MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2014 R131 Owner's Manual

X
Take cover 0044off the opening.
X Screw in and tighten the towing eye
clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye Example: towing eye mounting covers
0043
Front cover
0044 Back cover
X Unscrew and remove the towing eye.
X Front bumper: position cover0043on the
opening in the bumper, as shown.
X Twist cover 0043into the opening in the
direction of the arrow.
Cover 0043is now attached at the top edge
of the opening.
X To close, press the lower section of
cover 0043.
X Rear bumper: position cover0044on the
bumper and press until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 556). Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised. Intervention by ESP
®
could
otherwise damage the brake system.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 130).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 567). Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 130).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. When you reset the
combination switch, the hazard warning
flashers start flashing again.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0. Towing and tow-starting
569Breakdown assistance Z

X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 155).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 567). Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting"
at (Y page 565). Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result in a fire. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Before changing a fuse
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 175).
X Switch off all electrical consumers. 570
FusesBreakdown assistance

X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove it (Y page 155).
or
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (Y page 155).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R Fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R Dashboard fuse box
R Fuse box in the rear compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit in the stowage compartment
under the trunk floor (Y page 556).Dashboard fuse box
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
To open: pull cover 0043outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover 0043at the front of the
dashboard.
X Fold cover 0043inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the engine compartment
G
WARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
X Open the hood. X
Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture
from the fuse box.
X To open: open clamps 0044.
X Fold cover 0043of the fuse box up in the
direction of the arrow and remove it. Fuses
571Breakdown assistance Z

X
To close: check whether the seal is seated
correctly in cover 0043.
X Insert both openings 0087at the rear of
cover 0043into the brackets on the fuse box.
The brackets on the fuse box must be
completely visible in the two openings 0087
on the fuse box.
X Fold down cover 0043.
X Hook clamps 0044into the fuse box and
close.
X Close the hood. Fuse box in the rear
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. The fuse box in the rear is located on the right-hand
side when viewed in the direction of travel.
X To open: open the seat belt guide on the
right-hand seat and remove the seat belt
(Y page 115).
X Move the right-hand front seat as far
forward as possible (Y page 116).
X Insert your fingers at the bottom of front
cover 0043between the cover and floor
covering.
X Remove front cover 0043towards the front
by pulling it in the direction of the arrow.
X Lift off top cover 0044by pulling it in the
direction of the arrow. Fuses
0087are accessible through the two
openings in the top of the fuse box.
X To close: insert the securing tags
underneath top cover 0044in the recesses at
the top of the fuse box.
X Fold down top cover 0044until it engages
audibly. 572
FusesBreakdo
wn assis tance

X
Insert the securing tags underneath top
cover 0043in the recesses at the front of the
fuse box.
X Push front cover 0043towards the rear until
it engages audibly.
X Move the right-hand seat backwards
(Y page 116).
X Hook the seat belt into the seat belt guide
on the right-hand seat (Y page 115). Fuses
573Breakdown assistance Z

574

Useful information
............................576
Important safety notes ....................576
Operation ........................................... 576
Winter operation ............................... 578
Tire pressure ..................................... 579
Loading the vehicle ..........................586
All about wheels and tires ...............589
Changing a wheel ............................. 596
Wheel and tire combinations ...........602 575Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 33).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
WARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R
pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
(Y page 602).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R under "Tire pressure" Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or 576
OperationWheels and tires

other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged. Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
R cuts in the tires
R punctures
R tears in the tires
R bulges on tires
R deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Y page 577). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Y page 579).The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R
Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Important safety notes on the tire
tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: 00CEin (3 mm)
R M+S tires: 00CFin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached. Bar indicator
0043for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth Operation
577Wheels and tires Z

is approximately
00CDin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
Exception: it is permissible to install a
different type or make in the event of a flat
tire. Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" section
(Y page 557).
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 60 miles (100 km). They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
a flat tire (Y page 557).
i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop. Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Y page 597). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause cracks to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
00CF in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 00CF
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the 004Dsnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow. 578
Winter operationWheels and tires