brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 2012 R172 Owner's Manual

Pulling away
................................... 134
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 146
Selector leve r................................ 140
Shift range s................................... 143
Starting the engine ........................133
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......142
Transmission position displa y........ 140
Transmission positions ..................141
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 146 B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 112
Display message ............................ 215
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................57
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 57
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 71
Important safety notes ....................71
Replacing ......................................... 71
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 283
Display message ............................ 218
Important safety notes ..................282
Jump starting ................................. 285
Belt
see Seat belts
Bottle holder ...................................... 246
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 327
Brake fluid level ................................ 263
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 214
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 56
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 57Brake fluid (notes)
.........................327
Display message ............................ 200
Driving tips .................................... 153
High-performance brake system ....154
Important safety notes ..................153
Maintenance .................................. 154
Parking brake ................................ 150
Warning lamp ................................. 229
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 271
Car wash ........................................ 265
Display ........................................... 269
Exterior lights ................................ 268
Gea rors electo rlever .................... 270
Interior ........................................... 269
Matte finish ................................... 267
Notes ............................................. 265
Paint .............................................. 267
Plastic trim .................................... 269
Power washer ................................ 266
Roof lining ...................................... 271
Seat bel t........................................ 270
Seat cover ..................................... 270
Sensors ......................................... 269
Steering wheel ............................... 270
Tai lpipes ....................................... 269
Trim pieces .................................... 270
Washing by hand ........................... 266
Wheels ........................................... 266
Windows ........................................ 268 Index
5

Electroni
cbrake force distribution ...62
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 58
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....59
Important safety information ...........56
Overview .......................................... 56
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .62
Driving systems
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 176
Cruis econtrol ................................ 156
Display message ............................ 219
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 158
Dynami chandling package ............168
HOLD function ............................... 168
Parking Guidance ........................... 173
PARKTRONI C................................. 170
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................141
Brakes ........................................... 153
Break-in period .............................. 130
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 166
Downhill gradient ........................... 153
Drinking and driving .......................152
Driving abroad ............................... 104
Driving in winter ............................ .155
Driving on flooded road s................ 155
Driving on wet road s...................... 155
Exhaus tcheck ............................... 153
Fuel ................................................ 152
General .......................................... 152
Hydroplaning ................................. 155
Icy road surfaces ........................... 155
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 154
Pedals. ........................................... 152
Snow chains .................................. 297
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 104
Wet road surface ........................... 153
DVD audio (on-board computer) ......188
DVD video (on-board computer) ......189
Dynamic handling package Function/notes ............................. 168 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................194
Function/notes ................................ 97
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 98
Function/notes ................................ 97
Switching on/off ........................... 194
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 202
Function/notes ................................ 62
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................136
General information .......................135
Important safety notes ..................135
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergenc yrelease
Driver's door .................................... 76
Trunk ............................................... 79
Vehicle ............................................. 76
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 274
Stowing .......................................... 275
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .52
Safety guideline s............................. 37
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....20
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 234
Display message ............................ 216
ECO start/stop function ................135
Engine number ............................... 324
Irregularr unning............................ 138
Jump-starting ................................. 285
Starting problems ..........................138
Starting the engine with the key ....133
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............133 8
Index

Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 225
General notes .................................. 85
Opening/closing .............................. 85
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................112
Display message ............................ 213
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................76
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 75V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........246
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Display message ............................ 224
Emergency unlocking .......................76
Equipment ....................................... 20
Individua lsettings .......................... 191
Limited Warranty ............................. 24
Loading .......................................... 304
Locking (in an emergency) ...............76
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 281
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking for a long period ................ 151
Pulling away ................................... 133
Raising ........................................... 277
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 287
Tow-starting ................................... 287
Transporting .................................. 289
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........76
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 329
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 329
Vehicle dimensions ...........................329Vehicle emergency locking
................76
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............323
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 274
Video (DVD) ........................................ 189
VIN ...................................................... 323 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 230
Brakes ........................................... 229
Check Engine ................................. 234
Coolant .......................................... 235
Distance warning ........................... 237
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 237
ESP ®
.............................................. 231
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 232
Fuel tank ........................................ 234
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 234
Seat bel t........................................ 228
SPORT handling mode ...................232
SRS ................................................ 233
Tire pressure monitor ....................238
Warranty ............................................ 323
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 226
Wheel bol ttightening torque ...........281
Wheel chock ...................................... 276
Wheels Changing awheel .......................... 276
Checking ........................................ 295
Cleaning ......................................... 266
Important safety notes ..................294
Interchanging/changing ................315
Mounting anew wheel ................... 279
Removing awheel .......................... 279
Storing ........................................... 316
Tightening torque ........................... 281
Whee lsize/tir esize ....................... 316
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 268
see Side windows 18
Index

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
0002
0009
Low-beam
headlamps 105
0003
0008
High-beam
headlamps 107
0023
000B
ESP® 231
0022
Electric parking brake (red) 229
0005
(USA only) 000A
(Canada only) 0020
000A
Electric parking brake
(yellow) 229
0021
000C
Distance warning 237
0014
00070006
Turn signals 107
0015
0015
Tire pressure monitor 238
0016
0019
SRS 233 Function Page
0017
001A
Seat belt 228
0018
0002
SPORT handling
mode in AMG vehicles 232
0019
000C
Coolant 235
001A
000C
Rearfog lamp 106
001B
000A
Front fog lamps 106
001C
000E
Engine Check 234
001E
0010
Reserve fuel 234
001F
0012
ESP®
OFF 231
0025
0014
ABS 230
0026
Brakes 229
000D
(USA only) 0006
(Canada only) 28
Instrument clusterAt a glance

1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accep
tany interference
received, including interference tha tmay
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modificatio nto this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
R BAS (Brake AssistSystem)
R BAS PLUS ( BrakeAssist System Plus)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 294).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently. 56
Driving safety systemsSafety

G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving 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.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The 0014 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignitio nis switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Brakes If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal.U se firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness. BAS (Brake AssistS
ystem)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking. The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. G
WARNING
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. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
BAS PLUS assists you when braking in a
hazardous situation at speeds of over
20 mph (30 km/h), and uses the radar sensor
system to assess traffic conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of yourv ehicle for an extended period of
time.
BAS PLUS can also react to stationary
obstacles, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles, at
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the brakin gforce necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply
the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can Driving safety systems
57Safety Z

automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situatio nis over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally againi f:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longe rany dange rofarear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
rada rsensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Rada rsensor system" in the
index. G
WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in fron tonadifferent line G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the fron tend of the
vehicle, have the configuratio nand operation
of the rada rsensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the fron tofthe vehicle.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
See the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 56).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 000BESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrumentc luster.58
Driving safety systemsSafety

G
WARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the 000BESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt yours peed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the fron torrear
axle raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene
and damage the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
If the drive wheels spin, traction control
brakes them individually. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) G
WARNING
ESP ®
should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivat
eESP®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automaticall ywhen the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel G
WARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 000BESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle. Driving safety systems
59Safety Z

G
WARNING
Even if PRE-SAFE ®
Brake slows the vehicle
before an imminent rear-end collision, the
system cannot avert a collision without the
intervention of the driver. There is a risk of an
accident. Brake according to the situation or
take evasive action. Delayed intervention by
the driver can lead to an accident. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always detect
comple xtraffic situations properly.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
particular attention to the traffic situation and
be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R)
Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention
in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other rada rsources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot
intervene in critical situations. There is a risk
of an accident .Always pay careful attention
to the traffic situation and be ready to brake. In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
X
To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer (Y page 190).
The 0001 symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activate d(Ypage 168).
On vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
0001 symbol is displayed when Pis
engaged or is selected or if you drive faster
than 22 mph (35 km/h).
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar senso rsystem mus tbe
switched on (Y page 194) and be
operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle. Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
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.
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz 64
Theft deterrent locking systemSafety

Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed downr apidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
X To switch on th ehazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. The
cornering light function can only be activated
when the low-beam headlamps are switched
on.
Active:
R if you are driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h) and switch on the turn signals
or turn the steering wheel
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h)
and turn the steering wheel
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheri chumidity.
X Drive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does no tdiminish: 108
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers