traction control MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2013 R131 Owner's Manual

Displays in the multifunction
displa
y........................................... 192
Driving tips .................................... 193
Function/notes ............................. 187
Important safety notes ..................186
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 191
Warning lamp ................................. 279
Dolby ®
Digital .................................... 296
Doors Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 235
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .92
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .84
Control panel ................................... 50
Display message ............................ 266
Emergency locking ........................... 93
Emergency unlocking .......................92
Important safety notes ....................90
Opening (from inside) ......................91
Overview .......................................... 90
Power closing feature ......................92
Drinking and driving .........................178
Drinks holder see Bottle holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 168
Display ........................................... 165
Manual .......................................... .170
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........237
Drive program selector .....................167
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................517
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 126
Driving on flooded roads ..................182
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......73
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 79
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............74
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .74
Electroni cbrake force distribution ...78 ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program) .75
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....75
Important safety information ...........73
Overview .......................................... 73
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .79
STEER CONTROL ............................. 80
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................214
Active Body Control (AMG vehicles) 200
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 198
Active Driving Assistance package 214
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............218
Active Parking Assist .....................206
Adaptive Damping System .............197
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................213
Cruise control ................................ 183
Display message ............................ 257
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 186
HOLD function ............................... 195
PARKTRONI C................................. 203
RAC ESTART (AMG vehicles) ..........196
Rea rview camera .......................... 210
Driving tips
AMG cerami cbrakes ..................... 180
Automatic transmission .................166
Brakes ........................................... 179
Break-in period .............................. 154
Checking brake lining thickness ....181
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 193
Downhill gradient ........................... 179
Drinking and driving .......................178
Driving abroad ............................... 126
Driving in winter ............................ .182
Driving on flooded road s................ 182
Driving on wet road s...................... 182
Exhaust check ............................... 178
Fuel ................................................ 178
General .......................................... 178
Hydroplaning ................................. 182
Icy road surfaces ........................... 182
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 179
Snow chains .................................. 547
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 126
Wet road surface ........................... 17910
Index

DVD
Copy protection ............................. 447
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............443
Inserting ........................................ 436
Notes on discs ............................... 447
Selecting amedia type .................. 441
Selecting atrack ............................ 442
Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble )............................................ 295
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....228
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....229 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................235
Function/notes ............................. 121
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 121
Function/notes ............................. 121
Switching on/off ........................... 235
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 243
Function/notes ................................ 78
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start ..................160
Automatic engine switch-off ..........159
Deactivating/activating .................160
General information .......................159
Important safety notes ..................158
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 92
Trunk ............................................... 99
Vehicle ............................................. 92
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .69
Safety guideline s............................. 53
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....35
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 277
Display message ............................ 254
ECO start/stop function ................158Engine number ............................... 578
Irregularr
unning............................ 162
Jump-starting ................................. 534
Starting problems ..........................162
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 157
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............157
Switching off .................................. 176
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 538
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................162
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 514
Additives ........................................ 581
Checking the oil level ..................... 513
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 513
Display message ............................ 255
Filling capacity ............................... 581
Notes about oil grades ................... 581
Notes on oil level/consumption ....513
Temperature (on-board computer) .236
Viscosity ........................................ 581
Entering an intersection name ......... 321
Entering a street name .....................319
Entering the address (example) .......318
Entering the city ................................ 319
Entering the house number .............. 319
Entry Deleting ......................................... 302
Saving ............................................ 300
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...237
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 77
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................76
Display message ............................ 241
ETS .................................................. 75
Function/notes ................................ 75
Important safety information ...........76
Warning lamp ................................. 273
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 75
Example display Audio CD mode .............................. 440
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 451 Index
11

sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the
brake pressure to a value adapted to the
traffic situation.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes
function as usual, if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning,
BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake
system is still available with complete brake
boosting effect and BAS. G
WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors.
R there is snow or heavy rain
R there is interference by other radar sources
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As aresult, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the fron tend of the
vehicle, have the configuratio nand operation
of the rada rsensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the fron tofthe vehicle. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and Driving safety systems
75Safety Z

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces .Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 547). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt yourd
riving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid.Y ou 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 cruise control:
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
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. 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). By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effect of
the engine, which relieves the load on the
brake system and prevent sthe brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
0002
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
0003 To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
0027 To store the current speed or a lower
speed
0026 To deactivate cruise control Driving systems
183Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
0003 Solutions
Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel Sensors The wheels mounted do no
thave a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monito ris deactivated.
X Mount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The tire pressure monitor is activated automatically after driving
for a few minutes. Check
Tires The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a ris kofthe
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires (Y page 527).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 552).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. Warning
Tire Malfunction The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
G WARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
R A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
R You could lose control of the vehicle.
R Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 175).
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires (Y page 527). Display messages
263On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0003 Solutions
000B
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 76).0013
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: (Y page 76).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 0002
AMG vehicles only:
The yellow SPORT
handling mode warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
SPORT handling mode is activated.
G WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is switched on, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Only switch on SPORT handling mode in certain situations
(Y page 77). 274
Warning and indicator lampsOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i These operating instructions describe all
the standard and optional equipment of
your COMAND system, as available at the
time of going to print. Country-specific
differences are possible. Please note that
your COMAND system may not be
equipped with all the features described.
This also applies to safety-related systems
and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 38).Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Making alterations to electronic components
can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, DVD changer,
navigation module, phone and voice control
are networked. If one component is not
functional or if it has been incorrectly
removed/replaced, this could impair the
operatio nofothercomponents.
This could seriously jeopardize the
operational safety of your vehicle.
We recommend that you always have
maintenance work on electronic components
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. G
WARNING
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an accident, the driver should only enter
system settings with the vehicle at a standstill
and operate the system only when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) per
second. COMAND delivers information to simplify
your choice of route and guide you
comfortably and safely to your destination.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you
bring your vehicle to a standstill, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions,
before making or acceptin
gatelephone call
or viewing navigation maps ,instructions or
downloaded informatio nonthe COMAND
screen. G
WARNING
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system's audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver's
personal responsibility. DVD maps do not
cover all areas nor all routes within an area. G
WARNING
This equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for uncontrolled
equipment and meets the FCC radio
frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in
Supplement C to OET65.
This equipment has very low levels of RF
energy that is deemed to comply without
maximum permissive exposure evaluation
(MPE). But it is desirable that it should be
installed and operated with at least 8inches
(20 cm) and more between the radiator and a
person's body (excluding extremities: hands,
wrists, fee tand legs.) 282
Operating safetyCOMAND

Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a ris kof
accident.
Chec kthe tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
R cuts in the tires
R punctures
R tears in the tires
R bulges on tires
R deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Y page 545). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Ben zfor your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary (Y page 547).
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Tire tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: 000Bin (3 mm)
R M+S tires: 000Cin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached. Bar indicator
0002for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately 000Ain (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Operation
545Wheels and tires Z

Once the winter tires are mounted:
X
Check the tire pressures (Y page 551).
X Restart the tire pressure monitor
(Y page 552). Snow chains
G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
! You must drive at raised vehicle level
(level 1) if snow chains have been mounted.
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R Snow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Y page 570).
R Only use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow.
Remove the snow chains as soon as
possible when you come to aroad that is
not snow-covered.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate regulations if you wish to install snow
chains.
R Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
R On vehicles with Active Body Control (ABC),
you must drive at a raised vehicle level if
snow chains have been installed
(Y page 198).
i You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when
pulling away with snow chains installed
(Y page 76). You can thereby allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner,
achieving an increased driving force
(cutting action). Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Tires with tire pressures that are too low or
too high are associated with the following
hazards:
R they can burst, in particular if the vehicle is
heavily laden or when driven at high
speeds.
R the tires can wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which can severely impair tire
traction.
R the driving, steering and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
There is a risk of accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
R monthly, at least
R if the load changes
R before beginning a long journey
R under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure. Tire pressure
547Wheels and tires Z

Example:
R Treadwear grade: 200
R Traction grade: AA
R Temperature grade: A
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in additio nto
these grades.
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specifi cand may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Treadwear The treadwea
rgrade is a comparative rating
based on the wearr ate of the tire when tested
unde rcontrolled conditions on a specified
U.S. government course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction G
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. Atire marked C may have poor
traction performance. The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum
tread depth of
000Cin(4 mm) on all four winter
tires. Observe the legally required minimum
tire tread depth (Y page 545). Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
The braking distance is still much further than
on surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
Further information on winter tires (M+S
tires) (Y page 546).
Temperature G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generatio nofheat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. 558
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires