2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS steering

The support provided by the system can beimpaired if:
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to insuffi-cient illumination of the road, or due tosnow, rain, fog or heavy spray
Rthere is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic,the sun or reflection from other vehicles(e.g. if the road surface is wet)
Rthe windshield is dirty, fogged up, damagedor covered, for instance by a sticker, in thevicinity of the camera
Rthere are no lane markings, or severalunclear lane markings are present, e.g.around construction sites
Rthe lane markings are worn away, dark orcovered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
Rthe distance to the vehicle in front is tooshort and thus the lane markings cannot bedetected
Rthe lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanesbranch off, cross one another or merge
Rthe road is narrow and winding
Rthere are highly variable shade conditionson the roadway
The system is switched to passive and no lon-ger assists you by performing steering inter-ventions if:
Ryou actively change lanes
Ryou switch on the turn signal
Ryou take your hands off the steering wheelor do not steer for a prolonged period oftime
iAfter you have finished changing lanes,Active Steering Assist is automatically activeonce more.
Active Steering Assist cannot provide assis-tance:
Ron very sharp corners
Rwhen a loss of tire pressure or a defectivetire has been detected and displayed
Observe the important safety notes on ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC (Ypage 156).
The steering interventions are carried out witha limited steering moment. The systemrequires the driver to keep his hands on thesteering wheel and to steer himself.
If you do not steer yourself or if you take yourhands off the steering wheel for a prolongedperiod of time, the system will first alert youwith a visual warning. A steering wheel symbol
appears in the multifunction display. If youhave still not started to steer and have nottaken hold of the steering wheel after five sec-onds at the latest, a warning tone also soundsto remind you to take control of the vehicle.Active Steering Assist is then switched to pas-sive. Active Distance Assist DISTRONICremains active.
Activating Active Steering Assist
XSelect the Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist func-tion using the on-board computer(Ypage 198).TheActive Steering Assist OnActive Steering Assist Onmes-sage appears in the multifunction display.Active Steering Assist is activated.
Information in the multifunction display
If Active Steering Assist is activated but notready for a steering intervention, steeringwheel symbolCappears in gray. If the sys-tem provides you with support by means ofsteering interventions, symbolCis shown ingreen.
Deactivating Active Steering Assist
XDeactivate the Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist func-tion using the on-board computer(Ypage 198).TheActive Steering Assist OffActive Steering Assist Offmes-sage appears in the multifunction display.Active Steering Assist is deactivated.
When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC isdeactivated or not available, Active SteeringAssist is deactivated automatically.
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iAfter a time, the electric parking brakesecures the vehicle and relieves the servicebrake.
When the HOLD function is activated, thetransmission is shifted automatically to posi-tion]if:
Rthe driver's seat belt is not fastened and thedriver's door is open.
Rthe engine is switched off, unless it is auto-matically switched off by the ECO start/stop function.
The electric parking brake secures the vehicleautomatically if the HOLD function is activatedwhen the vehicle is stationary and:
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe power supply is not sufficient
If a malfunction in the electric parking brakeoccurs, the transmission may also be shiftedinto position]automatically.
RACE START
Important safety notes
iRACE START must not be used on normalroads. RACE START must only be activatedand used on dedicated road circuits, outsideof public road use.
iRACE START is only available forMercedes‑AMG vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal accelerationfrom a standing start. For this, a suitably high-grip road surface is required and the vehicleand tires must be in good working order.
GWARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tires may
start to spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP®mode,
there is an increased risk of skidding and
having an accident. Make sure that no per-
sons, animals or obstacles are within range
of the vehicle.
iObserve the safety notes on driving safetysystems (Ypage 60).
Be sure to read the safety notes and infor-
mation on ESP®(Ypage 65).
Activation conditions
You can activate RACE START if:
Rthe doors are closed.
Rthe engine is running and it has reached anoperating temperature of approximately160 ‡ (71 †). This is the case when the oiltemperature gage in the multifunction dis-play is shown in white.
Rthe engine is running and the engine andtransmission are at operating temperature.This is the case when the oil temperaturegage in the multifunction display is shown inwhite (Ypage 202).
RESP®is functioning correctly (Ypage 66)
Rthe drive programS,S+orRaceis selected(Ypage 133)
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-aheadposition
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake pedalis depressed (left foot)
Rthe transmission is in position[
Activating RACE START
iWhen manual mode (Ypage 141) is active,the transmission automatically shifts up inthe RACE START drive program. This func-tion supports maximum acceleration withRACE START. After going through an accel-erating process once from a stationary posi-tion, this function is automatically deactiva-ted.
XDepress the brake pedal with your left footand keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel paddleshifters.
XTheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UPRACE START Confirm: Paddle UPCancel: Paddle DOWNCancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears inthe multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel paddle shifters.
iIf the activation conditions are no longerfulfilled, RACE START is canceled. TheRACE START CanceledRACE START Canceledmessage appears inthe multifunction display.
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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-
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Problems with Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
Only the red segmentsin the Parking AssistPARKTRONIC warningdisplays are lit. You alsohear a warning tone forapproximately two sec-onds.
Parking AssistPARKTRONIC is deacti-vated after approx-imately five secondsand the indicator lampin the Parking AssistPARKTRONIC buttonlights up.
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has been deac-tivated.
XIf problems persist, have Parking Assist PARKTRONIC checked ata qualified specialist workshop.
Only the red segmentsin the Parking AssistPARKTRONIC warningdisplays are lit. ParkingAssist PARKTRONIC isdeactivated afterapproximately five sec-onds.
The Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is inter-ference.
XClean the Parking Assist PARKTRONIC sensors (Ypage 275).
XSwitch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultra-sound waves.
XCheck to see if Parking Assist PARKTRONIC works at a differentlocation.
Active Parking Assist
General notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parkingaid with ultrasound. It measures the road onboth sides of the vehicle. A parking symbolindicates a suitable parking space. Activesteering intervention can assist you duringparking and when exiting a parking space. Youcan also still use Parking Assist PARKTRONIC(Ypage 172).
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is nota replacement for your attention to your imme-diate surroundings. You are always responsi-ble for safe maneuvering, parking and exiting aparking space. Make sure that no persons, ani-mals or objects are in the path of your vehicle.
When Parking Assist PARKTRONIC is deactiva-ted, Active Parking Assist is also unavailable.
GWARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
cause you to collide with other road users or
objects. There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users or objects.
Stop the vehicle if necessary or cancel the
Active Parking Assist parking procedure.
GWARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
cause you to collide with other road users or
objects. There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users or objects.
Stop the vehicle if necessary or cancel the
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