brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2011, Model line: SL CLASS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011Pages: 316, PDF Size: 6.55 MB
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Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift
program) ................................ 106, 107
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................109
Shifting procedure .........................104
Steering wheel gearshift control ....108
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 161
Axle oils .............................................. 304
B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 205
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................71
Replacing ....................................... 269
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 283
Charging ........................................ 285
Jump starting ................................. 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Bead (tire) .......................................... 205
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 185
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 238
Brakes ................................................ 210
High-performance brake system ....211
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 255
Break-in period .................................. 178
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) ...................................... 129
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 303
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 220
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 73, 126
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Locking/unlocking from inside ........73
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 73
Certification label .............................. 294
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 39
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Safety notes ..................................... 51
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 221
Cigarette lighter ................................ 166
Climate control system
Air conditioning ............................. 150
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Air distribution ............................... 153
Air recirculation mode ...................154
Air vents ........................................ 151
Air volume ..................................... 153
Automatic mode ............................ 150
Deactivating system ......................149
Front defroster .............................. 153
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........153
Residual heat and ventilation .........154
Temperature .................................. 151
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Intermittent wiping ............................. 95
Rain sensor ...................................... 95
J
Jack ..................................................... 225
Jump starting ..................................... 285
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Unlocking/locking manually ..........267
Valet locking .................................... 77
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................71
Checking batteries ...........................71
Factory setting ........................... 69, 71
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 69
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 69
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO .....70
Locking/unlocking ........................... 68
Loss of ............................................. 72
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 242
Opening, trunk ................................. 73
Remote control ................................ 68
Replacing ......................................... 72
Replacing batteries ........................269
Restoring to factory setting .......69, 71
Selective setting ........................69, 71
Starter switch positions ...................78
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ...................79
Kickdown ........................................... 105
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 111
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 206
Knee bag .............................................. 42
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 294
Emission control information .........295
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 193
Tire inflation pressure ....................188
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................89
Front .............................................. 272
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Rear ............................................... 272
Switching on/off .............................. 89
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS ................................... 31, 32, 255
Brakes ..................................... 30, 255
Coolant .......................................... 263
Distance warning
lamp .............................. 135, 140, 262
Engine
malfunction
.......................................... 31, 32, 263
ESP ®
................................ 30, 259, 260
ESP ®
OFF ........................... 31, 32, 259, 261
Fog lamps ........................................ 91
Fuel tank
reserve .............................. 31, 32, 262
High-beam
headlamps
............................................ 31, 32, 92
Instrument cluster ...................30, 254
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ........................265
Passenger front air bag
off ...................................... 33, 43, 266
Roll bar .......................................... 258
Seat belt
telltale
.................................... 31, 32, 48, 256
SPORT handling mode .....................31
SRS ............................. 31, 32, 38, 257
Turn signals ..................................... 30
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Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp 0031 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
If the ABS activates during braking, the ABS/
ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 7
in the
instrument cluster flashes. Because of the
electro-hydraulic brake system, you will not
feel any pulsation in the brake pedal.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 7
flashes whenever the ABS is activated. It can
be an indication for hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to
take extra care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
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If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 8
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 8
in the instrument cluster flashes when the
ESP ®
is engaged.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 9
flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case
proceed as follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
8 Depending on vehicle production date.
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as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
iThe Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP®. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP®, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching the ESP® off or on (except
SL 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp \000
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You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling mode
when a spare wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
the SPORT handling mode. This allows the
drive wheels to spin and thus cut into
surfaces for better grip, for example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When you switch on the SPORT handling
mode
Rthe ESP® stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the SPORT handling mode is
switched on and one or more drive wheels
are spinning, the ABS/ESP® warning lamp
\000
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Version 2
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch \000F briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp \000g in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESP-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch \000F briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp \000g in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
The SPORT handling mode switches off
automatically when you turn off the engine.
When starting the engine, the ESP® is
activated automatically.
Switching the ESP® off or on
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESP® OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp \000
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Electro-hydraulic brake system
The electro-hydraulic brake system combines
a hydraulic brake circuit with electronically
controlled brake servo assistance. You have
increased braking safety and improved
braking comfort.GWarning!
Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated in
the speedometer display, for example by the
0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada only)
indicator lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints”
section. Also read and observe the messages
in the instrument cluster multifunction
display.
For information on warning and indicator
lamps, see the “Practical hints” section
( Y page 255). For information on the
messages that may appear in the
multifunction display, see the “Practical
hints” section ( Y page 227) and
( Y page 237).
GWarning!
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply or
electrical system may impair brake system
operation and switch it into its emergency
operation mode. In such a case, the red brake
warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
the “Towing the vehicle” section in this
Operator’s Manual.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated automatically when you
R unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
with KEYLESS-GO
R open the driver’s or passenger door
R turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1
R press the start/stop button on the gear
selector lever once (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
R depress the brake pedal
R release the parking brake
If the electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated as the brake pedal is first
depressed, you may feel a reduced pedal
resistance and longer pedal travel than
normal. When releasing the pedal, you may
also feel the brake pedal pulsate and you may
hear a sound which is caused by the
activation of the electro-hydraulic brake
system pump. This is normal and not an
indication of a malfunction. Pedal travel
returns to normal when you release the brake
pedal and the sound soon ceases.
If you experience the above while driving and
the red brake warning lamp illuminates
and/or warning messages appear in the
multifunction display, the brake system is
malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the
warning message(s) and have the brake
system checked immediately.GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
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out by qualified technicians only. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The electro-hydraulic brake system must be
deactivated prior to working on the system.
High pressure is intermittently built up in the
system as part of its automatic self-test.
In addition, the system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is unlocked by
remote control, when the driver or passenger
door is opened, when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button is pressed
once, when the brake pedal is depressed or
when the parking brake is released. Failure to
deactivate the system prior to maintenance
will cause brake pistons to extend and brake
fluid to leak, which may result in injuries
(contusions and acid burns). Extended brake
pistons may also cause injury.
The electro-hydraulic brake system switches
off automatically
R approximately 2 minutes after you turned
the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 or removed the SmartKey
R approximately 2 minutes after you pressed
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button to turn
off the engine or power supply and opened
the driver’s door (with driver’s door open,
the starter switch is set to position 0, same
as SmartKey removed from starter switch)
R approximately 20 seconds after you locked
the vehicle from outside
For more information on your vehicle’s
brakes, see the “Driving instructions” section
( Y page 210).
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
ActivatingXWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the trunk
R the hood
R a storage compartment in the rear
R the glove box
R the storage compartment under the
armrest
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is raised (tow-away alarm)
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
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switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 285).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Driving off
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
SL 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below
68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed
is restricted in order to protect it from
damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full
speed when the engine is cold to prevent
premature engine wear and/or diminished
comfort.
! If an acoustic warning sounds and the
message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
The automatic central locking function can
be switched off ( Y page 126).
Automatic transmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
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