fuel MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2001 R129 Owner's Manual

2 Contents
Storing steering column
position in memory ..................... 70
Rear view mirrors ............................ 71
Inside rear view mirror ............... 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors .......... 72
Storing mirror positions in
memory .......................................... 73
Instrument cluster ........................... 74
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................... 76
Additional function indicator
lamps .............................................. 77
Instrument lamps ......................... 77
Display illumination .................... 77
Coolant temperature gauge ........ 78
Outside temperature
indicator ........................................ 78
Trip odometer ............................... 79
Clock .............................................. 79
Tachometer .................................... 79
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field ................................. 82Fuel consumption gauge ................ 83
Engine oil temperature gauge ....... 83
Engine oil consumption ................. 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 84
Standing lamps ............................ 85
Night security illumination ....... 85
Combination switch ........................ 86
Blocked windshield wiper .......... 88
Windshield wiper smears .......... 88
Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio .................................. 88
Hazard warning flasher
switch ........................................... 89
Automatic climate control .............. 90
Display and controls ................... 92
Basic setting -
automatic mode ........................... 93
Economy ........................................ 93
Special settings ............................ 94
Audio and telephone, operation .... 98
Power windows ............................... 116
Express opening of
door windows .............................. 117Synchronizing
power windows ............................117
Roll bar .............................................118
Interior lighting ............................. 120
Interior lamps ............................. 120
Reading lamps ............................ 120
Entrance lamps in footwells,
exit lamps in doors .................... 120
Sunshade, manual ......................... 121
Power sunshade ............................. 122
Sun visors ....................................... 123
Illuminated vanity mirror ............ 123
Interior ............................................ 124
Storage compartment
(eyeglasses compartment)
in the dashboard ....................... 124
Interior central
locking system ............................ 125
Integration with vehicle
central locking system .............. 126
Separate locking of storage
compartments ............................. 126
Armrest ........................................... 127
Console storage compartments ... 127

3 ContentsCup holder ...................................... 128
Parcel net in
passenger footwell .................... 128
Door pockets ................................... 129
Rear storage compartment ........... 129
Ashtray with lighter ...................... 130
Lighter ............................................. 131
Telephone, general ........................ 132
Garage door opener ....................... 133
Hardtop or panorama roof ............ 137
Removing hardtop ...................... 137
Attaching hardtop ...................... 140
Soft top ............................................ 143
Lowering soft top ........................ 144
Raising soft top ........................... 145
Wind screen .................................... 148
Antenna ........................................... 151
Driving Control and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 154
Radio and telephone .................. 154
Telep ho n es an d
two-way radio .............................. 154The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ..................................155
Maintenance ...................................155
Tele Aid ............................................156
Catalytic converter .........................163
Emission control .............................164
Steering lock ...................................165
Starting and turning off
the engine ...................................167
Before starting .............................167
Starting .........................................167
Turning off ...................................167
Automatic transmission ................168
Driving .........................................168
Accelerator Position ...................169
Selector lever positions .............169
Maneuvering .............................. 172
Stopping ...................................... 172
Program mode
selector switch ........................... 173
Emergency Operation ................174
Parking brake ................................ 175
Driving instructions ....................... 176
Drive sensibly - Save fuel .......... 176Drinking and driving ................. 176
Pedals ........................................... 176
Power assistance ........................ 177
Brakes .......................................... 177
Driving off ................................... 178
Parking ........................................ 178
Tires ............................................. 179
Aquaplaning ............................... 180
Tire traction ................................ 180
Tire speed rating ........................ 181
Snow chains ................................ 181
Vehicles with
sport package .............................. 181
Deep water .................................. 182
Winter driving
instructions ................................. 182
Winter driving ............................ 183
Block heater ................................ 183
Traveling abroad ........................ 183
Cruise control ................................. 184
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 188
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 190

4 Contents
ABS control ................................. 191
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) ........................................... 192
Synchronizing ESP .................... 193
ESP Control Switch .................... 194
Level control system ...................... 196
Level control
switch positions .......................... 196
Normal Level ............................... 197
Wheel Change Switch ............... 198
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) ........................................... 199
Adaptive damping system
adjustment .................................. 199
What you should know
at the gas station .......................200
Fuel supply ..................................200
Fuel ...............................................200
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................202
Instrument cluster display Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 204
On-board
diagnostic system ...................... 204
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 204
Brake warning lamp .................. 205
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................ 205
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 206
Supplemental
restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ................. 206
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 207
Electronic stability program
(ESP)- warning lamp ................. 207
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 207
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 208Low engine coolant
level warning lamp ....................209
Low windshield and
headlamp washer
system fluid level
warning lamp .............................. 210
Low engine oil level
warning lamp .............................. 210
Charge indicator lamp ............... 211
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp ............................. 211
Roll bar warning lamp ............... 212
ADS indicator lamp .................... 212
High beam
indicator lamp ............................. 213
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 213
Malfunction and
indicator lamp
(in the dashboard) .................... 213
Passenger airbag
indicator lamp ............................. 213

5 Contents
Practical hints First aid kit ..................................... 216
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 216
Vehicle tools .................................... 217
Vehicle jack ..................................... 218
Fuses ................................................ 219
Hood .................................................220
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................222
Checking engine oil level .............222
Coolant level ...................................224
Adding coolant ...............................225
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio ......................226
Wheels .............................................227
Tire replacement ............................227
Rotating wheels ..............................228
Spare wheel ....................................229
Changing wheels ........................... 231
Tire inflation pressure ..................235
Battery .............................................237
Battery Recycling .......................238Jump starting ................................. 239
Towing the vehicle ........................ 241
Exterior lamps ............................... 243
Headlamp assembly
(Halogen) .................................... 244
Taillamp assemblies .................. 250
Changing batteries in the
remote control ........................... 252
Synchronizing ............................ 253
Raising soft top manually ............ 254
Replacing wiper blade ................. 258
Manual release of
fuel filler flap ............................ 260
Trunk lamp ..................................... 260
Vehicle care Cleaning and care
of the vehicle ............................. 262
Power washer ............................. 263
Tar stains .................................... 263
Paintwork, Painted Body
Components ................................ 263
Engine cleaning ......................... 264
Vehicle washing ......................... 264Ornamental moldings ................264
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................264
Window cleaning .......................265
Light alloy wheels ......................265
Instrument cluster .....................265
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................265
Cup holder ...................................265
Seat belts .....................................266
Headliner, shelf behind
roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items .......................266
Soft top .........................................266
Headliner .....................................267
Wind screen ................................267
Automatic antenna .....................267
Wiper blade .................................267
Headlamp cleaning
system ..........................................267
Leather upholstery .....................268
Plastic and rubber parts ............268
Illuminated door sill panels .....268

6 Contents
Technical data Spare parts service ........................270
Warranty coverage .........................270
Identification labels ....................... 271
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............272
Engine ..............................................273
Rims - Tires ..................................... 274
Weights ............................................ 276
Main Dimensions ........................... 276
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities ...................................277
Engine oils ......................................279
Engine oil additives .......................279
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........279
Brake fluid ......................................279
Premium unleaded gasoline ........280
Fuel requirements .........................280
Gasoline additives ......................... 281
Coolants ........................................... 281
Consumer information ..................283
Index Index ............................................... 285

11 IntroductionOperating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
• Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
To ro n to, On ta r io M4 G 2 L5

13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
•Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
•Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
•Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

26 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Operation Vehicle keys ...................................... 28
Remote control with
folding master key ....................... 28
Central locking system ................... 29
Remote control ............................. 29
Locking and unlocking ................ 30
Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control .............. 31
Opening the trunk ....................... 31
Panic button .................................. 32
Start lock-out .................................... 33
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 33
Doors .................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .......... 37
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 38
Trunk ................................................. 38
Trunk lid release switch ................. 39
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 40
Power windows ................................. 41Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ............................... 43
Power seats ....................................... 44
Storing position in memory ....... 46
Backrest ............................................ 48
Multicontour seats .......................... 49
Seat heater ........................................ 50
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 52
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 53
Fastening of seat belts ................ 54
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 58
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ............................... 58
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 59
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 59
Airbags .............................................. 60
Front airbags ................................ 62Side impact airbags ..................... 62
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag ..................... 67
Infant and child
restraint systems .......................... 68
Adjusting steering column ............. 70
Storing steering column
position in memory ..................... 70
Rear view mirrors ............................ 71
Inside rear view mirror ............... 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors .......... 72
Storing mirror positions in
memory .......................................... 73
Instrument cluster ........................... 74
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field ................................. 82
Fuel consumption gauge ................ 83
Engine oil temperature gauge ........ 83
Engine oil consumption .................. 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 84
Standing lamps ............................. 85

29 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Note:
Do not give the master key to an unauthorized person.
Obtaining replacement keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be
obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Central locking system
Remote control
Due to the extended operational range of the remote
control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.
The vehicle doors, trunk, storage compartment in
armrest, and fuel filler flap can be centrally locked and
unlocked via remote control.1Transmit button
‹ Locking
ΠUnlocking
ŠOpening trunk
2PANIC button
3Release button for master key
4Transmitter eye and lamp for battery check

30 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Locking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking:
Press transmit button Œ. All turn signal lamps blink
once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.
The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of
unlocking modes (see below):
Selective unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Œonce to unlock driver’s door,
storage compartment in armrest, and fuel filler flap.
Press transmit button Πtwice to unlock both doors,
storage compartment in armrest, fuel filler flap, and
trunk.
Global unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Πonce to unlock both doors,
storage compartment in armrest, fuel filler flap, and
trunk.
Notes:
If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will
remain locked, see page 38.
The presently active unlocking mode (selective or
global) can only be determined by unlocking the vehicle
with the remote control (see below for changing mode).If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted
in the steering lock, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
Locking:
Press transmit button ‹ once. All turn signal lamps
blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked.
Note:
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote control (if ok, battery check
lamp in transmitter will light briefly when transmitting)
or to synchronize the remote control, see page 252 and
page 253.