2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER steering

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
=
The braking effect of the engine can
be utilized in this position
5
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 4
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
:and yellow segment ;
light up in succession from left to right.
When red segments =light 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
=light 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

X
While driving, push handle :of the electric
parking brake (Y page 133).
i The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
the handle of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer the electric parking
brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
R a warning tone sounds
R the Release Parking Brake
Release Parking Brake message
appears
R the red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster appears.
When the vehicle has been braked to a
standstill, the electric parking brake is
engaged. Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer
damage as a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop. Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
G
WARNING
If you operate mobile communication
equipment 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 this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are driving. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
X
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
X Remove unnecessary loads.
X Warm up the engine at low engine speeds.
X Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
X Have all maintenance work carried out
according to the service intervals listed in
the Maintenance Booklet or the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in hilly terrain. 134
Driving tipsDriving and parking

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

Operating the on-board computer
:
Multifunction display
; Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
= Right control panel
? Left control panel
A 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. =
; R
Calls up the menu and menu bar 9
:
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 9
:
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 a 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
~ R
Rejects or ends a call
R Exits phone book/redial
memory 6 R
Makes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memory W
X R
Adjusts the volume 8 R
Mute Displays and operation
151On-board computer and displays Z

Back button
%
Press briefly:
R
Back
R Switches off the Voice Control
System; see the separate
operating instructions
R Hides display messages/calls
up the last Trip Tripmenu function
used
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory %
Press and hold:
R
Calls up the standard display in
the Trip Trip menu Multifunction display
Values and settings as well as display
messages are shown in the multifunction
display. :
Selector lever position/shift range and
drive program
; Text field
= Menu bar
? Status line with time and outside
temperature
X To show menu bar=: press the=
or ; button on the steering wheel. Menus and submenus
Menu overview
Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to call up the menu bar and
select a menu. Operating the on-board computer
(Y
page 151).
Depending on the equipment installed in the
vehicle, you can call up the following menus:
R Trip
Trip menu (Y page 152)
R Navi Navi menu (navigation instructions)
(Y page 153)
R Audio
Audio menu (Y page 154)
R Tel
Tel menu (telephone) (Y page 156)
R DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu (assistance)
(Y page 157)
R Service
Service menu (Ypage 157)
R Settings
Settings menu (Ypage 157)
R AMG
AMG menu (Y page 161) Trip menu
Standard display X
Press and hold the %button on the
steering wheel until the Trip
Tripmenu with
trip odometer :and odometer ;is
shown.
Digital speedometer X
Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to select the Trip
Tripmenu.
X Press the 9or: button to select the
digital speedometer. :
Digital speedometer 152
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Trip computer "From Start" or "From
Reset" The values in the
From Start
From Startsubmenu are
calculated from the start of a journey whilst
the values in the From Reset
From Reset submenu are
calculated from the last time the submenu
was reset.
X Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to select the Trip Tripmenu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
From Start
From Start orFrom Reset
From Reset . Example: trip computer "From Start"
:
Distance
; Time
= Average speed
? Average fuel consumption
The From Start
From Start trip computer is
automatically reset if:
R the ignition has been switched off for more
than four hours.
R 999 hours have been exceeded.
R 9,999 miles have been exceeded.
The From Reset
From Reset trip computer is
automatically reset if the value exceeds
9,999 hours or 99,999 miles.
Calling up the range X
Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to select the Trip Tripmenu. X
Press 9or: to select approximate
range :.
Approximate range :is calculated
according to the current driving style and the
amount of fuel in the tank. If there is only half
of the reserve fuel left in the fuel tank, then
instead of range :, the display shows a
vehicle being refueled C. Navigation system menu
Displaying navigation instructions In the
Navi Navimenu, the multifunction display
shows navigation instructions. You can find
further information in the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
X Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to select the Navi Navimenu.
Route guidance not active Example: direction of travel display
:
Direction of travel
; Current road
Route guidance active No change of direction announced
:
Distance to the destination
; Distance to the next change of direction Menus and submenus
153On-board computer and displays Z

=
Current road
? Symbol for "follow the road's course"
Change of direction announced without a
lane recommendation :
Road into which the change of direction
leads
; Distance to change of direction and visual
distance display
= Symbol for change of direction
When a change of direction is announced, you
will see symbol =for the change of direction
and distance graphic ;. The distance
indicator shortens towards the top of the
display as you approach the point of the
announced change of direction.
Change of direction announced with a
lane recommendation
Lane recommendations are only displayed if
the relevant data is available on the digital
map. :
Road into which the change of direction
leads
; Distance to change of direction and visual
distance display
= Lane recommendation
? Symbol for change of direction
On multilane roads, the system can display
lane recommendation =for the next change of direction. During the change of direction,
additional lanes may be displayed.
Lane recommendation display (example)
:
Uninterrupted lane
; New lane during a change of direction
= Lane recommended for the change of
direction
You can find further information on lane
recommendation in the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
Other status indicators of the
navigation system R
O: you have reached the destination.
R New Route...
New Route... orCalculating Route Calculating Route :
calculating a new route
R Off Map
Off Map orOff
Off Mapped
Mapped Road
Road: the vehicle
position is outside the area of the digital
map (off-map position).
R No Route No Route : no route could be calculated to
the selected destination.
You can find further information on status
indicators in the separate COMAND
operating instructions. Audio menu
Selecting a radio station You can only change the waveband and store
new stations using COMAND.
X
Press the =or; button on the
steering wheel to select the Audio Audiomenu. 154
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays