2015 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class brake fluid

AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 228
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 146
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 144
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 109
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position ............ .152
Automatic drive program .............. .154
Changing gear ............................... 152
Display message ............................ 238
Driving tips ................................... .152
Emergency running mode .............. 158
Kickdown ....................................... 153
Manual drive program .................... 154
Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............ 155
Overview ........................................ 151
Problem (malfunction) ................... 158
Program selector button ................ 153
Pulling away ................................... 142
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually ............................................... 158
Selector lever ................................ 151
Starting the engine ........................ 142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 154
Transmission position displa y........ 151
Transmission positions .................. 152
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 158 B
Backup lamp Changing bulb s.............................. 117
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 62
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Replacing ......................................... 75
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 299
Display message ............................ 229
Important safety notes .................. 297 Jump starting ................................. 301
Overview ........................................ 297
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 204
Display message ............................ 232
Notes/function .............................. 189
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 220
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake force distribution, elec-
tronic
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 226
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 61
BAS .................................................. 62
BAS PLUS ........................................ 62
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 350
Display message ............................ 213
EBD .................................................. 67
High-performance brake system .... 168
Important safety notes .................. 166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ................................ 162
Riding tips ...................................... 166
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 31
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 23
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages Index
5

Warning lamp ................................. 250
Warning lamp (function) ...................41
Reverse gear
Engaging (automatic transmis-
sion) ............................................... 151
Engaging (manual transmission) .... 150
Reversible floor panel (trunk) .......... 258
Reversing feature Side windows ................................... 83
Trunk lid ........................................... 81
Reversing lamps (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 227
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 23
Roof Display messag e............................ 241
Important safety notes .................... 87
Opening/closing (with roof
switch) ............................................. 88
Opening/closing (with Smart-
Key) ................................................. 89
Overview .......................................... 87
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 94
Relocking ......................................... 89
Roof carrier ........................................ 258
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 289
Roof switch .......................................... 88 S
Safety Children in the vehicle ..................... 57
Child restraint systems .................... 59
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 49
Safety system
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt ......................... 45
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Correct usage .................................. 44
Fastening ......................................... 44
Important safety guidelines ............. 42
Introduction ..................................... 42
Releasing ......................................... 45
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 208 Warning lamp ................................. 244
Warning lamp (function) ................... 45
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 98
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 98
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 99
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 98
Cleaning the cover ......................... 289
Correct driver's seat position ........... 96
Important safety notes .................... 97
Overview .......................................... 97
Seat heating problem ...................... 99
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 106
Switching AIRSCARF on/of f.......... 100
Switching seat heating on/of f......... 99
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 287
Service center see Qualified specialist workshop
Service Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 204
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 350
Coolant (engine) ............................ 351
Engine oil ....................................... 349
Fuel ................................................ 348
Important safety notes .................. 347
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 352
Washer fluid ................................... 352
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 208
On-board compute r....................... 204
Setting the air distribution ............... 130
Setting the airflow ............................ 130
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 209
Side impact air bag ............................. 48
Side marker lamp Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 116
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 227 Index
15

Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 241
General notes .................................. 89
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 116
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 260
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 26
Data acquisition ............................... 27
Display message ............................ 238
Equipment ....................................... 22
Individual settings .......................... 204
Limited Warranty ............................. 27
Loading .......................................... 322
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 80
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 72
Lowering ........................................ 336
Maintenance .................................... 23
Parking for a long period ................ 164
Pulling away ................................... 142
Raising ........................................... 334
Reporting problems ......................... 26
Securing from rolling away ............ 333
Towing away .................................. 303
Tow-starting ................................... 303
Transporting .................................. 305
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 80
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 72
Vehicle data ................................... 353
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 353
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 353 Vehicle emergency locking
................ 80
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 346
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 292
Video Operating the DVD ........................ .201
VIN ...................................................... 346 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 245
Brakes .......................................... .245
Check Engine ................................. 251
Coolant .......................................... 251
Distance warning ........................... 253
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 253
ESP ®
.............................................. 247
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 248
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF .............. .41
Reserve fuel .................................. .251
Restraint system ............................ 250
Seat belt ........................................ 244
SPORT handling mode ................... 248
Tire pressure monitor .................... 254
Warranty .............................................. 22
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 242
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 336
Wheel chock ...................................... 333
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 332
Checking ........................................ 311
Cleaning ......................................... 286
Cleaning (warning) ......................... 333
Emergency spare wheel ................. 341
Important safety notes .................. 310
Interchanging/changing ................ 332
Mounting a new wheel ................... 336
Mounting a wheel .......................... 333
Overview ........................................ 310
Removing a wheel .......................... 335
Storing .......................................... .332 Index
19

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, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air- flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac- tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed or driven through deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from
the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi- cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm upthe brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance. R
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warn-
ing tone while the engine is running, the
brake fluid level may be too low. Observe
additional warning messages in the multi-
function display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. This work should be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey in position 0or 1in
the ignition lock) if the electric parking
brake is being tested on a brake dynamom-
eter (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. Have this work car-
ried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function- ality of your brakes at regular intervals. To doso, depress the brake pedal firmly when driv-
ing at a high speed. This improves the grip of
the brake pads.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS):
(Y page 62) Driving tips
167Driving and parking Z

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-
cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
High performance and ceramic brake
system for AMG vehicles The high-performance brake system is only
available on AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
R speed
R braking force
R ambient conditions, e.g. 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 driv-
ing style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear. You can obtain more informa-
tion on this from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after sev-
eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-
sate 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 corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
brake system 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 avoid sudden steering movements.
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 compo-
nents in the engine or the automatic trans- mission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can
cause engine damage. 168
Driving tipsDriving and parking

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0027(USA
only)004D
(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid Check Brake Fluid
Level Level There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the
0027(USA only)/ 004D(Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 161).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction. 0027(USA
only)004D
(Canada
only)
Brake Immediately Brake Immediately A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock
the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message disap-
pears.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
(Y page 161).
You can restart the engine. 0026
Check Brake Pad Check Brake Pad
Wear Wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0053
mbrace Inoperative mbrace Inoperative One or more main features of the mbrace system are malfunc-
tioning.
X Have the mbrace system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE
®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 220
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 0027
(USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds. There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 161).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the mal-
function.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 0025
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), PRE‑ SAFE®
, PRE‑SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function and
hill start assist are therefore also deactivated, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affec-ted. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic trans-
mission, will not be available. Warning and indicator lamps
245On-board computer and displays Z

When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
! Do not use high-pressure cleaners if the
tank recess is open while you clean it. This
can cause damage to the seals or other
components. Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint surface, use the paint care products recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
This is the case approximately every three to
five months, depending on the climate con-
ditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if
the paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
X Use a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to
the paintwork quickly and provisionally. Care
285Maintenance and care Z