stop phase. When you depress the accel-
erator pedal, the engine starts automati-
cally and the braking effect of the HOLD
function is deactivated.
SLK 55 AMG
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
and the èECO symbol is displayed in
green in the multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is litgreen.
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.
If the conditions for automatic engine switch-
off are not all fulfilled, the èECO symbol is
lit yellow.
iAll of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is stopped automatically.
iThe engine can be automatically switched
off an unlimited number of times.
iThe HOLD function can be activated if the
engine has been switched off automati-
cally. It is then not necessary to continue
applying the brakes during the automatic
stop phase. When you depress the accel-
erator pedal, the engine starts automati-
cally and the braking effect of the HOLD
function is deactivated.
Automatic engine start
Operation (SLK 250)
The engine starts automatically if:
R you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's condition of charge is too low.
Vehicles with manual transmission (SLK250)
!Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is
depressed.
The engine is started automatically if you: R fully depress the clutch pedal.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
(SLK 250)
The engine is started automatically if you: R release the brake pedal in transmission position Dor Nwhen the HOLD function is
not active.
R depress the accelerator pedal.
R move the transmission out of position P.
iShifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
iIf you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the èECO symbol reap-
pears in green in the multifunction display.
146Driving
Driving and parking
SLK 350
The engine starts automatically if:
R you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R in transmission position Dor Nthe brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is
not active.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you move the transmission out of positionP.
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's condition of charge is too low.
iShifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
SLK 55 AMG
The engine starts automatically if:
R you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R in transmission position Dor Nthe brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is
not active.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you move the transmission out of positionP.
R you switch to drive program Sor M.
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range. R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's condition of charge is too low.
iShifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine.
iIf you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again once the èECO symbol reap-
pears in green in the multifunction display.
Deactivating/activating the ECO start/
stop function
SLK 250
X To deactivate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;and the èECO sym-
bol in the multifunction display go out.
X To activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
è ECO symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
è ECO symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display.
If this is the case, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is not available.
Conditions for the automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144).
Driving147
Driving and parking
Z
iIf indicator lamp;is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated man-
ually or as the result of a malfunction. The
engine will then not be switched off auto-
matically when the vehicle stops.
iThe ECO start/stop function is activated
each time the engine is switched on.
SLK 350
X To deactivate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
X To activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
iIf indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated man-
ually or as the result of a malfunction. The
engine will then not be switched off auto-
matically when the vehicle stops.
iThe ECO start/stop function is activated
each time the engine is switched on.
SLK 55 AMG
X To switch off: in drive program C, press
ECO button :.
or X Switch to drive program Sor M
( Y page 153).
Indicator lamp ;and the èECO sym-
bol in the multifunction display go out.
X To activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. If drive pro-
gram Sor Mis active, the automatic trans-
mission switches to drive program C.
If all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
è ECO symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display.
If not all conditions for automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144) are fulfilled, the
è ECO symbol is shown in yellow in the
multifunction display.
If this is the case, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is not available.
Conditions for the automatic engine
switch-off ( Ypage 144).
iIf indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/
stop function has been deactivated man-
ually or as the result of a malfunction. The
engine will then not be switched off auto-
matically when the vehicle stops.
iEach time the engine is started, the ECO
start/stop function switches to the status
(on or off) that was selected before switch- ing off the engine.
148Driving
Driving and parking
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine does not start.The HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.
X Deactivate the HOLD function ( Ypage 180) or DISTRONIC
PLUS ( Ypage 171).
X Try to start the engine again.
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Turn the SmartKey back to position 0in the ignition lock before
attempting to start the engine again.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster go out.
X Try to start the engine again ( Ypage 141). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged.
X Jump-start the vehicle ( Ypage 303).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.
X Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not run-
ning smoothly and ismisfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-
verter and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
Driving149
Driving and parking
Z
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, immediately.
Releasing the parking lock manually
!
Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Press the frame of selector level gaiter :
together somewhat on the side edge at the back and hold with one hand ;.
X With the other hand, pry off the frame of
selector level gaiter :with a flat, blunt
object (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in cloth) at rear edge
=, pulling it up and out at the
same time.
X Press release button ?down and simul-
taneously move the selector lever out ofposition P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P. This is
the case, for example, if you wish to tow the
vehicle away.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
158Refueling
Driving and parking
To ensure that the vehicle is secured againstrolling away unintentionally:
R the electric parking brake must be applied.
R on vehicles with manual transmission,
engage first gear or reverse gear.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission must be in park position P
and the transmission position display in the
multifunction display must show P.
R the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
R the front wheels must be turned towards
the curb on steep uphill or downhill gradi-
ents.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parkingbrake.
Vehicles with manual transmission
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P. Using the SmartKey
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
iThe SmartKey can only be removed if the
transmission is in position P.
Using KEYLESS-GO
X Press the Start/Stop button ( Ypage 140).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
iWhen the driver's door is closed, this cor-
responds to key position 1. When the driv-
er's door is open, this corresponds to key position 0: "Key removed".
If you try to switch off the engine when the
transmission is not in position P, a message
appears in the multifunction display. A signalsounds.
Electric parking brake
General notes
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi- cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of park position Por shift manual transmission into
neutral.
R start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
162Parking
Driving and parking
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in the system, it may not be possible to apply
the released parking brake.
X If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it roll-
ing away.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to posi- tion P.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage first gear.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
iThe electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal.
Applying/releasing manually
X To engage: push handle :.
When the electric parking brake is
engaged, the F(USA only) or !
(Canada only) red indicator lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
iThe electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed. X
To release: switch on the ignition.
X Pull handle :.
The red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
iThe electric parking brake can only be
released:
R if the SmartKey is in position 1in the
ignition lock ( Ypage 139) or
R if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is applied auto- matically:
R if DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R if the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following con-
ditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine is switched off.
R the driver's seat belt is not inserted in the
belt buckle and the driver's door is open.
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthyperiod.
The red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
Releasing automatically
The electric parking brake is released auto-
matically when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position Dor R.
R the driver's seat belt is fastened.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
If the transmission is in position R, the trunk
lid must be closed.
Parking163
Driving and parking
Z
Left control panel
= ;RCalls up the menu and menu bar
9 :Press briefly:
R Scrolls in lists
R Selects a submenu or function
R In the
Audiomenu: selects a
stored station, an audio track or
a video scene
R In the
Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the phone book and
selects a name or telephone
number
9 :Press and hold:
R In the
Audiomenu: selects the
previous/next station or selects
an audio track or a video scene
using rapid scrolling
R In the
Tel(Telephone) menu:
starts rapid scrolling if the phone
book is open
aR Confirms a selection/display
message
R In the
Tel(telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialing the selected
number
R In the
Audiomenu: stops the
station search function at the
desired station
Right control panel
~R Rejects or ends a call
R Exits phone book/redial mem- ory
6RMakes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memory
W XRAdjusts the volume
8RMute
Back button
%Press briefly:
R Back
R Switches off the Voice Control
System (see the separate oper-
ating instructions)
R Hides display messages/calls
up the last
Tripmenu function
used
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory
%Press and hold:
R Calls up the standard display in
the
Tripmenu
Multifunction display
Example: vehicles with automatic transmission :
Transmission position ( Ypage 151)
;Drive program ( Ypage 151)
=Text field
?Menu bar
196Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays