2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class ECO mode

!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 up
the 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.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning mes-
sages in the multifunction 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 system
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1in the ignition lock or Start/Stop
button in position 0or 1) when:
Rtesting the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers 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 brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist)
(
Ypage 72).
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
Driving tips177
Driving and parking
Z

RSPORT handling mode is activated.
(
Ypage 76)
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in positionD.
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
(
Ypage 163) until the RSlamp lights up.
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The mul-
tifunction display shows the RACE START
Canceledmessage.
XTo cancel: pull the left steering wheel pad-
dle shifter (
Ypage 164).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter (
Ypage 164).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal.message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. The RACE START Not
PossibleSeeOperator'sManualmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed increases to at least
3,500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is can- celed. The multifunction display shows the
RACE START Canceled
message.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum accel-
eration.
The
RACE
STARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive program S+is acti-
vated. SPORT handling mode remains activa-
ted.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation condi-
tions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE
START
Not Possible See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
Adaptive Damping System
General notes
The adjustable damping system adapts to the
current driving conditions. The adjustment
depends on whether you have selected Sport
or Comfort mode. Your selection remains
stored even if you remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
Driving systems193
Driving and parking
Z

Selecting sports tuning
XMake sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. You have selec-
ted the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The message SPORT
appears in the multi-
function display.
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode if you want
more direct contact with the road when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on wind-
ing country roads.
Selecting comfort tuning
XMake sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. You have selec-
ted the suspension for a comfortable driv-
ing style.
The message COMFORT
appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style.
Active Body Control (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Vehicle level
General notes
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the driving dynamics, the vehicle is
lowered as its speed increases. In the SPORT
suspension setting, it is lowered by up to
0.5 in (13 mm) and in COMFORT by up to
0.2 in (5 mm). As the speed is reduced, the
vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle is slightly lowered if you:
Rhave selected the SPORT suspension tun-
ing at normal level and
Rswitch off the engine
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the underbody may thus become trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
194Driving systems
Driving and parking

XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. Sports suspen-
sion tuning is selected.
The ABC Active Body Control SPORT
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode if you prefer a
firmer suspension setting.
Selecting comfort tuning
XMake sure that the engine is running or that it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected.
The ABC
ActiveBodyControlCOMFORT
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style.
Driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display
You can display some driving systems and
additional information in the COMAND dis-
play.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
XMake sure COMAND is switched on
(
Ypage 297).
XPress button :.
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display.
Example: displays in the COMAND display
:
Selection of raised level (Ypage 194)
;Activity of ABC spring struts for roll and
pitching support
=Selected suspension setting, i.e. sporty or
comfortable (
Ypage 195)
?G-FORCE (longitudinal and lateral accel-
eration)
ACurrent vehicle level
196Driving systems
Driving and parking

The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rare driving faster than approximately
75 mph (120 km/h).
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electronically controlled ABC suspension
system features improved driving dynamics
and ride comfort.
The ABC suspension system is tuned individ-
ually to each wheel and depends on:
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Rthe vehicle load
Ryour individual selection of the sporty or
comfort button
Selecting sports tuning
XMake sure that the engine is running or that it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. Sports suspen-
sion tuning is selected.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemSPORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode if you prefer a
firmer suspension setting. Selecting comfort tuning
XMake sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style.
Driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display
You can display some driving systems and
additional information in the COMAND dis-
play.
XCall up the driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display (
Ypage 315).
The corresponding displays appear in the
COMAND display.
198Driving systems
Driving and parking

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment 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.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (
Ypage 34).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating the on-board computer.
GWARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The
operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul-
tifunction display. You should therefore make sure your vehicle is operating safely at all
times.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, pull over as soon as it is safe to do
so. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (
Ypage 41).
Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the bottom left of the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 41).
XTurn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If you turn the light switch to Ã,Tor
L, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
iThe light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated.
Speedometer with segments
The speedometer is divided into segments
only on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
RDISTRONIC PLUS activated (Ypage 182):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
RDISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front
that is driving at a slower speed than the
stored speed:
222Displays and operation
On-board computer and displays

Rthe ignition has been switched off for morethan four hours.
R999 hours have been exceeded.
R9,999 miles have been exceeded.
When 9,999 hours or 99,999 miles have been
exceeded, the trip computer is automatically
reset From Reset
.
ECO display
The ECO display is not available in Mercedes-
AMG vehicles.
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
ECO DISPLAY
.
If the ignition remains switched off for longer
than four hours, the ECO display will be auto-
matically reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see (
Ypage 175).
Displaying the range and current fuel
consumption
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the menu only dis-
plays approximate range :.
XPress the=or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XPress9or: to select the display
with approximate range :and current fuel
consumption ;.
Approximate range :that can be covered
is calculated according to your current driv-
ing style and the amount of fuel in the tank.
If there is only a small amount of fuel left in
the fuel tank, a vehicle being refueled C
appears instead of approximate range :.
Recuperation display =shows you if
energy has been recuperated from the
kinetic energy in overrun mode and saved
in the battery. Recuperation display =
depends on the engine installed and is
therefore not available in all vehicles.
Digital speedometer
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Trip
menu.
XPress the9or: button to select
digital speedometer ;.
Gearshift recommendation :Zcan also
appear in the display.
Observe the information on gearshift rec-
ommendation :when shifting manually
(
Ypage 165).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: a gearshift rec-
ommendation is shown in the status bar of
the multifunction display and not in the dig-
ital speedometer display.
226Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

XPress the:or9 button to set the
color to SOLAR
,SOLAR Orangeor SOLAR
Red.
XPress the aor% button to save the
setting.
Activating/deactivating surround light-
ing and exterior lighting delayed switch-
off
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress :or9 to select the Sur‐
round Lightingfunction.
If the Surround
Lightingfunction is acti-
vated, the multifunction display shows the
light cone and the area around the vehicle
in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the exte-
rior lighting temporarily:
XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the Smart-
Key to position 0in the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
If you have activated the Surround Light‐
ingfunction and you turn the light switch to
Ã, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
Rsurround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the SmartKey. If you start the engine,
the surround lighting is switched off and
automatic headlamp mode is activated
(
Ypage 122).
Rexterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close all the doors and the trunk lid, the exterior
lighting goes off after 15 seconds.
iDepending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the fol-
lowing light up:
RParking lamps
RLow-beam headlamps
RDaytime running lamps
RSide marker lamps
RSurround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
If you activate the Interior Lighting
Delayfunction, the interior lighting remains
on for 20 seconds after you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Interior Lighting Delay
function.
If the Interior
LightingDelayfunction
is activated, the multifunction display
shows the vehicle interior in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Vehicle
Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism
If you activate the Automatic Door Lock
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
XPress the=or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Vehicle
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
234Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays