brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2016 R231 Owner's Manual

Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............ 166
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 236
Overview ........................................159
Problem (malfunction) ................... 168
Program selector button ................ 163
Pulling away ................................... 154
Selector lever ................................ 159
Starting the engine ........................ 154
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 164
Transmission position display ........ 161
Transmission positions .................. 162
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 168
Autostore ........................................... 439
AUX (audio)
Notes/socket ................................ 473
Switching to ................................... 473
AUX (video)
Setting the volume and sound ....... 481
Showing/hiding the menu ............. 481
Switching to ................................... 480
AUX jacks
CD/DVD drive ............................... 485
Avoiding an area ................................ 373
B
Back button....................................... 295
Balance, adjusting ............................. 298
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 72
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 72
Bass, setting ...................................... 298
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 85
Replacing ......................................... 86
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 557
Display message ............................ 256
Important safety notes .................. 555
Jump starting ................................. 559
Overview ........................................ 555
Belt
see Seat belts
Bird's-eye view (navigation) ............. 368Blind Spot Assist
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth
®
Activating audio mode ................... 465
Activating/deactivating ................. 310
Conditions (telephone) .................. 382
Connecting another mobile
phone ............................................ 386
Connecting audio devices .............. 461
Device list ...................................... 462
Entering the passcode ................... 385
External authorization .................... 386
General information ....................... 310
Interface ........................................ 381
Introduction ................................... 381
Reconnecting an audio device ....... 463
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 384
Settings ......................................... 310
Telephone basic menu ................... 387
Telephony ...................................... 382
Telephony notes ............................ 381
Bluetooth
®audio basic display ........ 465
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 246
Notes ............................................. 606
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 253
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 72
BAS .................................................. 72
BAS PLUS ........................................ 72
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 606
Display message ............................ 240
EBD .................................................. 77
High-performance brake system .... 178
Important safety notes .................. 176
Maintenance .................................. 177
Parking brake ................................ 172
Ridi ng ti
ps ...................................... 176
Warning lamp ................................. 272
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 550
6Index

DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 182
HOLD function ............................... 191
Night View Assist Plus ................... 210
PARKTRONIC ................................. 199
Rear view camera .......................... 206
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 178
Automatic transmission ................. 162
Brakes ........................................... 176
Break-in period .............................. 150
Checking brake lining thickness .... 178
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 190
Downhill gradient ........................... 176
Drinking and driving ....................... 174
Driving in winter ............................. 179
Driving on flooded roads ................ 179
Driving on wet roads ...................... 179
Exhaust check ............................... 175
Fuel ................................................ 174
General .......................................... 174
Hydroplaning ................................. 179
Icy road surfaces ........................... 179
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 177
Snow chains .................................. 571
Wet road surface ........................... 177
DVD
Copy protection ............................. 454
Inserting ........................................ 446
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 491
Notes on discs ............................... 454
Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 491
Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble) ............................................ 298
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 229
Rear Seat Entertainment System ... 494
E
EASY-ENTRY featureActivating/deactivating ................. 235
Function/notes ............................. 115
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 116
Function/notes ............................. 115 Switching on/off ........................... 235
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 242
Function/notes ................................ 77
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 175
On-board computer ....................... 226
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 156
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 155
Deactivating/activating ................. 156
General information ....................... 155
Important safety notes .................. 155
Introduction ................................... 155
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 68
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 90
Trunk ............................................... 96
Vehicle ............................................. 90
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 64
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 31
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 278
Display message ............................ 255
ECO start/stop function ................ 155
Engine number ............................... 602
Irregular running ............................ 158
Jump-starting ................................. 559
Starting problems .......................... 158
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 154
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 154
Switching off .................................. 172
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 564
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 600
Problem (malfunction) ................... 158
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 538
Additives ........................................ 605
Checking the oil level ..................... 537
Index11

Subtitles ........................................ 480
Switching to ................................... 476
VIN ...................................................... 601
Voice Control System
Settings ......................................... 310
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 297
Navigation messages ..................... 297
W
Warning and indicator lampsABS ................................................ 272
Brakes ........................................... 272
Check Engine ................................. 278
Coolant .......................................... 278
Distance warning ........................... 280
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 280
ESP
®.............................................. 274
ESP®OFF ....................................... 275
Fuel tank ........................................ 278
Overview .......................................... 42
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 51
Reserve fuel ................................... 278
Restraint system ............................ 277
Seat belt ........................................ 271
SPORT handling mode ................... 275
Tire pressure monitor .................... 281
Warranty .............................................. 31
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 268
Way points
Accepting for the route .................. 336
Creating ......................................... 333
Editing ........................................... 335
Entering ......................................... 333
Searching for a gas station when
the fuel level is low ........................ 336
Weather Band
Searching for a channel ................. 440
Switching on .................................. 440
Weather map (SIRIUS)
Activating/deactivating display
levels ............................................. 506
Calling up ....................................... 505
Legend ........................................... 510
Moving ........................................... 506
Showing/hiding the menu ............. 506 Time stamp .................................... 510
Weather memory (SIRIUS)
Selecting an area ........................... 505
Storing an area .............................. 505
Website
Adding to favorites ........................ 433
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 595
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 593
Wheel chock ...................................... 589
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 588
Checking ........................................ 569
Cleaning ......................................... 544
General notes ................................ 593
Important safety notes .................. 568
Information on driving .................... 568
Interchanging/changing ................ 588
Mounting a new wheel ................... 592
Mounting a wheel .......................... 589
Overview ........................................ 568
Removing a wheel .......................... 592
Storing ........................................... 589
Tightening torque ........................... 593
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 593
Wind screen
Electrical wind scree
n .................... 104
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 143
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 539
Notes ............................................. 607
Windshield wipers
Display message ............................ 269
Problem (malfunction) ................... 133
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 131
Switching on/off ........................... 130
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 570
Slippery road surfaces ................... 179
Snow chains .................................. 571
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 570
28Index

Warning and indicator lamps
FunctionPage
:LLow-beam head-
lamps
123
;T Parking lamps124
=÷ESP®274
?KHigh-beam head-
lamps
125
AElectric parking brake (red)277
F (USA only)
!(Canada only)
B!Electric parking brake
(yellow)
277
C· Distance warning280
D#! Turn signals125
EhTire pressure monitor281
FunctionPage
F6 Restraint system50
GüSeat belt271
HMSPORT handling
mode (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
275
I? Coolant278
J;Check Engine278
K8 Reserve fuel278
LåESP®OFF274
M!ABS272
NBrakes272
$(USA only)
J(Canada only)
42Instrument cluster
At a glance

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Gene ral inform ation
ABSregulates brak epressur ein suc h away
that th ewheels do no tloc kwhen you brake.
This allows you to continu esteering th evehi-
cle when braking .
The ! ABSwarning lamp in th einstrumen t
cluste rlights up when th eignition is switched
on .It goes out when th eengin eis running.
AB Sworks from aspee dof about 5mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. AB Sworks on slippery surfaces, eve n
when you only brak egently.
Import ant safety notes
iObserveth e"Importan tsafet ynotes" sec -
tion (
Ypage 71).
GWARNIN G
If AB Sis faulty, th ewheels could loc kwhen
braking .The steerabilit yand braking charac -
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition -
ally, further drivin gsafet ysystems are deac -
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
din gand accidents .
Drive on carefully. Hav eAB Schecke dimme-
diately at aqualified specialis tworkshop .
When ABSis malfunctioning ,other systems ,
includin gdriving safet ysystems ,will also
become inoperative. Observeth einformation
on th eAB Swarning lamp (
Ypage 272) and
display message swhic hmay be shown in th e
instrumen tcluste r (
Ypage 240).
Braking
XIf ABS intervenes: continueto depress th e
brak epedal vigorously until th ebraking sit -
uation is over.
XTo make a full brak eapplication:
depress th ebrak epedal wit hfull force .
If AB Sintervenes when braking ,you will fee l a
pulsing in th ebrak epedal . The pulsating brak
epedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road condition s,and func-
tion sas areminder to tak eextr acar ewhile
driving .
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Gene ral inform ation
BASoperate sin emergenc ybraking situa-
tions. If you depress th ebrak epedal quickly,
BA Sautomatically boosts th ebraking force ,
thus shortening th e stopping distance.
Important safety notes
iObserveth e"Importan t safetynotes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71) .
GWARNIN G
If BA Sis malfunctioning ,th ebraking distanc e
in an emergenc ybraking situation is
increased. There is aris kof an accident.
In an emergenc ybraking situation ,depress
th ebrak epedal wit hfull force .AB Sprevents
th ewheels from locking .
Braking
XKeepth ebrak epedal firmly depressed until
th eemergenc ybraking situation is over.
AB Sprevents th ewheels from locking .
The brakes will function as usual once you
release th ebrak epedal .BA Sis deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
Gene ral inform ation
BASPLU Scan help you to minimiz eth eris kof
a collision wit h avehicl eor reduce th eeffects
of such a collision .If BA S PLUS detects a
danger of collision ,you are assisted when
braking .
iObserveth e"Importan t safetynotes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71) .
72Driving safety systems
Safety

tection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activa-
ted simultaneously.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes func-
tion as usual again, if:
Ryou release the brake pedal.
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal.
Ryou activate kickdown.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71).
ESP
®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
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. 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.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71).
ETS traction control is part of ESP
®.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example
if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction. ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP
®.
iMercedes-AMG vehicles:
your vehicle
may be equipped with 20-inch tires on the
rear axle. After changing to 19 inch wheels,
ETS may intervene noticeably earlier during
the first few kilometers. After approx-
imately 10 km ETS will function as usual
again. Information on the dimensions and
types of wheels and tires for your vehicle
can be found in the "Wheel/tire combina-
tions" section (
Ypage 593).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on ESP®
(Ypage 563).
ESP
®is only deactivated if the åwarning
lamp is lit continuously.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP
®not avail-
able due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(
Ypage 274) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 240).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If the ÷ ESP
®warning lamp goes out
before beginning the journey, ESP®is auto-
matically active.
74Driving safet ysystem s
Safety

For PRE-SAFE®Brake to assist you when driv-
ing, the radar sensor system must be opera-
tional.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE
®Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
PRE-SAFE
®Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, and
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE
®Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically as
well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE
®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE
®Brake will initially brake your vehi-
cle by a partial application of the brakes if a
danger of collision is detected. There may be
a collision unless you also brake. Automatic
emergency braking cannot prevent a colli-
sion. There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action.
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE
®Brake cannot always clearly iden-
tify objects and complex traffic conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE
®Brake may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rnot give a warning or 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
®Brake warns you. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a col-
lision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE
®Brake does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE
®Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all critical sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
In the event of snowfall or heavy rain, the rec-
ognition can be impaired.
Recognition by the radar sensor system is
also impaired in the event of:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else covering the sensors
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensors checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at low speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Function
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or deac-
tivate PRE-SAFE®Brake in the on-board
computer (
Ypage 231).
When the PRE-SAFE®Brake is deactivated,
the multifunction display in the assistance
graphic shows the æsymbol.
Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h),
this function warns you if you rapidly
approach a vehicle in front. An intermittent
warning tone will then sound and the ·
78Driving safety systems
Safety

Hill start assist is not active if:
Ryou are pulling away on a level road or on adownhill gradient.
Rthe transmission is in position N.
Rthe electric parking brake is applied.
RESP®is malfunctioning.
ECO start/stop function
Introduction
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stop-
ped under certain conditions.
The engine starts automatically when the
driver wants to pull away again. The ECO
start/stop function thereby helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of your vehicle.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and
you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes
:ECO start/stop display
The ECO start/stop function is activated
whenever you switch on the engine using the
SmartKey or the Start/Stop button.
If the engine has been switched off automat- ically by the ECO start/stop function, the è
ECO symbol is shown in the multifunc-
tion display.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/
stop function is only available in drive pro-
gram C.
For further information on automatic engine
switch-off (
Ypage 155) and automatic
engine start (
Ypage 156).
Automatic engine switch-off
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor N,
the ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational
when:
Rthe indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
Rthe outside temperature is within the range that is suitable for the system.
Rthe engine is at normal operating temper-
ature.
Rthe set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
Rthe battery is sufficiently charged.
Rthe system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
Rthe hood is closed.
Rthe driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
iAll of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine is stopped automatically.
iAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles): automatic engine switch-off can
take place a maximum of four times in a row
(initial stop, then three subsequent stops).
iMercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of
consecutive automatic engine switch-offs
is unlimited.
iThe HOLD function can be activated if the
engine has been switched off automati-
cally. It is then not necessary to continue
applying the brakes during the automatic
Driving155
Driving and parking
Z

RAccel.(evaluation of all acceleration pro-
cesses):
-The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
-The bar empties: sporty acceleration
RConstant(assessment of driving behavior
at all times):
-The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration
-The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
RCoasting(assessment of all deceleration
processes):
-The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes.
-The bar empties: frequent braking
iAn economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Acceleration
and Constant:
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive in drive program E.
iOn long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the highway, only the bar for Constant
will change.
iThe ECO display summarizes the driving
characteristics from the start of the journey
to its completion. For this reason, the bars
change dynamically at the beginning of the
journey. On longer journeys, there are
fewer changes. For more dynamic changes,
carry out a manual reset.
For more information on the ECO display, see
(
Ypage 226).
Brakes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long, steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes. To use
engine braking, shift to a lower gear in good
time. This helps you to avoid overheating
the brakes and wearing them out exces-
sively.
When making use of the engine braking
effect, it is possible that a drive wheel may
not turn for some time, e.g. in the case of
suddenly changing or slippery road surface
conditions. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is espe-
cially important if the vehicle is laden.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
176Driving tips
Driving and parking

!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has been washed or driven through deep water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a greater distance from
the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi- cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning mes-
sages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. This work should be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!As the ESP®system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition system
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1in the ignition lock or Start/Stop
button in position 0or 1) when:
Rtesting the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake
system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist)
(
Ypage 72).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-
cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
Driving tips177
Driving and parking
Z