2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER warning

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).Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. Driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R
the light switch
R the combination switch (Y page 98)
R the on-board computer (Y page 158)
Light switch Operation
1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to Ã, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other 96
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

X
To switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey is not in the ignition lock or it is
in position 0.
X Turn the light switch to W(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or X(right-hand side of
the vehicle). Combination switch
Turn signal :
High-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= High-beam flasher
? Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ;or?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ;or?.
High-beam headlamps X
To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to LorÃ. X
Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the Ãposition, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2, or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed or
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
X To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch, 98
Exterior lightingLights and
windshield wipers

only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps switch off
automatically if the vehicle exceeds a speed
of 6 mph(10 km/h) again after a full brake
application.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y page 101) while the
lights are on and the engine is running. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
:
| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
; p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
= c Switches the interior lighting on/off
? p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off Interior lighting control
General notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
unless the SmartKey is in position
2in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control X
To activate/deactivate: press the|
button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock Interior lighting
99Lights and windshield wipers Z

The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y page 159).
Manual interior lighting control X
To switch the interior lighting on/off:
press the cbutton.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the pbutton. Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
X To switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
X Lock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key. Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot
when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before
changing a bulb.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 101). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. Changing the front bulbs
You cannot replace the bulbs at the front
yourself. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that 100
Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Äposition, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
If the wiper blades are worn, the windshield
will no longer be wiped properly. This could
prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions. Replace the wiper blades twice a
year, ideally in spring and fall. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could
be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk
of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. Replacing the wiper blades Removing the wiper blades
X
Switch off the engine.
X Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
X Set the windshield wiper to the °
position.
X Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start.
X When the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, press the Start/Stop
button.
X Fold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.
X Set the wiper blade at right angles to the
wiper arm. X
Remove the wiper blade from the retainer
on the wiper arm in the direction of the
arrow.
Installing the wiper blades
X Slide the new wiper blade into the retainer
on the wiper arm in the opposite direction
to the arrow.
X Turn the wiper blade parallel to the wiper
arm.
X Fold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield. 102
Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

Problems with the rear window defroster
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The rear window
defroster has
deactivated
prematurely or cannot
be activated. The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
X
Switch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading
lamps, interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window
defroster can be activated again. Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
General notes You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the
windows can fog up more quickly, in
particular at low temperatures. Only use air-
recirculation mode briefly to prevent the
windows from fogging up.
Activating/deactivating X
Select key position 2with the Start/Stop
button (Y page 119).
X To activate: press thegbutton.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the gbutton is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
X To deactivate: press thegbutton.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton goes
out. i
Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡(5 †) if the "Cooling
with air dehumidification" function is
activated Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air
outlets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior. Setting the air vents
113Climate control Z

In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet on the right-hand side of
the hood free of blockages, such as ice,
snow or leaves.
R never cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position. Setting the center air vents
1
To open the center air vent
2 To close the center air vent
= Center air vent, right
? Center air vent, left
X To open the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent =or? in the
direction of the arrow to position 1.
X To close the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent =or? in the
direction of the arrow to position 2. Setting the side air vents
1
To open the side air vent
2 To close the side air vent
= Side window defroster vent
? Side air vent
X To open the side air vent: turn the
adjuster in side air vent ?in the direction
of the arrow to position 1.
X To close the side air vent: turn the
adjuster in side air vent ?in the direction
of the arrow to position 2. Setting the blower output of the
AIRSCARF vents (Roadster)
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air
outlets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior. G
WARNING
When AIRSCARF is switched on, very hot air
can flow from the vents in the head restraints.
This could result in burns in the immediate
vicinity of the air vents. There is a risk of injury.
Reduce the heater output before it becomes
too hot. 114
Setting the air ventsClimate control

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).Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
New brake pads/linings only reach their
optimum braking effect after several hundred
kilometers of driving. Until that time, you may
need to use increased brake pedal pressure
while braking. This also applies after the
brake discs or the brake pads/linings have
been replaced. The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,500 km).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period. Do not exceed
Ô of the maximum permitted engine speed
for each gear.
R Select the manual drive program Min good
time. R
Do not carry out a RACE START.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select the shift range limits 3,2or 1
when driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous
terrain.
After 1,000 miles (1,500 km), you can
increase the engine speed gradually and bring
the vehicle to full speed.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if your vehicle's engine or
transmission has been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another. 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. 118
DrivingDriving and parking