MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2018 Owner's Manual

SL
Operator's Manual
Mercedes-Benz
Your Operator's Manual
Digital form inside the vehicle
Familiarize yourself with the contents of the Operator's Manual directly via your
vehicle's multimedia system (Menu item "Vehicle").
Booklet inside the vehicle
In addition to the vehicle's Operator's Manual, you can obtain the complete multi-
media system Supplement from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Digital form via the Internet
You can find the Operator's Manual on the Mercedes-Benz homepage.
Digital form as an App
The Mercedes-Benz Guides App is available for free on the Apple®App store or Google
Play.
Apple® iOS Android™
Order no. P231 0139 13 Part no. 231 584 31 02 Edition B 2018
É2315843102ÃËÍ2315843102
SL Operator's Manual

Publication details
Internet
Further information about Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles and about Daimler AG can be found on the
following websites:
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only)
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca (Canada only)
Editorial office

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
We urge you to read this Operator's Manual
carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehi-
cle before driving. For your own safety and a
longer vehicle life, follow the instructions and
warning notices in this manual. Ignoring them
could result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
RModel
ROrder
RCountry specification
RAvailability
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right to
introduce changes in the following areas:
RDesign
REquipment
RTechnical features
The equipment in your vehicle may therefore
differ from that shown in the descriptions and
illustrations.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
RDigital Operator's Manual
RPrinted Operator's Manual
RMaintenance Booklet
REquipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. If you sell the vehicle, always pass all
documents on to the new owner.
Your Operator's Manual:
Digital form inside the vehicle
The Digital Operator's Manual provides
comprehensive and specifically adapted
information on your vehicle's equipment
and multimedia system. It contains infor-
mative animations, individual language
settings and an intuitive search function.
Booklet inside the vehicle
In addition to this manual and the afore-
mentioned digital media, you also have the
option to obtain a comprehensive printed
version of the Supplement for your multi-
media system from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Digital form via the Internet
The Operator's Manual on the Internet pro-
vides easy access to all information
regarding your vehicle and multimedia sys-
tem. It also provides helpful animations,
interesting background information and a
wide array of search options.
Digital form as an App
Using the Mercedes-Benz Guides App, you
can view all the information on your vehicle
and multimedia system via mobile Internet
or download it independently of network
access. Available for smartphones or tab-
lets.
Please note that the Mercedes-Benz Guides App
may not yet be available in your country.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company
2315843102
É2315843102ÃËÍ

Index....................................................... 4
Digital Operator's Manual..................23
Introduction .......................................... .23
Operation ............................................... 23
Introduction ......................................... 24
Protecting the environment ...................2 4
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts .............. .24
Operator's Manual ................................. 25
Service and vehicle operation ................2 5
Operating safety .................................... 27
QR codes for the rescue card ................2 9
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 29
Information on copyright ....................... 31
At a glance ........................................... 32
Cockpit .................................................. 32
Instrument cluster ................................. 33
Multifunction steering wheel ................. 34
Center console ...................................... 35
Overhead control panel .........................3 8
Door control panel ................................. 39
Safety ................................................... 40
Panic alarm ............................................ 40
Occupant safety .................................... 40
Children in the vehicle ........................... 56
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 59
Driving safety systems ........................... 59
Protection against theft .........................7 1
Opening and closing...........................73
SmartKey ............................................... 73
Doors ..................................................... 78
Trunk ..................................................... 80
Side windows ......................................... 85
Roof .......................................................8 9
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors....95
Correct driver's seat position ................9 5
Seats ..................................................... 95
Steering wheel ..................................... 100
Mirrors ................................................. 102 Memory function ................................. 105
Lights and windshield wipers
..........106
Exterior lighting ................................... 106
Interior lighting .................................... 109
Replacing bulbs ................................... 110
Windshield wipers ................................ 110
Climate control ................................. 113
Overview of climate control systems ... 113
Operating the climate control sys-
tems .................................................... 115
Setting the air vents ............................ 119
Driving and parking ..........................121
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle ..... 121
Driving ................................................. 121
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ......... 128
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .................... 129
Automatic transmission ....................... 130
Refueling ............................................. 140
Parking ................................................ 142
Driving tips .......................................... 144
Driving systems ................................... 149
On-board computer and displays ....185
Important safety notes ........................ 185
Displays and operation ........................ 185
Menus and submenus ......................... 188
Display messages ............................... 200
Warning and indicator lamps .............. 227
Multimedia system ...........................236
General notes ...................................... 236
Important safety notes ........................ 236
Function restrictions ............................ 236
Operating system ................................ 237
Stowage and features ......................242
Stowage areas ..................................... 242
Features .............................................. 245
2Contents

Maintenance and care......................258
Engine compartment ........................... 258
Overview of the engine compartment .. 261
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 262
Care ..................................................... 263
Breakdown assistance .....................269
Where will I find...? .............................. 269
Flat tire ................................................ 271
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 275
Jump-starting ....................................... 278
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 280
Fuses ...................................................2 82
Wheels and tires............................... 285
Important safety notes ........................ 285
Operation ............................................ 285
Winter operation .................................. 287
Tire pressure ....................................... 288
Loading the vehicle .............................. 295
All about wheels and tires ................... 297
Changing a wheel ................................ 303
Wheel and tire combinations ...............3 08
Technical data................................... 310
Information regarding technical data ... 310
Vehicle electronics .............................. 310
Identification plates .............................3 11
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 312
Vehicle data ......................................... 317
Contents3

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socketsee Sockets
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)Display message ............................ 201
Function/notes ................................ 60
Important safety notes .................... 60
Warning lamp .................................2 29
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 56
Activating media mode
General notes ................................ 241
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 115
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 194
Display message ............................ 217
Function/information .................... 179
Active Body Control (ABC)
CURVE ........................................... 164
Vehicle level .................................. 163
Active Body Control (ABC) (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Comfort ......................................... 164
Driving dynamics display ............... 165
Normal level .................................. 164
Operation/notes ............................ 163
Raised level ................................... 163
Sport .............................................. 164
Sport Plus ...................................... 164
Vehicle level .................................. 163
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Comfort ......................................... 167
Driving dynamics display ............... 167
Normal level .................................. 166
Operation/notes ............................ 165
Raised level ................................... 166
Sport .............................................. 166
Vehicle level .................................. 165 Active Body Control (except
Mercedes-AMG Vehicles)
Display message ............................ 215
Active Body Control (Mercedes-
AMG Vehicles)
Display message ............................ 215
Active Brake Assist
Activating or deactivating .............. 193
Display message ............................ 206
Function/notes ................................ 62
Active Brake As sist w
ith cross-
traffic function
Activating or deactivating .............. 193
Display message ............................ 207
Function/notes ................................ 69
Important safety notes .................... 69
Warning lamp ................................. 234
Active Driving Assistance package .. 179
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 194
Display message ............................ 217
Function/information .................... 181
Active light function ......................... 108
Adaptive adjustable damping
Driving dynamics display ............... 163
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 69
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes ................................ 64
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 65
Adaptive Damping System
Function/notes ............................. 162
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Display message ............................ 212
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 315
Address book
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Adjusting the volume
Multimedia system ........................ 237
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 53
Display message ............................ 210
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 46
4Index

Head bag ......................................... 47
Important safety notes .................... 45
Introduction .....................................45
Knee bag .......................................... 46
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 41
Side impact air bag .......................... 46
AIR FLOW ........................................... 116
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 120
Important safety notes .................. 119
Setting ........................................... 119
Setting the blower output of the
AIRSCARF vents .............................1 20
Setting the center air vents ........... 120
Setting the side air vents ...............1 20
Switching AIRSCARF on/off .......... 100
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off ........................... 100
AIRSCARF vents
Setting the blower output .............. 120
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 72
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 72
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 72
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 195
Setting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 195
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 197
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 247
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................1 93Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter)
..................................................1 92
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........2
62
Hi

ding a service message .............. 262
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 262
Service message ............................ 262
Special service requirements ......... 262
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 72
Function ...........................................7 2
Switching off the alarm .................... 72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 193
Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ............................. 177
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 190
Audio system
see Digital Operator's Manual
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 212
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 263
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 126
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 125
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 106
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 133
Changing gear ............................... 133
Display message ............................ 222
Drive program ................................ 134
Drive program display .................... 131
Driving tips .................................... 133
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 128
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 129
Emergency running mode .............. 139
Engaging drive position .................. 132
Index5

Engaging neutral ............................ 132
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 132
Engaging reverse gear ................... 132
Engaging the park position ............ 131
Gearshift recommendation ............ 138
Kickdown ....................................... 134
Manual shifting .............................. 136
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 197
Overview ........................................ 130
Problem (malfunction) ................... 139
Pulling away ................................... 124
Selector lever ................................ 130
Starting the engine ........................ 124
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 136
Transmission position display ........ 131
Transmission positions .................. 133
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 139
B
Back button ....................................... 237
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 60
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 76
Important safety notes .................... 75
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 277
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety notes .................. 275
Jump starting ................................. 278
Overview ........................................ 275
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 240
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Telephony ...................................... 239
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System) Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 315
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 65
Display message ............................ 212
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
BAS .................................................. 60
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 315
Display message ............................ 201
EBD .................................................. 69
High-performance brake system .... 148
Important safety notes .................. 146
Maintenance .................................. 147
Parking brake ................................ 142
Riding tips ...................................... 146
Warning lamp ................................. 228
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Breakdown assistance
Reflective safety jacket .................. 269
Where will I find...? ........................ 269
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 33
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 263
6Index

Exhaust pipe .................................. 268
Exterior lights ................................ 267
Matte finish ................................... 265
Notes ............................................. 263
Paint .............................................. 265
Power washer ................................ 264
Rear view camera .......................... 267
Sensors ......................................... 267
Washing by hand ........................... 264
Wheels ........................................... 266
Windows ........................................ 266
Wiper blades .................................. 267
CD
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
CD player (on-board computer) ........ 191
Center console
Lower section .................................. 36
Lower section (AMG vehicles) .......... 37
Upper section .................................. 35
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 196
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 73
Child
Restraint system .............................. 58
Child seat
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 59
On the front-passenger seat ............ 59
Rearward-facing restraint system .... 59
Children
Special seat belt retractor ............... 57
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes .................... 56
Cigarette lighter ................................ 247
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal ........................... 267
Climate control
Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 113
Controlling automatically ............... 116
Cooling with air dehumidification .. 115
Defrosting the windows ................. 118
Defrosting the windshield .............. 117
General notes ................................ 113
Indicator lamp ................................ 116
Information about using auto-
matic climate control ..................... 114 Maximum cooling .......................... 118
Overview of systems ...................... 113
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 118
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification
............................ 116
R

efrigerant ..................................... 316
Refrigerant filling capacity ............. 317
Setting the air distribution ............. 117
Setting the air vents ...................... 119
Setting the airflow ......................... 117
Setting the climate mode (AIR
FLOW) ............................................ 116
Setting the temperature ................ 116
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 118
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 119
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 118
Switching the ZONE function
on/off ............................................ 117
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 32
see Instrument cluster
COMAND
Driving dynamics display (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 163, 165
Driving dynamics display
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 167
Combination switch .......................... 107
Compass
Calibrating ..................................... 256
Calling up ....................................... 255
Setting ........................................... 256
Connecting a USB device
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 188
Controller ........................................... 237
Convenience closing feature .............. 87
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 260
Display message ............................ 213
Filling capacity ............................... 316
Important safety notes .................. 315
Index7

Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 197
Temperature gauge ........................ 186
Warning lamp ................................. 232
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 31
Cornering light function
Display message ............................2 12
Function/notes .............................1 08
Cruise control
Cruise control lever ....................... 149
Deactivating ................................... 150
Display message ............................ 220
Driving system ............................... 149
Function/notes .............................1 49
Important safety notes .................. 149
Setting a speed .............................. 150
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 150
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 246
Important safety notes .................. 245
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ..................................................... 28
Customer Relations Department ....... 28
D
Data
see Technical data
Data carrier
Selecting ........................................ 191
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 212
Function/notes .............................1 06
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 195
Declarations of conformity ................. 27
Decorative film
Cleaning instructions ..................... 265
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 195
Interior lighting .............................. 196
Diagnostics connection ......................28
Digital Operator's Manua l
Help ................................................ .23 Introduction .....................................2
3
Digital speedomete r........................ .189
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 262
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 200
Driving systems .............................2 15
Engine ............................................ 213
General notes ................................ 200
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 200
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 226
Lights ............................................. 212
Safety systems .............................. 201
SmartKey ....................................... 225
Tires ............................................... 221
Vehicle ...........................................2 22
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
Activating ....................................... 153
Calling up a speed ......................... 153
Cruise control lever ....................... 153
Display Message ............................ 218
Displays in the instrument cluster .. 155
Driving tips .................................... 157
Function/notes ............................. 151
Important safety notes .................. 151
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 155
Stopping ........................................ 154
Storing a speed .............................. 153
Swi tching off .................................. 156
Warning lamp ................................. 234
Distance recorder
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 234
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 63
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 196
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 79
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 73
Control panel ................................... 39
Display message ............................ 224
Emergency locking ........................... 80
Emergency unlocking ....................... 80
Important safety notes .................... 78
Opening (from inside) ...................... 79
8Index