coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2001 R129 User Guide

224 Coolant level
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data Instruments
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Coolant level
1Cap for coolant reservoirThe coolant level can be checked visually at the
transparent coolant reservoir.
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold:
The coolant should reach the rib in the filler neck. Also
see marking (arrow) on reservoir.

225 Coolant level
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and
MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be added.
Model SL 500
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the right side of the engine block and at the bottom of
the radiator.
Model SL 600
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on
the right and left sides of the engine block and at the
bottom of the radiator.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see coolants on page 281.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated.• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194°F
(90°C). Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under pressure.• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 1/2
turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine
parts.

282 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
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the engine temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and MB anticorrosion/
antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet minimum
requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If your are not sure about the water
quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The
use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used
in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/
antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly
shortened service life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz
anticorrosion/antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in
the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The
coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring
your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Model Approx. freeze protection
-35°F
(-37°C)-49°F
(-45°C)
SL 500 6.6 US qt
(6.25 l)7. 3 U S q t
(6.9 l)
SL 600 10.6 US qt
(10.0 l)11 . 6 U S q t
(11.0 l)

286 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 58
Self-test ......................................................................... 58
Backrest ............................................................................. 48
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 188
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................207
Battery .............................................................................237
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 211
Recycling ....................................................................238
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 188
Brake fluid ......................................................................279
Capacity ......................................................................277
Brake pad wear indicator lamp ....................................205
Brake warning lamp ......................................................205
CCatalytic converter ........................................................ 163
Central locking system ................................................... 29
Automatic central locking ......................................... 37
Central locking switch ............................................... 36
General notes ............................................................... 33
Locking and unlocking
with remote control ............................................... 30
Remote control ..................................................... 28, 29Remote control – changing batteries .................... 252
Vehicle keys .................................................................28
Changing wheels ............................................................231
Charge indicator lamp ................................................... 211
Check engine
malfunction indicator lamp .................................... 204
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 202
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 222
Checking engine oil level indicator .............................. 82
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 262
Clock .................................................................................. 79
Combination switch .........................................................86
Console storage compartments ....................................127
Consumer information ................................................. 283
Control and operation of
radio transmitters ..................................................... 154
Coolant
Adding coolant .......................................................... 225
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 282
Checking level .......................................................... 224
Coolants ......................................................................281
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp ....................................................... 209
Temperature gauge .....................................................78
Cruise control ................................................................. 184
Cup holder .............................................................. 128, 265