2015 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class ESP

Position of the steering wheel for driv-
ing The steering wheel is moved to the last selec-
ted position when:
R the driver's door is closed
R you insert the SmartKey into the ignition
lock
or
R you press the Start/Stop button once on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
When you close the driver's door with the
ignition switched on, the steering wheel is
also automatically moved to the previously
set position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored when you switch off the ignition or
when you store the setting with the memory
function (Y page 119).
Crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature If the crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
triggered in an accident, the steering column
will move upwards when the driver's door is
opened. This occurs irrespective of the posi-
tion of the SmartKey in the ignition lock. This makes it easier to exit the vehicle and rescue the occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational if the EASY-EXIT/ENTRY fea-
ture is activated in the on-board computer
(Y page 235). Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors G
WARNING
The exterior mirrors reduce the size of the
image. Visible objects are actually closer than they appear. This means that you could mis-
judge the distance from road users traveling
behind, e.g. when changing lane. There is a
risk of an accident. For this reason, always make sure of the
actual distance from the road users traveling
behind by glancing over your shoulder. G
WARNING
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side reduces the size of the image. Visible
objects are actually closer than they appear.
This means that you could misjudge the dis-
tance from road users traveling behind, e.g.
when changing lane. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
For this reason, always make sure of the
actual distance from the road users traveling
behind by glancing over your shoulder. X
Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2in the ignition lock.
X Press button 0043for the left-hand exterior
mirror or button 0044for the right-hand exte-
rior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
mirror using adjustment button 0087as long
as the indicator lamp is lit.
X Press adjustment button 0087up, down, to
the right or to the left.
The exterior mirror must be set to a position
that provides you with a good overview of
traffic conditions.
The convex exterior mirrors provide a larger
field of vision. 116
MirrorsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
0058.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's lighting at all times. 0047
0063
Left-hand standing lamps
0048 0064
Right-hand standing lamps
0049 0060
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
004A 0058
Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
004B 0058
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
0058 is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected accord- ing to the brightness of the ambient light
(exception: poor visibility due to weather con-
ditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have acti-
vated the daytime running lamps function
via the on-board computer, the daytime
running lamps or the low-beam headlamps
and parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness of the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to 0058.Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the visi-
bility of your vehicle during the day. The day-
time running lamps function is required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore be deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in bright ambient light: if you
turn the light switch to 0060, the daytime
running lamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light switch to 0058, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the visi-
bility of your vehicle during the day. To do this,
the daytime running lamps function must be
switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 232).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 0060or0058, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0058, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
0058. Exterior lighting
123Lights and windshield wipers Z

0047
0063
Left-hand standing lamps
0048 0064
Right-hand standing lamps
0049 0060
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
004A 0058
Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
004B 0058
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that it is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the ignition is
switched on and the light switch is set to the
0058 position. This is a particularly useful
function in the event of rain and fog.
X To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 0058.
The green 0058indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Parking lamps ! If the battery has been excessively dis-
charged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the next engine start. Always park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards. Avoid the
continuous use of the 0060parking lamps
for several hours. If possible, switch on the
0064 right or the 0063left standing lamp. 0047
0063
Left-hand standing lamps
0048 0064
Right-hand standing lamps
0049 0060
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
004A 0058
Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
004B 0058
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
X To switch on: turn the light switch to 0060.
The green 0060indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Standing lamps 0047
0063
Left-hand standing lamps
0048 0064
Right-hand standing lamps
0049 0060
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
004A 0058
Automatic headlamp mode, control-
led by the light sensor
004B 0058
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the corresponding side of the vehicle is illumina-
ted. 124
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 0063(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or 0064(right-hand side of
the vehicle). Combination switch
Turn signal 0043
High-beam headlamps
0044 Turn signal, right
0087 High-beam flasher
0085 Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0044or0085.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0044or0085. High-beam headlamps 0043
High-beam headlamps
0044 Turn signal, right
0087 High-beam flasher
0085 Turn signal, left
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 0058or0058.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow 0043.
In the 0058position, the high-beam head-
lamps are only switched on when it is dark
and the engine is running.
The 0057 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam head-
lamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam head-
lamps: move the combination switch back
to its normal position.
The 0057 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. Exterior lighting
125Lights andwindshield wipers Z

Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the steer-
ing movements of the front wheels. In this
way, relevant areas remain illuminated while
driving. This allows you to identify pedes-
trians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on. Adaptive Highbeam Assist
General notes You can use this function to set the head-
lamps to change between low beam and high beam automatically. The system recognizes
vehicles with their lights on, either approach-
ing from the opposite direction or traveling in front of your vehicle, and consequently switches the headlamps from high beam to
low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the dis-
tance to the other vehicle. Once the system
no longer detects any other vehicles, it reac-
tivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize road users:
R who have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
R who have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
R whose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier
In very rare cases, Adaptive Highbeam Assist
may fail to recognize other road users that
have lights, or may recognize them too late. In this or similar situations, the automatic high-
beam headlamps will not be deactivated or
activated regardless. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for adjusting the vehicle's
lighting to the prevailing light, visibility and
traffic conditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be restricted if there is:
R poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
R dirt on the sensors or the sensors are
obscured Exterior lighting
127Lights and windshield wipers Z

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 Overhead control panel
0043 003D To switch the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
0044 004A To switch the interior lighting on
0087 0033 To switch the interior lighting/auto-
matic interior lighting control off
0085 003D To switch the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
0083 To switch the automatic interior lighting
control on
X To switch on: set the switch to center
position 0083.
X To switch off: set the switch to the 0033
position.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while when the SmartKey is removed from the igni-
tion lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y
page 234).
Manual interior lighting control X
To switch the interior lighting on: set the
switch to the 004Aposition.
X To switch the interior lighting off: set the
switch to the 0033or (if the door is closed)
to the center position.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the 003Dbutton. 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
SmartKey. Replacing 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 con-
tacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical con-
tacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work on
the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
The front and rear lamps of your vehicle are
equipped with either Xenon or LED bulbs. Do
not replace the bulbs yourself. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure Replacing bulbs
129Lights and windshield wipers Z

When you insert the Start/Stop button into
the ignition lock, the system needs approx-
imately two seconds recognition time. You
can then use the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the
SmartKey determines whether a valid Smart- Key is in the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when starting the engine.
To start the vehicle without actively using the
SmartKey:
R the Start/Stop button must be inserted in
the ignition lock.
R the SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
R the vehicle must not be locked with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO (Y page 83).
Do not keep the SmartKey:
R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another SmartKey
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
foil
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
This can impair the functionality of the KEY-
LESS-GO key.
If you lock the vehicle with the SmartKey's
remote control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a
short time:
R you will not be able to switch on the ignition
with the Start/Stop button.
R you will not be able to start the engine with
the Start/Stop button until the vehicle is
unlocked again.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/Stop button for approximately
three seconds. This function operates inde- pendently of the ECO start/stop automatic
engine switch-off function.
Key positions with KEYLESS-GO 0043
Start/Stop button
0044 Ignition lock
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up. If an indicator lamp does not go out afterstarting the engine or lights up while driving,
see (Y page 271).
If Start/Stop button 0043has not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the SmartKey
being removed from the ignition.
X To switch on the power supply: press
Start/Stop button 0043once.
The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windshield wipers, for
example.
i The power supply is switched off again if:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button 0043twice
when in this position
X To switch on the ignition: press Start/
Stop button 0043twice.
The ignition is switched on.
i The ignition is switched off when:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button 0043once
when in this position 152
DrivingDriving and parking

G
WARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-
ger brake your vehicle and it could roll away.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
X Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
The vehicle is then held for about a second.
X Pull away.
Hill start assist is not active if: R you are pulling away on a level road or on a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the electric parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning. ECO start/stop function
Introduction The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stop-
ped under certain conditions.
The engine starts automatically when the
driver wants to pull away again. The ECO
start/stop function thereby helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of your vehicle.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving. There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away. General notes 0043
ECO start/stop display
If the engine has been switched off automat-
ically by the ECO start/stop function, the
00D6 ECO symbol is shown in the multifunc-
tion display.
Every time you switch on the engine using the SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop function
is only available in drive program C.
For further information on automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 155) and automatic
engine start (Y page 156).
Automatic engine switch-off If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in
Dor N,
the ECO start/stop function switches off the engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational
when:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
R the outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system.
R the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened. Driving
155Driving and parking Z