2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS snow chains

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

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

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

Seat belt ........................................ 233
SPORT handling mode ................... 238
Tire pressure monitor .................... 242
Warning triangle................................ 276
Warranty.............................................. 25
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 231
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 318
Wheel bolt tightening torque........... 317
Wheel chock...................................... 314
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 313
Checking ........................................ 293
Cleaning ......................................... 274
Important safety notes .................. 293
Information on driving .................... 293
Interchanging/changing ................ 313
Mounting a new wheel ................... 316
Mounting a wheel .......................... 313
Overview ........................................ 293
Removing a wheel .......................... 316
Storing ........................................... 313
Tightening torque ........................... 317
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 318
Wind screen
Electrical wind screen ...................... 94
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 120
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 268
Important safety notes .................. 325
Windshield wipers
Display message ............................ 231
Problem (malfunction) ................... 115
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 114
Switching on/off........................... 113
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 295
Slippery road surfaces ................... 153
Snow chains .................................. 295
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 295
Winter tires
M+S tires....................................... 295
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 274
Important safety notes .................. 114
Replacing ....................................... 114
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
Z
ZONE function
Switching on/off........................... 120
22Index

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

Drive programESP®modeCharacteristics
CComfort
EEconomy
ESP®onThis drive program offers the best compromisebetween traction and stability.
Select drive programEorCin difficult roadconditions such as snow and ice or on wetroads.
SSportESP®onThis drive program offers the best compromisebetween traction and stability.
S+Sport PlusESP®SportThe vehicle's own oversteering and understeer-ing characteristics are emphasized. This ena-bles a more active driving style.
This drive program requires increased driverinteraction.
Select this drive program only when road con-ditions are good, e.g. the roads are dry and theroute is clear.
Always adapt your driving style and drive program to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Additional information for drive programs (Ypage 138).
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches theengine off automatically when the vehiclestops moving. The engine starts automaticallywhen the driver wants to pull away again.
ESP®remains in its previously selected status,
e.g. if ESP®was deactivated before the enginewas automatically switched off.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(except
Mercedes‑AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
You can select between the following states of
ESP®:
RESP®is activated
RESP®is deactivated
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP®in the fol-lowing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting actionwhich provides better grip.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®willotherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicleif the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel startsto spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. Youcould otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Driving safety systems67
Safety
Z

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).
Driving tips153
Driving and parking
Z

try roads or, ideally, when driving on closedrace circuits.
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCrepeat-edly until theSport Plusdrive program isselected.
Activating the driving dynamics dis-
play
Using the driving dynamics display in the mul-timedia system display, you can see the driveprogram you selected as well as additionalinformation on the vehicle's operating state.
XSwitch on the multimedia system. Furtherinformation can be found in the Digital Oper-ator's Manual.
XPress buttonC.The driving dynamics display appears in themultimedia system display.
The following information on the vehicle'soperating status is displayed in the drivingdynamics display:
RDrive program selected (Ypage 132)
RAccelerator pedal position shown in %
RBrake pedal position shown in %
RSteering angle
RDamping setting selected
RG-FORCE cross displaying longitudinal andlateral acceleration (only available inSportorSport Plusdrive programs)
Active Body Control ABC (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Setting the vehicle level
General notes
The vehicle level can be set using theDYNAMIC SELECT button (Ypage 132) or thelevel button. The setting always correspondsto the last selected function.
In order to reduce fuel consumption andimprove the driving dynamics, the vehicle islowered as its speed increases. In theSportandSport Plusdrive programs, it is loweredby up to 0.5 in (13 mm) compared to the nor-mal vehicle level. In theComfortandCURVEdrive programs, it is lowered by up to 0.2 in(5 mm) compared to the normal vehicle level.As the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raisedup to the set vehicle height.
Select the normal level for normal road surfa-ces and the raised level for driving with snowchains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle is lowered slightly in the follow-
ing situations:
Rthe SPORT suspension setting is selected
at the normal vehicle level
Rthe engine is switched off
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or
the underbody may thus become trapped.
There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of
the wheel arch or the underbody when you
switch off the engine.
168Driving systems
Driving an d parking