface conditions.
RACE START is intended solely for activation
on dedicated race circuits.
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if:
R
the doors are closed
R the engine is running and the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature
(Y page 157)
R SPORT handling mode is switched on
(Y page 56)
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 set to D
Activating RACE START X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the drive program selector switch
clockwise (Y page 120) until the RS
indicator on the switch lights up in red.
The multifunction display shows the
message RACE STARTConfirm: Paddle RACE STARTConfirm: Paddle
UPCancel: Paddle DOWN
UPCancel: Paddle DOWN.
i If the conditions for activation are not
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible RACE START Not Possible message
appears in the multifunction display.
X To cancel: pull the left-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (DOWN) (Y page 121).
The multifunction display shows the RACE
RACE
START Canceled
START Canceled message.
X To confirm: pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (UP) ( Ypage 121).
The RACE START Available Depress
RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal
gas pedal message appears in the
multifunction display. AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
121Driving and parking Z

Driving situation
0040
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized in this position
0038
You can use the braking effect of
the engine on downhill gradients
and for driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 0037
To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches Derestricting the shift range/shifting
up
X
Pull the right steering wheel paddle (UP).
The shift range is derestricted. If you are
driving in manual drive program M, the
transmission shifts up to the next gear.
Restricting the shift range/shifting
down X
Pull the left steering wheel paddle (DOWN).
The transmission shifts down one gear and
restricts the shift range to this gear.
If the engine speed in manual drive
program Mis too high, it is not possible to
shift down. If you pull the left-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (DOWN)
(Y page 124), the two red segments in the
instrument cluster flash.
Clearing the shift range restriction X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (UP) until the number for the gear
disappears from the multifunction display.
or
X Use the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to position D.
The transmission shifts from the current
shift range directly to D. Selecting the ideal shift range X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter repeatedly until the function is
activated.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the transmission shifts to a gear which
allows ideal acceleration and deceleration.
To do this, the transmission shifts down
one or more gears. Manual drive program
i GT model: in manual drive program M,
the transmission shift and response times
are significantly shorter with sportier and
more aggressive gear changes.
In manual drive program M, you need to
change gear yourself using the steering wheel
paddle shifters (Y page 121). The
transmission only shifts down automatically
at low engine speeds depending on the
respective gear.
! In manual drive program M, the
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer and observe
the upshift indicator. There is otherwise a
risk of engine damage.
X To activate the manual drive program:
turn the drive program selector switch until
M appears in the instrument cluster's
multifunction display.
M lights up in red on the drive program
selector switch.
X To deactivate the manual drive
program: turn the drive program selector
switch and select another drive program. AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
123Driving and parking Z

The transmission remains in
Nif:
R the SmartKey is in the ignition lock and
R you use the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to Nbefore switching the
engine off
This still applies if you open the driver's or
front-passenger door.
Further information on transmission
position Nwhen operating with a SmartKey
is available in the "Car wash" section
(Y page 219). Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment. There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. Applying/releasing manually
X
To engage: push handle 0043.
When the electric parking brake is
engaged, the red 0049(USA only)
or 0024 (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up in the instrument cluster.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is in position
0.
X Pull handle 0043.
The red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i The electric parking brake can only then
be released when the ignition is switched
on using the Start/Stop button.
Releasing the electric parking brake
automatically The electric parking brake is released
automatically when the following conditions
are simultaneously fulfilled:
R
the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position Dor R.
R the hood is closed.
R your seat belt is fastened.
R you accelerate.
If the transmission is in position R, the trunk
lid must be closed.
For the parking brake to be released
automatically if your seat belt is not fastened,
the following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you have shifted out of Por you have
previously driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h).
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an
emergency by using the electric parking
brake. Parking
129Driving and parking Z

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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 27). G
WARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
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 just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every 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
indicated 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 and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages. Displays and operation
Engine oil temperature display
The engine oil temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions, the
temperature may rise to 140 †.
The transmission fluid temperature and the
coolant temperature are displayed in the
AMG menu (Y page 157). Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. 146
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0027(USA
only)
004D(Canada
only)
EBR, ABS, ESC EBR, ABS, ESC
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP
®
, BAS and hill
start assist are unavailable due to a malfunction. In addition, the
0089, 00BBand0025 warning lamps light up in the instrument
cluster and a warning tone sounds.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
G WARNING
If EBD and ABS are malfunctioning, the rear wheels in particular
could lock under braking. If ABS is deactivated due to a
malfunction, BAS and ESP ®
are also deactivated. There is an
increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 0049(USA
only)
0024(Canada
only)
Please Release Please Release
Parking Brake Parking Brake 0024
The indicator lamp (red) flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are driving with the electric parking brake applied.
X Release the electric parking brake.
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0024
The indicator lamp (red) flashes, the warning lamp (yellow)
lights up and a warning tone sounds.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning and the braking effect
is restricted.
While the vehicle is in motion:
X Release the electric parking brake handle.
While the vehicle is stationary:
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Release the electric parking brake.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Shift the transmission to Pwith the button in the center console.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0024
The indicator lamp (red) flashes and a warning tone sounds.
You are making an emergency stop using the electric parking
brake.
X After the emergency stop: release the electric parking brake
lever. 162
Displays and operationOn-board compu
ter and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0049(USA
only)
0024(Canada
only)
Parking Brake See Parking Brake See
Oper. Manual Oper. Manual 0024
The warning lamp (yellow) lights up. Additionally the
indicator lamp (red) lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:
X Pull the electric parking brake handle.
or
X Pull away carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
To apply:
X Switch the ignition off.
X Pull the electric parking brake lever for at least ten seconds,
until the display message disappears.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
X Shift the transmission to Pwith the button in the center console.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 0024
The indicator lamp (red) flashes.
The power supply for the electric parking brake was interrupted.
X Pull the electric parking brake handle.
or
X Pull away carefully.
or
X Pull the electric parking brake handle until the display message
disappears. 0024
The indicator lamp (red) flashes and the warning lamp
(yellow) lights up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Engage or release the electric parking brake.
or
X Pull away carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Displays and operation
163On-board computer and displays Z