service MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2019 Owner's Guide

Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up
when the vehicle is in motion and block your
view. There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
GWARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There
is a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one
is within its range of movement.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off.
There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
To ensure the flow of fresh air through the airvents into the vehicle interior, please observethe following notes: (Ypage 122)
Opening the hood
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
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured
by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
!Make sure that the windshield wipers arenot folded away from the windshield. Youcould otherwise damage the windshield wip-ers or the hood.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers areturned off.
XPull release leverCon the hood.The hood is released.
Engine compartment265
Maintenance and care
Z

GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components 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
components 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.
!Use only engine oils and oil filters that areapproved for vehicles with a service system.A list of the engine oils and oil filters thathave been tested and approved in accord-ance with Mercedes-Benz Specifications forService Products is available at any author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following cause engine failure or dam-age to the exhaust system:
RUse of engine oils and oil filters that havenot been expressly approved for the ser-vice system
RReplacement of engine oil and oil filterafter the replacement interval specifiedby the service system has expired
RUse of engine oil additives
!Do not add too much oil. If the oil level isabove the "max" mark on the dipstick, toomuch oil has been added. This can lead todamage to the engine or the catalytic con-verter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn capCcounter-clockwise and removeit.
XAdd engine oil.If the oil level is at or below the MIN markon the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)of engine oil.
XReplace capCon the filler neck and turnclockwise.Ensure that the cap locks into placesecurely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dipstick(Ypage 266).
Further information on engine oil(Ypage 323).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level
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
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off.
There is a risk of injury.
Engine compartment267
Maintenance and care
Z

Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-ule:
XNote down the service due date displayed inthe multifunction display before disconnect-ing the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract thebattery disconnection periods from the ser-vice date shown on the display.
Hiding service displays
XPress thevor8button on the steer-ing wheel.
Showing service displays
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPressYoreon the steering wheelto select theServ.Serv.menu.
XPresscordto select theASSYSTASSYSTPLUSPLUSsubmenu and confirm by pressing thevbutton.The service due date appears in the multi-function display.
Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-play has been inadvertently reset, this set-ting can be corrected at a qualified special-ist workshop.
Have service work carried out as describedin the Maintenance Booklet. This may other-wise lead to increased wear and damage tothe major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center, will reset theASSYST PLUS service interval display after theservice work has been carried out. You canalso obtain further information on mainte-nance work, for example.
Special service requirements
The specified maintenance interval takes onlythe normal operation of the vehicle intoaccount. Service work will need to be per-formed more often if the vehicle is operatedunder arduous conditions or increased loads.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display isonly an aid. The driver of the vehicle is respon-sible for whether service work will need to beperformed more frequently than required as aresult of the actual operating conditionsand/or loads.
Examples of arduous operating conditions:
Rregular city driving with frequent intermedi-ate stops
Rthe vehicle is primarily used to travel shortdistances
Rfrequent use in mountainous terrain or onpoor road surfaces
Rthe engine is often left idling for long peri-ods
Rparticularly dusty conditions, or if air-recir-culation mode is frequently used
In these or similar operating conditions, havethe interior filter, air filter, engine oil and oil fil-ter, for example, changed more frequently.Under arduous operating conditions, the tiresmust be checked more often. Further informa-tion can be obtained at a qualified specialistworkshop.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service networkis also available in other countries. You canobtain further information from any authorizedMercedes-Benz Service Center.
Care
Notes on care
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
!When cleaning your car, do not use:
Rdry, coarse or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
270Care
Maintenance and care

XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paintsurface, use the paint care products recom-mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Thisis the case approximately every three to fivemonths, depending on the climate conditionsand the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or ifthe paint has become dull, the paint cleanerrecommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun oron the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MBTouch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage tothe paintwork quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloywheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following can give the paint a glossyappearance and thus reduce the matteffect:
RRubbing hard with unsuitable agents
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polish-ing products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax,for the purpose of paintwork care. Theseproducts are only suitable for high-gloss sur-faces. Their use on vehicles with mattepaintwork leads to considerable surfacedamage or, more specifically, to shiny, spot-ted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out ata qualified specialist workshop.
!Only use automatic car washes which cor-respond to the latest technological stand-ards. Never use wash programs which finishby treating the vehicle with hot wax.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clearmatte finish. This will help you to avoid dam-age to the paintwork due to incorrect treat-ment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheelswith a clear matte finish.
iUse only insect remover and car shampoofrom the range of recommended andapproved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the decorative film
!The following may have an effect on theservice life and color of decorative film:
Rsunlight
Rtemperature, e.g. hot-air fan
Rweather conditions
Rstone impacts and dirt
Rchemical cleaning agents
Rgreasy substances
!Do not use any types of polish on mattdecorative film. Polishing surfaces coveredwith film gives it a shiny finish.
!Do not treat matt or structured decorativefilm with wax. This may lead to marks thatcannot be removed.
Observe the notes in the section on the careand treatment of matte paintwork(Ypage 273); these notes also apply to mattedecorative film.
To clean, use plenty of water and a mild clean-ing agent without additional or abrasive prod-ucts, e.g. a car shampoo approved byMercedes-Benz.
XDry vehicles covered with film using a soft,absorbent cloth after every wash.Water marks could otherwise form.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affectedby corrosion and damage caused by inade-quate care cannot always be completelyrepaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-cialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,while avoiding rubbing too hard.The decorative film may be irreparably dam-aged.
XSoak insect remains with insect removerand rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse offthe treated areas afterwards.
The cleaning product, Paint Cleaner, which hasbeen approved and recommended byMercedes-Benz, should be used when dirt haspenetrated the decorative film surface or thedecorative film has become dull.
The manufacturer can provide you with infor-mation on special care and cleaning products.
Laminated surfaces may exhibit optical differ-ences to surfaces which were not protected by
Care273
Maintenance and care
Z

!Have the battery regularly checked at aqualified specialist workshop.
Comply with the service intervals in theMaintenance Booklet, or contact a qualifiedspecialist workshop for more information.
!Always have work on batteries carried outat a qualified specialist workshop.
Should it, in exceptional circumstances, beabsolutely necessary to disconnect the 12-volt battery yourself, please observe the fol-lowing:
RSecure the vehicle to prevent it from roll-ing away.
RSwitch off the ignition.
RDisconnect the negative terminal first andthen the positive terminal.
After the work has been done, install thebattery and replace the cover of the positiveterminal clamp firmly.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking areprohibited when handling the bat-tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Avoid con-tact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective clothing,especially gloves, apron and face-guard.
Rinse any acid spills immediatelywith clear water. Contact a physi-cian if necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Operator's Manual.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for your vehicle byMercedes-Benz. These batteries provideincreased impact protection to prevent vehicleoccupants from suffering acid burns shouldthe battery be damaged in the event of anaccident.
In order for the battery to achieve the maxi-mum possible service life, it must always besufficiently charged.
Like other batteries, the vehicle battery maydischarge over time if you do not use the vehi-cle. In this case, have the battery disconnec-ted at a qualified specialist workshop. You canalso charge the battery with a charger recom-mended by Mercedes-Benz. Contact a quali-fied specialist workshop for further informa-tion.
Have the battery condition of charge checkedmore frequently if you use the vehicle mainlyfor short trips or if you leave it standing idlefor a lengthy period. Consult a qualified spe-cialist workshop if you wish to leave your vehi-cle parked for a long period of time.
Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicleand do not require any electrical consumers.The vehicle will then use very little energy,thus conserving battery power.
After an interruption to the power supply, e.g.due to a discharged battery, you must resetthe clock (see the Digital Operator's Manual).
Charging the battery
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is suffi-
cient ventilation while charging and jump-
starting. Do not lean over a battery.
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
batteries. Wash away battery acid immedi-
284Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

ately with plenty of clean water and seek
medical attention.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery,
gases can escape from the battery. There is
a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
!Only use battery chargers with a maximumcharging voltage of 14.8 V.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in theengine compartment.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light upat low temperatures, it is very likely that thedischarged battery has frozen. In this case,you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting char-acteristics can be impaired, particularly at lowtemperatures. Have the thawed-out batterychecked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Read the battery charger's operating instruc-tions before charging the battery.
XOpen the hood.
XConnect the battery charger to the positiveterminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in thejump-starting procedure (Ypage 285).
Replacing the 12 V battery
Observe the notes on the 12 V battery(Ypage 282).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you havethe 12 V battery replaced at a qualified spe-cialist workshop, e.g. at an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
If you want to replace the battery yourself,observe the following notes:
RAlways replace a defective battery with abattery which meets the specific require-ments of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with an AGM(Absorbent Glass Mat) technology battery.Full vehicle functionality is only guaranteedwith an AGM battery. For safety reasons,Mercedes-Benz recommends that you onlyuse batteries which have been tested andapproved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
RUse detachable parts such as breatherhoses, angled connecting pieces or terminalcovers from the battery which is to bereplaced.
RMake sure that the vent hose is always con-nected to the original opening on the bat-tery side.
RInstall existing or supplied cell caps to pre-vent gases or battery acid from escaping.
RMake sure that the detachable parts areconnected again in the same way.
Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point in the engine com-partment, consisting of a positive terminal and a ground point.
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 batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
Jump-starting285
Breakdown assistance
Z

GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces 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 contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connect-
ing 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 disconnect-
ing the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explo-
sion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could bedamaged by the non-combusted fuel.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up at low temperatures, it is very likely that the dis-charged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge the battery nor jump-start thevehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The starting characteristics canbe impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out battery checked at a quali-fied specialist workshop.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, theengine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a donor battery using jumper cables.Observe the following points:
RThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,jump-start the vehicle using a donor battery or a jump-starting device.
RYou may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
RDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
ROnly jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
ROnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
RIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connectedfor a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
RMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
286Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you install wheels and tires with incorrect
dimensions, the service brake or wheel sus-
pension components may be damaged.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with ones
that comply with the specifications of the
original part.
When replacing wheels, pay attention to the:
RDesignation
RModel
When replacing tires, pay attention to the:
RDesignation
RManufacturer
RModel
GWARNING
A flat tire will severely affect the driving
characteristics as well as the steering and
braking of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
RDo not drive on with a flat tire.
RChange the flat tire immediately with an
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel.
Alternatively, consult a qualified specialist
workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
RObserve the information and warning
notes on MOExtended tires (run-flat tires).
Accessories that are not approved for yourvehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not beingused correctly can impair the operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approvedaccessories, visit a qualified specialist work-shop and ask about:
Rsuitability
Rlegal stipulations
Rfactory recommendations
Further information regarding wheels and tirescan be found under "Wheel/tire combinations"(Ypage 318).
You can ask for information regarding permit-ted wheel/tire combinations at an authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
Information on tire pressure can be found:
Ron the Tire and Loading Information placardon the B-pillar on the driver's side(Ypage 303)
Rin the tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap(Ypage 145)
Rin the "Tire pressure" section
Operation
Information on driving
Check the tire pressure when the vehicle isheavily laden and adjust prior to a trip.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,noises and unusual handling characteristics,e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate thatthe wheels or tires are damaged. If you sus-pect that a tire is defective, reduce your speedimmediately. Stop the vehicle as soon as pos-sible to check the wheels and tires for dam-age. Hidden tire damage could also be causingthe unusual handling characteristics. If youfind no signs of damage, have the tires andwheels checked at a qualified specialist work-shop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that thetires do not get deformed by the curb or otherobstacles. If they cannot be avoided, driveover obstacles such as curbs slowly and at anobtuse angle. Otherwise, you may damage thewheels or tires.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control
of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of dam-
age and replace any damaged tires immedi-
ately.
Operation293
Wheels and ti res
Z

Check wheels and tires for damage at leastonce a month. Check wheels and tires afterdriving off-road or on rough roads. Damagedwheels can cause a loss of tire pressure. Payparticular attention to damage such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures in the tires
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and thecondition of the tread across the whole widthof all tires (Ypage 294). If necessary, turn thefront wheels to full lock in order to inspect theinner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protectthe valve against dirt and moisture. Do notmount anything onto the valve other than thestandard valve cap or other valve capsapproved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.Do not use any other valve caps or systems,e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tiresparticularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tirepressure as necessary (Ypage 296).
The service life of tires depends, among otherthings, on the following factors:
RDriving style
RTire pressure
RDistance covered
Notes on tire tread
GWARNING
If there is insufficient tire tread, the tire trac-
tion decreases. The tire tread is no longer
able to dissipate water. This increases the
risk of hydroplaning when the road surface
is wet, particularly when the vehicle's speed
is not adapted to the road conditions. There
is a risk of an accident.
When the tire pressure is too high or too
low, tires may wear differently at different
points on the tire tread. Therefore, regularly
check the tire tread depth and the condition
of the tread across the whole width of all
tires.
Minimum tire tread depth on:
RSummer tires:

Summertires
IndexSpeed rating
ZR...(..Y)over 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZRover 149 mph (240 km/h)
ROptionally, tires with a maximum speed ofover 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" inthe size description, depending on the man-ufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR18).
The service specification is made up of load-bearing index