X
Position Top Tether belt 0085. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.
X Hook Top Tether hook 0087into Top Tether
anchorage 0044.
Ensure that:
R Top Tether hook 0087is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage 0044as shown.
R Top Tether belt 0085is not twisted.
When Top Tether hook 0087is connected, the
child restraint system can be secured.
X Install the child restraint system.
X Tension Top Tether belt 0085. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.
The child restraint system with Top Tether
belt 0085has been removed:
X Slide cover 0043onto Top Tether
anchorage 0044. 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 AssistSystem)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there is
adequate contact between the tires and the
road surface. Please pay special attention to
the notes on tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. (Y page 248).
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 i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 54). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information 54
Driving safety systemsSafety
!
Never sit on the soft top when it is closed
or store heavy objects on it. You will
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
When opening or closing the soft top, there is
a risk that parts of the body could become
trapped by moving parts such as the roof
mechanism, the trunk lid, or the side
windows. There is a risk of injury.
When opening or closing the roof, make sure
that no parts of the body are in the vicinity of
moving parts. Release the switch if somebody
becomes trapped. G
WARNING
If the vehicle speed exceeds 30 mph
(50 km/h), the soft top stops during the
opening or closing procedure. This impairs
your view to the rear. There is a risk of an
accident.
Reduce your speed to below 30 mph
(50 km/h) or stop the vehicle in accordance
with the traffic conditions. Press or pull 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 2with the Start/Stop
button (Y page 119). X
To open: pull soft-top switch 0043until 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 0043until 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)
79Opening and closing 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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment (Y
page 85).
X Make sure that seat 0087is adjusted
properly.
Seat adjustment (Y page 86)
When adjusting the seat, make sure that:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position. R
you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment (Y page 88).
X Make sure that steering wheel 0043is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
(Y page 89)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure that:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
(Y page 47).
X Check whether you have fastened seat
belt 0044properly (Y page 49).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip joints
X Before starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
(Y page 90) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.
X Memory function: store the seat, steering
wheel and exterior mirror settings
(Y page 92). 84
Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
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).Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
Observe the settings recommended on the
following pages. The windows could
otherwise fog up.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
R switch off climate control only briefly
R switch on air-recirculation mode only
briefly
R switch on the cooling with air
dehumidification function
R switch on the defrost windshield function
briefly, if required
The automatic climate control regulates the
temperature and the humidity in the vehicle
interior and filters undesirable substances
out of the air.
Coupe: dual-zone automatic climate control
is only operational when the engine is
running. Optimum operation is only achieved
with the side windows closed.
Roadster: dual-zone automatic climate
control is only operational when the engine is
running. Optimum operation is only achieved
with the side windows and roof closed.
i When the weather is warm, ventilate the
vehicle for a brief period. This will speed up
the cooling process and the desired vehicle interior temperature will be reached more
quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust, and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Maintenance
Booklet. 106
Overview of climate control systemsClimate control
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
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).Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
(Y page 27). G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and
communication equipment integrated in the
vehicle while driving, you will be distracted
from traffic conditions. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the
equipment when the vehicle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or
malfunctioned, you may not recognize
function restrictions in systems relevant to
safety. The operating safety of your vehicle
may be impaired. There is a risk of an
accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the
multifunction display. You should therefore
make sure your vehicle is operating safely at
all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not
operating safely may cause an accident.
Displays and operation
Engine oil temperature display
The engine oil temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions, the
temperature may rise to 140 †.
The transmission fluid temperature and the
coolant temperature are displayed in the
AMG menu (Y page 161). Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display (Y page 152).
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay. 150
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
Safety systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E5
ESC Inoperative ESC Inoperative
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. In addition, the 0089and00BB warning lamps light
up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated, the danger of skidding and having
an accident increases.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 00E5
ESC Currently ESC Currently
Unavailable See Unavailable See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ESP
®
, BAS and hill start assist are temporarily unavailable. The
self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example. The
brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. In addition, the 0089and00BB warning
lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated, the danger of skidding and having
an accident increases.
X Carefully drive a short distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h) until the display
message disappears. Front Passenger Front Passenger
Airbag Enabled Airbag Enabled
See Operator's See Operator's
Manual Manual The front-passenger air bag and front-passenger knee bag are
enabled during the journey, even though:
R
a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.
G WARNING
The front-passenger front air bag and front passenger knee bag
may be triggered unintentionally.
There is an increased risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Switch the ignition off.
X Open the front-passenger door. 170
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays