2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER suspension

RACE START Canceledmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE
STARTActivemessage appears in
the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Can-
ada: 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‐
sible See Operator's ManualorRACESTART Canceledmessage appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available again
after the vehicle has been driven a certain
distance.
Adaptive damping system
General notes
A suspension with the adaptive damping system
provides improved driving comfort and contin-
uously controls the calibration of the dampers.
The damping characteristics adapt to the cur-
rent operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface conditions
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 128).
Selecting the Comfort or Economy drive
programs
In the Comfort andEconomy drive programs,
the driving characteristics of your vehicle are
more comfortable. Select one of these drive
programs if you favor a more comfortable driv-
ing style. Also select these drive programs when
driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight
stretches of highway.
In urban traffic and stop-start traffic, drive pro-
gram Cis recommended.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :repeat-
edly until the ComfortorEconomy drive pro-
gram is selected.
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport drive program ensures even better
contact with the road. Select this drive program
when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :as many
times as necessary until the Sportdrive pro-
gram is selected.
Selecting Sport Plus mode
The firmer suspension settings in the Sport
Plus drive program ensure even better contact
with the road. Select this mode when employing
a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads or, ideally, when driving on closed race
circuits.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :repeat-
edly until the Sport Plusdrive program is
selected.
162Driving systems
Driving and parking

Activating the driving dynamics display
Using thedrivin gdynamic sdisplay in th emulti-
media system display, you can see th edrive
program you selected as well as additional infor-
mation on th evehicle's operating state .
XSwitchon th emultimedia system. Further
information can be foun din th eDigital Oper -
ator' sManual.
XPress butto n:.
The drivin gdynamic sdisplay appear sin th e
multimedia system display.
The followin ginformation on th evehicle's oper -
ating status is displayed in th edrivin gdynamic s
display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 128)
RAcceleratorpedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RDampingsetting selected
RG-FORCE cross displayin glongitudinal and
lateral acceleration (only available in Sportor
Sport Plu sdrive programs)
Active Body Control ABC (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Setting the vehicle level
Genera lnotes
The vehicl elevel can be set usin gth eDYNAMIC
SELECT butto n (Ypage 128) or th elevel button.
The setting always correspond sto th elast
selected function .
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve th edrivin gdynamics, th evehicl eis low-
ere das it sspee dincreases. In th eSport and
Sport Plu sdrive programs, it is lowered by up to 0.
5in (13 mm )compared to th enormal vehicl e
level. In th eComfor tand CURVE drive pro -
grams, it is lowered by up to 0. 2in (5 mm )com-
pare dto the norm al vehicle level. As the speed
is reduced, the vehicle is raised up to the set
vehicle height.
Select the normal level for normal road surfaces
and the raised level for driving with snow chains
or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle is slightly lowered if you:
Rhave selected the SPORT suspension tun-
ing at normal level and
Rswitch off the engine
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the underbody may thus become trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody when you switch
off the engine.
Setting raised level
XMake sure that the engine is running or that ithas been switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
XMake sure that a speed of 75 mph
(12 0km/ h)is not exceeded.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
If the engine has been switched off by the ECO
start/stop function, it is now restarted.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. The vehicle is
raised by 1.2 in (31 mm).
Driving systems163
Driving and parking
Z

Setting the normal level
XMake sure that the engine is running or that ithas been switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is lit:press button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rare driving faster than approximately 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Ror switch to the drive program while the vehi-
cle is in motion
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electro-hydraulically controlled suspension
features improved driving dynamics, driving
safety and ride comfort. You can also choose
between a sporty, a particularly sporty, a com-
fortable and a comfortable mode with curve tilt-
ing function (CURVE).
The suspension is continuously tuned to each
wheel individually and depends on:
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Rthe vehicle load
Rthe drive program selected
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, the Comfortdrive
program is activated. Further information about starting the engine (
Ypage 123).
Selecting Comfort mode
In the Comfort drive program, the driving char-
acteristics of your vehicle are more comforta- ble. Select this mode if you favor a more com-
fortable driving style.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button
:as many
times as necessary until the Comfortdrive
program is selected.
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport drive program ensures even better
contact with the road. Select this mode if you
favor a firmer suspension setting.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :as many
times as necessary until the Sportdrive pro-
gram is selected.
Selecting Sport Plus mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
the Sport Plus drive program ensures even bet-
ter contact with the road. Select this mode if you favor a firmer suspension setting.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :as many
times as necessary until the Sport Plusdrive
program is selected.
Selecting the CURVE setting
In the CURVE drive program, the curve tilting
function is activated. The vehicle inclines
inwards by up to 2.65 degrees on bends. The tilt
function and the comfort suspension tuning
increase driving comfort in corners. CURVEis
available in the speed range between 9 mph
(15 km/h) and 112 mph (180 km/h). Select this
mode on winding roads in particular. Outside
this speed range, the CURVEdrive program is
the same as the Comfortdrive program.
The curve tilting function monitors the road in
front of your vehicle by means of a camera
attached at the top of the windshield. This func-
tion is automatically active if you select the
CURVE drive program. The system is opera-
tional at speeds of up to 112 mph (180 km/h).
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT button :as many
times as necessary until the CURVEdrive
program is selected.
The system is deactivated if you select a differ-
ent drive program.
164Driving systems
Driving and parking

Setting raised level
XMake sure that the engine is running or that ithas been switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
XMake sure that a speed of 75 mph
(120 km/h) is not exceeded.
XIf symbol ;is not shown: press=
or ; on the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist
menu.
XPress the 9or: button to select
Vehicle level.
XPress the abutton.
The following message appears: :Vehicle
level Press 'OK' to Raise.
XPress the abutton.
If the engine has been switched off by the ECO
start/stop function, it is now restarted.
Symbol ;appears. The vehicle height is
adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level
XMake sure that the engine is running or that it has been switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
XIf symbol ;is shown: press=or;
on the steering wheel to select the DriveAs‐
sistmenu.
XPress the9or: button to select
Vehicle level.
XPress the abutton.
The following message appears: :Vehicle
level Press 'OK' to Lower.
XPress the abutton.
Icon ;is faded out. The vehicle is adjusted to
normal level
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rare driving faster than approximately 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Ror switch to the drive program while the vehi-
cle is in motion.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electro-hydraulically controlled suspension
features improved driving dynamics, driving
safety and ride comfort. You can also choose
between a particularly sporty or a comfortable
tuning.
The suspension is continuously tuned to each
wheel individually and depends on:
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Rthe vehicle load
Rthe drive program selected
Your selection remains saved even if you
remove the key from the ignition lock.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, the comfortable
setting is activated. For further information
about starting the engine, see (
Ypage 123).
Selecting sports tuning
166Driving systems
Driving and parking

The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode if you favor a firmer
suspension setting.
XMake sure that the engine is running or that ithas been switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is not lit:press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. Sports suspen-
sion tuning is selected.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Selecting comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics of
your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this
mode if you favor a more comfortable driving
style.
XMake sure that the engine is running or that it
has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XIf indicator lamp ;is lit:press button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. Comfortable sus-
pension tuning is selected.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemCOMFORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Activating the driving dynamics display
in the COMAND display
Using the driving dynamics display in the multi- media system display, you can see the drive
program you selected as well as additional infor-
mation on the vehicle's operating status.
XSwitch on COMAND. Further information can
be found in the Digital Operator's Manual. The following information on the vehicle's oper-
ating status is displayed in the driving dynamics
display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 129)
RAccelerator pedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RVehicle level display (Ypage 165)
RActivity of the ABC spring struts
RLevel settings animation
RG-FORCE cross to display longitudinal and lat-
eral acceleration (only available in Sport,
Sport Plus andRACE drive programs)
ROverrun mode animation
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasound. It monitors the area
around your vehicle using six sensors in the
front bumper and six sensors in the rear
bumper. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC visually
and audibly indicates the distance between your
vehicle and an object.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is
not a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking and
exiting a parking space. Make sure that there
are no persons, animals or objects in the maneu- vering area when you are maneuvering or park-
ing.
!When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such as
flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC
does not detect such objects when they are in
the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck
or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC
to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
Driving systems167
Driving and parking
Z

Engine and transmission oil temperature:
when the engine and transmission are at nor-
mal operating temperature, oil tempera-
ture?and Bare displayed in white in the
multifunction display.
If the multifunction display shows oil temper-
ature ?orB in blue, the engine or the
transmission are not yet at normal operating
temperature. Avoid driving at full engine out-
put during this time.
SETUP
:Engine mode C,S,S+or M
;Suspension setting SPORTorCOMFORT
=Transmission position D/M
?ESP®mode ( On/Off)
SETUP displays the following information, func-
tions and settings:
Rthe digital speedometer
Rthe gear indicator
Rthe engine mode
Rthe suspension mode
Rthe transmission position
Rthe ESP®(Electronic Stability Program) mode
XPress =or; on the steering wheel to
select the AMGmenu.
XPress9repeatedly until SETUP appears.
RACE TIMER
Displaying and starting RACE TIMER
The RACE TIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function on
public roads.
:Lap
;RACE TIMER
You can start the RACE TIMER when the engine
is running or if the SmartKey is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XPress the9button repeatedly until the
RACE TIMER appears.
XTo start: press the abutton to start the
RACE TIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time
XPress the =or; button to select
Interm. Time.
XPress ato confirm.
The intermediate time appears for five sec-
onds.
Starting a new lap
:RACE TIMER
;Fastest lap time (best lap)
=Lap
XPress ato confirm New Lap.
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen laps.
The 16th lap can only be completed with Fin‐
ish Lap.
198Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
4
Engine Oil LevelLow StopVehicl eTurnEngine Off
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The engin eoil level is to olow.
There is aris kof engin edamage.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XCheckth eengin eoil level (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
8
Fue lLevel Low
The fuel level has dropped int oth ereserv erange.
XRefue lat th eneares tgas station .
CThere is only aver ysmall amount of fuel in th efuel tank.
XRefue lat th eneares tgas station without fail .
8
Gas Cap Loose
The fuel filler cap is notclosed correctl yor th efuel system is leaking .
XCheckthat th efuel filler cap is correctl yclosed .
If th efuel filler cap is not correctl yclosed :
XCloseth efuel filler cap .
If th efuel filler cap is correctl yclosed :
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
ABC MalfunctionThe Active Body Control (ABC) function is restricted.
GWARNING
The vehicle's suspension setting smay be affected.
There is aris kof an accident.
XDo no tdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
ABC MalfunctionSto pVehicl eThe Active Body Control (ABC) vehicl elevel is to olow.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
Afte r afew seconds, th evehicl elevel is adjusted and th edisplay
message disappears.
Display messages21 5
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The vehicleis leaking oil.
The multifunction display continuousl yshows th edisplay message .
GWARNING
The vehicle's suspension setting smay be affected.
There is aris kof an accident.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions. Do no tcontinu edrivin g
under any circumstances.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop or breakdown servic e
immediately.
Active Body Control (ABC) is malfunctioning .
The multifunction display continuousl yshows th edisplay message .
GWARNING
The suspension setting sare thus affected.
There is aris kof an accident.
XDo no tdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XMak eonly slight steering movements. Otherwise ,th efron tfender
or th etires could be damaged if th esteering movement is to olarge.
XListe nfor scraping sounds.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
À
Attention Assist :Take a Break!
Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detecte dfatigue or
a lack of concentration on th epart of th edriver . Awarning tone also
sounds.
XIf necessary, tak e abreak.
During lon gjourneys, tak eregular breaks in goo dtime so you get
enough rest.
À
Attention AssistInoperative
ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
TrafficSignAssistCurrently Unavaila‐ble See Operator' sManual
Traffic SignAssis tis deactivated and temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
RThe windshield in th ecamera' sfield of vision is dirty.
RVisibilit yis impaire ddue to heav yrain ,snow or fog .
XClean thewindshield.
If th esystem detects that th ecamera is full yoperational, th edisplay
message disappears.
Traffic Sig nAssis tis operational again .
TrafficSignAssistInoperativeTraffic Sig nAssis tis malfunctioning .
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
216Display messages
On-board computer and displays