2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS ABS

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket
see Sockets
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 206
Function/notes ................................ 60
Important safety notes .................... 60
Warning lamp .................................236
Accident
Automatic measures after an
accident ...........................................56
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 248
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification.................118
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 199
Display message ............................ 223
Function/information.................... 184
Active Body Control (ABC)
CURVE........................................... 170
Vehicle level .................................. 168
Active Body Control (ABC) (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Comfort ......................................... 169
Driving dynamics display ............... 170
Normal level .................................. 169
Operation/notes............................ 168
Raised level ................................... 169
Sport .............................................. 169
Sport Plus ...................................... 169
Vehicle level .................................. 168
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Comfort ......................................... 172
Driving dynamics display ............... 172
Normal level .................................. 171
Operation/notes............................ 170
Raised level ................................... 171
Sport .............................................. 172
Vehicle level .................................. 170
Active Body Control (except
Mercedes-AMG Vehicles)
Display message ............................ 221
Active Body Control (Mercedes-
AMG Vehicles)
Display message ............................ 221
Active Brake Assist
Activating or deactivating .............. 198
Display message ............................ 211
Function/notes................................ 63
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function
Activating or deactivating .............. 198
Display message ............................ 212
Function/notes................................ 70
Important safety notes .................... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC
Calling up a speed ......................... 158
Cruise control lever ....................... 158
Deactivating ................................... 161
Display message ............................ 224
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 160
Driving tips .................................... 162
Function/notes............................. 156
Important safety notes .................. 156
Indicator and warning lamp ........... 241
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 160
Stopping ........................................ 159
Storing a speed .............................. 158
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age...................................................... 184
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 199
Display message ............................ 223
Function/information .................... 187
Active light function......................... 111
Active Parking Assist
Canceling ....................................... 179
Detecting parking spaces .............. 176
Display message ............................ 224
Exiting a parking space .................. 178
General notes ................................ 175
4Index

Important safety notes .................. 175
Parking .......................................... 177
Active Steering Assist
Activating/deactivating .................198
Display message ............................ 226
Adaptive adjustable damping
Driving dynamics display............... 168
ADAPTIVE BRAKE................................. 70
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes................................ 64
Adaptive brake lights.......................... 65
Adaptive Damping System
Function/notes............................. 167
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes............................. 111
Switching on/off........................... 112
Additives (engine oil)........................ 324
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
Adjusting the volume
Multimedia system ........................ 244
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 53
Display message ............................ 215
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 46
Head bag ......................................... 47
Important safety notes .................... 45
Introduction ..................................... 45
Knee bag .......................................... 46
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 48
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 41
Side impact air bag.......................... 47
AIR FLOW........................................... 119
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 123
Important safety notes .................. 122
Setting ........................................... 122
Setting the blower output of the
AIRSCARF vents ............................. 124
Setting the center air vents ........... 123
Setting the side air vents ............... 123
Switching AIRSCARF on/off.......... 102
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off........................... 102
AIRSCARF vents
Setting the blower output .............. 124
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)......... 72
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 72
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 72
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 200
Setting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 200
AMG menu (on-board computer)..... 202
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray............................................... 254
Assistance display (on-board
computer).......................................... 198
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 197
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 270
Hiding a service message .............. 270
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 270
Service message ............................ 269
Special service requirements ......... 270
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 72
Function ........................................... 72
Switching off the alarm .................... 72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 198
Display message ............................ 222
Function/notes............................. 183
Audio menu (on-board computer).... 195
Index5

Audio system
see Digital Operator's Manual
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 217
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care)...............271
Automatic engine start (ECO
start/stop function).......................... 130
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function).......................... 129
Automatic headlamp mode.............. 109
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 138
Changing gear ............................... 138
Display message ............................ 228
Drive program ................................ 138
Drive program display.................... 135
Driving tips .................................... 138
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all
vehicles except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 132
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 133
Emergency running mode.............. 144
Engaging drive position .................. 137
Engaging neutral ............................ 136
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 136
Engaging reverse gear ................... 136
Engaging the park position ............ 136
Gearshift recommendation ............ 143
Kickdown ....................................... 138
Manual shifting .............................. 141
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 202
Overview ........................................ 134
Problem (malfunction) ................... 144
Pulling away ................................... 128
Selector lever ................................ 134
Starting the engine ........................ 128
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 141
Transmission position display ........ 135
Transmission positions .................. 137
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode....................................... 144
B
Back button....................................... 244
BAS (Brake Assist System)................. 61
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 77
Important safety notes .................... 76
Replacing ......................................... 77
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 284
Display message ............................ 219
Important safety notes .................. 282
Jump starting ................................. 285
Overview ........................................ 282
Replacing ....................................... 285
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 247
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
Telephony ...................................... 246
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
Function/notes................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 211
Notes ............................................. 324
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 65
Display message ............................ 217
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
BAS .................................................. 61
6Index

Distance warning (warning lamp).... 241
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 63
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 201
Automatic locking (switch) ...............81
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................74
Control panel ...................................39
Display message ............................ 230
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
Important safety notes.................... 79
Opening (from inside) ...................... 80
Overview .......................................... 79
Power closing .................................. 81
Drinking and driving......................... 149
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 138
Display ........................................... 135
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 203
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Towing vehicles ............................. 132
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 270
Driving on flooded roads.................. 153
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 63
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 60
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 70
ADAPTIVE BRAKE............................. 70
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 61
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Distance warning function ............... 63
EBD (electronic brake force dis-
tribution) .......................................... 69
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 65
Important safety information ........... 60
Overview .......................................... 60
STEER CONTROL ............................. 72
Driving system
Active Body Control (ABC)
(except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .. 168
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 170
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 166
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 184
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 184
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 187
Active Parking Assist ..................... 175
Adaptive Damping System ............. 167
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 154
Display message ............................ 221
DISTRONIC PLUS ................... 156, 163
HOLD function ............................... 165
PARKTRONIC ................................. 172
Rear view camera .......................... 179
Driving tips
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC .................................... 162
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 152
Automatic transmission ................. 138
Brakes ........................................... 151
Break-in period .............................. 125
Downhill gradient ........................... 151
Drinking and driving ....................... 149
Driving in winter ............................. 153
Driving on flooded roads ................ 153
Driving on wet roads ...................... 153
Exhaust check ............................... 150
Fuel ................................................ 149
General .......................................... 149
Hydroplaning ................................. 153
Icy road surfaces ........................... 153
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 152
Snow chains .................................. 295
Subjecting brakes to a load ........... 151
Wet road surface ........................... 151
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 196
Index9

Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 230
General notes .................................. 92
Installing .......................................... 93
Opening/closing .............................. 93
Removing ......................................... 93
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 217
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 319
Installation ..................................... 319
Transmission output (maximum) .... 319
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Umbrella holder................................. 250
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles)....... 202
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ...............................................248
V
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 228
Electronics ..................................... 319
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 199
Limited Warranty .............................29
Loading .......................................... 303
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 74
Lowering ........................................ 317
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 149
Pulling away................................... 128
Raising ........................................... 314
REACH Regulation ........................... 28
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 314
Tow-starting ................................... 288
Towing away .................................. 288
Transporting .................................. 290
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (SmartKey)...................... 74
Vehicle data ................................... 326
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data....................................... 326
Vehicle dimensions........................... 326
Vehicle emergency locking................ 81
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate.............. 320
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (ABC)
(except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .. 168
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 170
Display message ............................ 221
Vehicle tool kit.................................. 277
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 196
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
VIN
Seat ............................................... 321
Type plate ...................................... 320
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 236
Active Brake Assist ........................ 241
Brake Assist ................................... 241
Brakes ........................................... 235
Check Engine ................................. 239
Coolant .......................................... 239
Distance warning ........................... 241
ESP®.............................................. 236
ESP®OFF ....................................... 237
Fuel tank ........................................ 239
General notes ................................ 233
Parking brake ................................ 238
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 41
Reserve fuel................................... 239
Restraint system ............................ 238
Index21

pants coming into contact with parts of thevehicle interior or being ejected from the vehi-cle. Furthermore, the seat belt helps to keepthe vehicle occupant in the best position inrelation to the air bag.
The seat belt system comprises:
RSeat belts
REmergency Tensioning Devices and seat beltforce limiters
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply bythe seat belt guide, the inertia reel locks. Thebelt strap cannot be extracted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens theseat belt in an accident, pulling the belt closeagainst the body. However it does not pull thevehicle occupant back in the direction of thebackrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does notcorrect an incorrect seat position or the rout-ing of an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a seat belt force limiter helpsto reduce the force exerted by the seat belt onthe vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters are synchronizedwith the front air bags which absorb part ofthe deceleration force. This can reduce theforce exerted on the vehicle occupants duringan accident.
!If the front-passenger seat is not occupied,do not engage the seat belt tongue in thebuckle on the front-passenger seat. Other-wise, in the event of an accident the Emer-gency Tensioning Device and the sideimpact air bag, in addition to other systems,may be triggered and have to be replaced.
Important safety notes
The use of seat belts and child restraint sys-tems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehi-cle occupants should correctly fasten theirseat belts before starting the journey.
GWARNING
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it can-
not perform its intended protective function.
An incorrectly fastened seat belt can also
cause injuries, for example, in the event of
an accident or when braking or changing
direction abruptly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants
have their seat belts fastened correctly and
are sitting properly.
The components of the restraint system workin conjunction with each other. They can onlydeploy their protective function if, at all times,all vehicle occupants:
Rhave fastened their seat belts correctly(Ypage 43)
Rhave the seat and head restraint adjustedproperly (Ypage 97)
GWARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended
level of protection if you have not moved the
backrest to an almost vertical position.
When braking or in the event of an accident,
you could slide underneath the seat belt and
sustain abdomen or neck injuries, for exam-
ple. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the back-
rest is in an almost vertical position and that
the shoulder section of your seat belt is
routed across the center of your shoulder.
GWARNING
Persons less than 5 ft (1.50 m) tall cannot
wear the seat belt correctly without an addi-
tional and suitable restraint system. If the
seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot per-
form its intended protective function. An
incorrectly fastened seat belt can also cause
injuries, for example, in the event of an acci-
dent or when braking or changing direction
abruptly. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
For this reason, always secure persons
under 5 ft (1.50 m) tall in suitable additional
restraint systems.
42Occupant safety
Safety

Always secure animals properly when driv-
ing, for instance with a suitable pet carrier.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information aboutthe following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lockBrakingSystem)(Ypage 60)
RBAS (BrakeAssistSystem) (Ypage 61)
RBrake Assist with cross-traffic function(Ypage 61)
RActive Brake Assist (Ypage 63)
RAdaptive brake lights (Ypage 65)
RESP®(ElectronicStabilityProgram)(Ypage 65)
REBD (ElectronicBrake forceDistribution)(Ypage 69)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 70)
RActive Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-tion (Ypage 70)
RSTEER CONTROL (Ypage 72)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if youare inattentive, the driving safety systems canneither reduce the risk of an accident noroverride the laws of physics. Driving safetysystems are merely aids designed to assistdriving.
You are responsible for maintaining the dis-tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,for braking in good time, and for staying inlane. Always adapt your driving style to suitthe prevailing road and weather conditions andmaintain a safe distance from the vehicle infront. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described onlywork as effectively as possible when there isadequate contact between the tires and theroad surface. Pay particular attention to theinformation regarding tires, recommendedminimum tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheelsand tires" section (Ypage 293).
In wintry driving conditions, always use wintertires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safetysystems described in this section work aseffectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a waythat the wheels do not lock when you brake.This allows you to continue steering the vehi-cle when braking.
The%ABS warning lamp in the instrumentcluster lights up when the ignition is switchedon. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface condi-tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, evenwhen you only brake gently.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels could
lock when braking. The steerability and
braking characteristics would be severely
affected. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,including driving safety systems, will alsobecome inoperative. Observe the informationon the ABS warning lamp (Ypage 236) anddisplay messages which may be shown in theinstrument cluster (Ypage 206).
Brakes
XIf ABS intervenes:continue to depress thebrake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-uation is over.
XTo make a full brake application:depressthe brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel apulsing in the brake pedal.
60Driving safety systems
Safety

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indicationof hazardous road conditions, and functions asa reminder to take extra care while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BASautomatically boosts the braking force, thusshortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking dis-
tance in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed untilthe emergency braking situation is over.ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once yourelease the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion
General information
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function canhelp you to minimize the risk of a collision witha vehicle or a pedestrian and reduce theeffects of such a collision. If Brake Assist withcross-traffic function detects a danger of colli-sion, you are assisted when braking.
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is onlyavailable in vehicles with the Driving Assis-tance package.
For Brake Assist with cross-traffic function toassist you when driving, the radar sensor sys-tem and the camera system must be opera-tional.
The sensor system and camera system helpBrake Assist with cross-traffic function detectobstacles:
Rthat are in the path of your vehicle for anextended period of time
Rthat cross the path of your vehicle
In addition, pedestrians in the path of yourvehicle can be detected.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function detectspedestrians using typical characteristics suchas body contours and the posture of a personstanding upright.
If the radar sensor system or the camera sys-tem is malfunctioning, Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is restricted or no longer availa-ble. The brake system is still available withcomplete brake boosting effect and BAS.
iObserve the restrictions described in the"Important safety notes" section(Ypage 61).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion cannot always clearly identify objects
and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, Active Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function might:
Rissue an unnecessary warning or brake
Rissue no warning or not brake
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation; do not rely on the Active Brake
Assist with cross-traffic function alone.
Always be ready to brake and possibly take
evasive action.
GWARNING
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function can-
not always clearly identify people, particu-
larly if they are moving. Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function cannot intervene in
these cases. There is a risk of an accident.
Driving safety systems61
Safety
Z