service interval MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class 2016 R231 Owner's Manual

Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 59
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp ...........................................51
Side impact air bag .......................... 58
AIR FLOW ........................................... 141
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 148
Important safety notes .................. 147
Setting ........................................... 147
Setting the blower output of the
AIRSCARF vents ............................. 148
Setting the center air vents ........... 147
Setting the side air vents ............... 148
Switching AIRSCARF on/off .......... 114
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off ........................... 114
AIRSCARF vents
Setting the blower output .............. 148
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 80
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 80
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 80
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alternative Route .............................. 351
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 233
Setting the color (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 233
AMG
Button for AMG menu .................... 164
SETUP ............................................ 164
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 236
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 520
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 231
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 230 ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 541
Hiding a service message .............. 540
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 541
Service message ............................ 540
Special service requirements ......... 541
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 80
Fu

nction ........................................... 80
Switching off the alarm .................... 80
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 231
Display message ............................ 259
Function/notes ............................. 209
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 437
Audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode
Switching to (Rear Seat Entertain-
ment System) ................................ 491
Audio format, setting
Video DVD ..................................... 479
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 228
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 254
see Lights
Automatic car wash (care) ............... 542
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 156
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 155
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 122
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 162
Automatic drive program ............... 164
Changing gear ............................... 162
Display message ............................ 266
Driving tips .................................... 162
Emergency running mode .............. 168
Engaging the park position ............ 160
Kickdown ....................................... 163
Manual drive program .................... 165
Index5

Protection of the environment
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected by these factors:
Roperating conditions of your vehicle
Ryour personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental concerns and recom-
mendations
Wherever the operating instructions require
you to dispose of materials, first try to regen-
erate or re-use them. Observe the relevant
environmental rules and regulations when
disposing of materials. In this way you will
help to protect the environment.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
!Air bags and Emergency Tensioning Devi-
ces, as well as control units and sensors for these restraint systems, may be installed in
the following areas of your vehicle:
Rdoors
Rdoor pillars
Rdoor sills
Rseats
Rcockpit
Rinstrument cluster
Rcenter console
Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have aftermarket accessories installed at a qualified specialist workshop.
30Introduction

Information for customers in Califor-
nia
UnderCalifornia law you may beentitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, ifafter a rea-
sonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its author-
iz ed repair or service facilities fail to fix one or
more substantial defects or malfunctions in
the vehicle that are covered by its express
warranty. During the period of 18 months
from original delivery of the vehicle or the
accumulation of 18,000 miles (approximately
29,000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle,
whic hever occurs first, a reasonable number
of repair attempts ispresumed for a retail
buyer or lessee ifone or more of the fol lowing
occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or malfunc- tion results ina condition that islikely to
cause death or serious bodily injury ifthe
vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunc-
tion has been subject to repair two or
more times, and you have direct lynoti-
fied Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing
of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or malfunc- tion of a less serious nature than cate-
gory (1) has been subject to repair four or
more times and you hav
e directly notified
us in writ ing of the need for its repair, or
(3) the vehicle isout of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should bedone at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty Book-
let with you when you bring the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The ser-
vice advisor willrecord every servic e for you
in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Breakdown assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help inthe event of a
breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered byour
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372 )
(USA)
1-8 00-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram brochure (USA) or the "RoadsideAssis-
tance" section inthe Service and Warranty
booklet (Canada). You willfind both inyour
vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or change of own-
ership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Notific ation of Address Change"
in the Service and Guarantee booklet or sim-
ply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assis-
tance Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in con-
tacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
If you have purchased a used car, please send
us the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in
32Introduction

brake handle is depressed, the greater the
braking force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
Rthe Please Release Parking Brake
message appears
Rthe red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus- ter flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile
phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
RThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
RRemove unnecessary loads.
RWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
RAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
RObserve the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or in the service interval
display. Have all the maintenance work car-ried in accordance with Daimler AG regu-
lations.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in
hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
174Driving tips
Driving and parking

affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. All work
on the engine must be carried out only by
qualified and authorized Mercedes-Benz
technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are. The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the selec-
ted settings and prevailing conditions. Your
driving style can significantly influence the
vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
RAccel.
RConstant
RCoasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50 %. A higher percent-
age indicates a more economical driving
style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed
consumption.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
Rload
Rtire pressure
Rcold start
Rchoice of route
Relectrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
Driving tips175
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe trip computer
Rthe current consumption and the range
Rthe navigation instructions in theNavi
menu
Rcruise control
RDISTRONIC PLUS
RASSYST PLUS service interval display
Selecting permanent display
The Permanent Display:
function allows
you to choose whether the multifunction dis-
play always shows the outside temperature or
the speed in km/h. Canada only: the speed is
shown in mph. The speed display is inverse to
the speedometer.
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Instrument Cluster
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Permanent Display:
function.
The current setting Outside
Temperature
orSpeedometer [km/h]/Speedometer
[mph]appears.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Lights
Setting the daytime running lamps
This function is not available in Canada.
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress :or9 to select the Daytime
Running Lightsfunction.
If the Daytime Running Lights
function
has been switched on, the multifunction
display shows the cone of light and the
W symbol in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting. Further information on daytime running
lamps (
Ypage 122).
Switching the spotlight function on/off
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress :or9 to select the Spot‐
light:function.
When the spotlight function is activated,
the assistance graphic shows the pedes-
trian symbol.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Further information on the spotlight function
of Night View Assist Plus (
Ypage 213).
Setting the brightness of the ambient
lighting
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Amb. Light +/-
function.
The current setting appears.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to adjust the
brightness to a level from Disabled
to
Level 5
(bright).
XPress the aor% button to save the
setting.
Setting the ambient lighting color
XPress the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Light
submenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Ambient Light Color
function.
XPress ato confirm.
Menus and submenus233
On-board computer and displays
Z

ExampleXPull oil dipstick:out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine
oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to
the environment.
!Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
Rreplacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by the service system has been exceeded
Rusing engine oil additives.
!Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap :counter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)of
engine oil.
538Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

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.
Example
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to add washer fluid (
Ypage 268).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (
Ypage 607).
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (
Ypage 537).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
RService A in .. Days
RService A Due
RService A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter A
orB, possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A
stands for a minor service and Bfor
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the service date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message
XPress the aor% button on the steer-
ing wheel.
540ASSYST PLUS
Maintenance and care

Displaying service messages
XSwitchon th eignition .
XPress th e= or; buttonon th esteer -
in g whee lto selec tth eServ.
menu.
XPress th e9 or: buttonto selec tth e
ASSYST PLU S
submenuand confirm by
pressing th ea button.
The servic edue dat eappears in th emulti-
function display.
Information about Service
Resetting th eASSYS TPLUS service
interva ldisplay
!If th eASSYST PLU Sservic einterval dis -
play has been inadvertentl yreset ,this set -
ting can be correcte dat aqualified special-
ist workshop .
Hav eservic ewor kcarrie dout as described
in th eMaintenance Booklet .Thi smay oth-
erwise lead to increase dwear and damage
to th emajor assemblies or th evehicle.
A qualified specialis tworkshop ,e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter, will reset
th eASSYST PLU Sservic einterval display
after th eservic ewor khas been carrie dout .
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, fo rexample.
Specia lservice requirement s
The specifiedmaintenance interval take sonly
th enormal operation of th evehicle into
account. Under arduous operatin gcondition s
or increase dload on th evehicle, mainte -
nance wor kmus tbe carrie dout more fre-
quently, fo rexample:
Rregular city drivin gwit hfrequent intermedi-
at estops
Rif th evehicle is primarily used to trave l
short distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poo rroad
surfaces
Rif th eengin eis ofte nlef tidlin gfo rlon gperi-
ods
Under these or similar conditions, have, fo r
example, th eair filter, engin eoil and oil filte r
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operatin gconditions, th etires mus t
be checke dmore often. Further information
can be obtained at aqualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Ben zCen -
ter.
Drivin gabroad
An extensive Mercedes-Ben zServic enetwor k
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any author -
ized Mercedes-Ben zCenter.
Car e
Note son car e
HEnvironmental not e
Dispose of empty packagin gand cleanin g
cloths in an environmentally responsible man -
ner.
!Fo rcleanin gyour vehicle, do no tuse any
of th efollowing :
Rdry, rough or har dcloths
Rabrasiv ecleanin gagents
Rsolvents
Rcleanin gagents containin gsolvents
Do no tscrub .
Do no ttouch th esurfaces or protective
films wit hhar dobjects ,e.g. arin gor ic e
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage th esurfaces and protective film.
!Do no tpar kth evehicle fo ran extended
period straight after cleanin git,particularly
after havin gcleaned th ewheels wit hwhee l
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could caus e
increase dcorrosion of th ebrake discs and
brake pads/linings. Fo rthis reason ,you
Care541
Maintenance and care
Z

Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-
starting.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery is electrostatically charged. A build-
up of electrostatic charge can be caused, for
example:
Rby wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
Rdue to friction between clothing and seats
Rif you push or pull the battery across the
carpet or other synthetic materials
Rif you wipe the battery with a cloth
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separatelyand recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or contact a qualified spe-
cialist workshop for more information.
!You should have all work involving the
battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. In the exceptional case that it is
necessary for you to disconnect the battery
yourself, make sure that:
Ryou switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. On vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, ensure that the ignition is switched
off. Check that all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster are off. Otherwise, electronic components, such as the
alternator, may be damaged.
Ryou first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic sys-
tem may be damaged.
Rthe transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away. You
can then no longer move the vehicle.
556Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance