2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS tow bar

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamplights up and remainslit, even though thefront-passenger seat isoccupied by an adult ora person of a staturecorresponding to that ofan adult.
The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-rect.
XMake sure the conditions for a correct classification of the per-son on the front-passenger seat are met (Ypage 48).
XIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, thefront-passenger seat may not be used.
XHave OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lampdoes not light upand/or does not stayon.
The front-passengerseat is:
Runoccupied
Roccupied by theweight of a child upto twelve months oldin a child restraintsystem
OCS is malfunctioning.
XMake sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and thechild seat.
XMake sure that the entire base of the child restraint system restson the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest ofthe forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possi-ble against the backrest of the front passenger seat. If necessary,adjust the position of the front-passenger seat.
XMake sure that the seat cushion length is fully retracted.
XWhen installing the child restraint system, make sure that theseat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-passenger seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt andthe child restraint system being pulled too tightly.
XCheck for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to thechild restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraintaccordingly.
XMake sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto theseat.
XIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains offand/or the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, donot install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat.
XHave OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
Roll bar
GDANGER
If the roll bar has developed a malfunction, it
may not function, e.g. in the event of an
accident. The roll bars may then not protect
the vehicle occupants as intended. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Have roll bars checked immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If you place objects or clothing on the roll
bar covers, these could impair roll bar exten-
sion. The roll bars may then not protect the
vehicle occupants as intended. In addition,
objects could endanger the vehicle occu-
pants when the roll bar is extending. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Ensure that the movement area of the roll
bar covers is kept clear. Always stow all
objects in the vehicle correctly.
52Occupant safety
Safety

The roll bars are located in the rear area of thevehicle under the two outer rear compartmenttrim covers.
They extend if systems detect that the vehicleis in danger of rollover. The two outer rearcompartment trim covers are opened and theroll bars are extended within fractions of asecond.
Once the roll bars are extended, you can nolonger lower them. An open roof can no longerbe closed. In this case, visit the nearest quali-fied specialist workshop.
Deployment of Emergency Tension-
ing Devices and air bags
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
GWARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
Have the vehicle towed to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in order to have a deployed
air bag replaced.
For your own safety and that of your frontpassenger, it is important that you havedeployed air bags replaced and defective airbags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags continue to perform their protectivefunction for the vehicle occupants in the eventof a crash.
GWARNING
Emergency Tensioning Devices that have
deployed pyrotechnically are no longer
operational and are unable to perform their
intended protective function. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have pyrotechnically triggered Emergency
Tensioning Devices replaced immediately at
a qualified specialist workshop.
An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE®totrigger the tightening of the seat belt in haz-ardous situations. This procedure is reversible.
If Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggeredor air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang,and some powder may also be released. Theurestraint system warning lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect yourhearing. The powder that is released generallydoes not constitute a health hazard, but it maycause short-term breathing difficulties in peo-ple with asthma or other respiratory problems.Provided it is safe to do so, you should leavethe vehicle immediately or open the window inorder to prevent breathing difficulties.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tension-ing Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate mate-rial, which may require special handling andregard for the environment. National guide-lines must be observed during disposal. In Cal-ifornia, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/index.cfm.
Method of operation
During the first stage of a collision, therestraint system control unit evaluates impor-tant physical data relating to vehicle decelera-tion or acceleration, such as:
Rduration
Rdirection
Rintensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, therestraint system control unit triggers the Emer-gency Tensioning Devices during a head-on orrear-end collision.
Occupant safety53
Safety
Z

seat belt guide. This makes it easier to movethe seats forward.
Before you drive off, the seat belt must beinserted into the seat belt guide.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts(Ypage 42).
XTo remove:open up magnetic headDandfold the tab up in the direction of the arrow.
XTake the seat belt out of seat belt guideC.
XTo insert:fold the tab up in the direction ofthe arrow.
XInsert the seat belt back into the seat beltguide and fold the tab back down.
Adjusting the head restraints
GWARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
Radjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
Rfasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before starting the engine.
XTo adjust the head restraint height:slidethe switch for the head restraint adjust-mentCup or down in the direction of thearrow.
Moving the seats forward/back
GWARNING
When you adjust a seat, you or other vehicle
occupants could become trapped, e.g. on
the seat guide rail. There is a risk of injury.
When adjusting a seat, make sure that no
one has any body parts in the sweep of the
seat.
!Make sure that there are no containers inthe cup holder and no objects in the foot-well or behind the seats when adjusting theseats. Otherwise, you could damage theseats and the objects.
You can move the seat forwards in order togain better access to the rear compartment,e.g. to reach the stowage compartment in therear passenger compartment .
XRemove the seat belt from the seat beltguide (Ypage 99).
XTo move the seat forwards:pressdonswitchC.The seat moves automatically to the fore-most position.
XTo move the seat backwards:presscon switchC.The seat moves back to the previous posi-tion.
XTo stop seat movement:pressdorcin the opposite direction.
Adjusting the multicontour seat
You can adjust the multicontour seat usingCOMAND (see Digital Operator's Manual).
Adjusting the active multicontour
seat
The active multicontour seat can be adjustedusing COMAND (see the Digital Operator'sManual).
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar support
You can adjust the 4-way lumbar supportusing COMAND (see the Digital Operator'sManual).
100Seats
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine is not run-ning smoothly and ismisfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-verter and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The coolant tempera-ture display shows avalue above 248 ‡(120 †). The coolantwarning lamp may alsobe on and a warningtone may sound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine isno longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 267). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suf-ficiently.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the near-est qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving inmountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching towbar systems, such as those used for flat tow-ing or dinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may resultin damage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehi-cle.
The vehicle/vehicle combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 289) and the notes on towing withboth axles on the ground (Ypage 289).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to changethe drive program. Depending on the drive pro-gram selected the following vehicle character-istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe curve tilting function (vehicles withActive Body Control)
Rthe control thresholds of ESP®
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis activated. Further information about startingthe engine (Ypage 127).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key, drive programCis activated. Furtherinformation about starting the engine(Ypage 127).
132DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Driving and parking

Under the following circumstances, the rearview camera will not function, or will functionin a limited manner:
Rif the trunk lid is open
Rin heavy rain, snow or fog
Rat night or in very dark places
Rif the camera is exposed to very bright light
Rif the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LEDlighting (the display may flicker)
Rif there is a sudden change in temperature,e.g. when driving into a heated garage inwinter
Rif the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.Observe the notes on cleaning(Ypage 275)
Rif the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In thiscase, have the camera position and settingchecked at a qualified specialist workshop.
The field of vision and other functions of therear view camera may be restricted due toadditional accessories on the rear of the vehi-cle (e.g. license plate holder, bicycle rack).
On vehicles with height-adjustable chassis,leaving the standard height can result in inac-curacies in the guide lines, depending on tech-nical conditions.
iThe contrast of the display may be affec-ted by the sudden presence of sunlight orother light sources, e.g. when exiting agarage. Pay particular attention in this situa-tion.
iIf usability is severely restricted, e.g. dueto pixel errors, have the display repaired orreplaced.
Activating/deactivating the rear view
camera
XTo activate:make sure that the SmartKeyis in positionHin the ignition lock.
XMake sure that theActivation by R gearActivation by R gearfunction is selected in the multimedia sys-tem; see the Digital Operator's Manual.
XEngage reverse gear.The multimedia system shows the areabehind the vehicle with guide lines.
The image from the rear view camera isavailable throughout the maneuvering proc-ess.
To deactivate:the rear view camera deacti-vates if you shift the transmission to position], or after driving forwards a short distance.
The inner segments of the warning indicatorare displayed in red if there is a complete sys-tem failure. The indicator lamp in thePARKTRONIC button lights up.
If the system fails at the rear of the vehicle:
Rthe rear segments are shown in red whenbacking up.
Rthe rear segments are hidden when drivingforwards.
Displays in the multimedia system
The rear view camera may show a distortedview of obstacles, show them incorrectly ornot at all. The rear view camera does not showobjects in the following positions:
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rin close range above the handle on the trunklid
!Objects not at ground level may appear tobe further away than they actually are, e.g.:
Rthe bumper of a parked vehicle
Rthe drawbar of a trailer
Rthe ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
Rthe rear section of an HGV
Ra slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.Approach objects no further than the bot-tom-most guideline.
CYellow guide line at a distance of approx-imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear area
DWhite guide line without steering input –vehicle width including the exterior mirrors(static)
180Driving systems
Driving and parking

Tire-change tool kit
The tire-change tool kit can be found in thestowage well under the trunk floor(Ypage 252).
CBag containing the tire-changing tools
BagCwith the tire-changing tools contains:
Rjack
Rlug wrench
Ralignment bolt
Rwheel chock
Rgloves
Depending on the equipment, tools requiredfor a wheel change, such as a jack or a lugwrench, are not available in all vehicles. Toolsapproved for your vehicle are available at aqualified specialist workshop.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
Rtires with run-flat characteristics(MOExtended tires) (Ypage 278)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary onvehicles with MOExtended tires.
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 277)
Vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emer-gency call system:in the event of a flat tire,you can contact the Mercedes-Benz emer-gency call system customer center.
Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires arenot equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory.It is therefore recommended that you addition-ally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if youmount tires that do not feature run-flat charac-teristics, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may beobtained from a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and mounting wheels(Ypage 313).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery andlevel ground, as far away as possible fromtraffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away(Ypage 146).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into thestraight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:removethe SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:open the driv-er's door.The vehicle electronics are now in positionZ. This is the same as the SmartKey havingbeen removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:remove theStart/Stop button from the ignition lock(Ypage 126).
XMake sure that the passengers are notendangered as they do so. Make sure thatno one is near the danger area while awheel is being changed. Anyone who is notdirectly assisting in the wheel changeshould, for example, stand behind the bar-rier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-fic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flatcharacteristics), you can continue to drive yourvehicle even if there is a total loss of pressurein one or more tires. The affected tire must notshow any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize an MOExtended tire by theMOExtended marking which appears on thesidewall of the tire. You will find this markingnext to the tire size designation, the load-bear-ing capacity and the speed index(Ypage 307).
MOExtended tires may only be used in con-junction with an active tire pressure monitor.
278Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed
of professionally, e.g. at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
If a tire pressure of 180 kPa(1.8 bar/26 psi)has been achieved after a maximum period often minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of thefaulty tire.
XStow the tire sealant bottle and the tireinflation compressor.
XPull away immediately.
XStop after driving for approximately tenminutes and check the tire pressure withthe tire inflation compressor.The tire pressure must now be at least130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot
repair the tire in this instance. Damaged
tires and a tire pressure that is too low can
significantly impair the vehicle's braking and
driving characteristics. There is a risk of
accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn cases such as the one mentionedabove, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes(in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
XCorrect the tire pressure if it is still at least130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire andLoading Information placard on the driver'sside B-pillar or the tire pressure table in thefuel filler flap for values.
XTo increase the tire pressure:switch onthe tire inflation compressor.
XTo reduce the tire pressure:depress pres-sure release buttonmnext to pressuregagen.
XWhen the tire pressure is correct, unscrewthe filler hose from the valve of the sealedtire.
XScrew the valve cap onto the tire valve ofthe sealed tire.
XPull the tire sealant bottle out of the tireinflation compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tiresealant bottle.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialistworkshop and have the tire changed there.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced assoon as possible at a qualified specialistworkshop.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced everyfour years at a qualified specialist workshop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge arerequired when working on the battery, e.g.removal and installation. You should thereforehave all work involving the battery carried outat a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This
can lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting
system, the ABS (anti-lock braking system)
or the ESP®(Electronic Stability Program).
282Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any quali-fied specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissi-
ble gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehi-
cle, its weight should not be greater than
the permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weightof your vehicle can be found on the vehicleidentification plate (Ypage 320).
!When Active Brake Assist, Active DistanceAssist DISTRONIC or the HOLD function isactivated, the vehicle brakes automaticallyin certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivatethese systems in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at thetowing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could bedamaged.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery,this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,recover the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly andsmoothly. If the tractive power is too high,the vehicles could be damaged.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Thiscould damage the vehicle.
!When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stopbutton. The automatic transmission mayotherwise shift to position]when you
open the driver's or front-passenger door,which could damage the transmission.
!Make sure that the electric parking brakeis released. If the electric parking brake isfaulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!You may tow the vehicle for a maximumdistance of 30 miles (50 kilometers). A tow-ing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not beexceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles(50 kilometers), the entire vehicle must beraised and transported.
!When you are tow-starting or towinganother vehicle, its weight must not exceedthe maximum permissible gross weight ofyour vehicle.
It is better to have the vehicle transportedthan to have it towed away.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-tion\\when the vehicle is being towed away.
The battery must be connected and charged.Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to positionHinthe ignition lock
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission toposition\\
Deactivate the automatic locking featurebefore the vehicle is towed (Ypage 201). Youcould otherwise be locked out when pushingor towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There
is a risk of burns when removing the rear
cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particu-
lar care when removing the rear cover.
288Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance