check oil MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2011 Owners Manual

Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift
program) ................................ 106, 107
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................109
Shifting procedure .........................104
Steering wheel gearshift control ....108
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 161
Axle oils .............................................. 304
B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 205
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................71
Replacing ....................................... 269
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 283
Charging ........................................ 285
Jump starting ................................. 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Bead (tire) .......................................... 205
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 185
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 238
Brakes ................................................ 210
High-performance brake system ....211
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 255
Break-in period .................................. 178
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) ...................................... 129
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 303
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 220
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 73, 126
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Locking/unlocking from inside ........73
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 73
Certification label .............................. 294
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 39
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Safety notes ..................................... 51
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 221
Cigarette lighter ................................ 166
Climate control system
Air conditioning ............................. 150
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Air distribution ............................... 153
Air recirculation mode ...................154
Air vents ........................................ 151
Air volume ..................................... 153
Automatic mode ............................ 150
Deactivating system ......................149
Front defroster .............................. 153
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........153
Residual heat and ventilation .........154
Temperature .................................. 151
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Number .......................................... 295
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 183
Additives ........................................ 306
Checking level ............................... 181
Consumption ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 305
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 56
ETS .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Warning lamp ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 57
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 48
First aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel .............277
Preparing the vehicle .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats ........................................... 175
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid .........304
Brake fluid ..................................... 304
Capacities ...................................... 303
Engine coolant ............................... 304
Engine oil ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 305
Fog lamps ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Fuel ..................................................... 178
Additives ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................209
Fuel consumption statistics ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 303
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 206
Gear range ......................................... 106
Indicator ........................................ 106
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License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 251
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 220
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 89
Daytime running lamp mode ............90
Exterior ............................................ 89
Interior ............................................. 94
Limp-home mode .............................. 111
Load assist ......................................... 164
Load index (tires) ...................... 201, 206
Locator lighting ................................. 125
Lock button
Outside door handle (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Manually ........................................ 269
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Loss of
Key .................................................. 72
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 294
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 90
Exterior lamp switch ........................89
Switching on .................................... 90
Lubricants .......................................... 303
Luggage cover ................................... 158
Lumbar support ................................... 81
M
Maintenance ........................................ 20
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................214
Service indicator message .............214
Service term exceeded ..................214
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 90
Manual shift program ....................... 109
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 206
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 206
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 206
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 162
Memory function ................................. 88
Menus see Control system menus
Mirrors .................................................. 86
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 86
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 87
Exterior rear view mirrors ................86
Interior rear view mirror ...................86
Memory function .............................. 88
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ............................................. 88
Vanity mirror .................................. 165
MOExtended system ......................... 283
MOExtended tires ..................... 283, 300
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 307
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multicontour seat ................................ 82
Multifunction display ........................ 114
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Vehicle status messages ...............226
Multifunction display messages
ABC (Active Body Control) .............231
ABS ................................................ 227
Active headlamps .......................... 249
Advanced TPMS ..................... 234, 253
Air bags ......................................... 229
Alternator ...................................... 247
Automatic transmission .................234
Battery ........................................... 247
Brake fluid ..................................... 239
Brake pads ..................................... 238
Check engine ................................. 244
Coolant .......................................... 244
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............252
Cruise control ................................ 232
Distronic ........................................ 232
Doors ............................................. 241
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 243
Engine oil ....................................... 247
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Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................87
Transmission position ....................104
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............218
Malfunction .................................... 147
Minimum distance .........................146
Sensor range ................................. 145
Switching on/off ........................... 147
System sensors ............................. 145
Warning indicators ...................28, 146
Parts service ...................................... 294
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger front air bag ...................... 41
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 229
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ....................... 33, 43, 266
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 209
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Power assistance .............................. 210
Power closing assist for trunk lid ...... 78
Power outlet ...................................... 166
Power seats see Seats
Power washer .................................... 216
Power windows ................................... 96
Cleaning ......................................... 219
Door windows .................................. 97
Operation ......................................... 96
Rear side windows ...........................97
Synchronizing .................................. 98
Practical hints ................................... 224
Problems
While driving .................................. 101
With vehicle ..................................... 22
With wipers ...................................... 96
Product information ............................ 19
Production options weight ............... 206Program mode selector dial
(SL 63 AMG)
Automatic shift program ................107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift
program ................................. 106, 107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 206
R
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) ................. 141
RACETIMER ........................................ 117
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................119
Radio transmitters ............................ 213
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 304
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear window defroster ..................... 155
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 187, 206
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 306
Refueling ............................................ 178
Regular checks .................................. 180
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 171
Replacing
Key .................................................. 72
Replacing bulbs ................................. 271
Reporting safety defects .................... 22
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
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Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 303).
Check the following:
REngine oil level (Y page 181)
RTire inflation pressure (Y page 189)
RCoolant level (Y page 184)
RVehicle lighting (Y page 271)
RWasher system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 185)
RBrake fluid (Y page 185)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
GWarning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
Rwith the engine running
Rwhile starting the engine
Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
XPull hood lock release lever \000F.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged.
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XPush handle \000G under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the headlamps, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop with
somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground.
SL 550, SL 63 AMG: The vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
SL 600, SL 65 AMG: With the engine at
operating temperature, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
With the engine not at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 30 minutes with the engine turned off.
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG you can check
the engine oil level with the oil dipstick.
iIn vehicles without an oil dipstick, the
engine oil level is measured with the control
system (Y page 182).
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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.
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Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 198)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator \000F appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
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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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