2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER Owners Manual

Children could also set the vehicle in motion,
for example by:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. Always
keep the key out of reach of children. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation. G
WARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
The catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of the
engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
Transmission position display Pis shown in
the multifunction display.
i You can start the engine in transmission
position Pand N. Starting procedure with the key To start the engine using the key instead of KEY-
LESS-GO, pull the Start/Stop button out of the
ignition lock.
X Turn the key to position 3in the ignition lock
(Y page 132) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine The Start/Stop button can be used to start the
vehicle manually without inserting the key into
the ignition lock. The key must be in the vehicle and the Start/Stop button must be inserted in
the ignition lock. 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 once
(Y page 132).
The engine starts. Pulling away
General notes G
WARNING
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.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pulling
away.
The 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 locking
feature (Y page 211).
It is only possible to shift the transmission from position Pto the desired position if you depress
the brake pedal. Only then is the shift lock
released. 134
DrivingDriving and parking

i
Upshifts take place at higher engine speeds
after a cold start. This helps the catalytic con-
verter to reach its operating temperature
more quickly.
Information on automatically releasing the elec- trical parking brake (Y page 155).
Hill start assist Hill start assist helps you when pulling away for-
wards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It holds the vehicle for a short time after you have
removed your foot from the brake pedal. This
gives you enough time to move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and
depress it before the vehicle begins to roll. G
WARNING
After a while, hill start assist no longer holds
the vehicle and it may roll away. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist is not active if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient
R the transmission is in position N
R the electric parking brake is applied
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning ECO start/stop function
Introduction The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped
under certain conditions.
When pulling away again, the engine starts auto-
matically. The ECO start/stop function thereby
helps you to reduce the fuel consumption and
emissions of your vehicle.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes :
ECO start/stop display
The ECO start/stop function is switched on
whenever you start the engine using the key or
the Start/Stop button.
If the è ECO symbol is shown in the multi-
function display, the ECO start/stop function
switches the engine off automatically if the vehi- cle stops moving.
If the ECO start/stop function has been man-
ually switched off (Y page 136) or a malfunction
has caused the system to be switched off, the
è orç ECO symbol is not displayed.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop
function is only available in drive program C.
Automatic engine switch-off If the vehicle is braked to a standstill with the
transmission in Dor N, the ECO start/stop func-
tion switches off the engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational and
the è ECO symbol is displayed in the multi-
function display, if:
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 temperature
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached
R the battery is sufficiently charged
R the system detects that the windscreen is not
misted up when the air-conditioning system isswitched on Driving
135Driving and parking Z

R
the bonnet is closed
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened
If all conditions for automatic engine switch-off
are not fulfilled, the çECO symbol is shown.
All of the vehicle's systems remain active when the engine is switched off automatically.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the engine can be switched off automat-
ically a maximum of four times (initial stop, then
three subsequent stops) in succession. The
ç ECO symbol is shown in the multifunction
display after the engine has been started auto-
matically for the fourth time. When the è
ECO symbol is shown in the multifunction dis-
play, automatic engine switch-off is possible
again.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of times
that the engine can be switched off automati-
cally is unlimited.
The HOLD function can be activated if the
engine has been switched off automatically. It is
then not necessary to continue applying the
brakes during the automatic stop phase. When
you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine
starts automatically and the braking effect of
the HOLD function is deactivated.
Automatic engine start The engine is started automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function by
pressing the ECO button
R in transmission position Dor N, the 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 position P
R you switch to drive program S+
R you switch to drive program Sor M
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er'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-
screen when the air-conditioning system is
switched on
R the battery's charge status is too low
Shifting the transmission to position Pdoes not
start the engine.
If you shift the transmission from Rto D, the
ECO start/stop function is available again as
soon as the èECO symbol reappears in the
multifunction display.
Switching the ECO start/stop function
off/on All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
X
To switch off: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;and the èorç ECO
symbol in the multifunction display go out.
X To switch on: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. If all conditions
for the automatic engine switch-off
(Y page 135 )are fulfilled, the èECO sym-
bol is shown in the multifunction display.
If all conditions for the automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 135) are not fulfilled, the
ç ECO symbol is shown in the multifunc-
tion display. If this is the case, the ECO start/
stop function is not available.
If indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been switched off manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi- cle stops. 136
DrivingDriving and parking

Mercedes-AMG vehicles
X
To switch off: in drive program C, press ECO
button :.
or
X Switch to drive program S,S+ orM
(Y page 140).
Indicator lamp ;and the èorç ECO
symbol in the multifunction display go out.
X To switch on: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
If drive program S,S+ orMis active, the auto-
matic transmission switches to drive program
C.
If all conditions for the automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 135) are fulfilled, the è
ECO symbol is shown in the multifunction dis-
play.
If all conditions for the automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 135) are not fulfilled, the
ç ECO symbol is shown in the multifunc-
tion display. If this is the case, the ECO start/
stop function is not available.
If indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been switched off manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops. Driving
137Driving and parking Z

Problems with the engine
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The engine does not
start. The HOLD function or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated.
X Deactivate the HOLD function (Y page 172) or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC (Y page 167).
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.
Before attempting to start the engine again:
X Turn the key back to position 0in the ignition lock.
or X Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
X Restart the engine again (Y page 133). Avoid excessively long and
frequent attempts to start the engine, as this 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 (Y page 296).
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 running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. 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 converter
and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop. 138
DrivingDriving and parking

Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The coolant temperature
display is showing more
than 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 (Y page 279). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and top up the 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 If the coolant temperature is below 120 †, you can continue driving
to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-start traffic. DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to change the drive program. Depending on the drive program
selected, the following vehicle characteristics
will change:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the suspension
R the steering
R the curve tilting function (vehicles with Active
Body Control)
R the control thresholds of ESP ®
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is
activated when the engine is next started. If the ignition is switched off for more than four hours,
drive program Cis activated when the engine is
next started. X
Press DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as
many times as necessary until the desired
drive program is selected.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display. After a short time the
display goes out and the status icon of the
selected drive program appears.
In addition, the current drive program settings are displayed briefly in the display of the mul-
timedia system.
i In a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is deactivated at the factory due to the
quality of the available fuel. In this case, the
ECO start/stop function is not available in any
drive program, regardless of the display in the
multimedia system display.
Available drive programs: C
Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
S
Sport Sporty driving characteris-
tics
S+
Sport Plus Particularly sporty driving
characteristics
I
Individual Individual settingsDYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
139Driving and parking Z

E
Economy
(vehicles with
adjustable
damping) Particularly economical
driving characteristics
CV
CURVE
(vehicles with
Active Body
Control) Particularly economical
driving characteristics with
cornering function
Additional information for drive programs
(Y
page 145). DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
General notes
Select the drive program using the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller.
Available drive programs: I
Individual Individual settings
C
Comfort Comfort-orientated, engine
and transmission settings
optimised for economy
S
Sport Sporty engine and trans-
mission settings
S+
Sport Plus Particularly sporty trans-
mission settings
RACE
Maximum sportiness and
engine and transmission
settings suitable for the
racetrack Depending on the drive program selected, the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
R the drive (engine management)
R the transmission management
R ESP ®
R the suspension
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R the driver assistance systems
R the availability of gliding mode
Further information for automatic drive program characteristics (Y page 145). Additionally, in drive program
Iyou can config-
ure the respective vehicle characteristics using
the multimedia system. You can find informa-
tion on this in the Digital Owner's Manual.
If the ignition is switched off for less than four
hours, the previously selected drive program is
activated when the engine is next started. If the ignition is switched off for more than four hours,
drive program Cis activated when the engine is
next started. Selecting the drive program
X
Turn DYNAMIC SELECT controller :as many
times as necessary until the desired drive
program is selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings are displayed briefly in the display of the mul-
timedia system.
The drive program indicator on DYNAMIC
SELECT controller :lights up in red.
Additional information for drive programs
(Y page 145). 140
DYNAMIC SELEC
Tcont roller (Mercedes-AMG vehi cles)Driving and parking

Additional settings
:
ECO start/stop function (Y page 135)
; ESP ®
(Y page 67)
= Suspension (Y page 179)
? To permanently activate manual gearshift-
ing (Y page 147)
When you press buttons :-? the corre-
sponding setting is selected. The DYNAMIC
SELECT controller setting is overwritten.
These settings will also be maintained if you use
the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to change to
drive program RACE,S+ ,S or C.
If you switch to drive program I, all stored char-
acteristics will be adopted. This is also the case
if you have previously pressed buttons :-?. Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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 parking
brake.
Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
! If the engine speed is too high or if the vehi-
cle is rolling, do not shift the transmission
directly from Dto R, from Rto Dor directly to
P.
Do not open the driver's door while the vehi-
cle is in motion. At low speeds in transmission position Dor R, park position Pis otherwise
engaged automatically.
The transmission could be damaged. j
Park position
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
The selector lever always returns to its original
position. The current transmission position P,R,
N or Dappears in the transmission position dis-
play in the multifunction display.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
! If the engine speed is too high or if the vehi-
cle is rolling, do not shift the transmission
directly from Dto R, from Rto Dor directly to
P.
Do not open the driver's door while the vehi-
cle is in motion. At low speeds in transmission position Dor R, park position Pis otherwise
engaged automatically.
The transmission could be damaged. Automatic trans
mission
141Driving an d parking Z