Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
:
ESP
® 190
;
Seat belts 187
=
Brakes (USA only)
J
Brakes (Canada only) ?
High-beam headlamps 94
A
Low-beam headlamps 93
B
Turn signal 94
C
SRS 190
D
Check Engine
E
ABS
189 Function Page
F
Engine oil temperature 146
G
Tire pressure 193
H
Electric parking brake (USA
only)
!
Electric parking brake
(Canada only) I
Reserve fuel 192
J
SPORT handling mode 56
K
ESP
®
OFF 5628
Instrument clusterAt a glance
ProCarManuals.com
X
Install the child restraint system.
X Tension Top Tether belt ?. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.
The child restraint system with Top Tether
belt ?has been removed:
X Slide cover :onto Top Tether
anchorage ;. Panic alarm
X
To activate: press!button :for
approximately one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.
X To deactivate: press!button :
again.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the key.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the key. Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( electronic brakeforcedistribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely 54
Driving safety systemsSafety
ProCarManuals.com
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road- surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The
! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. Driving safety systems
55Safety Z
ProCarManuals.com
G
WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
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.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
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, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident. Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the rear
axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
When SPORT handling mode is activated, the
M warning lamp lights up in the instrument
panel.
When ESP ®
is deactivated, the åand
h warning lamps light up in the instrument
panel.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 190) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 166).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the hESP®
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.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 54). 56
Driving safety systemsSafety
ProCarManuals.com
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.
Characteristics when ESP ®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the hwarning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
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. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 56).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. G
WARNING
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 54).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also features the hill start assist
function ( Ypage 115). For further
information, see Driving tips (Y page 131). Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
engine off and open the driver's door.
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the trunk lid 58
Theft deterrent locking systemSafety
ProCarManuals.com
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).SmartKey
Key function
General notes i
USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Locking/unlocking centrally The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R
the doors
R the trunk lid
R the fuel filler flap
R Roadster only: the glove box
R Roadster only: the stowage compartment
under the armrest G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open a door locked from inside the vehicle
R start the vehicle using a key which has been
left in the vehicle
R release the parking brake
They could thereby endanger themselves and
others. Never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle. Always take the key with you
when leaving the vehicle, even if you are only
leaving it for a short time. :
& To lock the vehicle
; F To unlock the trunk lid
= % To unlock the vehicle
The turn signals flash once when unlocking
and three times when locking. 62
SmartKeyOpening and closing
ProCarManuals.com
otherwise damage the soft top of the
vehicle.
! When opening and closing the soft top,
make sure that:
R there is sufficient clearance above it, as
the soft top swings upwards.
R there are no objects on the soft top or
the soft-top covers to the side.
R the fabric is not dirty, wet or frozen
R the outside temperature is above -10 †.
You could otherwise damage the soft top
as well as other parts of the vehicle.
i Make sure that the soft top is dry and
clean before closing it. Otherwise, water or
dirt could enter the vehicle interior or trunk. Opening and closing with the soft top
switch
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure nobody can be trapped or injured
by moving parts, such as the soft-top linkage
or soft-top compartment cover, when opening
or closing the soft top.
Release the soft-top switch in the event of
danger. The soft-top mechanism stops
immediately. G
WARNING
The soft top stops moving during the opening
or closing procedure if you drive faster than
30 mph (50 km/h). This could impair your rear
view. At high speeds the soft top may be
damaged.
Reduce your speed to below 30 mph
(50 km/h) or stop in accordance with traffic
conditions. Press the soft-top switch again in
order to open or close the soft top fully. Opening and closing X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Select key position 1using the Start/Stop
button (Y page 113). X
To open: pull soft-top switch :until the
soft top is fully opened.
The Convertible Top in Operation Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If, when opening, you drive at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h), the opening procedure
is stopped and in the multifunction display
you see the Open/Close Convertible Open/Close Convertible
Top Completely
Top Completely message. Reduce your
speed again to below 30 mph (50 km/h)
and pull the soft-top switch again to open
the soft top fully.
X To close: press and hold soft-top
switch :until the soft top is fully closed.
The Convertible Top in Operation Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If, when closing, you drive at speeds above
30 mph (50 km/h), the closing procedure
is stopped and in the multifunction display
you see the Open/Close Convertible Open/Close Convertible
Top Completely
Top Completely message. Reduce speed
back to under 30 mph (50 km/h) and push
the soft top switch again to fully close the
soft top. Soft top (Roadster)
77Opening and closing Z
ProCarManuals.com
Problems with the soft top
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The soft top will not
open or close. Key position
1is not selected.
X Select key position 1using the Start/Stop button. The brake pedal has not been depressed with the vehicle
stationary.
X
Depress the brake pedal. The soft-top mechanism or control system is defective.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. The soft top has been opened and closed several times in a row.
The soft-top drive has been deactivated automatically for safety
reasons.
You can open and close the soft top again after approximately ten
minutes.
X
Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Repeat the opening or closing procedure. 80
Soft top (Roadster)Opening and closing
ProCarManuals.com