2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER manual transmission

Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The 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. Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program Cis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R low fuel consumption resulting from the auto-
matic transmission shifting up sooner. The
vehicle is driven in the low engine speed range
and the wheels are less likely to spin.
R the suspension exhibits comfortable damping
settings.
R the steering exhibits a comfortable steering
curve.
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
i Select this drive program for difficult road
conditions, e. g. snow and ice or wet road sur- faces.
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program Sis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later. As
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption may be
higher.
R the suspension exhibits firm damping set-
tings. R
the steering exhibits a sporty steering curve.
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later. As
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption may be
higher.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
damping settings (vehicles with adaptive
adjustable damping).
R the suspension exhibits firm damping set-
tings (vehicles with Active Body Control).
R the steering exhibits a sporty steering curve.
R ESP ®
emphasises the vehicle's own over-
steering and understeering characteristics.
This enables a more active driving style. This
drive program requires more interaction from
the driver. Further information on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
i Only select this drive program if the road
conditions are good, e.g. the road is dry and
the route ahead is clearly visible.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program Ithe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the suspension
R the steering
R the control thresholds of ESP ®
Information on configuring drive program Iwith
the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-
ital Owner's Manual. Automatic trans
mission
145Driving an d parking Z

Vehicles with adaptive adjustable damp-
ing: drive program E (Economy)
Drive program Eis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin.
R the suspension exhibits comfortable damping
settings.
R the steering exhibits a comfortable steering
curve.
R during deceleration, the engine is disconnec-
ted from the drive train. The vehicle uses
kinetic energy and consumes less fuel (gliding
mode).
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Vehicles with Active Body Control: drive
program CURVE
Drive program CURVEis characterised by the
following:
R increased driving comfort on bends.
R the vehicle tilts actively into the bend. Further
information on the cornering function
(Y page 176).
R the vehicle exhibits particularly economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R comfortable suspension setting.
R the steering exhibits a comfortable steering
curve.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
R the automatic transmission shifts up sooner.
This results in the vehicle being driven at
lower engine speeds and the wheels being
less likely to spin.
R during deceleration, the engine is disconnec-
ted from the drive train. The vehicle uses kinetic energy and consumes less fuel (gliding
mode).
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles Drive program RACE
Drive program RACEis characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack.
R all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness.
R the gearshift recommendation gives you
information for slowly warming up the drive
assemblies and for adopting a fuel-efficient
driving style (Y page 147). You can follow the
gearshift recommendations at all times and
change gear accordingly using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. On the basis of the
gearshift recommendation, using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles, you can optimise the drive train and engine operating mode at any
time.
R if you have selected a gear manually, this will
be maintained until the vehicle speed signifi-
cantly increases or decreases.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later. As
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption may be
higher.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
damping settings.
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
R ESP ®
switches to SPORT handling mode. The
M handling mode warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. The SPORT SPORThan‐
han‐
dling mode
dling mode message appears in the multi-
function display. Observe the important
safety notes for the SPORT handling mode
(Y page 70).
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a limi-
ted degree. The engine's torque is only
restricted to a limited degree and the drive
wheels can spin. Further information on ESP ®
(Y page 70). 146
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later. As
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption may be
higher.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
damping settings.
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program Sis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later. As
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption may be
higher.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
damping settings.
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program Cis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin. R
gliding mode is available.
R the ECO start/stop function is available.
R ESP ®
provides the optimum compromise
between traction and stability. Further infor-
mation on ESP ®
(Y page 67).
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program Ithe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine management)
R the transmission management
R ESP ®
R the suspension
Information on configuring drive program Iwith
the multimedia system can be found in the Dig-
ital Owner's Manual.
i To permanently shift the gears manually in
drive program Iusing the steering wheel pad-
dles, select the M(manual) setting for the
transmission. Manual gearshifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must
be in position D.
Depending on which gearshift paddle is pulled,
the automatic transmission immediately shifts
into the next gear up or down, if permitted.
To use manual shifting, you have two options:
R temporary setting
R permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically. Automatic transmission
147Driving and parking Z

accelerate, the automatic transmission auto-
matically shifts up in order to prevent engine
damage.
X To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift
paddle :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
! If manual gearshifting is permanently acti-
vated, the automatic transmission does not
shift up automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is reached. When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the rev counter. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage. X
To shift up: pull steering wheel gearshift pad-
dle ;.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
X To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift
paddle :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down. Gearshift recommendation All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X Shift to recommended gear ;according to
gearshift recommendation :when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X Shift to recommended gear ;according to
gearshift recommendation :when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles) !
If manual gearshifting is permanently acti-
vated, the automatic transmission does not
shift up automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is reached. When the engine limiting speed is reached,
the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving. Always make sure that the
engine speed does not reach the red area of
the rev counter. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage. Automatic transmission
149Driving and parking Z

cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P
(Y page 142).
X With the key: turn the key to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
X With KEYLESS-GO: press the Start/Stop
button (Y page 132).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to key position 1. When the driver's
door is open, this corresponds to key position
0 (Y page 132).
The engine can be switched off while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for about three seconds. This func-
tion operates independently of the ECO start/
stop automatic engine switch-off function. Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
If you leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
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 key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or if 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 from
rolling away.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
P.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or if there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake carries out a function
check at regular intervals when the engine is
switched off. Noises that occur are normal.
Applying or releasing manually X
To apply: push handle :.
When the electric parking brake is applied,
the red !indicator lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied when the key is removed.
X To release: pull handle:.
The red !indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released:
R when the key is in position 1in the ignition
lock (Y page 132) or
R if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button 154
ParkingDriving and parking

Activation conditions
You can activate RACE START if:
R the doors are closed
R the engine is running and the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature.
This is the case when the oil temperature
gauge in the multifunction display is shown in
white (Y page 213).
R ESP ®
is functioning correctly (Y page 67)
R the drive program S,S+ orRace is selected
(Y page 140)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot)
R the transmission is in position D
Activating RACE START i
When manual mode (Y
page 147) is active,
the transmission automatically shifts up to
RACE START in the drive program. This func-
tion supports maximum acceleration with
RACE START. After going through an acceler- ating process once from a stationary position,
this function is automatically deactivated.
X Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Pull and hold both steering wheel gearshift
paddles.
X The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in
the multifunction display.
X Release both steering wheel gearshift pad-
dles.
i If the activation conditions are no longer ful-
filled, RACE START is cancelled. The RACE RACE
START not possible See Owner's Man‐
START not possible See Owner's Man‐
ual
ual message appears in the multifunction
display.
X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift
paddle (Y page 147).
or X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel shift
paddle (Y page 147).
The RACE START available Depress
RACE START available Depress
accelerator
accelerator message appears in the multi-
function display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator pedal
within a few seconds, RACE START is cancel- led. The
RACE START cancelled
RACE START cancelled message
appears in the multifunction display.
X Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed increases.
The RACE
RACE START START Release
Release brake
braketo
tostart
start
message appears in the multifunction display.
i If the brake pedal is not released after a
short while, RACE START is cancelled. The
RACE RACE START
START cancelled
cancelled message appears in
the multifunction display.
X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE RACE START
START active
active message appears in
the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 50 km/h.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal during RACE
START or if any of the activation conditions are
no longer fulfilled. The RACE START not pos‐
RACE START not pos‐
sible See Owner's Manual sible See Owner's Manual orRACE START
RACE START
cancelled
cancelled message appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
i After using it several times in short succes-
sion, RACE START will be unavailable until a
certain distance has been driven. Adaptive Damping System
General notes Suspension with the adaptive adjustable damp-
ing provides improved driving comfort and con-
tinuously controls the calibration of the damp-
ers. The damping characteristics adapt to the
current operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface conditions
R the selected drive program (Y page 139).174
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking

When Active Parking Assist is cancelled, you
must steer again yourself. Reversing camera
General notes Reversing camera
:is an optical parking and
manoeuvring aid. It shows the area behind your vehicle with guide lines in the multimedia sys-
tem.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.
i The text shown in the multimedia system
display depends on the language setting. The following are examples of reversing camera
messages in the multimedia system.
Important safety notes The reversing camera is only an aid. It is not a
substitute for your attention to the immediate
surroundings. The responsibility for safe
manoeuvring and parking remains with you.
Make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in range while manoeuvring and parking.
Under the following circumstances, the revers-
ing camera will not function, or will function in a limited manner:
R if the boot lid is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in win- ter R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
Observe the notes on cleaning
(Y page 285)
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In this
case, have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
The field of vision and other functions of the
reversing camera may be restricted due to addi-
tional accessories on the rear of the vehicle (e.g. licence plate holder, bicycle rack).
For technical reasons, leaving the standard
height can result in inaccuracies in the guide
lines on vehicles with a height-adjustable chas-
sis.
Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera X
To activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
X Make sure that the Activation by R gear Activation by R gear
function is selected in the multimedia system; see the Digital Owner's Manual.
X Engage reverse gear.
The multimedia system shows the area
behind the vehicle with guide lines.
The image from the reversing camera is avail-
able throughout the manoeuvring process.
To deactivate: the reversing camera deacti-
vates if you shift the transmission to Por after
driving forwards a short distance.
Displays in the multimedia system The reversing camera may show a distorted view
of obstacles or show them incorrectly or not at
all. Obstacles are not shown by the reversing
camera in the following locations:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the handle on
the boot lid
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post Driving systems
187Driving and parking Z

9
: Press and hold:
R
In the Audio Audio menu: selects a pre-
set list or a station list in the
desired frequency range, or an
audio track or video scene using
rapid scrolling
R In the Tel Tel(Telephone) menu:
starts rapid scrolling if the phone
book is open a R
Confirms the selection or display
message
R In the Tel Tel(Telephone) menu:
switches to the telephone book
and starts dialling the selected
number % Press briefly:
R Back
R Switches off LINGUATRONIC
R Hides display messages or calls up
the last Trip Tripmenu function used
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory % Press and hold:
R
Calls up the standard display in the
Trip
Trip menu Right control panel
~ R
Rejects or ends a call
R Exits the telephone book/redial
memory 6 R
Makes or accepts a call
R Switches to the redial memory W
X R
Adjusts the volume 8 R
Mute ? R
Switches on LINGUATRONIC Further information on LINGUATRONIC is avail-
able in the separate operating instructions. Multifunction display
:
Drive program (Y page 142)
; Transmission position (Y page 142)
= Text field
? Menu bar
A Time
B Outside temperature or speed
(Ypage 209)
Set the time using the multimedia system (see
the separate operating instructions). X To display menu bar ?:press the =
or ; button on the steering wheel.
If you do not press the buttons any longer,
menu bar ?is faded out after a few seconds.
Text field =shows the selected menu or sub-
menu and display messages.
Possible displays in the multifunction dis-
play:
R ZGearshift recommendation, when shifting
manually (Y page 149)
R j Parking Pilot (Y page 183)
R ¯ Cruise control (Y page 159)
R È Speed limiter (Y page 170)
R _ Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
(Y page 116)
R è ECO start/stop function (Y page 135)
R ë HOLD function (Y page 172)
R a Steering Pilot and Stop&Go Pilot
(Y page 161)
R 120 km/h! 120 km/h! Maximum permissible speed
exceeded (only for certain countries) Displays and operation
201On-board computer and displays Z