2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS light

XReach into the gap, pull hood catch han-dleDup and lift hoodC.
If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in(40 cm), the hood is opened and held openautomatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the hood
XLower the hood and let it fall from a heightof approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.If the hood can be raised slightly, it is notproperly engaged. Open it again and close itwith a little more force.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on your driving style, the vehicleconsumes up to 0.9 US qt(0.8 liters) of oil per600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumptionmay be higher than this when the vehicle isnew or if you frequently drive at high enginespeeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick maybe in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface
Rthe engine should be switched off forapproximately five minutes if the engine isat normal operating temperature
Rif the engine is not at normal operating tem-perature, e.g. if the engine was only startedbriefly, wait about 30 minutes before carry-ing out the measurement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very
hot. Working in the engine compartment
poses a risk of injury.
Only touch the following components descri-
bed.
If work is being carried out on public roads,pay attention to the road and traffic conditionsand secure the area as appropriate.
Example
XPull out oil dipstickC.
XWipe off oil dipstickC.
XSlowly slide oil dipstickCinto the guidetube as far as it will go, and take it outagain.If the level is between MIN mark

Observe the legal requirements in each coun-try.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash thevehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a carshampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with agentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towardsthe air inlet or the edges of decorative foils.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out thesponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and drythoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on thepaintwork or the decorative foils.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt assoon as possible when driving in winter.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior dam-
age to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Vehicles with decorative film: parts of yourvehicle are covered with decorative film.Maintain a distance of at least 27.5 in(70 cm) between the film-covered parts ofthe vehicle and the nozzle of the powerwasher.
Information about the correct distance isavailable from the equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around whencleaning your vehicle.
The water temperature of the power washermust not exceed 140 ‡ (60 †).
!Always maintain a distance of at least12 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and thepower washer nozzle. Information about thecorrect distance is available from the equip-ment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around whencleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
RTires
RDoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
RElectrical components
RBattery
RPlug-type couplings
RLight bulbs
RSeals
RTrim elements
RVentilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical componentscan lead to leaks or failures.
!Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS: if aSmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is within thedetection range of the KEYLESS-GOantenna, the following situations could leadto the unintentional opening of the trunk lid:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least6.5 ft (2 m) away from the vehicle.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwisedamage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affectedby corrosion and damage caused by inade-quate care cannot always be completelyrepaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-cialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect removerand rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse offthe treated areas afterwards.
XRemove tree resin, oils, fuels and greases byrubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petro-leum ether or lighter fluid
XRemove coolant and brake fluid with a moistcloth and clear water.
272Care
Maintenance and care

XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paintsurface, use the paint care products recom-mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Thisis the case approximately every three to fivemonths, depending on the climate conditionsand the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or ifthe paint has become dull, the paint cleanerrecommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun oron the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MBTouch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage tothe paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloywheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following can give the paint a glossyappearance and thus reduce the matteffect:
RRubbing hard with unsuitable agents
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polish-ing products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax,for the purpose of paintwork care. Theseproducts are only suitable for high-gloss sur-faces. Their use on vehicles with mattepaintwork leads to considerable surfacedamage or, more specifically, to shiny, spot-ted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out ata qualified specialist workshop.
!Only use automatic car washes which cor-respond to the latest technological stand-ards. Never use wash programs which finishby treating the vehicle with hot wax.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clearmatte finish. This will help you to avoid dam-age to the paintwork due to incorrect treat-ment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheelswith a clear matte finish.
iUse only insect remover and car shampoofrom the range of recommended andapproved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the decorative film
!The following may have an effect on theservice life and color of decorative film:
Rsunlight
Rtemperature, e.g. hot-air fan
Rweather conditions
Rstone impacts and dirt
Rchemical cleaning agents
Rgreasy substances
!Do not use any types of polish on mattdecorative film. Polishing surfaces coveredwith film gives it a shiny finish.
!Do not treat matt or structured decorativefilm with wax. This may lead to marks thatcannot be removed.
Observe the notes in the section on the careand treatment of matte paintwork(Ypage 273); these notes also apply to mattedecorative film.
To clean, use plenty of water and a mild clean-ing agent without additional or abrasive prod-ucts, e.g. a car shampoo approved byMercedes-Benz.
XDry vehicles covered with film using a soft,absorbent cloth after every wash.Water marks could otherwise form.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affectedby corrosion and damage caused by inade-quate care cannot always be completelyrepaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-cialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,while avoiding rubbing too hard.The decorative film may be irreparably dam-aged.
XSoak insect remains with insect removerand rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse offthe treated areas afterwards.
The cleaning product, Paint Cleaner, which hasbeen approved and recommended byMercedes-Benz, should be used when dirt haspenetrated the decorative film surface or thedecorative film has become dull.
The manufacturer can provide you with infor-mation on special care and cleaning products.
Laminated surfaces may exhibit optical differ-ences to surfaces which were not protected by
Care273
Maintenance and care
Z

Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaningcloths that are suitable for plastic lenses.Caustic, irritant or otherwise unsuitablecleaning agents or cleaning cloths couldscratch or damage the exterior lighting plas-tic lenses.
XClean the plastic lenses of the exterior lightswith a wet sponge and a mild cleaningagent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo orcleaning cloths.
Cleaning the mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaningcloths that are suitable for plastic lenses.Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaningcloths could scratch or damage the plasticlenses of the mirror turn signals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turnsignals in the exterior mirror housing using awet sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g.Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or with clean-ing cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors with a powerwasher, make sure that you keep a distanceof at least 11.8 in(30 cm) between the vehi-cleand the power washer nozzle. Informa-tion about the correct distance is availablefrom the equipment manufacturer.
XClean sensorsCof the driving systemswith water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the reversing camera
!Do not clean the camera lens and the areaaround the rear view camera with a powerwasher.
XUse clean water and a soft cloth to cleancamera lensC.
Cleaning the exhaust pipe
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe and tail pipe trim can
become very hot. If you come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could
burn yourself. There is a risk of burns.
Always be particularly careful and supervise
children closely around the exhaust pipe and
the exhaust pipe trims. Allow these compo-
nents to cool down before touching them.
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-based cleaning agents, such as bathroomcleaner or wheel cleaner.
XClean the exhaust pipe with a chrome careproduct tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Impurities combined with the effects of roadgrit and corrosive environmental factors maycause flash rust to form on the surface. Youcan restore the original shine of the exhaustpipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in win-ter and after washing.
Care275
Maintenance and care
Z

HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed
of professionally, e.g. at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
If a tire pressure of 180 kPa(1.8 bar/26 psi)has been achieved after a maximum period often minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of thefaulty tire.
XStow the tire sealant bottle and the tireinflation compressor.
XPull away immediately.
XStop after driving for approximately tenminutes and check the tire pressure withthe tire inflation compressor.The tire pressure must now be at least130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot
repair the tire in this instance. Damaged
tires and a tire pressure that is too low can
significantly impair the vehicle's braking and
driving characteristics. There is a risk of
accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn cases such as the one mentionedabove, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes(in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
XCorrect the tire pressure if it is still at least130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire andLoading Information placard on the driver'sside B-pillar or the tire pressure table in thefuel filler flap for values.
XTo increase the tire pressure:switch onthe tire inflation compressor.
XTo reduce the tire pressure:depress pres-sure release buttonmnext to pressuregagen.
XWhen the tire pressure is correct, unscrewthe filler hose from the valve of the sealedtire.
XScrew the valve cap onto the tire valve ofthe sealed tire.
XPull the tire sealant bottle out of the tireinflation compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tiresealant bottle.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialistworkshop and have the tire changed there.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced assoon as possible at a qualified specialistworkshop.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced everyfour years at a qualified specialist workshop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge arerequired when working on the battery, e.g.removal and installation. You should thereforehave all work involving the battery carried outat a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This
can lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting
system, the ABS (anti-lock braking system)
or the ESP®(Electronic Stability Program).
282Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

ately with plenty of clean water and seek
medical attention.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery,
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
!Only use battery chargers with a maximumcharging voltage of 14.8 V.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in theengine compartment.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light upat low temperatures, it is very likely that thedischarged battery has frozen. In this case,you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting char-acteristics can be impaired, particularly at lowtemperatures. Have the thawed-out batterychecked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Read the battery charger's operating instruc-tions before charging the battery.
XOpen the hood.
XConnect the battery charger to the positiveterminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in thejump-starting procedure (Ypage 285).
Replacing the 12 V battery
Observe the notes on the 12 V battery(Ypage 282).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you havethe 12 V battery replaced at a qualified spe-cialist workshop, e.g. at an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
If you want to replace the battery yourself,observe the following notes:
RAlways replace a defective battery with abattery which meets the specific require-ments of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with an AGM(Absorbent Glass Mat) technology battery.Full vehicle functionality is only guaranteedwith an AGM battery. For safety reasons,Mercedes-Benz recommends that you onlyuse batteries which have been tested andapproved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
RUse detachable parts such as breatherhoses, angled connecting pieces or terminalcovers from the battery which is to bereplaced.
RMake sure that the vent hose is always con-nected to the original opening on the bat-tery side.
RInstall existing or supplied cell caps to pre-vent gases or battery acid from escaping.
RMake sure that the detachable parts areconnected again in the same way.
Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point in the engine com-partment, consisting of a positive terminal and a ground point.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
Jump-starting285
Breakdown assistance
Z

GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connect-
ing and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnect-
ing the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explo-
sion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could bedamaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-charged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start thevehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting characteristics canbe impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a quali-fied specialist workshop.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, theengine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a donor battery using jumper cables.Observe the following points:
RThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,jump-start the vehicle using a donor battery or a jump-starting device.
RYou may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
RDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
ROnly jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
ROnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
RIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connectedfor a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
RMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
286Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

Tire and Loading Information placard
CRecommended tire pressures
The Tire and Loading Information placard is onthe B-pillar on the driver's side (Ypage 303).
The Tire and Loading Information placard con-tains the recommended tire pressures for coldtires. The recommended tire pressures arevalid for the maximum permissible load and upto the maximum permissible vehicle speed.
Tire pressure table
The tire pressure table is on the inside of thefuel filler flap. It shows the tire pressure for alltires permitted at the factory for this vehicle;see illustration (example).
The tire pressure table contains the recom-mended pressures for cold tires for variousoperating conditions, i.e. differing load andspeed conditions.
If a tire size precedes a tire pressure, the fol-lowing tire pressure information is only validfor that tire size; see illustration (example).
The load conditions "partially laden" and "fullyladen" are defined in the table for differentnumbers of occupants and amounts of lug-gage. The actual number of seats may differ.
Some tire pressure tables show only the rimdiameters instead of the full tire size, e.g.R18.Rim diameter is part of the tire size and can befound on the tire sidewall (Ypage 307).
If the tire pressures have been set to the lowervalues for lighter loads and/or lower roadspeeds, the pressures should be reset to thehigher values:
Rif you want to drive with an increased loadand/or
Rif you want to drive at higher road speeds
The tire pressures for increased loads and/orhigher road speeds, shown in the tire pressuretable, may have a negative effect on drivingcomfort.
If the tire pressure is not set correctly, this canlead to an excessive build-up of heat and asudden loss of pressure.
For more information, contact a qualified spe-cialist workshop.
Tire pressure297
Wheels and tires
Z