engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 User Guide

If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Engine Oil Level
Not With
Engine Running
XTurn off the engine.XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine at
normal operating temperature, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Engine Oil Level
Reduce Oil Level
XHave excess oil siphoned or drained off.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 249).
Adding engine oil
! Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
RUsing engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
RChanging of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
RUsing any oil additives.
Example illustration: SL 550
Example illustration: SL 63 AMG
XUnscrew filler cap \000F from filler neck.XAdd engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
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! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap \000F back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 303) and
(Y page 305).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse 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 coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap approximately1/2 turn counterclockwise to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning the cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: is up to the upper mark
on the bracing rib of coolant expansion
tank \000F (translucent)
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap back on and tighten it.
! SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on the coolant expansion tank. Never open
the cap between the two charge-air
coolers. Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.
184Engine compartmentOperation
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until the standard display (Y page 116)
appears in the multifunction display.XPress button 002D or 0029 on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance service indicator display with
the service symbol 009B or 009D appears
in the left multifunction display and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the right multifunction display.
i If the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
00B4 .
Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes
Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
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Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.XUse the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick and provisional repairs of minor paint
damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Vehicles with mat paint
Your vehicle is painted with mat clear-coat
paint. Observe the following notes to avoid
paint damage caused by improper treatment.
i Only use insect remover and car shampoo
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not polish the vehicle. Polishing will
brighten the paintwork.
Do not use paintwork cleaning agents,
abrasives, polishing compounds, or wax for
paintwork care. Such products are
intended for use on high-polish surfaces.
Using such products on mat paint causes
severe damage, such as bright, spotted
areas on the respective surface.
Have paintwork repairs performed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have stone chipping repairs as soon as
possible.
Remove the following immediately if possible.
Do not apply strong force.
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse them of with water afterwards.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush for remains
that have not come off.
R Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
them of with water afterwards. Use a soft
bristle toothbrush for remains that have not
come off.
R Remove tree resins, grease, oil, and
gasoline with silicone remover.
R Dab off wax with silicone remover.
R Dab off tar splashes or tar stains with tar
remover.
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Hand-wash
XDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.XOnly use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.XThoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.XDo not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.XRinse with clean water and dry with a
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions003FThe battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic system
Do not forget that the brake system requires electrical energy
and may be operating with restricted capability. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.003FBattery/
Alternator
Stop CarThe battery is defective.
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires electrical energy
and therefore has only limited operation. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and the stopping
distance is increased.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.00B4Engine
Oil Level
Check
LevelVehicles with oil dipstick only:
The engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 181) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 183).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display247Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 247Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B4Add 1 qt
engine
oil at
next
refueling.
(USA only)
Add 1
liter
engine
oil at
next
refueling.
(Canada
only)Vehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 183) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 181).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.If the message Add 1 qt (Canada: 1 liter)
engine oil at next refueling or
Engine Oil Level Check Level appears
while the engine is running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B4Engine
Oil Level
Cannot
measure
eng. oil
level.Vehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
The measuring system is malfunctioning.XHave the measuring system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.00B4Engine
Oil Level
Reduce
Oil LevelVehicles with engine oil measuring system only:
You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of
damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.XHave oil siphoned or drained off. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its disposal.248Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00B4Engine
Oil Level
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 183) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 181).00AAThe fuel level is low.XRefuel at the next gas station.00B8Reserve
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.00B8Fuel Cap
OpenA loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 178).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Lamps
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0055Active
Headlamps
Inoperativ
eThe active Bi-Xenon headlamp system is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.0055Reverse
Lamp Left
or
Reverse
Lamp RightThe left or right backup lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 271).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display249Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 249Z

If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterSL 550
SL 65 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsSL 600
SL 63 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Automatic
transmissionSL 5509.8 US qt (9.3 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidSL 63 AMG9.3 US qt (8.8 l)SL 600
SL 65 AMG8.0 US qt (7.5 l)Rear axleSL 550
SL 6001.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)SL 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DSL 63 AMG 41
SL 65 AMGCastrol SAF-XJ
(SAE 75W-140)Hydraulic
system for
active body
control (ABC)All models3.7 US qt (3.5 l)MB ABC FluidPower steeringAll modelsapprox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)Brake systemAll models0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemSL 550approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeSL 600approx. 15.9 US qt (15.0 l)SL 63 AMGapprox. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 14.8 US qt (14.0 l)Low
temperature
cooling systemSL 600approx. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.4 US qt (3.2 l)41 With Performance Package.304Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)SL 63 AMG
SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Hydraulic
system for
retractable
hardtopAll models0.42 US qt (0.4 l)MB Hydraulic OilWasher system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 42
( Y page 309)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 309)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage notcovered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.ModelEngine,
typeMB sheet
numberSL 550273229.5SL 600275229.542 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.305Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 305Z

ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
SL 63 AMG156229.543SL 65 AMG275229.5
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluidGWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
RHave the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
43Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.306Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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