2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS ignition

Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 100
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Headlamps
see Automatic headlamp mode
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher............................. 110
High-beam headlamps
Display message ............................ 217
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Hill start assist.................................. 129
HOLD function
Activating ....................................... 165
Activation conditions .....................165
Deactivating ................................... 165
Display message ............................ 222
General notes ................................ 165
Home address
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................243
Hood
Closing ...........................................266
Display message ............................ 230
Important safety notes .................. 265
Opening ......................................... 265
Horn...................................................... 32
Hydroplaning..................................... 153
I
Ignition lock
see Key positions
Immobilizer.......................................... 72
Indicator lamps
see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 33
Instrument cluster lighting.............. 190
Interior lighting
Automatic control .......................... 113
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 201
Reading lamp ................................. 112
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 200
iPod®
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................243
J
Jack
Storage location ............................ 278
Using ............................................. 314
Jump starting (engine)......................285
K
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 126
SmartKey ....................................... 126
KEYLESS-GO
Activating ......................................... 74
Convenience closing feature ............ 89
Deactivation ..................................... 74
Display message ............................ 232
Locking ............................................ 74
Removing the Start/Stop button ... 127
Start/Stop button .......................... 126
Starting the engine ........................ 128
Unlocking ......................................... 74
Kickdown
Driving tips ....................................138
Manual gearshifting ....................... 143
Knee bag.............................................. 46
L
Lamps
see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane Keeping Assist
see Active Lane Keeping Assist
Lap time (RACETIMER)......................203
License plate lamp (display mes-
sage)................................................... 217
Light function, active
Display message ............................ 217
Light sensor (display message)....... 217
Lights
Activating/deactivating the inte-
rior lighting delayed switch-off ....... 201
12Index

Door central locking/unlocking ....... 74
Important safety notes.................... 74
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 76
Opening/closing the roof................ 92
Overview .......................................... 74
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 126
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 78
Starting the engine ........................ 128
SMS
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
Snow chains...................................... 295
Sockets
Front-passenger footwell ............... 255
General notes ................................ 254
Trunk ............................................. 255
Sound
Switching on/off........................... 244
Special seat belt retractor.................. 57
Specialist workshop............................ 28
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 194
In the Instrument cluster ................. 33
Segments ...................................... 190
Selecting the display unit............... 199
SPORT handling mode
Deactivating/activating
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ................ 68
Warning lamp ................................. 238
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 217
Switching on/off........................... 110
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine)................................ 127
STEER CONTROL.................................. 72
Steering
Display message ............................ 230
Steering assistant STEER CON-
TROL
see STEER CONTROL
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 103
Button overview ............................... 34
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 191
Important safety notes .................. 103
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 107
Steering wheel paddle shifters........ 141
Stopwatch (RACETIMER)................... 203
Stowage areas................................... 249
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 249
Center console .............................. 250
Center console (rear) ..................... 250
Cup holders ................................... 252
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 250
Glove box ....................................... 249
Important safety information ......... 249
Rear ............................................... 251
Stowage net ................................... 251
Stowage net....................................... 251
Stowage space
Umbrella holder............................. 250
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor.................................................... 252
Summer tires..................................... 295
Sun visor............................................ 253
Surround lighting (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 200
Suspension settings
Active Body Control (ABC)
(except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .. 169
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 171
Suspension tuning
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 203
SVHC (Substances of Very High
Concern)............................................... 28
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off................................................. 122
Switching on media mode
Via the device list .......................... 248
T
Tachometer........................................ 190
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 217
see Lights
18Index

Panic alarm
XTo activate:press3buttonCfor atleast one second.A visual and audible alarm is triggered if thealarm system is armed.
XTo deactivate:press3buttonCagain.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the vehicle.
Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system
The restraint system can reduce the risk ofvehicle occupants coming into contact withparts of the vehicle's interior in the event of anaccident. The restraint system can also reducethe forces to which vehicle occupants are sub-jected during an accident.
The restraint system includes the followingcomponents:
Rseat belt system
Rair bags
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)
As the driver, you also have to make sure thatthe steering wheel is adjusted correctly.
Observe the information relating to the correctdriver's seat position (Ypage 97).
You also have to make sure that an air bag caninflate properly if deployed (Ypage 45).
An air bag supplements a correctly worn seatbelt. As an additional safety device, the air bagincreases the level of protection for vehicleoccupants in the event of an accident. Forexample, if, in the event of an accident, theprotection offered by the seat belt is sufficient,the air bags are not deployed. When an acci-dent occurs, only the air bags that increaseprotection in that particular accident situationare deployed. However, seat belts and air bagsgenerally do not protect against objects pene-trating the vehicle from the outside.
Information on restraint system operation canbe found under "Triggering of the EmergencyTensioning Devices and air bags"(Ypage 53).
See "Children in the vehicle" for informationon children traveling with you in the vehicle aswell as on child restraint systems(Ypage 57).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Modifications to the restraint system may
cause it to no longer work as intended. The
restraint system may then not perform its
intended protective function and may fail in
an accident or trigger unexpectedly, for
example. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint system.
Never tamper with the wiring, the electronic
components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify components of therestraint system to accommodate a personwith disabilities, contact an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center for details. USA only:for further information contact our CustomerAssistance Center at 1-800 FOR-MERCEDES(1‑800‑367‑6372).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only usedriving aids which have been approved specifi-cally for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
40Occupant safety
Safety

Restraint system warning lamp
The functions of the restraint system arechecked after the ignition is switched on andat regular intervals while the engine is running.Therefore, malfunctions can be detected ingood time.
Theurestraint system warning lamp onthe instrument cluster lights up when the igni-tion is switched on. It goes out no later than afew seconds after the vehicle is started. Thecomponents of the restraint system are inoperational readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if theurestraint system warning lamp:
Rdoes not light up after the ignition isswitched on
Rdoes not go out after a few seconds with theengine running
Rlights up again while the engine is running
GWARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or may not deploy as
intended during an accident. This can affect
for example the Emergency Tensioning
Device or the air bag. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop
as soon as possible.
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lampCand PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lampDare part of the Occupant Classifica-tion System (OCS).
The indicator lamps display the status of thefront-passenger front air bag.
RPASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for 60seconds, subsequently both indicator lampsare off (PASSENGER AIR BAG ON and OFF):the front-passenger front air bag is able todeploy in the event of an accident.
RPASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: thefront-passenger front air bag is deactivated.It will then not be deployed in the event ofan accident.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lampis off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-cator lamp shows the status of the front-passenger front air bag. The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp may be lit continu-ously or be off.
Depending on the person in the front-passenger seat, the front-passenger front airbag must either be deactivated or enabled;see the following points. You must make sureof this both before and during a journey.
RChildren in a child restraint system:whether the front-passenger front air bag isenabled or deactivated depends on theinstalled child restraint system, and the ageand size of the child. Therefore, be sure toobserve the notes on the "Occupant Classifi-cation System (OCS)" (Ypage 48) and on"Children in the vehicle" (Ypage 57).There you will also find instructions on rear-ward and forward-facing child restraint sys-tems on the front-passenger seat.
RAll other persons:depending on the classi-fication of the person in the front-passengerseat, the front-passenger front air bag isenabled or deactivated (Ypage 48). Besure to observe the notes on "Seatbelts“ (Ypage 41) and "Air bags"(Ypage 45). There you can also find infor-mation on the correct seat position.
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means ofrestricting the movement of vehicle occupantsin the event of an accident or the vehicle roll-ing over. This reduces the risk of vehicle occu-
Occupant safety41
Safety
Z

Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Introduction
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) cat-egorizes the person in the front-passengerseat. Depending on that result, the front-passenger front air bag and front-passengerknee bag are either enabled or deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
Rthe side impact air bag
Rthe headbag
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices
Requirements
To be classified correctly, the front passengermust sit:
Rwith the seat belt fastened correctly
Rin an almost upright position with their backagainst the seat backrest
Rwith their feet resting on the floor, if possi-ble
If the front passenger does not observe theseconditions, OCS may produce a false classifi-cation, e.g. because the front passenger:
Rtransfers their weight by supporting them-selves on a vehicle armrest
Rsits in such a way that their weight is raisedfrom the seat cushion
If you install a child restraint system on thefront-passenger seat, be sure to observe thecorrect positioning of the child restraint sys-tem. Never place objects under or behind thechild restraint system, e.g. a cushion. Fullyretract the seat cushion length. The entirebase of the child restraint system must alwaysrest on the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat aspossible against the backrest of the front-passenger seat.
The child restraint system must not touch theroof or be subjected to a load by the headrestraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrestand the head restraint position accordingly.
Only then can OCS be guaranteed to functioncorrectly. Always observe the child restraintsystem manufacturer's installation and operat-ing instructions.
Occupant Classification System opera-
tion (OCS)
CPASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
DPASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
The indicator lamps inform you whether thefront-passenger front air bag is deactivated orenabled.
XPress the Start/Stop button once or twice,or turn the SmartKey to positionGorHinthe ignition lock.The system carries out self-diagnostics.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF andPASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps mustlight up simultaneously for approximately sixseconds.
The indicator lamps display the status of thefront-passenger front air bag.
RPASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up for60 seconds, subsequently both indicatorlamps are off (PASSENGER AIR BAG ON andOFF): the front-passenger front air bag isable to deploy in the event of an accident.
RPASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: thefront-passenger front air bag is deactivated.It will then not be deployed in the event ofan accident.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lampis off, only the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-cator lamp shows the status of the front-passenger front air bag. The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp may be lit continu-ously or be off.
If the status of the front-passenger front airbag changes while the vehicle is in motion, anair bag display message appears in the instru-ment cluster (Ypage 215). When the front-passenger seat is occupied, always pay atten-tion to the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicatorlamp. Be aware of the status of the front-
48Occupant safety
Safety

An Emergency Tensioning Device can only betriggered, if:
Rthe ignition is switched on
Rthe components of the restraint system areoperational. You can find further informationunder "Restraint system warning lamp"(Ypage 41)
Rthe seat belt buckle tongue has engaged inthe belt buckle of the respective seat
If the restraint system control unit detects amore severe accident, further components ofthe restraint system are activated independ-ently of each other in certain frontal collisionsituations:
RFront air bags as well as driver's and front-passenger knee bags
Depending on the person in the front-passenger seat, the front-passenger front airbag is either enabled or disabled. The front-passenger front air bag can be deployed in anaccident only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFFindicator lamp is off. Observe the informationon the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamps(Ypage 41).
Your vehicle has two-stage front air bags.
The activation threshold of the EmergencyTensioning Devices and the air bags is deter-mined by evaluating the rate of vehicle decel-eration or acceleration which occurs at variouspoints in the vehicle. This process is pre-emp-tive in nature. Deployment should take placein good time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-tion and the direction of the force are essen-tially determined by:
Rthe distribution of forces during the collision
Rthe collision angle
Rthe deformation characteristics of the vehi-cle
Rthe characteristics of the object with whichthe vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measuredafter a collision has occurred do not play adecisive role in the deployment of an air bag.Nor do they provide an indication of air bagdeployment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably,without an air bag being deployed. This is thecase if only parts which are relatively easilydeformed are affected and the rate of deceler-ation is not high. Conversely, air bags may bedeployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. This is the case if, forexample, very rigid vehicle parts such as longi-tudinal body members are hit, and sufficientdeceleration occurs as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects aside impact or if the vehicle rolls over, theapplicable components of the restraint systemare deployed independently of each otherdepending on the apparent type of accident.
RSide impact air bag on the side of impact,independently of the Emergency TensioningDevice and the use of the seat belt on thedriver's seat
The side impact air bag on the frontpassenger side deploys under the followingconditions:
-the OCS system detects that the frontpassenger seat is occupied or
-the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged inthe belt buckle of the front passengerseat
RHead bag on the side of impact, independ-ently of the use of the seat belt and inde-pendently of whether the front-passengerseat is occupied
REmergency Tensioning Devices, if the sys-tem determines that deployment can offeradditional protection in this situation
RHead bags on the driver's and front-passenger side in certain situations whenthe vehicle rolls over, if the system deter-mines that deployment can offer additionalprotection to that provided by the seat belt
iNot all air bags are deployed in an acci-dent. The different air bag systems workindependently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determinedby the severity of the accident detected,especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-eration and the apparent type of accident:
RHead-on collision
RSide impact
RRollover
54Occupant 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

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