engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 User Guide

Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraints
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
- Air bags
- Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
-
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
- Seat belt force limiter
R Roll bar
R Air bag system components with
- Passenger front air bag off indicator lamp
- Passenger seat with
Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
GWarning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See “Children in the vehicle”
( Y page 51) for information on
R infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R restraint systems for infants and children
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp 008A in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the engine has been
started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the SRS indicator lamp
008A is not lit while the engine is running.
GWarning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
008A
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
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passenger seat is occupied and the impact
exceeds a preset deployment threshold.
Head-thorax air bags 0046 are not deployed in
side impacts which do not exceed the
system’s deployment threshold.
Occupant Classification System
The Occupant Classification System (OCS)
activates or deactivates the passenger front
air bag automatically. The respective status
is based on the classified occupant weight
category determined by weight sensor
readings from the passenger seat.
The system does not deactivate the
passenger head-thorax air bag and the
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs).
To be classified correctly, the passenger must
sit
R with the seat belt properly fastened
R in a position that is as upright as possible
with the back against the seat backrest
R with the feet on the floor
If the occupant’s weight is transferred to
another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning
on armrests), the OCS may not be able to
properly approximate the occupant’s weight
category.
If your seat, including the trim cover and
cushion, needs to be serviced in any way, take
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Only seat accessories approved by
Mercedes-Benz may be used.
Both the driver and the passenger should
always use the 007F0080 indicator lamp as
an indication of whether or not the passenger
is properly positioned.
GWarning!
If the 007F0080 indicator lamp illuminates
when an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is in the passenger seat, have the
passenger reposition himself or herself in the
seat until the 007F0080 indicator lamp goes
out.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
passenger seat occupant as weighting as
much as or less than a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint or if the
passenger seat is classified as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the passenger seat
occupant is classified as being up to or less
than the weight of a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint, the
007F0080 indicator lamp will illuminate when
the engine is started and remain illuminated,
indicating that the passenger front air bag is
deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the passenger seat
is classified as being empty, the 007F0080
indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine
is started and remain illuminated, indicating
that the passenger front air bag is
deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the passenger seat
occupant is classified as being heavier than
the weight of a typical 12-month-old child
seated in a standard child restraint or as being
a small individual (such as a young teenager
or a small adult), the 007F0080 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then,
depending on occupant weight sensor
readings from the seat, remain illuminated or
go out. With the 007F0080 indicator lamp
illuminated, the passenger front air bag is
deactivated. With the 007F0080 indicator
lamp out, the passenger front air bag is
activated.
When the OCS senses that the passenger seat
occupant is classified as an adult or someone
larger than a small individual, the 007F0080
indicator lamp will illuminate for
approximately 6 seconds when the engine is
started and then goes out, indicating that the
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Roll barGWarning!
This vehicle is a two occupant vehicle. The
rear storage area is not equipped to properly
seat or restrain occupants and therefore is
not permitted for use by any persons.
Make sure that the roll bar’s path of motion is
clear and no persons are injured by the
moving roll bar. Raising or lowering of the roll
bar could injure someone in it’s proximity.
For your own safety, we recommend to drive
with the roll bar raised if the outside
temperature is below +5‡ (-15†).
! If the outside temperature falls below
+5‡ (-15†), the roll bar must be raised
manually using the buttons provided to
avoid damaging the hydraulics.
The roll bar raises automatically in an
accident or in a critical driving situation.
iWhen the roll bar is raised automatically,
you will hear a ratcheting sound.
You can also raise and lower the roll bar
manually using the buttons provided.
The buttons for the roll bar are on the center
console under the retractable hardtop switch.
The roll bar can be moved manually when the
ignition is switched on.
GWarning!
If the yellow roll bar warning lamp \000W in the
instrument cluster does not go out after
starting the engine, or if it comes on while
driving, the roll bar system is not operating
properly and may not activate in an accident.
At the same time, the message Raise Roll-
over Bar appears in the multifunction
display. In this case, raise the roll bar
manually before continuing to drive.
For safety reasons, drive only with the roll bar
raised until the malfunction is repaired. Have
your vehicle checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRaising: Lift the switch for the retractable
hardtop.
XPress and hold button \000F until the roll bar
is raised.
XLowering: Lift the switch for the
retractable hardtop.
If the roll bar was raised manually:
XPress and hold button \000G until the roll bar
is lowered.
If the roll bar was raised automatically:
XPress and hold button \000F until you hear the
roll bar lock into place.
XPress and hold button \000G until the roll bar
is lowered.
iIf you have raised the roll bar manually
using the button, the roll bar will
automatically be lowered and then raised
again when you close and open the
retractable hardtop.
Children in the vehicle
Safety notes
If an infant or child is traveling with you in the
vehicle:
XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size of
the child.
XMake sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
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Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp 0031 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
If the ABS activates during braking, the ABS/
ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 7
in the
instrument cluster flashes. Because of the
electro-hydraulic brake system, you will not
feel any pulsation in the brake pedal.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 7
flashes whenever the ABS is activated. It can
be an indication for hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to
take extra care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
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If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 8
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
The ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 8
in the instrument cluster flashes when the
ESP ®
is engaged.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ABS/ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 or 0067 9
flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case
proceed as follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
8 Depending on vehicle production date.
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as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
iThe Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP®. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP®, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching the ESP® off or on (except
SL 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp \000

You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling mode
when a spare wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
the SPORT handling mode. This allows the
drive wheels to spin and thus cut into
surfaces for better grip, for example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When you switch on the SPORT handling
mode
Rthe ESP® stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the SPORT handling mode is
switched on and one or more drive wheels
are spinning, the ABS/ESP® warning lamp
\000

Version 2
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch \000F briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp \000g in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESP-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch \000F briefly.
The ABS/ESP® warning lamp \000g in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESP-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
The SPORT handling mode switches off
automatically when you turn off the engine.
When starting the engine, the ESP® is
activated automatically.
Switching the ESP® off or on
GWarning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESP® OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP®.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/
ESP® warning lamp \000

instrument cluster does not flash. The
ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
Depending on vehicle production date, the
symbol on the ESP® switch may differ.
Version 1
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch \000F until the ESP® OFF
warning lamp \000

out by qualified technicians only. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The electro-hydraulic brake system must be
deactivated prior to working on the system.
High pressure is intermittently built up in the
system as part of its automatic self-test.
In addition, the system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is unlocked by
remote control, when the driver or passenger
door is opened, when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button is pressed
once, when the brake pedal is depressed or
when the parking brake is released. Failure to
deactivate the system prior to maintenance
will cause brake pistons to extend and brake
fluid to leak, which may result in injuries
(contusions and acid burns). Extended brake
pistons may also cause injury.
The electro-hydraulic brake system switches
off automatically
R approximately 2 minutes after you turned
the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 or removed the SmartKey
R approximately 2 minutes after you pressed
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button to turn
off the engine or power supply and opened
the driver’s door (with driver’s door open,
the starter switch is set to position 0, same
as SmartKey removed from starter switch)
R approximately 20 seconds after you locked
the vehicle from outside
For more information on your vehicle’s
brakes, see the “Driving instructions” section
( Y page 210).
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
ActivatingXWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the trunk
R the hood
R a storage compartment in the rear
R the glove box
R the storage compartment under the
armrest
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is raised (tow-away alarm)
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
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