MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the insideXActivate the cooling with air
dehumidification function.XActivate automatic mode.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.XPress the _ button repeatedly until the
O or P symbol appears in the
display.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear. It otherwise
switches off automatically after several
minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XSelect SmartKey position 2 with the Start/
Stop button.XPress the ¤ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ button lights
up or goes out.Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated. The on-
board voltage is too low because too many
electrical consumers are switched on.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XSelect SmartKey position 2 with the Start/
Stop button.XTo activate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
Operating the climate control system109Climate controlZ

XTo switch off: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode deactivates
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are less than about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air inlet on the right-hand side of
the hood free of blockages, such as ice,
snow or leaves.
R never cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position.
Setting the center air vents1To open the center air vent2To close the center air vent=Center air vent, right?Center air vent, leftXTo open the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent = or ? in the
direction of the arrow to position 1.XTo close the center air vent: turn the
adjuster in center air vent = or ? in the
direction of the arrow to position 2.
Setting the side air vents
1To open the side air vent2To close the side air vent=Side window defroster vent?Side air vent110Setting the air ventsClimate control

XTo open the side air vent: turn the
adjuster in side air vent ? in the direction
of the arrow to position 1.XTo close the side air vent: turn the
adjuster in side air vent ? in the direction
of the arrow to position 2.
Setting the AIRSCARF vents
(Roadster)
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
You can adjust the blower output of
AIRSCARF vents : using the AIRSCARF
button ( Y page 87).
Setting the air vents111Climate controlZ

112

Useful information ............................114
Breaking-in notes .............................. 114
Driving ............................................... 114
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed
sports transmission .........................119
AMG button (SETUP) .........................126
Refueling ............................................ 127
Parking ............................................... 129
Driving tips ........................................ 132
Driving systems ................................ 136113Driving and parking

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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 21).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle. Do not
exceed ⅔ of the maximum permitted
engine speed for each gear.
R Select the manual drive program M in good
time.
R Do not carry out a RACE START.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select the shift range limits 3, 2 or 1
when driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous
terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these breaking-
in notes if your vehicle's engine or
transmission has been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not keep any objects in the driver's
footwell. If you use a floormat or carpet in the
driver's footwell, make sure that they are
correctly secured and that there is sufficient
clearance for the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another.
The objects or floormats could otherwise get
between the pedals in the event of sudden
braking or acceleration. You may then no
longer be able to brake, change gear or
accelerate as intended. This may result in an
accident and injury.
GWARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
114DrivingDriving and parking

when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature. The
operating temperature has been reached
when the engine oil temperature display in
the on-board computer's AMG menu no
longer flashes.
Only shift into reverse gear when the
vehicle is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! During a cold start, if the engine oil
temperature is low (below 0 †), maximum
engine speed will be limited to protect the
engine. To protect the engine and maintain
smooth engine operation, avoid driving at
full throttle when the engine is cold.
! During a cold start, if the engine oil
temperature is low (below 32 ‡) (0 †),
maximum engine speed will be limited to
protect the engine. To protect the engine
and maintain smooth engine operation,
avoid driving at full throttle when the
engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
KEYLESS-GO start function
You can switch the engine on and off with the
Start/Stop button. For this, the SmartKey
must be inside the vehicle. The Start/Stop
button is located in the center console and is
illuminated when the vehicle is unlocked.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
If there is a SmartKey in the ignition lock, this
takes precedence over the KEYLESS-GO start
function.XPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
If you press Start/Stop button : twice when
in this position and the driver's door is open,
the power supply is deactivated again.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
If you press Start/Stop button : once when
in this position and the driver's door is open,
the power supply is deactivated again.
SmartKey
You can also start the vehicle with the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
The ignition lock is located in the rear
stowage space of the center console.
Driving115Driving and parkingZ

gTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
i The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Never leave the engine running in enclosed
spaces. The exhaust gases contain toxic
carbon monoxide. Breathing in exhaust fumes
is a health hazard and can lead to
unconsciousness or death.
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
i Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
buttonGWARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. You merely
need to carry the SmartKey on your person.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XPress the Start/Stop button once
( Y page 115).
The engine starts.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
If the Start/Stop button is inoperative, you
can also start the vehicle using the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3 in the
ignition lock (Y page 115) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.116DrivingDriving and parking

Pulling away
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmissionGWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the transmission out
of park position P or neutral position N if the
engine is running at anything more than idling
speed. If you do not depress the brake pedal
with force, the vehicle may accelerate
forwards or backwards. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause a
collision. Only shift the transmission into the
drive position when you are firmly depressing
the brake pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if the
engine is running and you depress the
brake pedal.
Only then is the parking lock released. If the
brake pedal is not depressed, the E-SELECT
lever can still be moved but the parking lock
remains engaged.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XUse the E-SELECT lever to shift the
transmission to position D or R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electric parking brake is automatically
released ( Y page 130).
i
The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down. The automatic door lock can
also be deactivated (Roadster only).
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
on uphill gradients. It holds the vehicle for a
short time after you have removed your foot
from the brake pedal. This gives you enough
time to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal and depress it before
the vehicle begins to roll.GWARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is being held
by hill start assist. After approximately one
second, hill start assist will no longer brake
your vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist does not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the vehicle is secured with the electric
parking brake.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
Driving117Driving and parkingZ

Problems with the engineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.R There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.XBefore attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.XTry to start the engine again ( Y page 116). Avoid excessively
long and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 243).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.118DrivingDriving and parking