sensor MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2013 R131 Owner's Guide

in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could the nblind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the followin gconditions are met
simultaneously:
R the ignition is switched on and
R incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or if the interior
lighting is switched on. Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position Using reverse gear
0002
Button for the driver's side exterior mirror
0003 Button for the front-passenger side
exterior mirror
0027 Adjustment button
0026 Memory button M
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position. X
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Press button 0003for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.
X Engage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.
X Use adjustment button 0027to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position that allows you
to see the rear wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
Using the memory button 0002
Button for the driver's side exterior mirror
0003 Button for the front-passenger side
exterior mirror
0027 Adjustment button
0026 Memory button M
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. This setting can be
stored using memory button M0026.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X With the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side activated, use adjustment
button 0027to adjust the exterior mirror. In Mirrors
123Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 38).Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. Driving abroad
Symmetrical low-beam headlamps Switch the headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the opposite side of the road from the country
where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using
symmetrical lights, the edge of the road is not
lit as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
Asymmetrical low beam Have the headlamps converted back to
asymmetrical low-beam headlamps at a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border again. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R
the light switch
R the combination switch (Y page 129)
R the on-board computer (Y page 233)
Light switch Operation
0007000C
Left-hand standing lamps
0008000E Right-hand standing lamps
00090012 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumen tcluste rlighting
000E0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000F000A Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to 0006.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey fro mthe ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0006, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other 126
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

causes of poo
rvisibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
000A.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The drive ris responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. 0007000C
Left-hand standing lamps
0008000E Right-hand standing lamps
00090012 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000E0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000F000A Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
0006 is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automaticallys elected
according to the brightness of the ambient
light (exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime running lamps
function via the on-board computer, the
daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps and side lamps are switched on
or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to 0006.Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. The
daytime running lamps function is required by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore be
deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
conditions :ifyou turn the light switch
to 0012, you turn on the daytime running
lamps and parking lamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 000A, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the daytime running lamps function must
be switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 233).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 0012or000A, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
i In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
Low-beam headlamps G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0006, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
000A. Exterior lighting
127Lights and windshield wipers Z

0007000C
Left-hand standing lamps
0008000E Right-hand standing lamps
00090012 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000E0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the lights ensor
000F000A Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detec tthat
is dark, the side lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the ignition is
switched on and the light switch is set to the
000A position. This is a particularly useful
function in the event of rain and fog.
X To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000A.
The green 000Aindicator lamp in the
instrumentc luster lights up.
Parking lamps
! If the battery has been excessively
discharged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the nex tengine start. Always park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards .Avoid the
continuous use of the 0012parking lamps
for several hours .Ifpossible, switch on the
000E right or the 000Cleft standing lamp. 0007000C
Left-hand standing lamps
0008000E Right-hand standing lamps
00090012 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000E0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000F000A Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
X To switch on: turn light switch to 0012.
AMG vehicles: the green0012indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
Standing lamps 0007000C
Left-hand standing lamps
0008000E Right-hand standing lamps
00090012 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000E0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000F000A Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is
illuminated. 128
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical senso
ris located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0027 High-beam flasher
0026 Turn signal, left
X To activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer (Y page 233).
X Turn the light switch to 0006.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow 0002
(Y page 129).
The 0002 indicator lamp in the
multifunction display lights up if it is dark
and the light sensor activates the low-beam
headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected: the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The
0009indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) or other
road users have been detected or the roads
are adequately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The 0009indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The 0002
indicator lamp in the multifunction display
remains lit.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The 0002 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Switch on the lights and drive off.
The level of fogging diminishes, depending
on the length of the journey and the
weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of fogging does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. 132
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Manual interior lighting control
X
To switch the interior lighting on: set the
switch to the 0003position.
X To switch the interior lighting off: set the
switch to the 0019or (if the door is closed)
to the center position.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the 0010button. Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
X To switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
X Lock and then unlock the vehicle using the
SmartKey. Replacing bulbs
G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The front and rear lamps of yourv ehicle are
equipped with either Xenon or LED bulbs. Do
not replace the bulbs yourself. Contac ta
qualified specialist workshop which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools to
carry out the work required.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operatin gthe
windshield wipers.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Cleant he windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather. Combination switch
0007
000B Windshield wiper off
0008 0007 Intermittent wipe, low (rain sensor
set to low sensitivity) 134
Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

0009
0008 Intermittent wipe, high (rains ensor
set to high sensitivity)
000E 0014 Continuous wipe, slow
000F 000D Continuous wipe, fast
0025 0004 Single wipe/ 0005To wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
In the 0007or0008 position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the 0008 position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the 0007position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
If the wiper blades are worn, the windshield
will no longer be wiped properly. This could
prevent you from observing the traffic
conditions, thereby causing an accident.
Replace the wiper blades twice a year, ideally
in spring and fall.
i The vehicle is equipped with the MAGIC
VISION CONTROL wipe/wash system. The
washer fluid is fed through the wiper blades
and when wiping the screen with washer
fluid 0005, the water is emitted directly
from the blades. Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could
be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk
of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper. !
Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benzr ecommends that you have
the wiper blades changed at aqualified
specialist workshop.
! Always position the windshield wiper
arms vertically before folding them away
from the windshield. By doing so, you will
avoid damage to the hood.
Changing the windshield wiper blades Moving the wiper arm to a vertical
position
On vehicles without KEYLESS-GO:
X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock.
X Se tthe windshield wipers to
position 0014.
X When the wiper arms have reached a
vertical position, turn the SmartKey to
position 0and remove it from the ignition
lock.
X Fold the wiper arm away from the
windshield until it engages.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
X Set the windshield wipers to
position 0014.
X Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly
until the windshield wipers start. Windshield wipers
135Lights and windshield wipers Z

DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:
R people or animals
R stationary obstacles on th eroad, e.g.
stopped or parked vehicles
R oncoming and crossin gtraffic
As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly
identify other road users and comple xtraffic
situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
R accelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes yourv ehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly .There is a risk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action. !
If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R strong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed. 186
Driving systemsDriving and parking

This speed may:
R
be too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
R be so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
R be so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden, you must
select shift range 1,2or 3in good time
(Y page 169) .Bydoing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine, This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front,
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle. It
maintains the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk
of a collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
prevent a collision without your intervention.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be:
R activated(Y page 235)
R operational If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i
USA only: This device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular RadarS ystem".
The rada rsensor is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering, or altering of the device will void
any warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. Driving systems
187Driving and parking Z

PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objectsint he area in
which you are maneuvering.
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror
N.
R release the electric parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper. Range of the sensors General notes
PARKTRONIC does not take objects into
consideration that are:
R
below the detection range, e.g. people,
animals or objects
R above the detection range, e.g.
overhanging loads, truck overhangs or
loading ramps. 0002
Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example) Side view
Top view Driving systems
203Driving and parking Z