2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class suspension

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 0044
0044is shown: press0059or0065
on the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select
Vehicle Level Vehicle Level.
X Press the 0076button.
The following message appears: Vehicle
Vehicle
Level Press 'OK' to Lower
Level Press 'OK' to Lower.
X Press the 0076button.
Icon 0044is 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 (80 km/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 0044 0044is not lit: press
button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT AMG Ride 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 202
Driving systemsDriving and parking

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 0044
0044 is lit: press
button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044goes out. You have
selected the suspension for a comfortable
driving style.
The AMG Ride Control COMFORT
AMG Ride 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 You can display some driving systems and
additional information in the COMAND
display.
X Call up the driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display (Y page 318).
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display. Example: displays in the COMAND display
0043
Selection of raised level (Y page 201)
0044 Activity of ABC spring struts for roll and
pitching support
0087 Selected suspension tuning, i.e. sporty or
comfortable (Y page 202)
0085 G-FORCE (longitudinal and lateral
acceleration)
0083 Current vehicle level PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
!
When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror
N.
R release the electric parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper. Driving systems
203Driving and parking Z

AMG menu in AMG vehicles
AMG displays 0043
Digital speedometer
0044 Gear indicator
0087 Upshift indicator
0085 Engine oil temperature
0083 Coolant temperature
0084 Transmission fluid temperature
X Press 0059or0065 on the steering wheel
to select the AMG
AMGmenu.
Upshift indicator UP
UP0087 indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range
when in the manual gearshift program.
Upshift indicator UP UP0087 fades out other
messages until you have shifted up.
If the engine oil temperature is below
176 ‡(80 †), oil temperature 0085is shown
in blue. Avoid driving at full engine output
during this time.
If the transmission fluid temperature is
below 122 ‡ (50†) , oil temperature 0084is
shown in blue. Avoid driving at full engine
output during this time.
SETUP 0043
Drive program (C C/SS+SS+ /MM)
0044 ESP ®
mode (ON ON/OFFOFF) or SPORT handling
mode (SPORT SPORT)
0087 Suspension tuning (SPORT SPORT/COMFORTCOMFORT) SETUP shows the drive program, the ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) mode and the
SPORT handling mode.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG
AMG menu.
X Press the 0063button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
or
X Briefly press the AMG button on the center
console (Y page 167).
RACETIMER Displaying and starting RACETIMER
The RACETIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function
on public roads.
0043
Lap
0044 RACETIMER
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if the SmartKey is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Press 0059or0065 on the steering wheel
to select the AMG
AMG menu.
X Press the 0063button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
X To start: press the 0076button to start the
RACETIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time Menus and submenus
241On-board computer and displays Z

Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions ABC
ABC
Malfunction Malfunction The ABC function (Active Body Control) is restricted.
G WARNING
The vehicle's suspension tuning characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ABC ABC
Malfunction Stop Malfunction Stop
Vehicle Vehicle The vehicle level of the ABC is too low.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
After a few seconds, the vehicle level is adjusted and the display
message disappears. The vehicle is leaking oil.
The display message is shown continuously.
G WARNING
The vehicle's suspension tuning characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 175).
X Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service. ABC is malfunctioning.
The display message is shown continuously.
G WARNING
The suspension tuning characteristics are thus affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Make only slight steering movements. Otherwise, the front
fender or the tires could be damaged if the steering movement
is too large.
X Listen for scraping sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
261On-board computer and displays 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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 33).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
WARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R
pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
(Y page 602).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R under "Tire pressure" Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or 576
OperationWheels and tires

Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of
accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(Y page 597).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if tire wear requires. Do
not change the direction of wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and, if
necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Unload the vehicle. The jack can only be
used when the vehicle is unladen.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Changing a wheel
597Wheels and tires Z

Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
- tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload. Dimensions and weights
Model 0043 0043Opening height
AMG vehicles
76.0 in - 76.6 in
(1931 mm -1945 mm) All other models
75.7 in (1923 mm)
SL 550
Vehicle length
181.6 in (4612 mm)
Vehicle length
when opening/
closing the roof
188.9 in (4798 mm)
Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors
82.6 in (2099 mm) SL 550
Vehicle height
51.8 in (1315 mm)
Vehicle height,
when opening/
closing the roof
66.8 in (1696 mm)
Wheelbase
101.8 in (2585 mm)
Turning radius
36.2 ft (11.04
m) Maxi
mum trunk
load 220 lb (100 kg)
SL 63 AMG and
SL 65 AMG V12
Vehicle length
182.4 in (4633 mm)
Vehicle length
when opening/
closing the roof
191.3 in (4858 mm)
Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors
82.6 in (2099 mm)
Vehicle height
51.2 in - 51.5 in
(1300 mm -1308 mm) Vehicle height,
when opening/
closing the roof
66.5 in - 67.4 in
(1688 mm -1713 mm) Wheelbase
101.8 in (2585 mm)
Turning radius
36.3 ft (11.05
m) Maxi
mum trunk
load 220 lb (100 kg)616
Vehicle dataTechnical data