550 MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2016 R231 User Guide

!Do not operate the tire inflation compres-
sor for longer than eight minutes at a time
without a break. It may otherwise overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be oper-
ated again once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer’s safety
instructions on the sticker on the tire inflation
compressor.
Using the TIREFIT kit
XDo not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
XRemove the tire sealant bottle, the accom-
panying TIREFIT sticker and the tire infla-
tion compressor from the stowage well
underneath the trunk floor (
Ypage 550).
XAffix part :of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field
of vision.
XAffix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire.
:Tire sealant filler bottle
;Recess
=On/off switch
?Connector
AHose
BFlange
XPull plug ?with the cable and hose Aout
of the housing.
XScrew hose Aonto flange Bof tire seal-
ant bottle :.
XPlace tire sealant bottle :head down-
wards into recess ;of the tire inflation
compressor.
XRemove the cap from valve Con the faulty
tire.
XScrew filler hose Donto valve.
XInsert plug ?into the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter or into a 12 V power socket in
your vehicle.
Observe the notes on the cigarette lighter
(
Ypage 520). Observe the notes on sock-
ets (
Ypage 520).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 151).
XPress on and off switch =on the tire infla-
tion compressor to I.
The tire inflation compressor is switched
on. The tire is inflated.
iFirst, tire sealant is pumped into the tire.
The pressure can briefly rise to approx-
imately 500 kPa (5.0 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tire inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
XAllow the tire inflation compressor to run
for five minutes. The tire should then have
Flat tire553
Breakdown assistance
Z

!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
may shift to position Pwhen the driver's or
front-passenger door are opened, which
could lead to damage to the transmission.
!Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
!If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
iInformation on your vehicle's gross vehi-
cle weight rating can be found on the vehi-
cle identification plate; see the printed
Operator's Manual.
iInformation on your vehicle's gross vehi-
cle weight rating can be found on the vehi-
cle identification plate (
Ypage 601).
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed away.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion Nwhen the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to position N.
Before the vehicle is towed, deactivate the
automatic locking feature (
Ypage 234). You
could otherwise be locked out when pushing
or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There is
a risk of burns when removing the rear cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particular
care when removing the rear cover.
Example: towing eye mounting covers
:
Front cover
;Back cover
The mountings for the screw-in towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit (
Ypage 550).
XFront bumper: insert a finger into the
recess on the bottom edge of cover :.
XPull cover:out of the bumper towards
you in the direction of the arrow.
Cover :is attached to the opening with a
strap.
XRear bumper: press the mark on cover ;
inwards in the direction of the arrow.
XTake cover ;off the opening.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise as far as
it will go and tighten it.
562Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

Removing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers
:
Front cover
;Back cover
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XFront bumper:position cover:on the
opening in the bumper, as shown.
XTwist cover :into the opening in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
Cover :is now attached at the top edge of
the opening.
XTo close, press the lower section of
cover :.
XRear bumper: position cover;on the
bumper and press until it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit
(
Ypage 550).
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic trans-
mission stays in position Nwhen towing the
vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(
Ypage 126).
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 0in the ignition
lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(
Ypage 152).
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the transmission to position N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XLeave the SmartKey in position2in the
ignition lock.
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual. In this case, only the indica-
tor lamps for the direction of travel flash.
When you res et the co
mbination switch, the
hazard warning flashers start flashing again.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(
Ypage 561).
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
!
The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP
®could other-
wise damage the brake system.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be towed with the rear axle raised.
Towing and tow-starting563
Breakdown assistance
Z

The vehicle/trailer combination may oth-
erwise swerve or even roll over.
Transporting the vehicle
!
You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XShift the transmission to position N.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
!
Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could other-
wise damage the automatic transmission.
You can find information on "Jump-starting" at
(
Ypage 559).
Fuses
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher amper- age, the electric cables could be overloaded.
This could result in a fire. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specifiednew fuses having the correct amperage.
!Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or sys-
tems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the compo-
nents on the circuit and their functions stop
operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Before changing a fuse
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Ypage 171).
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock and remove it (
Ypage 151).
or
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
the ignition is switched off (
Ypage 152).
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
RFuse box in the engine compartment on the right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
RDashboard fuse box
RFuse box in the rear compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewedin the direction of travel
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit in the stowage compartment
under the trunk floor (
Ypage 550).
564Fuses
Breakdown assistance

pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
Rif the vehicle has been driven for less than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-perform-
ance brakes, level control, a roof rack or a
high-performance battery, are not included in
the curb weight and the weight of the acces-
sories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire. Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are dis-
tributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread is
level with the bars, the wear limit of
áin
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the num-
ber of seats in the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(
Ypage 550) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. Information on
driving with MOExtended tires in the event of
a flat tire can be found under "MOExtended
tires (tires with run-flat characteristics"
(
Ypage 551).
Rotating the wheels
GWARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions. The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels and tires are of the same dimensions.
!On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are loca-
ted in the wheel.
588Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires

Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the elec-
tronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(
Ypage 589).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can rotate the wheels
according to the intervals in the tire manu-
facturer's warranty book in your vehicle docu-
ments. If no warranty book is available, the
tires should be rotated every 3,000 to
6,000 miles (5,000 to 10,000 km). Depending on tire wear, this may be required earlier. Do
not change the direction of wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and, if nec-
essary, restart the tire pressure loss warning
system.
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. These advantages can only
be gained if the tires are installed correspond-
ing to the direction of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
XUnload the vehicle. The jack can only be
used when the vehicle is unladen.
XApply the electric parking brake manually.
XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(
Ypage 152).
XIf included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
XSafeguard the vehicle against rolling away.
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the tire-change tool kit
(
Ypage 550).
Changing a wheel589
Wheels and tires
Z

Winter tires
R18
TiresAlloy wheels
BA: 255/40 R18 99 V XL M+Si2BA: 8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.40 in (35.5 mm)
SL 550
Summer tires
R18
TiresAlloy wheels
FA: 255/40 R18 95 Y2
RA: 285/35 R18 97 Y2, 4
FA: 8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.40 in (35.5 mm)
RA: 9.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm)
R19
TiresAlloy wheels
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL2
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL2, 4
FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.40 in (35.5 mm)
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm)
FA: 255/35 R19 96 Y XL2
RA: 285/30 R19 98 Y XL2, 4
FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.40 in (35.5 mm)
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.89 in (48 mm)
R19/R20
TiresAlloy wheels
FA: 255/35 ZR19 (96 Y) XL
RA: 285/30 ZR20 (99 Y) XL
4
FA: 9.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.06 in (27 mm)
RA: 10.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 1.89 in (48 mm)
2Also available as MOExtended tires.4Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
596Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

the instructions for use on the product
label. More information about recommen-
ded additives can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
branded fuels that have additives.
The quality of the fuel available in some coun-
tries may not be sufficient. Residue could
build up in the injection system as a result. In
such cases, and in consultation with an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, the gaso-
line may be mixed with the cleaning additive
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. You must
observe the notes and mixing ratios specified
on the container.
Engine oil
General notes
!Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to ful-
fill the prescribed service intervals. Do not
change the engine oil or oil filter in order to
achieve longer replacement intervals than
those prescribed. You could otherwise
cause engine damage or damage to the
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service inter-
val display regarding the oil change. Other-
wise, you may damage the engine and the
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
When handling engine oil, observe the impor-
tant safety notes on service products
(
Ypage 603).
The engine oils are matched to the perform-
ance of Mercedes-Benz engines and service
intervals. You should therefore only use
engine oils and oil filters that are approved for
vehicles with maintenance systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter. Or visit the website
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
ModelMB-Freigabe or MB- Approval
All models229.5
Mercedes ‑AMG vehicles: use only
SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils.
iMB approval is indicated on the oil con-
tainers.
Filling capacities
The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter.
ModelCapacity
SL 4006.9 US qt (6.5 l)
SL 5508.5 US qt (8.0l)
Mercedes‑AMG
SL 6310 US qt (9.5l)
Mercedes‑AMG
SL 6511.6 US qt(11.0 l)
Additives
!Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity
Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity,
this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Service products and filling capacities605
Technical data
Z

ant during operation is approximately 266 ‡
(130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra-
tion in the engine cooling system should:
Rbe at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
Rnot exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor.
Mercedes-Benz recommends an antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor concentrate in accord-
ance with MB Specifications for Service Prod-
ucts 310.1.
iWhen the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion.
iThe coolant is checked with every main-
tenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Filling capacities
ModelCapacity
SL 400Approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)
SL 550Approx. 13.0 US qt(12.3 l)
Mercedes ‑AMG
SL 63Approx. 11.6 US qt (11.0 l)
Mercedes ‑AMG
SL 65Approx. 13.5 US qt (12.8 l)
Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
!Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
!Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
!Only MB SummerFit and MB WinterFit
washer fluid should be mixed together. The spray nozzles may otherwise become
blocked.
When handling washer fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products
(
Ypage 603).
At temperatures above freezing:
XFill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of water and windshield washer fluid, e.g.
MB SummerFit.
XAdd 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts
water.
At temperatures below freezing:
XFill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Winter-
Fit.
For the correct mixing ratio refer to the
information on the antifreeze reservoir.
iAdd windshield washer fluid, e.g. MB
SummerFit or MB WinterFit, to the washer
fluid all year round.
Service products and filling capacities607
Technical data
Z

Climate control system refrigerant
Important safety notes
The climate control system of your vehicle is
filled with refrigerant R‑ 134a.
The instruction label regarding the refrigerant
type used can be found on the radiator cross
member.
!Only the refrigerant R‑ 134a and the PAG
oil approved by Mercedes-Benz may be
used. The approved PAG oil may not be
mixed with any other PAG oil that is not
approved for R-134a refrigerant. Other-
wise, the climate control system may be
damaged.
Service work, such as topping up refrigerant
or replacing components, may only be carried out by a qualified specialist workshop. All
applicable regulations must be adhered to,
SAE standard J639 included.
Always have work on the climate control sys-
tem carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Refrigerant instruction label
Example :refrigeran tinstruction label
:
Warning symbol
;Refrigerant filling capacity
=Applicable standards
?PAG oil part number
AType of refrigerant Warning symbol
:advises you about:
Rpossible dangers
Rhaving service work carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop
Filling capacities
ModelRefrigerant
Mercedes ‑AMG
vehicles22.2 ± 0.4 oz
(630 ± 10 g)
All other models19.4 ± 0.4 oz(550 ± 10 g)
ModelPAG oil
Mercedes ‑AMG
vehicles2.8 oz
(80 g)
All other models4.2 oz
(12 0g)
Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
Rthe heights specified may vary as a result
of:
-tires
-load
-condition of the suspension
-optional equipment
Roptional equipment reduces the maximum
payload.
608Vehicle data
Technical data