MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

X
Using wheel wrench :, loosen the bolts on
the wheel you wish to change by about one full turn. Do not unscrew the bolts com-
pletely. The jacking points are located just behind the
front wheel arches and just in front of the rear wheel arches (arrows). Covers, front (example: vehicles with AMG equip-
ment)
AMG vehicles and vehicles with AMG
equipment: to protect the vehicle body, the
vehicle has covers fitted next to the jacking
points on the outer sills. X
AMG vehicles and vehicles with AMG
equipment: fold cover;upwards. X
Position jack ?at jacking point =. Example
X Make sure that the base of the jack is posi-
tioned vertically under the jacking point.
X Turn crank Aclockwise until jack ?sits
completely on jacking point =and the
base of the jack lies evenly on the ground.
X Turn crank Auntil the tyre is raised a max-
imum of 3 cm off the ground.
Removing a wheel !
AMG vehicles:
during removal and repo-
sitioning of the wheel, the wheel rim can
strike the ceramic-brake disc and damage
it. Therefore, take precautions and get a
second person to assist you. Alternatively,
you can use a second centring pin.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
The threads of the wheel bolts and wheel 608
Changing a wheelWheels and tyres

hubs could otherwise be damaged when
the bolts are tightened. X
Unscrew the uppermost wheel bolt com-
pletely.
X Screw centring pin :into the thread
instead of the wheel bolt.
X Unscrew the remaining wheel bolts fully.
X Remove the wheel.
Fitting a new wheel G
WARNING
Oiled or greased wheel bolts or damaged
wheel bolts/hub threads can cause the wheel bolts to come loose. As a result, you could
lose a wheel while driving. There is a risk of
accident.
Never oil or grease wheel bolts. In the event of damage to the threads, contact a qualified
specialist workshop immediately. Have the
damaged wheel bolts or hub threads
replaced/renewed. Do not continue driving. G
WARNING
If you tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is raised, the jack could tip
over. There is a risk of injury.
Only tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is on the ground.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notices in "Changing a wheel"
(Y page 605).
Only use wheel bolts that have been designed
for the wheel and the vehicle. For safety rea- sons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use wheel bolts which have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the
respective wheel.
! AMG vehicles:
during removal and repo-
sitioning of the wheel, the wheel rim can
strike the ceramic-brake disc and damage
it. Therefore, take precautions and get a
second person to assist you. Alternatively,
you can use a second centring pin. X
Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
X Slide the wheel to be mounted onto the
centring pin and push it on.
X Tighten the wheel bolts until they are fin-
ger-tight.
X Unscrew the centring pin.
X Tighten the last wheel bolt until it is finger-
tight.
X Vehicles with a collapsible emergency
spare wheel: inflate the collapsible emer-
gency spare wheel (Y page 615). Only
then lower the vehicle.
Lowering the vehicle G
WARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed. Changing a wheel
609Wheels and tyres Z

X
Turn the crank of the jack anti-clockwise
until the vehicle is once again standing
firmly on the ground.
X Place the jack to one side.
X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a cross-
wise pattern in the sequence indicated ( :
to A). The specified tightening torque is
130 Nm.
X Turn the jack back to its initial position.
X Stow the jack and the rest of the vehicle
tools in the boot again.
X AMG vehicles and vehicles with AMG
equipment: insert the cover into the outer
sill.
X Check the air pressure of the newly fitted
wheel and adjust accordingly.
Observe the recommended tyre pressure
(Y page 600).
i If you are driving with the collapsible
emergency spare wheel fitted, the tyre
pressure loss warning system or the tyre
pressure monitor cannot function reliably.
Do not restart the tyre pressure loss warn- ing system/tyre pressure monitor until the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with a tyre pressure control
system: all fitted wheels must be equipped
with functioning sensors. Wheel and tyre combinations
General notes
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tyres and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehi-
cle.
These are specially adapted to the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
and are
marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tyres featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only cer-
tain AMG tyres)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tyres, wheels or accessories tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Cer-
tain characteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle
noise emissions or fuel consumption, may
otherwise be adversely affected. In addi-
tion, when driving with a load, tyre dimen-
sion variations could cause the tyres to
come into contact with the bodywork and
axle components. This could result in dam- age to the tyres or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tyres,
wheels or accessories other than those tes- ted and approved.
Further information about wheels, tyres
and approved combinations can be
obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop.
! Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be detec-
ted on retreaded tyres. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not fit
used tyres if you have no information about their previous usage. 610
Wheel and tyre combinationsWheels and tyres

!
Large wheels: the lower the section width
for a certain wheel size, the lower the ride
comfort is on poor road surfaces. Roll com-
fort and suspension comfort are reduced
and the risk of damage to the wheels and
tyres as a result of driving over obstacles
increases.
Overview of abbreviations used in the follow- ing tyre tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle
You will find a table with recommended tyre
pressures for various operating conditions on
the inside of your vehicle's fuel filler flap. For
further information on tyre pressure, see
(Y page 600). Check tyre pressures regularly
and only when the tyres are cold.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always fit
the vehicle:
R with tyres of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tyres at a given time
(summer tyres, winter tyres, MOExtended
tyres)
Exception: it is permissible to fit a different
type or make in the event of a flat tyre.
Observe the "MOExtended tyres (tyres with
run-flat characteristics" section
(Y page 578).
Vehicles with MOExtended tyres 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 fit tyres that do not feature run-flat characteris-
tics, e.g. winter tyres. A TIREFIT kit can be
obtained from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
i Not all wheel/tyre combinations can be
fitted at the factory in all countries. Wheel and tyre combinations
611Wheels and tyres Z

Tyres
SL 350 Summer tyres
R17
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 255/4
5 R17 98 Y 1 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 30
R18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 255/40 R18 95 Y
1, 2 BA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.5
FA: 255/40 R18 95 Y
2
RA: 285/35 R18 97 Y 2, 3 FA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 18 H2 ET 47.5
R19
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL
2, 4
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL 2, 3, 4 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 47.5
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL
2, 4
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL 2, 3, 4 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
Winter tyres
R17
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 255/45 R17 98 V M+S
i1 BA: 8.0 J x 17 H2 ET 30
R18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 255/40 R18 99 V XL M+S
i2 BA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.5
1
Not in conjunction with Active Body Control (Code 487), Sports package (Code 950) or Edition 1 package
(Code P88).
2 Available as MOExtended tyres.
3 The use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
4 Observe notes on "Large wheels" in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" section. 612
Wheel and tyre combinationsWheels and tyres

SL 500
Summer tyres
R18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/40 R18 95 Y
2
RA: 285/35 R18 97 Y 2, 3 FA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 18 H2 ET 47.5
R19
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL
2, 4
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL 2, 3, 4 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 47.5
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL
2, 4
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL 2, 3, 4 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 35.5
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 48
Winter tyres
R18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
BA: 255/40 R18 99 V XL M+S
i2 BA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.5
AMG vehicles
Summer tyres
i AMG vehicles with 20-inch wheels on the rear axle:
if replaced with 19-inch wheels,
ETS may intervene noticeably earlier for the first few kilometres. After approximately 10 km ETS will function as usual again. Information on ETS can be found under "ETS (Electronic
Traction System)" (Y page 73).
R19/R20 Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/35 ZR19 (96 Y) XL
4
RA: 285/30 ZR19 (98 Y) XL 4 FA: 9.0 J x 19 H2 ET 27
RA: 10.0 J x 19 H2 ET 48
FA: 255/35 ZR19 (96 Y) XL
4
RA: 285/30 ZR20 (99 Y) XL 3, 4 FA: 9.0 J x 19 H2 ET 27
RA: 10.0 J x 20 H2 ET 48
2
Available as MOExtended tyres.
3 The use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
4 Observe notes on "Large wheels" in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" section. Wheel and tyre combinations
613Wheels and tyres Z

Winter tyres
R19
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/35 R19 96 V XL M+S
i4
RA: 285/30 R19 98 V XL M+S i4 FA: 9.0 J x 19 H2 ET 27
RA: 10.0 J x 19 H2 ET 48
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The wheel/tyre dimensions and the tyre type of the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ. Fit-
ting a spare wheel/emergency spare wheel
may severely impair the driving characteris-
tics. There is a risk of accident.
To prevent hazardous situations:
R Adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R Never fit more than one spare wheel/emer-
gency spare wheel if the dimensions are
different to those of the wheel being
replaced.
R Only use a spare wheel/emergency spare
wheel briefly if the dimensions are different to those of the wheel being replaced.
R Do not switch off ESP ®
.
R Have the spare wheel/emergency spare
wheel in question replaced at the nearest
qualified specialist workshop. Make sure
that the wheel/tyre dimensions and tyre
type are correct.
When using an emergency spare wheel or
spare wheel of a different size, you must not
exceed the maximum speed of 80 km/h.
Snow chains must not be fitted to emergency
spare wheels. General notes
You should regularly check the pressure of all your tyres, including the emergency spare
wheel, particularly prior to long trips, and cor-
rect the pressure as necessary (Y page 600).
The applicable value is found on the wheel or
under "Technical data" (Y page 617).
An emergency spare wheel may also be fitted
against the direction of rotation. Observe the time restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the emergency spare
wheel.
Replace the tyres after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
i If you are driving with the collapsible
emergency spare wheel fitted, the tyre
pressure loss warning system or the tyre
pressure monitor cannot function reliably.
Do not restart the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system/tyre pressure monitor until the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with a tyre pressure monitor:
for a few minutes after an emergency spare wheel is fitted, the system may still display
the tyre pressure of the removed wheel.
The value displayed for the mounted emer-
gency spare wheel is not the same as the
current tyre pressure of the emergency
spare wheel.
4 Observe notes on "Large wheels" in the "Wheel/tyre combinations" section. 614
Emergency spare wheelWheels and tyres

Removing the emergency spare wheel
Vehicles with a collapsible emergency spare wheel
X Open the boot.
X Open the boot separator (Y page 106).
X Remove the emergency spare wheel bag
with collapsible emergency spare
wheel :. Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel
The emergency spare wheel is packed in
emergency spare wheel bag :and secured
in the boot.
X Open the boot.
X Open the boot separator (Y page 106).
X Loosen tensioning strap ;on both sides
of emergency spare wheel bag :.
X Unhook retaining spring hooks =of ten-
sioning strap ;from the retainers.
X Remove emergency spare wheel bag :
with the emergency spare wheel.
X Open emergency spare wheel bag :and
remove the emergency spare wheel. Observe the instructions and safety notes in
the "Fitting a wheel" section (Y
page 606). Inflating the collapsible emergency
spare wheel
! Inflate the collapsible emergency spare
wheel using the tyre inflation compressor
before lowering the vehicle. The wheel rim
could otherwise be damaged.
! Do not operate the tyre inflation com-
pressor for longer than eight minutes at a
time without a break. It may otherwise
overheat.
The tyre inflation compressor can be oper-
ated again once it has cooled down. X
Mount the collapsible emergency spare
wheel as described (Y page 606).
The collapsible emergency spare wheel
must be mounted before it is inflated.
X Pull connector ?and the air hose out of
the housing.
X Remove the cap from the valve on the col-
lapsible emergency spare wheel.
X Screw union nut :on the air hose onto the
valve.
X Make sure on/off switch Aof the tyre
inflation compressor is set to 0.
X Insert plug ?into the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter or into a 12 V of power socket in your vehicle.
Observe the notes on the cigarette lighter
(Y page 550). Observe the notes on sock-
ets (Y page 550). Emergency spare wheel
615Wheels and tyres Z

X
Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock (Y page 155).
X Press on/off switch Aon the tyre inflation
compressor to I.
The tyre inflation compressor is switched
on. The tyre is inflated. The tyre pressure is shown on pressure gauge =.
X Pump the tyre to the specified tyre pres-
sure.
The specified tyre pressure is printed on
the yellow label of the emergency spare
wheel.
X When the specified tyre pressure has been
reached, press on/off switch Aon the
electric air pump to 0.
The tyre inflation compressor is switched
off.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock.
X If the tyre pressure is higher than the speci-
fied pressure, press pressure release but-
ton ;until the correct tyre pressure has
been reached.
X Unscrew union nut :on the air hose from
the valve.
X Screw the valve cap onto the collapsible
emergency spare wheel valve again.
X Stow plug ?and the air hose in the lower
section of the compressor housing.
X Stow the tyre inflation compressor in the
vehicle. 616
Emergency spare wheelWheels and tyres

Technical data
All models (except AMG vehicles) Collapsible emergency spare wheel
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
175/5
5- 18 95 P
Tyre pressure: 350 kPa (3.5 bar/51 psi) 6.0 B x 18 H2 ET 25
AMG vehicles
Collapsible emergency spare wheel
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
175/50 - 19 97 P
Tyre pressure: 350 kPa (3.5 ba
r/51 psi) 6.5 B x 19 H2 ET 14 Emergency spare wheel
617Wheels and tyres Z