2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER tow

Index....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual..................23
Introduction .......................................... .23
Operation ............................................... 23
Introduction ......................................... 24
Protecting the environment ...................2 4
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .24
Operator's Manual ................................. 25
Service and vehicle operation ................2 5
Operating safety .................................... 27
QR codes for the rescue card ................2 9
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 29
Information on copyright ....................... 31
At a glance ........................................... 32
Cockpit .................................................. 32
Instrument cluster ................................. 33
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 34
Center console ...................................... 35
Overhead control panel .........................3 8
Door control panel ................................. 39
Safety ................................................... 40
Panic alarm ............................................ 40
Occupant safety .................................... 40
Children in the vehicle ........................... 56
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 59
Driving safety systems ........................... 59
Protection against theft .........................7 1
Opening and closing...........................73
SmartKey ............................................... 73
Doors ..................................................... 78
Trunk ..................................................... 80
Side windows ......................................... 85
Roof .......................................................8 9
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors....95
Correct driver's seat position ................9 5
Seats ..................................................... 95
Steering wheel ..................................... 100
Mirrors ................................................. 102 Memory function ................................. 105
Lights and windshield wipers
..........106
Exterior lighting ................................... 106
Interior lighting .................................... 109
Replacing bulbs ................................... 110
Windshield wipers ................................ 110
Climate control ................................. 113
Overview of climate control systems ... 113
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 115
Setting the air vents ............................ 119
Driving and parking ..........................121
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 121
Driving ................................................. 121
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ......... 128
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .................... 129
Automatic transmission ....................... 130
Refueling ............................................. 140
Parking ................................................ 142
Driving tips .......................................... 144
Driving systems ................................... 149
On-board computer and displays ....185
Important safety notes ........................ 185
Displays and operation ........................ 185
Menus and submenus ......................... 188
Display messages ............................... 200
Warning and indicator lamps .............. 227
Multimedia system ...........................236
General notes ...................................... 236
Important safety notes ........................ 236
Function restrictions ............................ 236
Operating system ................................ 237
Stowage and features ......................242
Stowage areas ..................................... 242
Features .............................................. 245
2Contents

Maintenance and care......................258
Engine compartment ........................... 258
Overview of the engine compartment .. 261
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 262
Care ..................................................... 263
Breakdown assistance .....................269
Where will I find...? .............................. 269
Flat tire ................................................ 271
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 275
Jump-starting ....................................... 278
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 280
Fuses ...................................................2 82
Wheels and tires............................... 285
Important safety notes ........................ 285
Operation ............................................ 285
Winter operation .................................. 287
Tire pressure ....................................... 288
Loading the vehicle .............................. 295
All about wheels and tires ................... 297
Changing a wheel ................................ 303
Wheel and tire combinations ...............3 08
Technical data................................... 310
Information regarding technical data ... 310
Vehicle electronics .............................. 310
Identification plates .............................3 11
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 312
Vehicle data ......................................... 317
Contents3

Engaging neutral ............................ 132
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 132
Engaging reverse gear ................... 132
Engaging the park position ............ 131
Gearshift recommendation ............ 138
Kickdown ....................................... 134
Manual shifting .............................. 136
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 197
Overview ........................................ 130
Problem (malfunction) ................... 139
Pulling away ................................... 124
Selector lever ................................ 130
Starting the engine ........................ 124
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 136
Transmission position display ........ 131
Transmission positions .................. 133
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 139
B
Back button ....................................... 237
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 60
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 76
Important safety notes .................... 75
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 277
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety notes .................. 275
Jump starting ................................. 278
Overview ........................................ 275
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 240
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Telephony ...................................... 239
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System) Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 315
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 65
Display message ............................ 212
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
BAS .................................................. 60
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 315
Display message ............................ 201
EBD .................................................. 69
High-performance brake system .... 148
Important safety notes .................. 146
Maintenance .................................. 147
Parking brake ................................ 142
Riding tips ...................................... 146
Warning lamp ................................. 228
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Breakdown assistance
Reflective safety jacket .................. 269
Where will I find...? ........................ 269
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 33
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 263
6Index

EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)Display message ............................ 203
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes ............................ .145
On-board computer ....................... 188
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 126
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 125
Deactivating/activating ................. 126
General information ....................... 125
Important safety notes .................. 125
Introduction ................................... 125
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 56
Emergency release
Driver's door ....................................8 0
Trunk ............................................... 85
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 53
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....2 5
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp .......... .232
Display message ............................ 213
ECO start/stop function ................ 125
Engine number ............................... 312
Irregular running ............................ 127
Jump-starting ................................. 278
Starting problems .......................... 127
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 124
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 124
Switching off .................................. 142
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 282
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 310
Problem (malfunction) ................... 127
Engine oil
Adding ...........................................2 59
Additives ........................................ 315
C

hecking the oil level ..................... 259 Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 259
Display message ............................ 214
Filling capacity ............................... 315
General notes ................................ 314
Notes about oil grades ................... 314
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 259
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ...............1
97
Entering an address
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 36
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 198
Characteristics ................................. 66
Deactivating/activating (button
in Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............. 67
Deactivating/activating (except
Mercedes‑ AMG vehicles) ................. 66
Display message ............................ 201
Function/notes ................................ 65
General notes .................................. 65
Important safety information ........... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 229
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 65
Exhaust check ................................... 145
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................2 68
Exterior lighting
Setting options .............................. 106
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 102
Dipping (automatic) ....................... 103
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 197
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 103
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 103
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 105
Storing the parking position .......... 104
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 243
10Index

Overview .......................................... 73
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 122
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 77
Starting the engine ........................ 124
SMS
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Snow chains ...................................... 287
Sockets
Front-passenger footwell ............... 248
General notes ................................ 247
Trunk ............................................. 248
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 237
Special seat belt retractor .................. 57
Specialist workshop ............................28
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 189
In the Instrument cluster ................. 33
Segments ...................................... 185
Selecting the display unit ............... 194
SPORT handling mode
Deactivating/activating
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ................6 7
Warning lamp ................................. 231
Standing lamps
Display message ............................2 12
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 123
STEER CONTROL .................................. 71
Steering
Display message ............................ 224
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot
(DISTRONIC PLUS)
Activating/deactivating ................. 193
Steering assistant STEER CON-
TROL
see STEER CONTROL
Steering Pilot and Stop&Go Pilot
Display message ............................ 220
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 101
Button overview ............................... 34 Buttons (on-board computer)
......... 186
Important sa
fety notes .................. 100
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 105
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........136
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 198
Stowage areas ................................... 242
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) .............................2 42
Center console .............................. 243
Center console (rear) ..................... 243
Cup holders ................................... 245
Eyeglasses compartment ...............2 43
Glove box ....................................... 242
Important safety information ......... 242
Rear ............................................... 244
Stowage net ................................... 244
Stowage net ....................................... 244
Stowage space
Umbrella holder .............................2 43
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 245
Summer tires ..................................... 287
Sun visor ............................................ 246
Surround lighting (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................1 95
Suspension settings
Active Body Control (ABC) (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ...............1 64
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 166
Suspension tuning
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ...............1 98
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 118
Switching on media mode
Via the device list .......................... 241
T
Tachometer ........................................ 185
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 212
see Lights
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 33
18Index

Load index .....................................300
Load index (definition) ................... 302
M+S tires ....................................... 287
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 303
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 302
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................3 03
Maximum tire load ......................... 301
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 303
MOExtended tires .......................... 287
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 303
Overview ........................................ 285
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................3 03
Replacing ....................................... 304
Service life ..................................... 286
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 303
Speed rating (definition) ................ 302
Storing ...........................................3 04
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 302
Summer tires ................................. 287
Temperature .................................. 298
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 303
Tire bead (definition) ......................3 03
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 303
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 302
Tire size (data) ............................... 308
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 298
Tire tread ....................................... 286
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 303
Total load limit (definition) ............. 303
Traction ......................................... 297
Traction (definition) ....................... 303
Tread wear ..................................... 297
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 297
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 302
Wear indi
cator (definition) ............. 303
Wheel and tire combination ........... 308
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 302
see Flat tire Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 282
Important safety notes .................. 280
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 280
Installing the towing eye ................ 281
Removing the towing eye ............... 281
Transporting the vehicle ................ 282
With both axles on the ground ....... 281
With the rear axle raised ................ 282
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 216
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 130
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 131
Transporting the vehicle .................. 282
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 188
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 188
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 189
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 80
Locking separately ........................... 84
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 84
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 82
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 82
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 81
Overview .......................................... 80
Power closing .................................. 80
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 224
Opening dimensions ...................... 317
Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 224
General notes .................................. 91
Installing .......................................... 91
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Removing ......................................... 91
20Index

Turn signalsDisplay message ............................ 212
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 310
Installation ..................................... 310
Transmission output (maximum) .... 310
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Umbrella holder ................................. 243
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 197
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ...............................................2 41
V
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 222
Electronics ..................................... 310
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 194
Limited Warranty .............................2 9
Loading .......................................... 295
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 80
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 308
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 144
Pulling away ................................... 124
Raising ........................................... 305
Reporting problems ......................... 28
Securing from rolling away ............ 305
Tow-starting ................................... 280
Towing away .................................. 280
Transporting .................................. 282
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 80
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 73
Vehicle data ................................... 317 Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 317
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 317
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 80
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 311
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (ABC) (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 163
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 165
Display message ............................ 215
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 270
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 191
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
VIN
Seat ............................................... 312
Type plate ...................................... 311W
Warning and indicator lampsABS ................................................ 229
Active Brake Assist ........................ 234
Brake Assist ................................... 234
Brakes ........................................... 228
Check Engine ................................. 232
Coolant .......................................... 232
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC ............. 234
Distance warning ........................... 234
ESP
®.............................................. 229
ESP®OFF ....................................... 230
Fuel tank ........................................ 232
General notes ................................ 227
Parking brake ................................ 231
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 41
Reserve fuel ................................... 232
Restraint system ............................ 231
Seat belt ........................................ 227
SPORT handling mode ................... 231
Tire pressure monitor .................... 235
Warning triangle ................................ 269
Warranty .............................................. 25
Index21

Diagnostics connection
The diagnosticsconnection is only intended fo r
th econnection of diagnostic equipmen tat a
qualified specialis tworkshop .
GWARNING
If you connec tequipmen tto adiagnostic s
connection in th evehicle, it may affec tth e
operation of vehicle systems .As aresult ,th e
operatin gsafet yof th evehicle could be affec -
ted. There is aris kof an accident.
Only connec tequipmen tto adiagnostic scon-
nection in th evehicle, whic his approved fo r
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
GWARNING
Objects in th edriver's footwell may restric t
th eclearanc earound th epedals or bloc k a
depressed pedal. Thi sjeopardizes th eoper-
atin gand road safet yof th evehicle. There is a
ris kof an accident.
Stow all objects securely in th evehicle so that
they do no tget into th edriver's footwell.
Whe nusin gfloormat sor carpets, mak esur e
that they are properly secure dso that they do
no tslip or obstruct th epedals. Do no tplac e
severa lfloormat sor carpet son to pof on e
another.
!If th eengin eis switched of fand equipmen t
on th ediagnostic sconnection is used ,th e
starter battery may discharge.
Connectin gequipmen tto th ediagnostic scon-
nection can lead to emission smonitorin ginfor-
mation bein greset ,fo rexample. Thi smay lead
to th evehicle failin gto mee tth erequirements of
th enext emission stest durin gth emain inspec-
tion .
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Ben zCente ris aquali-
fie dspecialis tworkshop .It has th enecessary
specialis tknowledge ,tools and qualification sto
correctl ycarry out th ewor krequire don your
vehicle. Thi sis especially th ecas efo rwor krel -
evant to safety.
Observ eth enote sin th eMaintenance Booklet .Always hav
eth efollowin gwor kcarrie dout at an
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter:
Rwor krelevant to safet y
Rserviceand maintenance wor k
Rrepair work
Ralterations, installation wor kand modifica-
tion s
Rworkon electronic component s
Correct use
If you remov eany warnin gstickers ,you or oth-
ers could fail to recogniz ecertain dangers.
Leave warnin gstickers in position .
Observ eth efollowin ginformation when drivin g
your vehicle:
Rth esafet ynote sin this manual
Rtechnical dat afo rth evehicle
Rtraffic rule sand regulation s
Rlaws and safetystandard spertainin gto moto r
vehicles
Problem swit hyou rvehicle
If you should experience aproblem wit hyour
vehicle, particularly on ethat you believe may
affec tit s saf eoperation ,we urg eyou to contact
an authorized Mercedes-Ben zCente rimmedi-
ately to hav eth eproblem diagnosed and recti -
fied. If th eproblem is no tresolved to your sat -
isfaction ,please discus sth eproblem again wit h
an authorized Mercedes-Ben zCente ror ,if nec-
essary, contact us at on eof th efollowin g
addresses.
In th eUSA
Customer Assistanc eCente r
Mercedes-Ben zUSA, LL C
3 Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canad a
Customer Relation sDepartmen t
Mercedes-Ben zCanada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoo fAvenue
Toronto ,Ontario M4 G4C9
Reporting safet ydefect s
USAonly:
28Operating safety
Introduction