2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class instrument display

which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brake
system (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
RAmbient 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.
Checking brake lining thickness
You can measure the break pad/lining thick-ness using a test gauge. Color-coding (green
or red) on the test gauge allows you to deter-
mine whether the brake pad/lining thickness
is still sufficient. The test gauge is in the vehi- cle document wallet in the glove box.
Front wheel
Rear wheel
XBring the vehicle and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gauge
A.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Ypage 171).
XMove the selector lever to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XPlace test gauge Abetween the wheel's
spokes on brake pad/lining =.
178Driving tips
Driving and parking

!If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a
sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example:
Rwhere parking or stopping is prohibited
Rin front of driveways or entrances and exits
Ron unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
ROn narrow roads, drive as close to the park-
ing space as possible.
RParking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly.
RParking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly.
RSnowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
RPay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(
Ypage 200) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
RYou can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
RWhen transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
RNever use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
RMake sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the vehi-
cle.
Parking
Important safety notes
Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active Park-
ing Assist may therefore guide you into the
parking space too early.
GWARNING
If there are objects above the detection range, Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If there are objects above the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
GWARNING
Active Parking Assist merely aids you by inter- vening actively in the steering. If you do not
brake there is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself when
maneuvering and parking.
Detecting parking spaces
Example: detected parking space
Active Parking Assist is switched on automat-ically when driving forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the
system independently locates and measures
parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h) you will see parking symbol ;as
a status indicator in the instrument cluster.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right =or the left :also
appears.
By default, Active Parking Assist only displays
parking spaces on the front-passenger side.
Parking spaces on the driver's side are dis-
played as soon as the turn signal on the driv-
er's side is activated. If you wish to park in a
Driving systems203
Driving and parking
Z

space on the driver's side, the indicator on
the driver's side must remain on. The turn
signal must remain switched on until you
acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist
by pressing theabutton on the multi-
function steering wheel.
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces:
Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel
Rthat are at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
Rthat are at least 40 in (1.0 m) longer than
your vehicle
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are approx-
imately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Backing up into the parking space
XStop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster.
XShift the transmission to position R.
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
% message appears in the multifunction
display.
XTo cancel the procedure: press the%
button on the multifunction steering wheel
or pull away.
or
XTo park using Active Parking Assist:
press the abutton on the multifunction
steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
andBrakeObserveSurroundingsmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
XLet go of the multifunction steering wheel.
XBack up the vehicle, being ready to brake at
all times. Do not exceed a maximum speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) when
backing up. Otherwise Active Parking
Assist will be canceled.
iWhen parking in tight spaces, you will
achieve the best results by backing up as far as possible. When doing so, also
observe the PARKTRONIC messages.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Additional maneuvering may be required in
tight parking spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select D
ObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XShift the transmission to position Dwhile
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
andBrakeObserveSurroundingsmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
iYou will achieve the best results by wait-
ing for the steering procedure to complete
before pulling away.
XDrive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
The Park Assist Active Select R
ObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XDrive forwards and back up according to
the information shown in the multifunction
display.
As soon as the parking procedure is com-
plete, the Park Assist Finished
message
appears in the multifunction display.
PARKTRONIC continues to be available.
XManeuver if necessary.
XAlways observe the warning messages dis-
played by PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 200).
Parking tips:
ROn narrow roads, drive as close to the park-
ing space as possible.
RParking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
204Driving systems
Driving and parking

XStop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at
once. ThePark Assist Canceled
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
or
XPress the PARKTRONIC button on the cen-
ter console (
Ypage 201).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active
Parking Assist is immediately canceled.
The Park Assist Canceled
message
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled automati-
cally if:
Rparking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible
Ryou are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
Ra wheel spins, ESP®intervenes or fails. The
÷ ESP warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster
A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol
goes out and the Park Assist Canceled
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
If Active Parking Assist is canceled, you must
steer again yourself.
Rear view camera
General notes
Rear view camera :is in the trunk lid handle.
Rear view camera :is an optical parking and
maneuvering aid. It shows the area behind your vehicle with guide lines in the COMAND
display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.
iThe text of messages shown in the
COMAND display depends on the language
setting. The following are examples of rear
view camera messages in the COMAND
display.
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your imme-
diate surroundings. You are always responsi-
ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there
are no persons, animals or objects in the area
in which you are maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function in a limited manner:
Rif the tailgate is open
Rin heavy rain, snow or fog
Rat night or in very dark places
Rif the camera is exposed to very bright light
Rif the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
Rif there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
Rif the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
Rif the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
event, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
The field of vision and other functions of the
rear view camera may be restricted due to
additional accessories on the rear of the vehi-
cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
206Driving 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

The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up.
Tachometer
!
Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul-
tifunction display (
Ypage 224).
A change in the outside temperature is shown
in the multifunction display after a delay.
Coolant temperature display
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
!A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged. The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(
Ypage 41).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
Operating the on-board computer
Overview
:Multifunction display
;Switches on the Voice Control System
(see the separate operating instructions)
=Right control panel
?Left control panel
ABack button
XTo activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Displays and operation223
On-board computer and displays
Z

Rthe trip computer
Rthe current consumption and the range
Rthe navigation instructions in theNavi
menu
Rcruise control
RDISTRONIC PLUS
RASSYST PLUS service interval display
Selecting permanent display
The Permanent Display:
function allows
you to choose whether the multifunction dis-
play always shows the outside temperature or
the speed in km/h. Canada only: the speed is
shown in mph. The speed display is inverse to
the speedometer.
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Instrument Cluster
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Permanent Display:
function.
The current setting Outside
Temperature
orSpeedometer [km/h]/Speedometer
[mph]appears.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Lights
Setting the daytime running lamps
This function is not available in Canada.
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 Daytime
Running Lightsfunction.
If the Daytime Running Lights
function
has been switched on, the multifunction
display shows the cone of light and the
W symbol in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting. Further information on daytime running
lamps (
Ypage 122).
Switching the spotlight function on/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 Spot‐
light:function.
When the spotlight function is activated,
the assistance graphic shows the pedes-
trian symbol.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Further information on the spotlight function
of Night View Assist Plus (
Ypage 213).
Setting the brightness of the ambient
lighting
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
Amb. Light +/-
function.
The current setting appears.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to adjust the
brightness to a level from Disabled
to
Level 5
(bright).
XPress the aor% button to save the
setting.
Setting the ambient lighting color
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
Ambient Light Color
function.
XPress ato confirm.
Menus and submenus233
On-board computer and displays
Z

Safety systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
!÷
Currently Unavail‐
able See Opera‐
tor's Manual
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE ‑SAFE®, the HOLD function and hill
start assist are temporarily unavailable.
BAS PLUS and PRE‑SAFE
®Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷,åand! warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
Possible causes are:
Rself-diagnosis is not yet complete.
Rthe on-board voltage may be insufficient.
GWARNING
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.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the multifunction display still shows the display message:
XDrive on carefully.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
!÷
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual
ABS, ESP®, BAS, PRE‑SAFE®, the HOLD function and hill start
assist are unavailable due to a malfunction.
BAS PLUS and PRE‑ SAFE
®Brake may also have failed.
The $ (USA only) or J(Canada only), ÷,åand!
warning lamps in the instrument cluster also light up.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
GWARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
240Display messages
On-board computer and displays