2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS Owners Manual

XTo cancel:pull the left-hand steering wheelpaddle shifter (Ypage 141).
or
XTo confirm:pull the right-hand steeringwheel paddle shifter (Ypage 141).TheRACE START Available DepressRACE START Available Depressgas pedal.gas pedal.message appears in the multi-function display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator pedalwithin a few seconds, RACE START is can-celed. The multifunction display shows theRACE START CanceledRACE START Canceledmessage.
XDepress the accelerator pedal completely,until the engine speed stops increasing.TheRACE START Release brake toRACE START Release brake tostartstartmessage appears in the multifunctiondisplay.
iIf you do not release the brake pedalwithin five seconds, RACE START is can-celed. TheRACE START CanceledRACE START Canceledmessageappears in the multifunction display.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep theaccelerator pedal depressed.The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-ation.
TheRACE START ActiveRACE START Activemessage appearsin the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehiclereaches a speed of approximately 30 mph(Canada: 50 km/h).
RACE START is deactivated immediately if yourelease the accelerator pedal during RACESTART or if any of the activation conditions areno longer fulfilled. TheRACE START Not Pos‐RACE START Not Pos‐sible See Operator's Manualsible See Operator's ManualorRACERACESTART CanceledSTART Canceledmessage appears in the mul-tifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within ashort period of time, it is only availableagain after the vehicle has been driven acertain distance.
Adaptive damping system
General notes
A suspension with the adaptive damping sys-tem provides improved driving comfort andcontinuously controls the calibration of thedampers. The damping characteristics adaptto the current operating and driving situation.
The damping is tuned individually to eachwheel and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface conditions
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 132).
Selecting the Comfort or Economy
drive programs
In theComfortandEconomydrive programs,the driving characteristics of your vehicle aremore comfortable. Select one of these driveprograms if you favor a more comfortable driv-ing style. Also select these drive programswhen driving fast on straight roads, e.g. onstraight stretches of highway.
In urban traffic and stop-start traffic, drive pro-gramCis recommended.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCrepeat-edly until theComfortorEconomydriveprogram is selected.
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning intheSportdrive program ensures even bettercontact with the road. Select this drive pro-gram when employing a sporty driving style,e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until theSportdriveprogram is selected.
Selecting Sport Plus mode
The firmer suspension settings in theSportPlusdrive program ensure even better contactwith the road. Select this mode when employ-ing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding coun-
Driving systems167
Driving an d parking
Z

try roads or, ideally, when driving on closedrace circuits.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCrepeat-edly until theSport Plusdrive program isselected.
Activating the driving dynamics dis-
play
Using the driving dynamics display in the mul-timedia system display, you can see the driveprogram you selected as well as additionalinformation on the vehicle's operating state.
XSwitch on the multimedia system. Furtherinformation can be found in the Digital Oper-ator's Manual.
XPress buttonC.The driving dynamics display appears in themultimedia system display.
The following information on the vehicle'soperating status is displayed in the drivingdynamics display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 132)
RAccelerator pedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RDamping setting selected
RG-FORCE cross displaying longitudinal andlateral acceleration (only available inSportorSport Plusdrive programs)
Active Body Control ABC (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Setting the vehicle level
General notes
The vehicle level can be set using theDYNAMIC SELECT button (Ypage 132) or thelevel button. The setting always correspondsto the last selected function.
In order to reduce fuel consumption andimprove the driving dynamics, the vehicle islowered as its speed increases. In theSportandSport Plusdrive programs, it is loweredby up to 0.5 in (13 mm) compared to the nor-mal vehicle level. In theComfortandCURVEdrive programs, it is lowered by up to 0.2 in(5 mm) compared to the normal vehicle level.As the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raisedup to the set vehicle height.
Select the normal level for normal road surfa-ces and the raised level for driving with snowchains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle is lowered slightly in the follow-
ing situations:
Rthe SPORT suspension setting is selected
at the normal vehicle level
Rthe engine is switched off
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.
168Driving systems
Driving an d parking

Setting raised level
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XMake sure that a speed of 75 mph(120 km/h) is not exceeded.
XIf indicator lampDDis not lit:press but-tonC.If the engine has been switched off by theECO start/stop function, it is now restarted.
Indicator lampDlights up. The vehicle israised by 1.2 in (31 mm).
Setting the normal level
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XIf indicator lampDDis lit:press buttonC.Indicator lampDgoes out. The vehicle isadjusted to normal level
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rare driving faster than approximately75 mph (120 km/h).
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at aspeed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Ror switch to the drive program while thevehicle is in motion.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electro-hydraulically controlled suspensionfeatures improved driving dynamics, drivingsafety and ride comfort. You can also choosebetween a sporty, a particularly sporty, a com-fortable and a comfortable mode with curvetilting function (CURVE).
The suspension is continuously tuned to eachwheel 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, theComfortdrive program is activated. Further informationabout starting the engine (Ypage 127).
Selecting Comfort mode
In theComfortdrive program, the drivingcharacteristics of your vehicle are more com-fortable. Select this mode if you favor a morecomfortable driving style.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until theComfortdriveprogram is selected.
Selecting Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning intheSportdrive program ensures even bettercontact with the road. Select this mode if youfavor a firmer suspension setting.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until theSportdriveprogram is selected.
Selecting Sport Plus mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning intheSport Plusdrive program ensures evenbetter contact with the road. Select this modeif you favor a firmer suspension setting.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until theSport Plusdrive program is selected.
Driving systems169
Driving and parking
Z

Selecting the CURVE setting
In theCURVEdrive program, the curve tiltingfunction is activated. The vehicle tilts by up to2.65 degrees into bends. The tilt function andthe comfort suspension tuning increase drivingcomfort in corners.CURVEis available in thespeed range between 9 mph (15 km/h) and112 mph (180 km/h). Select this mode onwinding roads in particular. Outside this speedrange, theCURVEdrive program is the sameas theComfortdrive program.
The curve tilting function monitors the road infront of your vehicle by means of a cameraattached at the top of the windshield. Thisfunction is automatically active if you selecttheCURVEdrive program. The system isoperational at speeds of up to 112 mph(180 km/h).
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until theCURVEdriveprogram is selected.
The system is deactivated if you select a differ-ent drive program.
The system may be impaired or may not func-tion if:
Ryou are driving more slowly than 9 mph(15 km/h) or faster than 112 mph(180 km/h).
Rthe vehicle is fully laden.
Ryou drive with very high lateral acceleration.
Activating the driving dynamics dis-
play
Using the driving dynamics display in the mul-timedia system display, you can see the driveprogram you selected as well as additionalinformation on the vehicle's operating state.
XSwitch on the multimedia system. Furtherinformation can be found in the Digital Oper-ator's Manual.
XPress buttonC.The driving dynamics display appears in themultimedia system display.
The following information on the vehicle'soperating status is displayed in the drivingdynamics display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 132)
RAccelerator pedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RActivity of the ABC spring struts
RVehicle level display (Ypage 168)
RLevel settings animation
RG-FORCE cross displaying longitudinal andlateral acceleration (only available inSportorSport Plusdrive programs)
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Setting the vehicle level
General notes
The vehicle level can be set using theDYNAMIC SELECT controller (Ypage 133) orthe on-board computer (Ypage 171). The set-ting always corresponds to the last selectedfunction.
In order to reduce fuel consumption andimprove the driving dynamics, the vehicle islowered as its speed increases. In theSportandSport Plusdrive programs it is lowered byup to 0.5 in (13 mm), and in theComfortdriveprogram by up to 0.2 in (5 mm) compared tothe normal vehicle level. As the speed isreduced, the vehicle is raised up to the setvehicle height.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, theComfortdrive program is activated. For further informa-tion about starting the engine, see(Ypage 127).
Select the normal level for normal road surfa-ces and the raised level for driving with snowchains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
170Driving systems
Driving and parking

Important safety notes
The vehicle is slightly lowered when the engineis switched off.
GWARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
Setting raised level
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XMake sure that a speed of 75 mph(120 km/h) is not exceeded.
XIf symbolDDis not shown:pressYoreon the steering wheel to select theDriveAssistDriveAssistmenu.
XPress thecordbutton to selectVehicle levelVehicle level.
XPress thevbutton.The following message appears:CVehi‐Vehi‐cle level Press 'OK' to Raisecle level Press 'OK' to Raise.
XPress thevbutton.If the engine has been switched off by theECO start/stop function, it is now restarted.
SymbolDappears. The vehicle height isadjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XIf symbolDDis shown:pressYoreon the steering wheel to select theDriveAssistDriveAssistmenu.
XPress thecordbutton to selectVehicle levelVehicle level.
XPress thevbutton.The following message appears:CVehi‐Vehi‐cle level Press 'OK' to Lowercle level Press 'OK' to Lower.
XPress thevbutton.IconDis faded out. The vehicle is adjustedto normal level
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
Rare driving faster than approximately75 mph (120 km/h).
Rdrive for approximately three minutes at aspeed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Ror switch to the drive program while thevehicle is in motion.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electro-hydraulically controlled suspensionfeatures improved driving dynamics, drivingsafety and ride comfort. You can also choosebetween a particularly sporty or a comfortabletuning.
The suspension is continuously tuned to eachwheel individually and depends on:
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Rthe vehicle load
Rthe drive program selected
Your selection remains saved even if youremove the key from the ignition lock.
Driving systems171
Driving and pa rking
Z

Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, the comfortablesetting is activated. For further informationabout starting the engine, see (Ypage 127).
Selecting sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning insports mode ensures even better contact withthe road. Select this mode if you favor a firmersuspension setting.
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XIf indicator lampDDis not lit:press but-tonC.Indicator lampDlights up. Sports suspen-sion tuning is selected.
TheAMG Suspension System SPORTAMG Suspension System SPORTmes-sage appears in the multifunction display.
Selecting comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics ofyour vehicle are more comfortable. Select thismode if you favor a more comfortable drivingstyle.
XMake sure that the engine is running or thatit has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
XIf indicator lampDDis lit:press buttonC.Indicator lampDgoes out. Comfortablesuspension tuning is selected.
TheAMG Suspension System COMFORTAMG Suspension System COMFORTmessage appears in the multifunction dis-play.
Activating the driving dynamics dis-
play in the COMAND display
Using the driving dynamics display in the mul-timedia system display, you can see the driveprogram you selected as well as additionalinformation on the vehicle's operating status.
XSwitch on COMAND. Further informationcan be found in the Digital Operator's Man-ual.
The following information on the vehicle'soperating status is displayed in the drivingdynamics display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 133)
RAccelerator pedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RVehicle level display (Ypage 170)
RActivity of the ABC spring struts
RLevel settings animation
RG-FORCE cross to display longitudinal andlateral acceleration (only available inSport,Sport PlusandRACEdrive programs)
ROverrun mode animation
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is an electronicparking aid with ultrasound. It monitors thearea around your vehicle using six sensors inthe front bumper and six sensors in the rearbumper. Parking Assist PARKTRONIC visuallyand audibly indicates the distance betweenyour vehicle and an object.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It isnot a replacement for your attention to yourimmediate surroundings. You are alwaysresponsible for safe maneuvering, parking and
172Driving systems
Driving an d parking

exiting a parking space. Make sure that thereare no persons, animals or objects in themaneuvering area when you are maneuveringor parking.
!When parking, pay particular attention toobjects above or below the sensors, such asflower pots or trailer drawbars.PARKTRONIC does not detect such objectswhen they are in the immediate vicinity ofthe vehicle. You could damage the vehicleor the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and otherobjects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic carwash, the compressed-air brakes on a truckor a pneumatic drill could causePARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly onuneven terrain.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is activated auto-matically when you:
Rswitch on the ignition
Rshift the transmission to position[,^or\\
Rrelease the electric parking brake
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactivated atspeeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reacti-vated at lower speeds.
Range of the sensors
General notes
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC does not take intoaccount obstacles located:
Rbelow the detection range, such as persons,animals or objects
Rabove the detection range, e.g. overhangingloads, tail sections or loading ramps oftrucks
CSensors in the front bumper, left-hand side(example)
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice orslush. They can otherwise not function cor-rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking carenot to scratch or damage them (Ypage 275).
Range
Front sensors
CenterApprox. 40 in (approx.100 cm)
CornersApprox. 24 in (approx.60 cm)
Driving systems173
Driving and parking
Z

Rear sensors
CenterApprox. 48 in (approx.120 cm)
CornersApprox. 32 in (approx.80 cm)
Minimum distance
CenterApprox. 8 in (approx.20 cm)
CornersApprox. 6 in (approx.15 cm)
If there is an obstacle within this range, therelevant warning displays light up and a warn-ing tone sounds. If the distance falls below theminimum, the distance may no longer beshown.
Warning displays
Warning display for the front area
CSegments on the left-hand side of the vehi-cle
DSegments on the right-hand side of thevehicle