
Air-conditioning system control panel
Canada only
0043
Sets the temperature (Y page 129)
0044 Activates/deactivates the residual heat function (Y page 133)
0087 Sets the air distribution (Y page 130)
0085 Defrosts the windshield (Y page 131)
0083 Activates/deactivates cooling with air dehumidification ( Ypage 127)
0084 Activates/deactivates air-recirculation mode (Y page 133)
006B Sets the airflow (Y page 130)
006C Switches the rear window defroster on/off (Y page 131)USA only
0043
Sets the temperature (Y page 129)
0044 Switches maximum cooling MAX COOL on/off (Y page 131) Overview of climate control systems
123Climate control

0087
Sets the air distribution (Y page 130)
0085 Defrosts the windshield (Y page 131)
0083 Activates/deactivates cooling with air dehumidification (Y page 127)
0084 Activates/deactivates air-recirculation mode (Y page 133)
006B Sets the airflow (Y page 130)
006C Switches the rear window defroster on/off (Y page 131)Notes on using the air-conditioning
system
Air-conditioning system Below, you can find a number of notes and
recommendations to help you use the air-
conditioning system optimally.
R Switch on climate control using the 005A
button. The indicator lamp in the 005A
button lights up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Recommendation for air distribution in
winter: set the009Band0061 settings.
Recommendation for air distribution in
summer: set the009Csetting.
R Only use the "Windshield defrosting"
function briefly until the windshield is clear
again.
R Only use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g.
if there are unpleasant outside odors or
when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up, since no fresh air is drawn
into the vehicle in air-recirculation mode.
ECO start/stop function During automatic engine switch-off, the ECO
start/stop function only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require full climate
control capacity, the ECO start/stop function
can be deactivated by pressing the ECO
button (Y page 145). 124
Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

when the ignition is switched off. The
residual heat function can only be activated
or deactivated with the ignition switched
off.
ECO start/stop function During automatic engine switch-off, the ECO
start/stop function only operates at a
reduced capacity. If you require full climate
control capacity, the ECO start/stop function
can be deactivated by pressing the ECO
button (Y page 145). Operating the climate control
systems
Switching climate control on/off
General notes When the climate control is switched off, the
air supply and air circulation are also
switched off. The windows could fog up.
Therefore, switch off climate control only
briefly
i Activate climate control primarily using
the 0058 button (Y page 129).
Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To activate: turn airflow control 006B
clockwise to the desired position (except
position 0) (Ypage 123).
X To deactivate: turn airflow control 006B
counter-clockwise to position
0(Y page 123). Dual-zone automatic climate control X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To switch on: press the0058button.
The indicator lamp in the 0058button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
X Press the 0078button.
The indicator lamp in the 0078button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
X To switch off: press the0078button.
The indicator lamp in the 0078button lights
up. Activating/deactivating cooling with
air dehumidification
General notes If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function, the air inside the
vehicle will not be cooled. The air inside the
vehicle will also not be dehumidified. The
windows can fog up more quickly. Therefore,
deactivate the cooling with air-
dehumidification function only briefly.
The "Cooling with air dehumidification"
function is only available when the engine is
running. The air inside the vehicle is cooled
and dehumidified according to the
temperature selected.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.Operating the climate control systems
127Climate control

Problems with the "Cooling with air dehumidification" function
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The indicator lamp in
the
005A/0056 button
flashes three times or
remains off. The
"Cooling with air
dehumidification"
function cannot be
switched on. Cooling with air dehumidification has been deactivated due to a
malfunction.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Setting climate control to automatic
General notes In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
The automatic mode functions optimally
when the "Cooling with air dehumidification"
function is activated. If necessary, cooling
with air dehumidification can be deactivated.
If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-
dehumidification" function, the air inside the
vehicle will not be cooled. The air inside the
vehicle will also not be dehumidified. The
windows can fog up more quickly. Therefore,
deactivate the cooling with air-
dehumidification function only briefly.
Activating/switching X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X Set the desired temperature.
X To activate: press the0058button.
The indicator lamp in the 0058button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated. X
To switch to manual mode: press the
008F button.
or
X Press the 0095or0097 button.
The indicator lamp in the 0058button goes
out. Setting the temperature
Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To increase/reduce: turn control0043
clockwise or counter-clockwise
(Y page 123).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Dual-zone automatic climate control Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To increase/reduce: turn control0043or
0084 clockwise or counter-clockwise
(Y page 125).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †). Operating the climate control systems
129Climate control

Setting the air distribution
Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X Press one or more of the 009C,009B,
0061 buttons.
The corresponding indicator lamp lights up
briefly.
The following air distribution settings can be
selected:
0061 Directs air through the defroster vents
009B Directs air through the footwell air
vents
009C Directs air through the center and side
air vents
i You can also activate several air
distribution settings simultaneously. To do
this, press multiple air distribution buttons.
The air is then directed through various
vents.
Dual-zone automatic climate control X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X Press the 008Fbutton repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
The following air distribution settings can be
selected:
009C Directs air through the center and side
air vents
009B Directs air through the footwell air
vents
009F Directs air through the center, side and
footwell vents
0061 Directs air through the defroster vents
0087 Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents 20086
Directs air through the defroster and
footwell vents
008F Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center, side and footwell air
vents3
i Regardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side
air vents. You can only close the side air
vents, by fully closing the adjuster on the
side air vents (Y page 135). Setting the airflow
Air-conditioning system X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To increase/reduce: turn control006B
clockwise or counter-clockwise
(Y page 123).
Dual-zone automatic climate control X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 139).
X To increase/reduce: press the0097or
0095 button. Switching the ZONE function on/off
This function is only available with dual-zone
automatic climate control on vehicles for
Canada.
X To switch on: press the00D6button.
The indicator lamp in the 00D6button lights
up. The temperature setting for the driver's
side is not adopted for the front-passenger
side.
X To switch off: press button00D6.
The indicator lamp in the 00D6button goes
out. The temperature setting for the
2 Canada only.
3 Canada only. 130
Operating the climate control systemsClimate control

If cylinder shut-off is not active, the engine
will operate with all eight cylinders. In this
case, the number of active cylinders 8is
shown in the 00A7symbol.
Automatic engine switch-off Method of operation
The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the 00A7symbol is displayed in green in
the multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is 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 not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off are fulfilled, the 00A7symbol is
shown in yellow.
i All of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine has been stopped
automatically.
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 00A7symbol is shown in
yellow in the multifunction display after the
engine has been started automatically for
the fourth time. When the 00A7symbol is
shown in green in the multifunction display,
automatic engine switch-off is again
possible. i
AMG vehicles: times which the engine
can be automatically switched off.
i The HOLD function can be activated 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.
Vehicles with manual transmission The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X Brake the vehicle.
X Engage neutral N(follow gearshift
instruction 0043to 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.
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.
R the vehicle starts to roll. 144
DrivingDriving and parking

R
the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the charge level of the battery is too low.
Vehicles with manual transmission
! Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed.
The engine is started automatically if you:
R fully depress the clutch pedal.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is started automatically if you:
R release the brake pedal when HOLD is not
activated and the transmission is in
position Dor N.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
R move the transmission out of position P.
i Shifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the 00A7symbol reappears in
green in the multifunction display.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function ECO button Deactivating (except for AMG vehicles)
X
Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044and the 00A7symbol in
the multifunction display go out.
Activating (except for AMG vehicles)
X Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
00A7 symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
00A7 symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display. If this is the case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available.
Deactivating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button 0043in drive program C.
or
X Switch to drive program Sor M
(Y page 151).
Indicator lamp 0044and the 00A7symbol in
the multifunction display go out.
Activating (AMG vehicles)
X Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. If drive
program Sor Mis active, the automatic
transmission switches to drive program C.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
00A7 symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
00A7 symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display. If this is the case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available.
i If indicator lamp 0044is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated
manually or as the result of a malfunction.
The engine will then not be switched off
automatically when the vehicle stops. Driving
145Driving an d parking Z

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
the brake system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster 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 warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster 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. Driving tips
165Driving and parking Z