2018 MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER stop start

:Gear indicator
;Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XWhen the UPmessage appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles): it is only partly pos-
sible to engage the gears, or the transmission is in position i.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to shift into secondgear
and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to position hork.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: ifh is selected, the transmission shifts
to second gear ifkis selected, the transmission shifts into
reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Automatic transmission139
Driving and parking
Z

=Tire pressure table
?Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
XSwitch the engine off.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow:.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of fuel filler flap ;.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
iDo not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel
may leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
iClose the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
iIf you are driving with the fuel filler cap open,
the 8 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes.
The ; Check Engine warning lamp may
also light up. A message appears in the mul-
tifunction display (
Ypage 215).
For further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(
Ypage 232).
Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
GWARNING
Risk of explosion or fire.
XTurn the SmartKey immediately to position uin the ignition lock
(Ypage 122) and remove it.
XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
XUnlock the vehicle (Ypage 73).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Ypage 75).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Refueling141
Driving and parking
Z

Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart 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
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe electric parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in position j.
Rthe SmartKey must be removed from the igni-
tion lock.
Rthe front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients.
Switching off the engine
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
XApply the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j
(Ypage 131).
XWith the SmartKey : turn the SmartKey to
position uin the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
XWith KEYLESS-GO: press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button (Ypage 122).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
If the driver's door is closed, this is the same
as SmartKey position 1. If the driver's door
is open, this is the same as SmartKey position
u (
Ypage 122).
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
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart 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
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
142Parking
Driving and parking

The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in
the system, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake.
XIf this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it rolling
away.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
j.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a function
test at regular intervals while the engine is
switched off. The sounds that can be heard while
this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually
XTo engage: push handle :.
When the electric parking brake is engaged,
the red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release: pull handle:.
The red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released:
Rwhen the SmartKey is in position 1in the
ignition lock (Ypage 122) or
Rif the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position j
and:
Rthe engine is switched off or
Rthe driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being automatically applied, pull handle :.
The electric parking brake is also engaged auto-
matically if:
RDistance Pilot DISTRONIC brings the vehicle
to a standstill or
Rthe HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta- tionary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine is switched off
Rthe driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
Rthere is a system malfunction
Rthe power supply is insufficient
Rthe vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red F(USA only) or !(Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
engaged if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
The electric parking brake is released automat-
ically when all of the following conditions are
fulfilled:
Rthe engine is running
Rthe seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle
Rthe transmission is in position hork and
you depress the accelerator pedal or shift
from position jtoh ork
Rif the transmission is in position k, the trunk
lid must be closed
Parking143
Driving and parking
Z

play. Have all the maintenance work carried in
accordance with Daimler AG regulations.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related systems
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-
Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
The ECO display shows you how economical
your driving style is. The ECO display assists you
in achieving the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. Your driving style can significantly influ-
ence the vehicle's consumption.
:Acceleration
;Coasting
=Constant
?Additional range achieved
Range ?is shown under Bonus
fr.Startand
represents the additional range achieved since
the beginning of the journey as a result of an
adapted driving style.
If the fuel level has dropped into the reserve
range, the Fuel Low
message is shown in the
multifunction display instead of range ?. The
8 warning lamp in the instrument cluster
also lights up (
Ypage 232).
Driving tips145
Driving and parking
Z

The ECO display consists of three sections, with
an inner and outer area. The sections corre-
spond to the following three categories:
:Acceleration(evaluation of all accel-
eration processes):
Rthe outer area fills up and the inner area lights up green: moderate
acceleration, especially at higher
speeds
Rthe outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: sporty acceler-
ation
;Coasting (evaluation of all decelera-
tion processes):
Rthe outer area fills up and the inner area lights up green: anticipatory
driving, keeping your distance and
early release of the accelerator.
The vehicle can coast without use
of the brakes.
Rthe outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: frequent heavy
braking
=Constant (continuous evaluation
over the entire journey):
Rthe outer area fills up and the inner area lights up green: constant
speed and avoidance of unneces-
sary acceleration and deceleration
Rthe outer area empties and the
inner area is gray: fluctuations in
speed
The three inner areas display the current driving
style and light up green as a result of a particu-
larly economical driving style. Depending on thedriving situation, up to two areas may light up
simultaneously.
At the beginning of the journey, the three outer
areas are empty and fill up as a result of eco-
nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more
economical driving style. If the three outer areas
are completely filled at the same time, the driver
has adopted the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. The ECO display border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel consumption. The additionally achieved range
displayed under Bonus fr. start
does not
indicate a fixed consumption reduction. In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as:
Rload
Rtire pressure
Rcold start
Rchoice of route
Ractive electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive the vehicle in drive program Cor E.
In urban traffic and stop-start traffic, drive pro-
gram Cis recommended.
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon- ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
(
Ypage 189).
Further information on the ECO display
(
Ypage 188).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long, steep gradients, you must reduce
the load on the brakes. To use engine braking,
shift to a lower gear in good time. This helps
146Driving tips
Driving and parking

you to avoid overheating thebrakes and wear -
in g them out excessively.
Whe nmakin guse of th eengin ebrakin g
effect, it is possibl ethat adrive whee lmay no t
tur nfor som etime, e.g. in th ecas eof sud-
denly changin gor slipper yroa dsurfac econ-
ditions. This could caus edamage to th edrive
train .This typ eof damage is no tcovered by
th eMercedes-Ben zwarranty.
Change into alower gear in goo dtime on lon g
and steep downhill gradients .This is especially
important if th evehicl eis laden .
This also applies if you hav eactivated cruise
control or Distanc ePilo tDISTRONIC.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNIN G
If you res tyour foo ton th ebrak epedal while
driving, th ebrakin gsystem can overheat. This
increase sth estopping distanc eand can eve n
caus eth ebrakin gsystem to fail .There is a
ris kof an accident.
Never use th ebrak epedal as afootrest .Never
depress th ebrak epedal and th eaccelerato r
pedal at th esam etime.
!Depressing th ebrak epedal constantl y
result sin excessive and premature wear to
th ebrak epads .
If th ebrakes hav ebeen subjecte dto aheav y
load, do no tstop th evehicl eimmediately, but
drive on for ashort while .This allows th eairflow
to cool th ebrakes mor equickly.
Wet roads
If you hav edriven for alon gtime in heav yrain
without braking, there may be adelaye dreac -
tion from th ebrakes when brakin gfor th efirst
time. This may also occur after th evehicl ehas
been washed or driven through deep water.
You then hav eto depress th ebrak epedal mor e
firmly. Maintai n agreate rdistanc efrom th e
vehicl ein front.
Afte rdrivin gon awet roa dor havin gth evehicl e
washed, brak efirmly while payin gattention to
th etraffic conditions. This will warm up th e
brak ediscs, thereby drying them mor equickl y
and protectin gthem against corrosion.
Limited braking perfor mance onsalt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, alayer of salt resi-
due may for mon th ebrak edisc sand brak e
pads .This can result in asignificantly longer
brakin gdistance.
RIn order to preven tany salt build-up, apply th e
brakes occasionally while payin gattention to
th etraffic conditions.
RCarefull ydepress th ebrak epedal and th e
beginnin gand en dof ajourney.
RMaintai n agreate rdistanc eto th evehicl e
ahead .
Servicing the brakes
!The brak eflui dlevel may be to olow, if:
Rif th ered brak ewarnin glamp lights up in
th einstrumen tcluste rand
Ryou hear awarnin gtone while th eengin eis
running
Observ eadditional warnin gmessage sin th e
multifunction display.
The brak eflui dlevel may be to olow due to
brak epad wear or leakin gbrak elines.
Hav eth ebrak esystem checke dimmediately.
Consult aqualified specialist workshop to
arrang ethis.
!As th eES P®system operate sautomatically,
th eengin eand th eignition mus tbe switched
off (the SmartKey mus tbe in position uor
1 in th eignition loc kor th eStart/Sto pbut -
to nmus tbe in position uor1), if:
Rtheparkin gbrak eis tested usin g abrak e
dynamometer.
Rth evehicl eis towed wit hth efron taxl e
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ES P
®may
caus esevere damage to th ebrak esystem.
Al lchecks and maintenance wor kon th ebrak e
system mus tbe carrie dout at aqualified spe -
cialist workshop .
Hav ebrak epads installed and brak eflui d
replaced at aqualified specialist workshop .
If th ebrak esystem has only been subjec tto
moderat eloads ,you should test th efunctional-
it y of your brakes at regular intervals.
In forma
tion on BA
S(Brake Assist) (Ypage 60)
and on Brake Assis twit hCross-Traffic Assis t
(
Ypage 61).
Driving tips147
Driving and parking
Z

XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you?.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
The first time Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is
activated, it stores the current speed or reg-
ulates the speed of the vehicle to the previ-
ously stored speed.
Pulling away and driving
XIf you want to pull away with Distance
Pilot DISTRONIC: remove your foot from the
brake pedal.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
or
XIf Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is activated:
accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed
to that of the vehicle in front. If no vehicle is
detected in front, your vehicle accelerates to the set speed.
The vehicle can also pull away when it is facing
an unidentified obstacle or is driving on a differ-
ent line from another vehicle. The vehicle then
brakes automatically. Be ready to brake at all
times.
If there is no vehicle in front, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC operates in the same way as cruise
control.
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a slower-
moving vehicle in front, it brakes your vehicle. In
this way, the distance you have selected is main-
tained.
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects a faster-
moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving
speed. However, the vehicle is only accelerated
up to the speed you have stored.
Selecting the drive program
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): Distance
Pilot DISTRONIC supports a sporty driving style
when you have selected the Sor S+ drive pro-
gram (
Ypage 128). Acceleration behind the
vehicle in front or to the set speed is then notice-
ably more dynamic. If you have selected the Cor
E driving program, the vehicle accelerates more
gently. This setting is recommended in stop-
and-start traffic.
AMG vehicles: Distance Pilot DISTRONIC sup-
ports a sporty driving style when you have selec-
ted the S,S+ orMdrive program (
Ypage 129).
Acceleration behind the vehicle in front or to the set speed is then noticeably more dynamic.
When you select the
Cdrive program, the vehi-
cle accelerates more gently. This setting is rec-
ommended in stop-and-start traffic.
Changing lanes
If when driving on multilane roads you wish to
change to the overtaking lane, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC supports you if:
Ryou are driving faster than 45 mph (70 km/h)
RDistance Pilot DISTRONIC is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal
RDistance Pilot DISTRONIC does not currently
detect a danger of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if
changing lanes takes too long or if the distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
becomes too small.
iWhen you change lanes, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC monitors the left lane (on left-
hand-drive vehicles) or the rig ht l
ane (on right-
hand-drive vehicles).
Stopping
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that the
vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-
tionary and you do not need to depress the
brake. After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
Depending on the specified minimum distance,
your vehicle will come to a standstill at a suffi-
cient distance behind the vehicle in front. The
specified minimum distance is set using the
control on the cruise control lever.
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is
activated and:
Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's seat
belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function.
Ra system malfunction occurs.
Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
154Driving systems
Driving and parking