2015 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER clutch

iAMG vehicles:the exhaust flap of the
exhaust system will be checked after every cold start. A resulting noise can be heard
during this process.
iDuring a cold start, the engine runs at
higher speeds to enable the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating temperature.
The sound of the engine may change during this time.
Manual transmission
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
iYou can only start the engine when the
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission
X Shift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
iYou can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 3in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 139) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
iTo start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
iThe Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The
Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in
the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Press the Start/Stop button ( Ypage 140)
once.
The engine starts.
Pulling away
Manual transmission
!Change gear in good time and avoid spin-
ning the wheels. You could otherwise dam-
age the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Release the electric parking brake(Y page 162).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.
iFollow the shift recommendations in the
multifunction display for an economical
driving style ( Ypage 151).
iThe vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock- ing feature ( Ypage 206).
Automatic transmission
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
142Driving
Driving and pa rking

Rthe 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 switched off automat-
ically a maximum of four times (first stop
and three subsequent stops) in succession.
The è ECO symbol is shown in yellow in
the multifunction display after the engine
has been started automatically for the
fourth time. When the èECO symbol is
shown in green in the multifunction display,
automatic engine switch-off is again possi- ble.
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.
Vehicles with manual transmission (SLK
250)
The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X Brake the vehicle.
X Engage neutral N(follow gearshift instruc-
tion :to engage neutral N, if necessary).
X Release the clutch pedal.
The engine is switched off automatically.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
(SLK 250)
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor N,
the ECO start/stop function switches off the engine automatically.
SLK 350
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.
iAll of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is stopped automatically.
iThe engine can be switched off automat-
ically a maximum of four times (first stop
and three subsequent stops) in succession.
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
Driving145
Driving an d parking
Z

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

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The coolant tempera-
ture gauge shows a
value above 248 ‡
(120 †). The coolant
warning lamp may also
be on and a warning
tone may sound.The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level ( Ypage 283). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain and start/stop traffic.
Manual transmission
Gear lever
!
Only engage gear when the clutch pedal is
depressed.
!When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all
the way to the right. You could otherwise
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed (trans-
mission braking), this can cause the engine to overrev, leading to engine damage.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by
using the clutch pedal. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the clutch.
Gear lever k
Reverse gear
1 -6Forward gears
Engaging reverse gear
!
Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and thenforwards.
150Manual transmission
Driving and parking

Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch func-
tion is active regardless of the currently selec-
ted drive program. The double-clutch function reduces load change reactions and is condu-cive to a sporty driving style. The sound gen-
erated by the double-clutch function depends
on the drive program selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Program selector button
General notes
Example: program selector button
X Press program selector button :repeat-
edly until the letter for the desired gearshift program appears in the multifunction dis- play.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving character-
istics.
iFurther information about permanent
drive program M(Y page 155). As well as this permanent drive program
M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M(Y page 154).
In AMG vehicles, drive program Eis called
drive program C.
E Economy
C Controlled
EfficiencyComfortable, economical
driving
S SportSporty driving style
M ManualManual gear shifting
Only change from automatic drive program E
or Sto manual drive program Mwhen the
vehicle is stationary.
iWhen the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic drive program E(drive program Cin AMG
vehicles).
iAMG vehicles: when in drive program C
and with a small load demand, the engine
will automatically only operate with four
cylinders. This is the case in city traffic or
on a country road, for example. This
reduces fuel consumption. Cylinder shut-
off is inactive in drive programs Sand M, so
that the engine will operate with all eight
cylinders.
iFor further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Ypage 154).
Automatic transmission153
Driving and pa rking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Clutch Overheated
AvoidPullingAway
Engage/Diseng.
Clutch Quickly if
Required
The clutch is under considerable load and the permitted operating
temperature has been exceeded. A warning tone also sounds.
Avoid frequent pulling away and driving at walking pace over lon-
ger distances.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Leave the engine running.
The clutch is cooled more quickly with the engine running.
or X If possible, continue driving at a steady speed.
X Remove your foot from the clutch pedal and do not allow the
clutch to slip.
The clutch may also cool down during the journey.
It may take several minutes for it to cool down. When the clutch
has cooled down, the display message disappears. The clutch is
fully operational again.
NThe trunk lid is open.
X Close the trunk lid.
MThe hood is open.
GWARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
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.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 161).
X Close the hood.
CAt least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X Close all the doors.
240Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper
cables. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
R You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
R Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R bare parts of the terminal clamp do not come into contact with other metal parts while the
jumper cables are connected to the battery.
R the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts which can move when the engine is
running, such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
X Manual transmission: depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to neutral.
X Automatic transmission: move the selector lever to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc.
X Open the hood.
304Jump-starting
Roadside Assistance

XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps (Y page 111).
iWhen towing with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal a change of direc- tion. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. When you
reset the combination switch, the hazard
warning flashers start flashing again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to
neutral.
or
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to posi- tion N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle( Y page 305).
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
!
The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could other-
wise damage the brake system.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps (Y page 111).
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the Smart-
Key or the KEYLESS-GO key with you. When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (
Ypage 305).
Transporting the vehicle
!
You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes. X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and shift to
neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
X Move the selector lever to N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded: X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
fully depress the clutch pedal and engage
first or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
X Secure the vehicle.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could other-
wise damage the automatic transmission.
iYou can find information on "Jump-start-
ing" under ( Ypage 303).
Towing and tow-starting307
Roadside Assistance
Z