2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER brake fluid

Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function)
..........................144
Automatic headlamp mode ..............109
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position .............150
Automatic drive program ...............152
Changing gea r............................... 150
Display message ............................ 235
Driving tips .................................... 150
Emergency running mode ..............156
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual drive program ....................152
Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............153
Overview ........................................ 149
Problem (malfunction) ...................156
Program selector button ................151
Pulling away ................................... 142
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 156
Selector lever ................................ 149
Starting the engine ........................142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......152
Transmission position displa y........ 149
Transmission positions ..................150
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 156 B
Backup lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 117
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................60
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 73
Important safety notes ....................73
Replacing ......................................... 73
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 296
Display message ............................ 226
Important safety notes ..................294
Jump starting ................................. 298
Overview ........................................ 294Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................201
Display message ............................ 229
Notes/function .............................. 187
Bottle holder ...................................... 257
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 216
Notes ............................................. 347
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 222
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 60
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................347
Display message ............................ 211
Driving tips .................................... 164
High-performance brake system ....165
Important safety notes ..................164
Maintenance .................................. 165
Parking brake ................................ 160
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 285
Car wash ........................................ 280
Display ........................................... 284
Exhaust pipe .................................. 283
Exterior lights ................................ 283
Gear or selector lever ....................284
Interior ........................................... 284
Matte finish ................................... 282 Index
5

Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................53
Belt force limiters ............................ 55
Cleaning ......................................... 285
Correct usage .................................. 52
Emergency Tensioning Devices ....... .55
Fastening ......................................... 53
Important safety guidelines .............51
Releasing ......................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................206
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting (manually). .......................98
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 99
Adjusting the head restraint ............99
Cleaning the cover .........................285
Correct driver's seat position ........... 96
Important safety notes ....................97
Overview .......................................... 97
Seat heating problem ....................100
Storing settings (memory function) 105
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........100
Switching seat heating on/off .........99
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 284
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......283
Service menu (on-board computer) .201
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 347
Coolant (engine) ............................ 347
Engine oil ....................................... 346
Fuel ................................................ 344
Important safety notes ..................344
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 349
Washer fluid .................................. .348
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........202
On-board computer .......................202
Setting the air distribution ...............130
Setting the airflow ............................130
SETUP (on-board computer) .............207Side impact air bag
.............................43
Side marker lamp Changing bulbs (rear) ....................116
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 223
Side windows Cleaning ......................................... 282
Convenience closing feature ............84
Important safety information ...........82
Opening/closing (all) .......................83
Opening/closing (front) ...................82
Overview .......................................... 82
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
Resetting ......................................... 84
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................73
Changing the programming .............71
Checking the battery .......................73
Convenience opening feature ..........83
Display message ............................ 238
Door central locking/unlocking .......70
Important safety notes ....................70
Loss ................................................. 75
Mechanical key ................................ 72
Opening/closing the roof ................88
Overview .......................................... 70
Positions (ignition lock) .................139
Problem (malfunction) .....................75
Starting the engine ........................142
Snow chains ...................................... 309
Sockets Center console .............................. 259
General notes ................................ 258
Under the armrest .........................259
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 338
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Special seat belt retractor .................. 58
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................203
Digital ............................................ 196
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 193
Selecting the unit of measurement 202 Index
15

Unlocking (SmartKey)
......................70
Vehicle data ................................... 350
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 350
Vehicle dimensions ...........................350
Vehicle emergency locking ................78
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............342
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 289
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 199
VIN ...................................................... 342W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 242
Brakes ........................................... 242
Check Engine ................................. 248
Coolant .......................................... 248
Distance warning ........................... 250
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 250
ESP ®
.............................................. 244
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 245
Fuel tank ........................................ 248
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................45
Reserve fuel ................................... 248
Seat belt ........................................ 240
SPORT handling mode ...................245
SRS ................................................ 247
Tire pressure monitor ....................251
Warning triangle ................................ 288
Warranty ............................................ 342
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 238
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........332
Wheel chock ...................................... 329
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 328
Checking ........................................ 307
Cleaning ......................................... 282
Cleaning (warning) .........................329
Emergency spare wheel .................337
Important safety notes ..................306
Interchanging/changing ................328Mounting a new wheel
...................332
Mounting a wheel .......................... 329
Overview ........................................ 306
Removing a wheel ..........................331
Storing ........................................... 329
Tightening torque ........................... 332
Wheel size/tire size .......................333
Windows
see Side windows
Wind screen
Inserting and removing ....................89
Preparing for installation .................. 89
see AIRGUIDE
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 131
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid .......................277
Notes ............................................. 348
Windshield wipers
Display message ............................ 238
Problem (malfunction) ...................120
Replacing the wiper blades ............118
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................308
Slippery road surfaces ...................167
Snow chains .................................. 309
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 308
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 308
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 282
Important safety notes ..................118
Replacing ....................................... 118
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 284
Workshops see Qualified specialist workshop Z
ZONE function Switching on/off ........................... 130 Index
19

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

!
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 test the
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-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends 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-Benz vehicles 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 engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage. Winter driving
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. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases 166
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions $(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid Check Brake Fluid
Level Level There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the
$(USA only)/ J(Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
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 159).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction. $(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Brake Immediately Brake Immediately A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock
the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X
Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
(Y page 159).
You can restart the engine. #
Check Brake Pad Check Brake Pad
Wear Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. G
mbrace Inoperative mbrace Inoperative One or more main features of the mbrace system are
malfunctioning.
X
Have the mbrace system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE
®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 216
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions $
(USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
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 (Y page 159).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the
malfunction.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. !
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a
malfunction. BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP
®
(Electronic
Stability Program), PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function and hill start assist are therefore also deactivated, for
example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic
transmission, will not be available. 242
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers 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.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
! Do not use high-pressure cleaners if the
tank recess is open while you clean it. This
can cause damage to the seals or other
components. Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
X Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally. Care
281Maintenance and care Z