2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG GT COUPE wheel

shifts up to a higher gear. This optimizes
fuel consumption
If a gentle driving style is adopted in
automatic drive programs C/S/S+, the drive
program settings are adjusted to optimize
fuel consumption. Depending on the
operating conditions, the transmission shifts
to a higher gear. Shift ranges
Introduction In certain driving situations, it is
recommended that you restrict the shift
range. The set shift range appears in the
instrument cluster's multifunction display
(Y page 123). The transmission only shifts to
the gear displayed in the instrument cluster.
When the maximum engine speed is reached,
the transmission shifts up a gear in the
automatic programs C/S/S+. Gear
restriction is correspondingly increased by
one gear. 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 128), 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 In manual drive program M, the
transmission shift and response times are AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
127Driving and parking Z

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 125). 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.
Upshift indicator The upshift indicator is a four-stage display
designed to assist you in sporty driving. The upshift indicator allows you to recognize
the ideal shift point for dynamic acceleration. White segments
0043and yellow segment 0044
light up in succession from left to right.
When red segments 0087light up and the "up"
message appears in the multifunction
display, the ideal shift point has been
reached:
X Shift up using the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (UP) as quickly as possible.
The vehicle shifts up to the next gear.
i If you continue to increase the engine
speed without shifting up in time, the fuel
supply is shut off to protect the engine. This
results in abruptly reduced acceleration.
Display for downshift override You cannot shift down with the left steering
wheel paddle shifter if the engine speed is too
high due to a downshift. If you then pull the
left steering wheel paddle shifter, both red
segments
0087light up briefly. AMG button (SETUP)
With the AMG button, you can call up and
store a default drive program setting and the
default suspension tuning. 128
AMG button (SETUP)Driving and parking

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
R the electric parking brake must be applied.
R the transmission must be in position P.
R the SmartKey must be in position 0in the
ignition lock and then removed from the
ignition lock, or the Start/Stop button must
be pressed.
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
front axle of an empty vehicle must be
secured, for example with a wheel chock.
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
rear axle of a laden vehicle must be
additionally secured, for example with a
wheel chock. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When the engine is switched off, the
transmission shifts into neutral position N.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of
an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
! Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds in
transmission position Dor R, park position
P is otherwise engaged automatically. This
can damage the transmission.
i Observe the display messages in the
instrument cluster (Y page 163).
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmission X
Shift the transmission to Pwith the button
in the center console. Using the Start/Stop button
X
Press the Start/Stop button (Y page 119).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for about three
seconds.
i If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position Ror D, the
transmission automatically shifts to N.
If you move the E-SELECT lever to Nbefore
switching off the engine, the transmission
remains in Nfor approximately
30 minutes.
If you open the driver's or front-passenger
door during this period, the transmission
automatically shifts to P.
Using the SmartKey
! Do not remove the SmartKey while the
vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, at low
speeds, parking lock Pwill be activated
automatically.
Do not open the driver's door while the
vehicle is in motion. At low speeds,
transmission position Pis engaged
automatically.
This could cause damage to the
transmission and the parking lock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The parking lock is activated.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
i If you move the E-SELECT lever to N
before switching off the engine, the
transmission remains in Nfor
approximately 30 minutes. If you open the
driver's or front-passenger door during this
period, the transmission automatically
shifts to P. 132
ParkingDriving and parking

Drinking and driving
G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident is greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Braking
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.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. Driving tips
135Driving and pa rking Z

AMG high-performance composite
brake system The AMG high-performance compound brake
system and the AMG ceramic high-
performance compound brake system are
designed for high loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
R Speed
R Braking force
R Environmental conditions, such as
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 further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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 wear warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and note any brake status
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly. 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
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
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle Driving tips
137Driving and pa rking
Z

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterized at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Y page 251).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (Y page 250).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 250). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden, you must
select shift range
1,2or 3in good time
(Y page 127). By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine. This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored. 138
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Making adjustments in 1 mph
increments
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up 0043for a higher speed or
down 0044for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Making adjustments in 10 mph
increments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point, up 0043for a
higher speed or down 0044for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards 0087.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you press the electric parking brake
handle.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
R you shift the transmission to Nwhile the
vehicle is in motion.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. The "Cruise Control Off Cruise Control Off"
message is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine. AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
General notes The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Comfort or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the mode reverts to Sport.
i GT model: you can only choose between
Sport and Sport + modes. If you select
Sport + mode and restart the engine, the
mode reverts to Sport. Sport mode
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
X
Press button 0043once.
Indicator lamp 0085lights up. You have
selected Sport mode.
The AMG Ride Control SPORT AMG Ride Control SPORT message
appears in the multifunction display.
i GT model: Sport mode is the standard
setting. Indicator lamp 0085cannot be
switched off. 140
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Operating the on-board computer
0043
Multifunction display
0044 Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
0087 Right control panel
0085 Left control panel
0083 Back button
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. 0059
0065 R
Calls up the menu and menu bar 0063
0064
Press briefly:
R
Scrolls in lists
R Selects a submenu or function
R In the Audio Audio menu: selects a
stored station, an audio track or
a video scene
R In the Tel Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone
number 0063
0064
Press and hold:
R
In the Audio Audio menu: selects the
previous/next station or selects
an audio track or a video scene
using rapid scrolling
R In the Tel Tel(telephone) menu:
starts rapid scrolling through the
phone book 0076 R
Confirms a selection/display
message
R In the Tel Tel(Telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialing the selected
number
R In the Audio
Audio menu: stops the
station search function at the
desired station Right control panel
0076 R
Rejects or ends a call
R Exits phone book/redial
memory 0061 R
Makes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memory 0081
0082 R
Adjusts the volume 0063 R
Mute Displays and operation
151On-board computer and displays Z