2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS brake pads

Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
The sensor system of some driving and drivingsafety systems adjusts automatically while acertain distance is being driven after the vehi-cle has been delivered or after repairs. Fullsystem effectiveness is not reached until theend of this teach-in procedure.
New and replaced brake pads and discs onlyreach their optimum braking effect after sev-eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-sate for this by applying greater force to thebrake pedal.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it isnew, the more satisfied you will be with itsperformance in the future.
RYou should therefore drive at varying vehicleand engine speeds for the first 1,000 miles(1,500 km).
RAvoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full throt-tle, during this period.
RChange gear in good time, before the tach-ometer needle is

economical driving. A higher level indicates amore economical driving style. If the threeouter areas are completely filled at the sametime, the driver has adopted the most eco-nomical driving style for the selected settingsand prevailing conditions. The ECO displayborder lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actualfuel consumption. The additionally achievedrange displayed underBonus fr. startBonus fr. startdoesnot indicate a fixed consumption reduction.
In addition to driving style, the actual con-sumption 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 requiresdriving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories"Acceleration" and "Constant":
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive the vehicle in drive programCorE.
In urban traffic and stop-start traffic, drive pro-gramCis recommended.
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. onthe highway, only the outer area for "constant"will change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving stylefrom the start of the journey to its completion.Therefore, there are more marked changes inthe outer areas at the start of a journey. Onlonger journeys, there are fewer changes. Formore marked changes, perform a manual rest(Ypage 194).
Further information on the ECO display(Ypage 193).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long, steep gradients, you must reducethe load on the brakes. To use engine brak-ing, shift to a lower gear in good time. Thishelps you to avoid overheating the brakesand wearing them out excessively.
When making use of the engine brakingeffect, it is possible that a drive wheel maynot turn for some time, e.g. in the case ofsuddenly changing or slippery road surfaceconditions. This could cause damage to thedrive train. This type of damage is not cov-ered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Change into a lower gear in good time on longand steep downhill gradients. This is especiallyimportant if the vehicle is laden.
This also applies if you have activated cruisecontrol or Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving, the braking system can over-
heat. This increases the stopping distance
and can even cause the braking system to
fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.
Never depress the brake pedal and the
accelerator pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantlyresults in excessive and premature wear tothe brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavyload, do not stop the vehicle immediately, butdrive on for a short while. This allows the air-flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rainwithout braking, there may be a delayed reac-tion from the brakes when braking for the first
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Driving and parking
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time. This may also occur after the vehicle hasbeen washed or driven through deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedalmore firmly. Maintain a greater distance fromthe vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-cle washed, brake firmly while paying attentionto the traffic conditions. This will warm up thebrake discs, thereby drying them more quicklyand protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-due may form on the brake discs and brakepads. This can result in a significantly longerbraking distance.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, applythe brakes occasionally while paying atten-tion to the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and thebeginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicleahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up inthe instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engineis running
Observe additional warning messages in themultifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due tobrake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-shop to arrange this.
!As the ESP®system operates automati-cally, the engine and the ignition must beswitched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-tion

New and replaced brake pads and discs onlyreach their optimum braking effect after sev-eral hundred kilometers of driving. Compen-sate for this by applying greater force to thebrake pedal. Keep this in mind, and adapt yourdriving and braking accordingly during thisbreak-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake sys-tem warning lamp in the instrument clusterand note any brake status messages in themultifunction display. Especially for high per-formance driving, it is important to maintainand have the brake system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth onthe road surface, there is a danger of hydro-planing occurring.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or inconditions in which hydroplaning may occur,you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Checkthe depth of any water before drivingthrough it. Drive slowly through standingwater. Otherwise, water could enter thevehicle interior or engine compartment. Itcan then damage the engine's or automatictransmission's electronic components. Itcan also be sucked in by the engine's airintake connection and cause engine dam-age.
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehi-
cle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk
of fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heat-
ing running, make sure the exhaust pipe and
area around the vehicle are clear of snow.
To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air,
open a window on the side of the vehicle
that is not facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualifiedspecialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roadsurfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steeringand braking maneuvers. Do not use cruisecontrol.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot bestopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position\\.
The outside temperature indicator is notdesigned to serve as an ice-warning deviceand is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.Changes in the outside temperature are dis-played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezingpoint do not guarantee that the road surface isfree of ice. The road may still be icy, especiallyin wooded areas or on bridges. The vehiclecould skid if you fail to adapt your drivingstyle. Always adapt your driving style and driveat a speed to suit the prevailing weather condi-tions.
You should pay special attention to road con-ditions when temperatures are around freezingpoint.
For more information on driving with snowchains, see (Ypage 295).
For more information on driving with summertires, see (Ypage 295).
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Driving and parking
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The yellow$warning lamp lights up and the redI(USAonly) or$(Canada only) indicator lamp flashes.
It is not possible to apply the electric parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission to position].
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
'(USA only)
M(Canada only)
Check Brake FluidCheck Brake FluidLevelLevel
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the'(USA only) orM(Canada only) warninglamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue drivingunder any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XDo not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
&
Check Brake PadCheck Brake PadWearWear
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
PRE-SAFE Inopera‐PRE-SAFE Inopera‐tive See Opera‐tive See Opera‐tor's Manualtor's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE®have failed. All other occupantsafety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Active BrakeActive BrakeAssist FunctionsAssist FunctionsCurrently LimitedCurrently LimitedSee Operator's Man‐See Operator's Man‐ualual
Active Brake Assist is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes are:
Rthe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due toelectromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stationsor other sources of electromagnetic radiation
Rthe system is outside the operating temperature range
Rthe on-board voltage is too low
When the causes stated above no longer apply, the display messagedisappears.
Active Brake Assist is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, payingattention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XRestart the engine.
Displaymessages211
On-b oard computer and displays
Z

Safety systems
Warning/indicatorlamp
QQSignal type
Possible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
'MQ'(USA only),M(Canada only): the red brake system warning lamp islit while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics maybe affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention toroad and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
'MQ'(USA only) orM(Canada only): the red brake system warning lampis lit while the engine is running. A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention toroad and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 146).
XDo not add brake fluid. Adding more will not correct the malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
'QUSA only: the red brake system warning lamp is lit while the engine is run-ning. The multifunction display also shows a display message with the&symbol.
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Warning and indicator lamps235
On-board computer and displays
Z

Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and films withhard objects, e.g. rings or ice scrapers. Oth-erwise, you may scratch or damage the sur-faces and films.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long periodof time directly after cleaning, particularlyafter cleaning the wheel rim with wheelcleaner. Wheel cleaner can lead to theincreased corrosion of the brake discs andpads. Therefore, drive for a few minutesafter cleaning. By heating up the brakes, thebrake discs and pads dry. The vehicle canthen be parked for a long period of time.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition forretaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning
the paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is
restored.
!When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-tion is activated, the vehicle brakes auto-matically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateDISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function inthe following or similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!It is preferable to use car washes withadjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning thatcorresponds to the specification for theCabriolet program. In car washes that usehigh water pressures, there is a risk that asmall amount of water may leak into thevehicle.
!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.
!Never clean your vehicle in a TouchlessAutomatic Car Wash as these use specialcleaning agents. These cleaning agents candamage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If you have your vehicle cleaned in a high-pressure automatic car wash, smallamounts of water may enter the vehicle.
!Make sure that the automatic transmissionis in positionNwhen washing your vehiclein a tow-through car wash. The vehicle couldbe damaged if the transmission is in anotherposition.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the roof are com-pletely closed
Rthe climate control blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can clean the vehicle at an automatic carwash from the very start.
Preferably clean the vehicle at automatic carwashes that use textile washing elementswithout brushes. This prevents fine scratchesfrom forming on the paintwork and film.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it beforecleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe offwax from the windshield and the wiper blades.This will prevent smears and reduce wipingnoises caused by residue on the windshield.
iVehicles with decorative film: select awash program without hot wax at the auto-matic car wash.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is onlyallowed at specially equipped washing bays.
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a decorative film when the decorative film isremoved.
iHave work or repairs on decorative filmcarried out at a qualified specialist work-shop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that youuse an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center forthis purpose.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
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.
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning productsto remove brake dust. This could damagewheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long periodof time directly after cleaning, particularlyafter cleaning the wheel rim with wheelcleaner. Wheel cleaner can lead to theincreased corrosion of the brake discs andpads. Therefore, drive for a few minutesafter cleaning. By heating up the brakes, thebrake discs and pads dry. The vehicle canthen be parked for a long period of time.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the wind-
shield wipers if they start moving while
cleaning the windshield or wiper blades.
There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield
or wiper blades.
!Only fold the windshield wipers away fromthe windshield when vertical. Otherwise, youwill damage the hood.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-vents to clean the inside of the windows. Donot touch the insides of the windows withhard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring.There is otherwise a risk of damaging thewindows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of thewindshield and the rear window at regularintervals. Deposits such as leaves, petalsand pollen may under certain circumstancesprevent water from draining away. This canlead to corrosion damage and damage toelectronic components.
XClean the inside and outside of the windowswith a damp cloth and a cleaning productthat is recommended and approved byMercedes-Benz.
Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
If the windshield wipers are set in motion
while you are cleaning the windshield, you
can be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a
risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, thewiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often anddo not rub them too hard. Otherwise, thegraphite coating could be damaged. Thiscould cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when foldingback. The windshield could be damaged ifthe wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away fromthe windshield.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with adamp cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back againbefore switching on the ignition.
274Care
Maintenance and care