2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER engine

GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®in the follow-
ing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting action
which provides better grip.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if
the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo deactivate: press button:.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo activate: press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle. If you deactivate ESP
®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin
Rtraction control is still activated
RActive Brake Assist is no longer available; nor
is it activated if you brake firmly with assis-
tance from ESP
®
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®inter-
venes
RActive Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
is no longer available; nor is it activated if you
brake firmly with assistance from ESP
®
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly
Deactivating/activating ESP®
(Mercedes‑AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 60).
You can select between the following states of
ESP
®:
RESP®is activated
RSPORT handling mode is activated
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit-
uations described in the following.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
Driving safety systems67
Safety
Z

In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP
®:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Ron specially designated roads when the vehi-
cle's own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting action
which provides better grip.
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP
®requires an extremely qualified and expe-
rienced driver.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if
the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up. The
SPORT Handling Mode
message appears in
the multifunction display.
XTo deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
XTo deactivate ESP®: press button :until
the å ESP®OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷ OFF
message appears in the multi-
function display.
XTo activate ESP®: briefly press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ESP®
ONmessage appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
Characteristics of activated SPORT han-
dling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one or
more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®warn-
ing lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. ESP®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a limi-
ted degree
Rtraction control is still activated
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin
Rtraction control is still activated
RActive Brake Assist is no longer available; nor
is it activated if you brake firmly with assis-
tance from ESP
®
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®inter-
venes
RActive Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is no longer available; nor is it activated if you
brake firmly with assistance from ESP
®
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly
68Driving safety systems
Safety

XBrake immediately to defuse the situation.
or
XTake evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
can also brake the vehicle automatically under
the following conditions:
Rthe driver and front-passenger have their seat
belts fastened
and
Rthe vehicle speed is between approximately
4 mph (7 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h)
Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph
(70 km/h), Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function may react to:
Rstationary objects in the path of your vehicle,
e.g. stopped or parked vehicles
Rpedestrians in the path of your vehicle
iIf there is an increased risk of a collision,
preventive passenger protection measures
(PRE-SAFE
®) are triggered (Ypage 55).
If the risk of collision with the vehicle in front
remains and you do not brake, take evasive
action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle
may perform automatic emergency braking, up
to the point of full brake application. Automatic emergency braking is not performed until imme-
diately prior to an imminent accident.
You can prevent the intervention of Active Brake
Assist with cross-traffic function at any time by:
Rdepressing the accelerator pedal further
Ractivating kickdown
Rreleasing the brake pedal.
The braking application of Active Brake Assist
with cross-traffic function is ended automati-
cally if:
Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision
Ran obstacle is no longer detected in front of
your vehicle.
STEER CONTROL
General information
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering wheel
in the direction required for vehicle stabilization. This steering assistance is provided in particular
if:
Rboth right wheels or both left wheels are on a
wet or slippery road surface when you brake
Rthe vehicle starts to skid
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 60).
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if:
RESP®is deactivated
RESP®is malfunctioning
Rthe steering is faulty
If ESP®is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the sys- tem is not operational. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Protection against theft71
Safety
Z

SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in
the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies to mobile phones if the "Digital
Car Key in smartphone" function is activated
via the Mercedes me connect web app.
GWARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
!Keep the SmartKey away from strong mag-
netic fields. Otherwise, the remote control
function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the vicin-
ity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the SmartKey:
Rwith electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
Rwith metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil
Rinside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
This can affect the functionality of the Smart- Key.
SmartKey functions
:& Locks the vehicle
;FOpens/closes the trunk lid
=%Unlocks the vehicle
XTo unlock centrally: press the%button.
If you do not open the vehicle within approx-
imately 40 seconds of unlocking:
Rthe vehicle is locked again.
Ranti-theft protection is reactivated.
XTo lock centrally: press the&button.
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
Rthe doors
Rthe trunk lid
Rthe glove box
Rthe stowage compartment under the armrest
Rthe stowage compartment in the rear com-
partment
Rthe fuel filler flap
The turn signals flash once when unlocking and
three times when locking.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer (
Ypage 196).
When it is dark, the surround lighting also comes
on if it is activated in the on-board computer
(
Ypage 195).
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a KEY-
LESS-GO key in the vehicle (
Ypage 124).
SmartKey73
Opening and closing
Z

Locking/unlocking centrally
You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry the
SmartKey with you. You can combine the func-
tions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a conven-
tional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle by using
KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it using the
&button on the SmartKey.
The driver's door and the door at which the han-
dle is used, must both be closed. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle. When locking or
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO, the distance
between the key and the corresponding door
handle must not be greater than 3 ft (1 m).
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. This occurs, for example:
Rwhen starting the engine
Rwhile driving
Rwhen using HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Rwhen the external door handles are touched
XTo unlock the vehicle: touch the inner sur-
face of the door handle.
XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor surface :
or ;.
Make sure that you do not touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
XConvenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an extended
period.
Further information on the convenience clos-
ing feature (
Ypage 87).
Deactivating and activating
If you do not intend to use a SmartKey for an
extended period of time, you can deactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function of the key. The SmartKey will then use very little power, thereby conserv-
ing battery power. For the purposes of activa-
tion/deactivation, the vehicle must not be
nearby.
XTo deactivate: press the&button on the
SmartKey twice in rapid succession.
The battery check lamp (
Ypage 76) of the
SmartKey flashes twice briefly and lights up
once, then KEYLESS-GO is deactivated.
XTo activate: press any button on the Smart-
Key.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated features
are available again.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking sys-
tem. This means only the driver's door, the lock-
able stowage compartments in the vehicle inte-
rior and the fuel filler flap are unlocked when the
vehicle is unlocked. This is useful if you fre-
quently travel alone.
XTo change the setting: press and hold down
the % and& buttons simultaneously
for about six seconds until the battery indica-
tor lamp (
Ypage 76) flashes twice.
If the setting of the locking system is changed
within the signal range of the vehicle, pressing
the & or% button:
Rlocks or
Runlocks the vehicle
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock: press the%button once.
XTo unlock centrally: press the%button
twice.
XTo lock centrally: press the&button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as fol-
lows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: touch the inner
surface of the door handle on the driver's
door.
XTo unlock centrally: touch the inner surface
of the driver or front-passenger door handle.
XTo lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles.
74SmartKey
Opening and closing

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine cannot be
started using the Smart-
Key.The on-board voltage is too low.
XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary (Ypage 277).
or
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 278).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle.The vehicle is locked.
XUnlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again.
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XCheck the SmartKey battery (Ypage 76) and replace it if necessary
(Ypage 76).
If this does not work:
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You have lost a Smart-
Key.XHave the SmartKey deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
You have lost the
mechanical key.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
The side windows cannot
be opened or closed
using the convenience
opening/closing fea-
ture.The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XCheck the SmartKey battery (Ypage 76) and replace it if necessary
(Ypage 76).
Doors
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in
the vehicle.
78Doors
Opening and closing

vehicle in the detection range of KEYLESS-
GO.
RWhen making the kicking movement, make
sure that you are standing firmly on the
ground and that there is sufficient clearance
to the rear of the vehicle. You could otherwise
lose your balance, for example on ice.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle exhaust system can become very
hot. If you use HANDS-FREE ACCESS, you
could burn yourself by touching the exhaust
system. There is a risk of injury. Always
ensure that you make the kicking movement
only within the detection range of the sensors.
!If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk lid:
Rwhen using an automatic car wash
Rwhen using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the vehicle.
RAlways ensure that you make the kicking
movement only within the detection range of
sensors :.
RStand at least 12 in (30 cm) away from the
rear area while doing so.
RDo not come into contact with the bumper
while making the kicking movement. Other-
wise, the sensors may not function correctly.
RHANDS-FREE ACCESS does not function dur-
ing engine start.
RDirt caused by road salt and snow build-up
around sensors :may restrict functionality.
RUsing the HANDS-FREE ACCESS with a pros-
thetic leg may restrict functionality.
RIf a KEYLESS-GO key is at the rear of the vehi-
cle in the detection range of KEYLESS-GO,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS could be triggered.
The trunk lid could thus be opened or closed
unintentionally, for example, if you:
-sit on the edge of the trunk.
-set something down or lift something up
behind the vehicle.
-polish the rear of the vehicle.
Do not carry the KEYLESS-GO key about your
person in these situations or in situations sim-
ilar to these. This will prevent the uninten-
tional opening/closing of the trunk lid.
Operation
XTo open/close: kick your foot into sensor
detection zone :below the bumper.
A warning tone will sound while the trunk lid is
opening or closing.
XIf the trunk lid does not open after several
attempts: wait at least ten seconds then
move your leg under the bumper once again.
If you hold your foot under the bumper for too
long, the trunk lid does not open or close.
Repeat the leg movement more quickly if this
occurs.
To stop the opening or closing procedure, you
have the following options:
Rkick with your foot into sensor detection
range :under the bumper
RPull the handle on the outside of the trunk lid.
RPress the closing button on the trunk lid.
RPull or press the remote operating switch on
the driver's door.
RPress the Fbutton on the SmartKey.
Trunk83
Opening and closing
Z

GWARNING
If children operate the side windows they
could become trapped, particularly if they are left unsupervised. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
Side window reversing feature
The front side windows are equipped with an
automatic reversing feature. If a solid object
blocks or restricts the upward movement of one
of the front side windows during the closing
process, the side window opens again automat-
ically. During the manual closing process, the
side window only opens again automatically
after the corresponding switch is released. How-
ever, the automatic reversing feature is only an
aid and does not relieve you of the responsibility
of paying attention when closing a side window.
GWARNING
The reversing feature does not react:
Rto soft, light and thin objects, e.g. small fin-
gers
Rover the last 1/6 in(4 mm) of the closing
movement
Rduring resetting
Rwhen closing the side window again man-
ually immediately after automatic reversing
This means that the reversing feature cannot
prevent someone being trapped in these sit-
uations. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure. If
someone becomes trapped, press the switch
to open the side window again.
Opening and closing the side win-
dows
Opening and closing the side windows
in the front
The switches for the side windows are located
on the driver's door. There is also a switch for the front-passenger side window on the front-
passenger door.
The switches on the driver's door take prece-
dence.
:Left
;Right
XTurn the SmartKey to position
1or2 in the
ignition lock.
XTo open manually: press and hold the cor-
responding switch.
XTo open fully: press the switch beyond the
pressure point and release it.
Automatic operation is started.
XTo close manually: pull the corresponding
switch and hold it.
XTo close fully: pull the switch beyond the
pressure point and release it.
Automatic operation is started.
XTo interrupt automatic operation: press or
pull the corresponding switch again.
You can continue to operate the side windows
after you switch off the engine. This function is
available for up to five minutes or until the driv-
er's or front-passenger door is opened.
Opening/closing the rear side windows
XTo open: open the front side window on the
corresponding side (Ypage 86).
XPress the corresponding switch again and
release.
The corresponding rear side window opens
fully.
XTo stop the rear side windows: briefly pull
the corresponding switch up and release.
86Side windows
Opening and closing