2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS brakes

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

Rmalfunctions and defects in important sys-tem components, e.g. lights, brakes
Rvehicle reactions and operating conditionsin special driving situations, e.g. air bagdeployment, intervention of stability controlsystems
Rambient conditions, e.g. outside tempera-ture
This data is of an exclusively technical natureand can be used to:
Rassist in recognizing and rectifying malfunc-tions and defects
Ranalyze vehicle functions, e.g. after an acci-dent
Roptimize vehicle functions
The data cannot be used to trace the vehicle'smovements.
When your vehicle is serviced, technical infor-mation can be read from the event data mem-ory and malfunction data memory.
Services include, for example:
Rrepair services
Rservice processes
Rwarranties
Rquality assurance
The vehicle is read out by employees of theservice network (including the manufacturer)using special diagnostic testers. More detailedinformation is obtained from it, if required.
After a malfunction has been rectified, theinformation is deleted from the malfunctionmemory or is continually overwritten.
When operating the vehicle, situations areconceivable in which this technical data, inconnection with other information (if neces-sary, under consultation with an authorizedexpert), could be traced to a person.
Examples include:
Raccident reports
Rdamage to the vehicle
Rwitness statements
Further additional functions that have beencontractually agreed upon with the customerallow certain vehicle data to be conveyed bythe vehicle as well. The additional functionsinclude, for example, vehicle location in caseof an emergency.
COMAND/Mercedes me connect
(Canada: TELEAID)
If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND orMercedes me connect, additional data aboutthe vehicle's operation, the use of the vehiclein certain situations, and the location of thevehicle is compiled through COMAND or theMercedes me connect system.
For additional information, please refer to theCOMAND User Manual or Digital Operator'sManual and/or the Mercedes me connectTerms and Conditions.
Event data recorders
USA only:
This vehicle is equipped with an event datarecorder (EDR). This vehicle is equipped withan event data recorder (EDR). The main pur-pose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash ornear crash-like situations, such as an air bagdeployment or hitting a road obstacle, datathat will assist in understanding how a vehi-cle's systems performed. The EDR is designedto record data related to vehicle dynamics andsafety systems for a short period of time, typi-cally 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to recordsuch data as:
RHow various systems in your vehicle wereoperating
RWhether or not the driver and passengersafety belts were buckled/fastened
RHow far (if at all) the driver was depressingthe accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
RHow fast the vehicle was traveling
These data can help provide a better under-standing of the circumstances in whichcrashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR dataare recorded by your vehicle only if a non-triv-ial crash situation occurs; no data are recor-ded by the EDR under normal driving condi-tions and no personal data (e.g. name, gender,age and crash location) are recorded. How-ever, other parties, such as law enforcementcould combine the EDR data with the type ofpersonally identifying data routinely acquiredduring a crash investigation.
Access to the vehicle and/or the EDR is nee-ded to read data that is recorded by an EDR,and special equipment is required. In addition
30Data storage
Introduction

Rsetting a more favorable seat position forthe front-passenger seat.
Rvehicles with a multicontour seat: increasingthe air pressure in the side bolsters of theseat backrest.
!Make sure that there are no objects in thefootwell or behind the seats. There is a dan-ger that the seats and/or objects could be
damaged when PRE-SAFE®is activated.
Should an accident not occur, the preventativemeasures taken are reversed. Certain settingsmust be made yourself.
XIf the seat belt pre-tensioning is notreduced, move the seat backrest backslightly.Seat belt pre-tensioning is released.
PRE-SAFE®PLUS (anticipatory occu-
pant protection system PLUS)
Introduction
PRE-SAFE®PLUS is only available in vehicleswith the Driving Assistance package.
Using the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE®
PLUS is able to detect that a head-on or rear-end collision is imminent. In certain hazardous
situations, PRE-SAFE®PLUS takes pre-emptivemeasures to protect the vehicle occupants.
Important safety notes
The intervention of PRE-SAFE®PLUS cannotprevent an imminent collision.
The driver is not warned about the intervention
of PRE-SAFE®PLUS.
PRE-SAFE®PLUS does not intervene if thevehicle is backing up.
When driving, or when parking or exiting aparking space using Active Parking Assist,
PRE-SAFE®PLUS will not apply the brakes.
Function
PRE-SAFE®PLUS intervenes in certain situa-tions if the radar sensor system detects animminent head-on or rear-end collision.
PRE-SAFE®PLUS takes the following meas-ures depending on the hazardous situationdetected:
Rif the radar sensor system detects that ahead-on collision is imminent, the seat beltsare pre-tensioned.
Rif the radar sensor system detects that arear-end collision is imminent:
-the brake pressure is increased if thedriver applies the brakes when the vehicleis stationary.
-the seat belts are pre-tensioned.
The PRE-SAFE®PLUS braking application iscanceled:
Rif the accelerator pedal is depressed when agear is engaged
Rif the risk of a collision passes or is no lon-ger detected
Rif Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC indi-cates an intention to intervene
If the hazardous situation passes withoutresulting in an accident, the original settingsare restored.
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the followingmeasures are implemented, depending on thetype and severity of the impact:
Rthe hazard warning lamps are switched on
Rthe emergency lighting is activated
Rthe vehicle doors are unlocked
Rthe front side windows are lowered
Rthe electrically adjustable steering wheel israised when the driver's door is opened
Rthe engine is switched off and the fuel sup-ply is cut off
Rvehicles with Mercedes me connect: auto-matic emergency call
56Occupant 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

Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph(70 km/h), Brake Assist with cross-trafficfunction may react to:
Rstationary objects in the path of your vehi-cle, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles
Rpedestrians in the path of your vehicle
Robstacles crossing your path which move inthe detection range of the sensors and aredetected
iIf Brake Assist with cross-traffic functionrequires a particularly high braking force,preventative passenger protection measures
(PRE-SAFE®) are activated at the same time(Ypage 55).
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until theemergency braking situation is over.ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function isdeactivated and the brakes function as usualagain if:
Ryou release the brake pedal
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your vehi-cle
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal
Ryou activate kickdown
Active Brake Assist
General information
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
Active Brake Assist consists of a distancewarning function with an autonomous brakingfunction and Adaptive Brake Assist.
Active Brake Assist can help you to minimizethe risk of a collision with the vehicle in frontor reduce the effects of such a collision.
If Active Brake Assist detects that there is arisk of collision, you will be warned visuallyand acoustically. If you do not react to the vis-ual collision warning or the warning tone,autonomous braking can be initiated in criticalsituations. If you apply the brake yourself in acritical situation, Adaptive Brake Assist of theActive Brake Assist system supports you.
Important safety notes
In particular, the detection of obstacles can beimpaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-ple in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle is traveling in front, e.g. amotorbike
Ra vehicle is traveling in front on a differentline
Ryou are driving a new vehicle or servicing onthe Active Brake Assist system has justbeen carried out
Observe the important safety notes in the"Breaking-in notes" section (Ypage 125).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-cle, have the configuration and operation ofthe radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-cialist workshop. This also applies to collisionsat slow speeds where there is no visible dam-age to the front of the vehicle.
Activating/deactivating
Active Brake Assist is automatically activeafter switching on the ignition.
You can activate or deactivate Active BrakeAssist using the on-board computer(Ypage 198). When deactivated, the distancewarning function and the autonomous brakingfunction are also deactivated.
If Active Brake Assist is deactivated, the