tow MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 User Guide

surface subject to movement, such as a ferry
or auto train.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XPress tow-away alarm switch \000F.
Indicator lamp \000G comes on briefly.
XExit and lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm remains disabled until
you lock the vehicle again.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XPress button \0006 or \0007 on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
XGrasp an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
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Automatic central locking
You can switch the automatic central locking
on or off using the control system
(Y page 126).
The doors and the trunk lock automatically
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
The doors are designed to unlock
automatically after an accident if the force of
the impact exceeds a preset threshold.
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning at a vehicle speed of above 9 mph
(15 km/h). You could therefore lock yourself
out when the vehicle is pushed or towed or is
on a test stand.
Locking and unlocking from the inside
GObserve Safety notes, see page 51.
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from the
inside using the central locking or unlocking
switch. This can be useful, for example, if you
want to lock the vehicle before starting to
drive.
The central locking or unlocking switch does
not lock or unlock the fuel filler flap or the
interior storage compartments, such as the
glove box.
XLocking: Press central locking switch \000F.
When all doors are closed, the vehicle
locks.
XUnlocking: Press central unlocking
switch \000G.
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
Rand the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
door is opened from the inside
Rand the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the door opened from inside
is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking switch.
Opening the trunk
GWarning!
Make sure the trunk is closed when the engine
is running and while driving. Among other
dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases
may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
You can open the trunk when the vehicle is
stationary and the retractable hardtop is fully
opened or closed.
A minimum height clearance of 6.2 ft (1.88 m)
is required to open the trunk lid.
iTo facilitate trunk loading and unloading
when the hardtop is retracted, you can
raise the hardtop from its storage position
in the trunk using the load assist feature
(Y page 164). You may also unhook the
luggage cover.
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Vehicle movement may result in serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the
following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Parking brake
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XReleasing: Pull on release handle \000F.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning lamp
\000' (USA only) or \000M (Canada only) in
the instrument cluster goes out.
XEngaging: Step on parking brake
pedal \000G firmly.
When the engine is running, the brake
warning lamp \000' (USA only) or \000M
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XEngage the parking brake.
iAlways engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P.
With SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
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Effect0045Park position
Shift the automatic transmission
into park position P only when the
vehicle is stopped. The park
position is not intended to serve as
a brake when the vehicle is parked.
Rather, the driver should always
engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P to
secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the
gear selector lever in park position
P . With the SmartKey removed from
the starter switch, the gear selector
lever is locked in park position P.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector
lever could remain locked in park
position P.XHave the vehicle’s electrical
system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.0046Reverse gear
Shift the automatic transmission
into reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped.Effect0044Neutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exception: If the ESP ®
is switched
off or malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in
neutral position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.003ADrive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
XU.S. vehicles except AMG vehicles:
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.XCanada vehicles and AMG vehicles:
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
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The thumbwheel for adjusting the following
distance is located on the right side of the
center console.
XIncreasing distance: Turn
thumbwheel \000F towards \000

The wind screen is stored in the trunk.
Installing
XLeave the wind screen folded and place it
on the roll bar.
XMake sure the fastening straps are
unbuckled.
XSlide the wind screen into the roll bar until
guide tabs \000F on each side latch
underneath the roll bar.
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
iThe fastening straps must be directed
into the vehicle interior.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XGuide the fastening straps around the top
of the roll bar and close buckles \000G.
XTighten the fastening straps if necessary.XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).XFold the upper section of the wind screen
up towards the head restraints until it
stops.
Removing
XFold the upper section of the wind screen
back.
XAdjust the roll bar to a height (Y page 51)
that allows you to reach easily underneath
it.
XUndo the buckles on the upper section of
the roll bar by pressing release button \000F.
XLower the roll bar (Y page 51).
Make sure the fastening straps do not get
caught.
XPull the wind screen out towards the front
of the vehicle.
Be careful not to damage interior trim with
the guide tabs.
XStore the wind screen in a safe place.
Luggage cover
The luggage cover covers luggage/cargo in
the trunk.
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XOpening: Squeeze stop buttons \000F and
guide the sunshade towards the rear.
XClosing: Using handle \000G, slide the
sunshade towards the front of the vehicle.
Loading and storing
Parcel nets
GWarning!
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
A parcel net is located in the passenger
footwell.
Two parcel nets are located in the trunk on
each side of the right and left trunk side walls.
In addition a trunk floor net is available to
secure loads.
XPull the trunk floor net from the trunk back
wall towards the front over the luggage.
XHang the hooks of the trunk floor net on the
eyes on the trunk floor.Front storage compartmentsGWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
Glove box
Depending on vehicle equipment, an AUX
socket is located in the glove box. For
information on AUX operation, see separate
COMAND system operating instructions.
The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 152).
XOpening: Press glove box lid release \000F.XClosing: Push glove box lid \000G upwards
until it engages.
Locking/unlocking the storage
compartments separately
The storage compartments are centrally
locked when you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
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XBriefly press on cover \000F to open.XPress SOS button \000G briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button \000G will
flash until the emergency call is concluded.
XWait for a voice connection to the
Customer Assistance Center.
XClose cover \000F after the emergency call is
concluded.
GWarning!
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the emergency button. Carefully
leave the vehicle and move to a safe location.
The Customer Assistance Center will
automatically contact local emergency
officials with the vehicle’s approximate
location if they receive an automatic SOS
signal and cannot make voice contact with the
vehicle occupants.
XTerminating calls: Press button \000 on
the multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the respective button for ending a
telephone call on the COMAND system.
Roadside Assistance button
XOpen the storage compartment under the
armrest (Y page 162).
XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button \000F for longer than 2 seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance dispatcher will be initiated. The
indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button \000F will flash while the call is in
progress. The message Connecting
Call will appear in the multifunction
display and the COMAND system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message Call Connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will
transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and
location (subject to availability of cellular and
GPS signals).
i The COMAND system display indicates
that a Tele Aid call is in progress. While the
call is connected you can change to the
navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on the COMAND system. Spoken
commands are not available.
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants of
the vehicle will be established.
XDescribe the nature of the need for
assistance.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such as
labor and/or towing, charges may apply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for
more information.
Sign and Drive services (USA only):
Services such as a jump start, a few gallons
of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire with
the vehicle spare wheel are obtainable at no
charge.
iIf the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button \000F is flashing
continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Customer Assistance
Center established, then the Tele Aid
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Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
XReport the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.
XPass this number on to the Customer
Assistance Center along with your
password.
The Customer Assistance Center will then
attempt to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is
located, the Customer Assistance Center
will contact the local law enforcement and
you. The vehicle’s location will only be
provided to law enforcement.
iIf the anti-theft alarm or the tow-away
alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds,
a call to the Customer Assistance Center is
initiated automatically by the Tele Aid
system provided Tele Aid service was
subscribed to and properly activated, and
that necessary cellular service and GPS
coverage are available. See “Anti-theft
alarm system” (Y page 63) and “Tow-away
alarm” (Y page 64).
Garage door opener
The integrated remote control can operate up
to three separately controlled devices
compatible with HomeLink® or some other
systems.
GWarning!
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door that
cannot detect an object - signaling the door
to stop and reverse - does not meet current
U.S. federal safety standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. 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.
Interior rear view mirror with integrated remotecontrol
Hand-held remote control \000

Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(Y page 306), see “Fuel requirements”
(Y page 307), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.
iIn case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the
opening mechanism is clamping, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear.
XTurn off the engine.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp \000