2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER towing

Index
....................................................... 3Digital Owner's Manual
......................22 Introduction
......................................... 23 At a glance
........................................... 30 Safety
................................................... 39 Opening and closing
...........................77 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..101 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........113 Climate control
................................. 122 Driving and parking
..........................131 On-board computer and displays
....199 Multimedia system
...........................253 Stowing and features
.......................262 Maintenance and care
......................276 Breakdown assistance
.....................287 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 304 Technical data
................................... 3202
Contents

Brake
EBD .................................................. 71
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
Function/note s................................ 63
Important safety notes .................... 63
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 221
Notes ............................................. 325
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 67
Display message ............................ 228
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 62
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 66
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 63
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 325
Display message ............................ 217
Driving tips .................................... 157
High-performance brake system .... 158
Important safety notes .................. 157
Parking brake ................................ 154
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 287
see Flat tyre
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 32 C
Calling up a fault see Display messages
Capacities (technical data) ............... 322
Car
see Vehicle
Car wash (care) ................................. 282
Care
Automatic car wash ....................... 282
Exhaust pipe .................................. 285 Exterior lighting ............................. 285
High-pressure cleaner .................... 283
Matt paintwork .............................. 283
Note s............................................. 281
Paint .............................................. 283
Reversing camera .......................... 285
Sensors ......................................... 285
Washing by hand ........................... 282
Wheels ........................................... 284
Windows ........................................ 284
Wiper blades .................................. 284
CD
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 253
CD player (on-board computer) ........ 205
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 211
Locking/unlocking (key) .................. 77
Centre console
Lower section .................................. 35
Lower section (AMG vehicles) .......... 36
Upper section .................................. 34
Child
Restraint system .............................. 55
Child seat
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 57
ISOFIX .............................................. 56
On the front-passenger seat ............ 56
Rearward-facing restraint system .... 57
Recommendations ........................... 60
Suitable positions ............................ 58
Cigarette lighter ................................ 268
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal ........................... 285
Climate control
Controlling automaticall y............... 125
Convenience opening/closing
(air-recirculation mode) ................. 128
Cooling with air dehumidification .. 124
Demisting the windows .................. 127
Demisting the windscreen ............. 126
Indicator lamp ................................ 125
Information on using
THERMOTRONIC automatic cli-
mate control .................................. 123
Overview of systems ...................... 122
Problem with the rear window
heating .......................................... 128 6
Index

Introduction ................................... 257
Saving/deleting the PIN for the
SIM card ........................................ 259
Settings .........................................2 59
SIM card mode .............................. 258
Text messages ............................... 260
Transferring the phone book .......... 259
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 200
Coolant (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .213
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .213
Outside temperature ..................... .199
Setting (climate control) ................ 125
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 213
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................ .159
Text messages
Telephone module with Blue-
tooth ®
(SAP profile) ....................... 260
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 213
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 290
Declaration of conformity ................ 26
Important safety notes .................. 290
Storage location ............................ 288
Tyre pressure not reached ............. 291
Tyre pressure reached ................... 292
Total distance recorder .................... 202
Tow-away protection
Activating ......................................... 75
Deactivating ..................................... 75
Function .......................................... .75
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 301
Important safety notes .................. 298
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 298
Transporting the vehicle ................ 300
With the rear axle raised ................ 300
Towing away
Fitting the towing ey e.................... 299
Removing the towing eye ............... 299
With both axles on the ground ....... 300 Traffic Sign Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-ing function .................................... 207
Display message ............................ 232
Function/note s............................. 191
Important safety notes .................. 192
Instrument cluster display ............. 192
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 141
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 142
Transporting the vehicle .................. 300
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 202
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 202
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 203
Turn signals
Switching on/of f........................... 115
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 205
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 320
Installation ..................................... 320
Transmission output (maximum) .... 320
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre changing tool kit ....................... 288
Tyre inflation compressor
see TIREFIT kit
Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 309
Display message ............................ 237
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 291
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 292
Recommended ............................... 307
Tyre pressure loss warning
General notes ................................ 308
Important safety notes .................. 309
Restarting ...................................... 309
Tyre pressure monitor
Checking the tyre pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 310
Function/note s............................. 309
General notes ................................ 309
Important safety notes .................. 310 Index
19

Radio type approval for the tyre
pressure monitor ..........................
.311
Restarting ...................................... 311
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Warning message .......................... 311
Tyres
Changing a wheel .......................... 312
Checking ........................................ 304
Direction of rotatio n...................... 312
Display message ............................ 237
Important safety notes .................. 304
Information on driving .................... 304
M+S tyres ...................................... 306
MOExtended tyre s......................... 306
Overview ........................................ 304
Replacing ....................................... 312
Service life ..................................... 305
Storing ........................................... 313
Summer tyres ................................ 306
Tyre size (data ).............................. 317
Tyre tread ...................................... 305
Wheel and tyre combinations ........ 317
see Flat tyre U
Umbrella holder ................................. 263
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 84
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 83
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 213
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ............................................... 261 V
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 239
Electronics ..................................... 320
Equipment ....................................... 24
Implied warranty .............................. 28
Individual settings .......................... 208
Leaving parked up ......................... 155
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 84 Locking (key) ................................... 77
Lowering ........................................ 316
Pulling away ................................... 134
Raising ........................................... 313
Registration ..................................... 27
Securing from rolling away ............ 313
Tow-starting ................................... 298
Towing away .................................. 298
Transporting .................................. 300
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 84
Unlocking (key) ................................ 77
Vehicle data ................................... 327
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 327
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 327
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 321
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (ABC) (exceptMercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 175
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 178
Display message ............................ 231
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 288
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 205
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 253
VIN
Seat ............................................... 322
Type plate ...................................... 321 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 246
Active Brake Assist ........................ 251
Brake Assist ................................... 251
Brakes ........................................... 245
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 251
Distance warning signal ................. 251
ESP ®
.............................................. 246
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 247
Fuel tank ........................................ 249
General notes ................................ 244
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 160 20
Index

G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is placed in direct sunlight, the parts could become very hot.
Children could be suffer burns by touching
these parts, in particular on the metallic parts
of the child restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you and your child leave the vehicle, always
make sure that the child restraint system is
not in direct sunlight. Cover it with a blanket, for example. If the child restraint system has
been exposed to direct sunlight, leave it to
cool down before securing the child in it.
Never leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sitting
properly. Particular attention must be paid to
children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 41) and the information on the correct
use of the seat belt (Y page 42).Child restraint system
Observe the instructions for correct use of the
child restraint system (Y page 58).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use a child restraint system recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 60). G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is incorrectly fit-
ted on the seat position suitable for this pur-
pose, it cannot perform its intended protec-
tive function. In the event of an accident,
sharp braking or a sudden change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions and the correct use for the child
restraint system. Make sure that the entire
surface of the child restraint system is resting
on the seat surface. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system,
e.g. cushions. Only use child restraint sys- tems with the original cover designed for
them. Only replace damaged covers with gen-
uine covers. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is fitted incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik- ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always fit child restraint systems properly,
even if they are not being used. Make sure
that you observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on stowing objects, luggage and loads securely can be found under "Stowing
options/stowage compartments"
(Y page 262). G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems that have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident cannot perform their
intended protective function. In the event of
an accident, sharp braking or a sudden
change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an increased risk of serious
or even fatal injuries.
Immediately replace child restraint systems
that have been damaged or subjected to a
load in an accident. Have the child restraint
securing systems checked in a qualified spe-
cialist workshop before fitting a child restraint
system again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are:
R the seat belt system
R the ISOFIX securing rings
If you fit a child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, always observe the information
on "Child restraint systems on the front-
passenger seat" (Y page 56). There you will
also find information on disabling the front-
passenger front airbag. Children in the vehicle
55Safety Z

Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving conditions
may also cause Brake Assist to intervene.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full brake
boosting effect and BAS. Adaptive brake lights
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 62).
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than
50 km/h or if braking is assisted by BAS or
Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Assist, the brake lamps flash rapidly. In this way, traffic travelling
behind you is warned in an even more noticeable
manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than
70 km/h to a standstill, the hazard warning
lamps are activated automatically. If the brakes
are applied again, the brake lamps light up con- tinuously. The hazard warning lamps switch off
automatically if you travel faster than 10 km/h. You can also switch off the hazard warning
lamps using the hazard warning button
(Y page 115). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 62).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction, i.e.
power transmission between the tyres and the
road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating from
the direction desired by the driver, one or more wheels are braked to stabilise the vehicle. The
engine output is also modified to keep the vehi-cle on the desired course within physical limits.
ESP ®
assists the driver when pulling away on
wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilise
the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 62). ETS traction control is part of ESP
®
.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if they
spin. This enables you to pull away and acceler- ate on slippery surfaces, e.g. if the road surface
is slippery on one side. In addition, more drive
torque is transferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate ESP ®
.
i Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
your vehicle may
be equipped with 20-inch tyres on the rear
axle. If replaced with 19-inch tyres, ETS may
intervene noticeably sooner for the first few
kilometres. After approximately 10 km ETS
will function as usual again. Information on
the dimensions and types of wheels and tyres
for your vehicle can be found under "Wheel/
tyre combinations" (Y page 317).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When towing away your vehicle with the rear
axle raised, observe the notes on ESP ®
(Y page 300).
If the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp lights up
continuously, then ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the å
ESP ®
OFF warning lamp are lit continuously,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 246) and display messages which may
be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 217).
i Only use wheels with the recommended tyre
sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® General notes
If the ÷ ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active. Driving safety systems
67Safety Z

Engaging park position P automatically
Park position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the key and
remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the key or
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving at a very low speed
and the transmission is in position Dor R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position Pif the HOLD function or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC is activated. Observe the informa-
tion on the HOLD function (Y page 173) and on
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Y page 165).
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Push the selector lever forwards past the first
point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
(Y page 135).
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they can:
R open doors and endanger other persons or
road users
R climb out and be injured by the traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and, for exam-
ple, trap themselves.
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.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the selector lever forwards or back to
the first point of resistance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the key: if you then open the driver's door
or the front-passenger door or remove the key
from the ignition, the automatic transmission
shifts to Pautomatically.
With KEYLESS-GO: if you then open the driver's
or front-passenger door, the automatic trans-
mission shifts to P.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
X All vehicles: switch the ignition on.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the selector lever back past the first
point of resistance. Automatic transmission
143Driving and parking Z

Distance Pilot DISTRONIC operates in the range
between 0 km/h and 200 km/h.
Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC while driv-
ing on roads with steep gradients.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC does not recognise
R people or animals
R stationary objects on the road, e.g. stopped
or parked vehicles
R oncoming vehicles or crossing traffic
As a result, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may
neither give warnings nor intervene in such
situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. G
WARNING
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot always
clearly identify other road users and complex
traffic situations.
In such cases, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
R accelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, especially if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
warns you. G
WARNING
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum possible
deceleration. If this deceleration is not suffi-
cient, Distance Pilot DISTRONIC alerts you
with a visual and acoustic warning. There is a
risk of an accident.
Apply the brakes yourself in these situations
and try to take evasive action.
! When Distance Pilot DISTRONIC or the
HOLD function is activated, the vehicle
brakes automatically in certain situations. To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC and the HOLD
function in the following or similar situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, Distance
Pilot DISTRONIC can neither reduce the risk of
an accident nor override the laws of physics.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions. Dis-
tance Pilot DISTRONIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time
and for staying in lane.
Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on smooth or slippery roads. Braking or accel-
erating can cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
R when visibility is poor, e.g. due to fog, heavy
rain or snow
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC may not detect nar-
row vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired in the case of:
R dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections, for
example, in multi-storey car parks
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC no longer detects a vehicle in front, it may unexpectedly accelerate
to the speed stored.
This speed can:
R be too high for a filter lane or a slip road
R be so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the left
R be so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored. 162
Driving systemsDriving an
d parking