MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2019 Repair Manual

If you install a child restraint system on thefront passenger seat, be sure to observe theinstructions and safety notes on the "Occu-pant Classification System (OCS)" (Ypage 48).There you will also find information on disa-bling the front passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint systemcorresponds to the standards can be found onan instruction label on the child restraint sys-tem. This confirmation can also be found inthe installation instructions that are includedwith the child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-rior and on the child restraint system.
Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General notes
If you install a child restraint system on thefront-passenger seat, always observe theinstructions and safety notes on the "Occu-pant Classification System (OCS)" (Ypage 48).
You can thus avoid the risks that could ariseas a result of:
Ran incorrectly categorized person in thefront-passenger seat
Rdeactivating the front passenger front airbag unintentionally
Rthe unsuitable positioning of the childrestraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-board
Rearward-facing child restraint system
If circumstances require you to secure a childin a rearward-facing child restraint system onthe front-passenger seat, always make surethat the front passenger front air bag is deacti-vated. Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFFindicator lamp is lit continuously (Ypage 41),is the front passenger front air bag deactiva-ted.
Always observe the child restraint systemmanufacturer's installation and operatinginstructions.
Forward-facing child restraint system
If you secure a child in a forward-facing childrestraint system on the front-passenger seat,always move the front-passenger seat as farback as possible. Fully retract the seat cushionlength. The entire base of the child restraintsystem must always rest on the seat cushionof the front-passenger seat. The backrest ofthe child restraint system must lie as flat aspossible against the backrest of the front-passenger seat. The child restraint systemmust not touch the roof or be subjected to aload by the head restraint. Adjust the angle ofthe seat backrest and the head restraint posi-tion accordingly. Always make sure that theshoulder belt strap is correctly routed from thefront-passenger seat belt guide to the shoulderbelt guide on the child restraint system. Theshoulder belt strap must be routed forwardand down from the front-passenger seat beltguide. If necessary, adjust the front-passengerseat accordingly.
Always observe the child restraint systemmanufacturer's installation and operatinginstructions.
Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unsupervised or unse-
cured in the vehicle, they may press buttons
or switches, for instance.
In this way, animals may:
Ractivate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
Rswitch systems on or off and thereby
endanger other road users
Furthermore, unsecured animals may be
flung around inside the vehicle in the event
of an accident or abrupt steering or braking
maneuver, and thereby injure vehicle occu-
pants. There is a risk of accident and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle.
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Always secure animals properly when driv-
ing, for instance with a suitable pet carrier.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information aboutthe following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lockBrakingSystem)(Ypage 60)
RBAS (BrakeAssistSystem) (Ypage 61)
RBrake Assist with cross-traffic function(Ypage 61)
RActive Brake Assist (Ypage 63)
RAdaptive brake lights (Ypage 65)
RESP®(ElectronicStabilityProgram)(Ypage 65)
REBD (ElectronicBrake forceDistribution)(Ypage 69)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 70)
RActive Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-tion (Ypage 70)
RSTEER CONTROL (Ypage 72)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if youare inattentive, the driving safety systems canneither reduce the risk of an accident noroverride the laws of physics. Driving safetysystems are merely aids designed to assistdriving.
You are responsible for maintaining the dis-tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,for braking in good time, and for staying inlane. Always adapt your driving style to suitthe prevailing road and weather conditions andmaintain a safe distance from the vehicle infront. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described onlywork as effectively as possible when there isadequate contact between the tires and theroad surface. Pay particular attention to theinformation regarding tires, recommendedminimum tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheelsand tires" section (Ypage 293).
In wintry driving conditions, always use wintertires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safetysystems described in this section work aseffectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a waythat the wheels do not lock when you brake.This allows you to continue steering the vehi-cle when braking.
The%ABS warning lamp in the instrumentcluster lights up when the ignition is switchedon. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface condi-tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, evenwhen you only brake gently.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels could
lock when braking. The steerability and
braking characteristics would be severely
affected. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,including driving safety systems, will alsobecome inoperative. Observe the informationon the ABS warning lamp (Ypage 236) anddisplay messages which may be shown in theinstrument cluster (Ypage 206).
Brakes
XIf ABS intervenes:continue to depress thebrake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-uation is over.
XTo make a full brake application:depressthe brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel apulsing in the brake pedal.
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The pulsating brake pedal can be an indicationof hazardous road conditions, and functions asa reminder to take extra care while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BASautomatically boosts the braking force, thusshortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking dis-
tance in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed untilthe emergency braking situation is over.ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once yourelease the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion
General information
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function canhelp you to minimize the risk of a collision witha vehicle or a pedestrian and reduce theeffects of such a collision. If Brake Assist withcross-traffic function detects a danger of colli-sion, you are assisted when braking.
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is onlyavailable in vehicles with the Driving Assis-tance package.
For Brake Assist with cross-traffic function toassist you when driving, the radar sensor sys-tem and the camera system must be opera-tional.
The sensor system and camera system helpBrake Assist with cross-traffic function detectobstacles:
Rthat are in the path of your vehicle for anextended period of time
Rthat cross the path of your vehicle
In addition, pedestrians in the path of yourvehicle can be detected.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function detectspedestrians using typical characteristics suchas body contours and the posture of a personstanding upright.
If the radar sensor system or the camera sys-tem is malfunctioning, Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is restricted or no longer availa-ble. The brake system is still available withcomplete brake boosting effect and BAS.
iObserve the restrictions described in the"Important safety notes" section(Ypage 61).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion cannot always clearly identify objects
and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, Active Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function might:
Rissue an unnecessary warning or brake
Rissue no warning or not brake
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation; do not rely on the Active Brake
Assist with cross-traffic function alone.
Always be ready to brake and possibly take
evasive action.
GWARNING
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function can-
not always clearly identify people, particu-
larly if they are moving. Brake Assist with
cross-traffic function cannot intervene in
these cases. There is a risk of an accident.
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Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-
tion does not react:
Rto small people, e.g. children
Rto animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rwhen cornering
As a result, Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function may not warn you or engage
in all critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In the event of snowfall or heavy rain, the rec-ognition can be impaired.
Recognition by the radar sensor system is alsoimpaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-ple in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle is traveling in front, e.g. amotorbike
Ra vehicle is traveling in front on a differentline
Rvehicles quickly move into the radar sensorsystem detection range
Recognition by the camera system is alsoimpaired in the event of:
Rdirt on the camera or if the camera is cov-ered
Rglare on the camera system, e.g. from thesun being low in the sky
Rdarkness
Ror if:
-pedestrians move quickly, e.g. into thepath of the vehicle
-the camera system no longer recognizes apedestrian as a person due to specialclothing or other objects
-a pedestrian is concealed by otherobjects
-the typical outline of a person is not dis-tinguishable from the background
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-cle, have the configuration and operation ofthe radar sensors checked at a qualified spe-cialist workshop. This also applies to collisionsat slow speeds where there is no visible dam-age to the front of the vehicle.
Following damage to the windshield, have theconfiguration and operation of the camera sys-tem checked at a qualified specialist work-shop.
Function
To avoid a collision, Brake Assist with cross-traffic function calculates the brake force nec-essary if:
Ryou approach an obstacle, and
RBrake Assist with cross-traffic function hasdetected a risk of collision
When driving at a speed under 20 mph(30 km/h):if you depress the brake pedal,Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is acti-vated. The increase in brake pressure will becarried out at the last possible moment.
When driving at a speed above 20 mph(30 km/h):if you depress the brake pedalsharply, Brake Assist with cross-traffic func-tion automatically increases the brake pres-sure to a degree suited to the traffic situation.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function pro-vides braking assistance in hazardous situa-tions with vehicles in front within a speedrange between 4 mph (7 km/h) and 155 mph(250 km/h).
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Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph(70 km/h), Brake Assist with cross-trafficfunction may react to:
Rstationary objects in the path of your vehi-cle, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles
Rpedestrians in the path of your vehicle
Robstacles crossing your path which move inthe detection range of the sensors and aredetected
iIf Brake Assist with cross-traffic functionrequires a particularly high braking force,preventative passenger protection measures
(PRE-SAFE®) are activated at the same time(Ypage 55).
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until theemergency braking situation is over.ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
Brake Assist with cross-traffic function isdeactivated and the brakes function as usualagain if:
Ryou release the brake pedal
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your vehi-cle
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal
Ryou activate kickdown
Active Brake Assist
General information
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
Active Brake Assist consists of a distancewarning function with an autonomous brakingfunction and Adaptive Brake Assist.
Active Brake Assist can help you to minimizethe risk of a collision with the vehicle in frontor reduce the effects of such a collision.
If Active Brake Assist detects that there is arisk of collision, you will be warned visuallyand acoustically. If you do not react to the vis-ual collision warning or the warning tone,autonomous braking can be initiated in criticalsituations. If you apply the brake yourself in acritical situation, Adaptive Brake Assist of theActive Brake Assist system supports you.
Important safety notes
In particular, the detection of obstacles can beimpaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-ple in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle is traveling in front, e.g. amotorbike
Ra vehicle is traveling in front on a differentline
Ryou are driving a new vehicle or servicing onthe Active Brake Assist system has justbeen carried out
Observe the important safety notes in the"Breaking-in notes" section (Ypage 125).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-cle, have the configuration and operation ofthe radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-cialist workshop. This also applies to collisionsat slow speeds where there is no visible dam-age to the front of the vehicle.
Activating/deactivating
Active Brake Assist is automatically activeafter switching on the ignition.
You can activate or deactivate Active BrakeAssist using the on-board computer(Ypage 198). When deactivated, the distancewarning function and the autonomous brakingfunction are also deactivated.
If Active Brake Assist is deactivated, the

Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion for driving safety systems (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
The distance warning function does not
react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
The distance warning function may not give
warnings in all critical situations. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Always adapt your speed to suit the prevail-
ing road and traffic conditions.
GWARNING
The distance warning function cannot
always clearly identify objects and complex
traffic situations.
In such cases, the distance warning function
may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning
Rnot give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and do not rely solely on the dis-
tance warning function.
Function
Starting at a speed of approximately 4 mph(7 km/h),the distance warning function warnsyou if you rapidly approach a vehicle in front.An intermittent warning tone will then sound,and the

Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assis-tance in hazardous situations at speeds above4 mph (7 km/h). It uses radar sensor technol-ogy to assess the traffic situation.
Up to a speed of approximately 155 mph(250 km/h), Adaptive Brake Assist is capableof reacting to moving objects that havealready been detected as such at least onceover the period of observation.
Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph(70 km/h), Adaptive Brake Assist reacts tostationary obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist demands particularlyhigh braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activa-ted simultaneously (Ypage 55).
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until theemergency braking situation is over.ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
Ryou release the brake pedal
Rthere is no longer any danger of a collision
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your vehi-cle
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic situa-
tions.
In such cases, Adaptive Brake Assist can:
Rintervene unnecessarily
Rnot intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. Terminate
the intervention in a non-critical driving sit-
uation.
GWARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
As a result, the Adaptive Brake Assist may
not intervene in all critical conditions. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Always adapt your speed to suit the prevail-
ing road and traffic conditions.
Due to the nature of the system, particularlycomplicated but non-critical driving conditionsmay also cause Adaptive Brake Assist to inter-vene.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due toa malfunction in the radar sensor system, thebrake system remains available with full brakeboosting effect and BAS.
Adaptive brake lights
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than50 km/h or if braking is assisted by BAS orBrake Assist with Cross-Traffic Assist, thebrake lamps flash rapidly. In this way, traffictraveling behind you is warned in an evenmore noticeable manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more than70 km/h to a standstill, the hazard warninglamps are activated automatically. If thebrakes are applied again, the brake lamps lightup continuously. The hazard warning lampsswitch off automatically if you travel fasterthan 10 km/h. You can also switch off thehazard warning lamps using the hazard warn-ing button (Ypage 111).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
ESP®monitors driving stability and traction,i.e. power transmission between the tires andthe road surface.
If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviatingfrom the direction desired by the driver, one ormore wheels are braked to stabilize the vehi-cle. The engine output is also modified to keep
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the vehicle on the desired course within physi-
cal limits. ESP®assists the driver when pulling
away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®can alsostabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if theyspin. This enables you to pull away and accel-erate on slippery surfaces, for example if theroad surface is slippery on one side. In addi-tion, more drive torque is transferred to thewheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate ESP®.
iMercedes-AMG vehicles:your vehiclemay be equipped with 20-inch tires on therear axle. After changing to 19 inch wheels,ETS may intervene noticeably earlier duringthe first few kilometers. After approximately10 km ETS will function as usual again.Information on the dimensions and types ofwheels and tires for your vehicle can befound in the "Wheel/tire combinations" sec-tion (Ypage 318).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an
increased risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP®checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on ESP®
(Ypage 290).
If the

Drive programESP®modeCharacteristics
CComfort
EEconomy
ESP®onThis drive program offers the best compromisebetween traction and stability.
Select drive programEorCin difficult roadconditions such as snow and ice or on wetroads.
SSportESP®onThis drive program offers the best compromisebetween traction and stability.
S+Sport PlusESP®SportThe vehicle's own oversteering and understeer-ing characteristics are emphasized. This ena-bles a more active driving style.
This drive program requires increased driverinteraction.
Select this drive program only when road con-ditions are good, e.g. the roads are dry and theroute is clear.
Always adapt your driving style and drive program to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Additional information for drive programs (Ypage 138).
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches theengine off automatically when the vehiclestops moving. The engine starts automaticallywhen the driver wants to pull away again.
ESP®remains in its previously selected status,
e.g. if ESP®was deactivated before the enginewas automatically switched off.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(except
Mercedes‑AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
You can select between the following states of
ESP®:
RESP®is activated
RESP®is deactivated
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP®in the situations
described in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP®in the fol-lowing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Spinning the wheels results in a cutting actionwhich provides better grip.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®willotherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicleif the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel startsto spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. Youcould otherwise damage the drivetrain.
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Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo deactivate:press buttonC.
The