towing MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2019 Owners Manual

Maintenance and care......................265
Engine compartment ........................... 265
Overview of the engine compart-
ment .................................................... 269
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 269
Care ..................................................... 270
Breakdown assistance.....................276
Where will I find...? .............................. 276
Flat tire ................................................ 278
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 282
Jump-starting ....................................... 285
Towing and tow-starting ...................... 288
Fuses ...................................................290
Wheels and tires...............................293
Important safety notes ........................ 293
Operation ............................................ 293
Winter operation .................................. 295
Tire pressure ....................................... 296
Loading the vehicle .............................. 303
All about wheels and tires ................... 306
Changing a wheel ................................ 313
Wheel and tire combinations ...............318
Technical data...................................319
Information regarding technical data
............................................................. 319
Vehicle electronics .............................. 319
Identification plates .............................320
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 321
Vehicle data ......................................... 326
Contents3

Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 324
Display message............................ 206
EBD .................................................. 69
High-performance brake system .... 152
Important safety notes .................. 151
Maintenance .................................. 152
Parking brake ................................ 147
Riding tips ...................................... 151
Warning lamp ................................. 235
Breakdown assistance
Reflective safety jacket .................. 276
Where will I find...? ........................ 276
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)................................... 33
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 271
Exhaust pipe .................................. 275
Exterior lights ................................ 275
Matte finish ................................... 273
Notes............................................. 270
Paint .............................................. 272
Power washer ................................ 272
Rear view camera .......................... 275
Sensors ......................................... 275
Washing by hand ........................... 271
Wheels ........................................... 274
Windows ........................................ 274
Wiper blades .................................. 274
CD
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
CD player (on-board computer)........ 196
Center console
Lower section .................................. 36
Lower section (AMG vehicles) .......... 37
Upper section .................................. 35
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 201
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey)........ 74
Child
Restraint system .............................. 58
Child seat
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 59
On the front-passenger seat............ 59
Rearward-facing restraint system .... 59
Children
Special seat belt retractor ............... 57
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes .................... 57
Cigarette lighter................................ 254
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal ........................... 275
Climate control
Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 116
Controlling automatically ............... 119
Cooling with air dehumidification .. 118
Defrosting the windows................. 121
Defrosting the windshield .............. 120
General notes ................................ 116
Indicator lamp ................................ 119
Information about using auto-
matic climate control ..................... 117
Maximum cooling .......................... 121
Overview of systems ...................... 116
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 121
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 119
Refrigerant ..................................... 326
Refrigerant filling capacity ............. 326
Setting the air distribution ............. 120
Setting the air vents ...................... 122
Setting the airflow ......................... 120
Setting the climate mode (AIR
FLOW) ............................................ 119
Setting the temperature ................ 119
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off............................................ 122
Switching on/off........................... 118
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 122
Index7

Distance warning (warning lamp).... 241
Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 63
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 201
Automatic locking (switch) ...............81
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................74
Control panel ...................................39
Display message ............................ 230
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
Important safety notes.................... 79
Opening (from inside) ...................... 80
Overview .......................................... 79
Power closing .................................. 81
Drinking and driving......................... 149
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 138
Display ........................................... 135
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 203
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving
Towing vehicles ............................. 132
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 270
Driving on flooded roads.................. 153
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 63
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 60
Active Brake Assist with cross-
traffic function ................................. 70
ADAPTIVE BRAKE............................. 70
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 61
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Distance warning function ............... 63
EBD (electronic brake force dis-
tribution) .......................................... 69
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 65
Important safety information ........... 60
Overview .......................................... 60
STEER CONTROL ............................. 72
Driving system
Active Body Control (ABC)
(except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .. 168
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 170
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 166
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 184
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 184
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 187
Active Parking Assist ..................... 175
Adaptive Damping System ............. 167
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 154
Display message ............................ 221
DISTRONIC PLUS ................... 156, 163
HOLD function ............................... 165
PARKTRONIC ................................. 172
Rear view camera .......................... 179
Driving tips
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC .................................... 162
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 152
Automatic transmission ................. 138
Brakes ........................................... 151
Break-in period .............................. 125
Downhill gradient ........................... 151
Drinking and driving ....................... 149
Driving in winter ............................. 153
Driving on flooded roads ................ 153
Driving on wet roads ...................... 153
Exhaust check ............................... 150
Fuel ................................................ 149
General .......................................... 149
Hydroplaning ................................. 153
Icy road surfaces ........................... 153
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 152
Snow chains .................................. 295
Subjecting brakes to a load ........... 151
Wet road surface ........................... 151
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 196
Index9

Labeling (overview) ........................ 307
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 312
Load index .....................................309
Load index (definition) ................... 312
M+S tires ....................................... 295
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 312
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 312
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................312
Maximum tire load ......................... 310
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 312
MOExtended tires .......................... 295
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 312
Overview ........................................ 293
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 312
Replacing ....................................... 313
Service life ..................................... 294
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 312
Speed rating (definition) ................ 311
Storing ...........................................313
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 311
Summer tires ................................. 295
Temperature .................................. 307
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 312
Tire bead (definition) ......................312
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 312
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 311
Tire size (data) ............................... 318
Tire size designation, load-bear-
ing capacity, speed rating .............. 307
Tire tread ....................................... 294
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 312
Total load limit (definition) ............. 313
Traction ......................................... 306
Traction (definition) ....................... 312
Tread wear..................................... 306
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 306
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 311
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 313
Wheel and tire combination ........... 318
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 311
see Flat tire
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 290
Important safety notes .................. 288
Towing
Permitted towing methods ............ 289
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 288
Installing the towing eye ................ 288
Removing the towing eye ............... 289
Transporting the vehicle ................ 290
With both axles on the ground ....... 289
With the rear axle raised ................ 290
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 222
Transmission
Overview of transmission posi-
tions .............................................. 134
Selector lever ................................ 134
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display......... 135
Transporting the vehicle.................. 290
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 193
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 193
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 194
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 86
Important safety notes .................... 81
Locking separately ........................... 86
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 85
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 83
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 84
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 82
Overview .......................................... 81
Power closing .................................. 81
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 230
Opening dimensions ...................... 326
20Index

Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 230
General notes .................................. 92
Installing .......................................... 93
Opening/closing .............................. 93
Removing ......................................... 93
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 217
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 319
Installation ..................................... 319
Transmission output (maximum) .... 319
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Umbrella holder................................. 250
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles)....... 202
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face ...............................................248
V
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 29
Display message ............................ 228
Electronics ..................................... 319
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 199
Limited Warranty .............................29
Loading .......................................... 303
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 74
Lowering ........................................ 317
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 149
Pulling away................................... 128
Raising ........................................... 314
REACH Regulation ........................... 28
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 314
Tow-starting ................................... 288
Towing away .................................. 288
Transporting .................................. 290
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (SmartKey)...................... 74
Vehicle data ................................... 326
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data....................................... 326
Vehicle dimensions........................... 326
Vehicle emergency locking................ 81
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate.............. 320
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (ABC)
(except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .. 168
Active Body Control (ABC)
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. 170
Display message ............................ 221
Vehicle tool kit.................................. 277
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 196
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 243
VIN
Seat ............................................... 321
Type plate ...................................... 320
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 236
Active Brake Assist ........................ 241
Brake Assist ................................... 241
Brakes ........................................... 235
Check Engine ................................. 239
Coolant .......................................... 239
Distance warning ........................... 241
ESP®.............................................. 236
ESP®OFF ....................................... 237
Fuel tank ........................................ 239
General notes ................................ 233
Parking brake ................................ 238
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 41
Reserve fuel................................... 239
Restraint system ............................ 238
Index21

Installing a child restraint system:
XMake sure you observe the child restraintsystem manufacturer's installation instruc-tions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly out of the seatbelt guide.
XEngage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertiareel retract it again.While the seat belt is retracting, you shouldhear a ratcheting sound. The special seatbelt retractor is enabled.
XPush the child restraint system down so thatthe seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-tivating the special seat belt retractor:
XMake sure you observe the child restraintsystem manufacturer's installation instruc-tions.
XPress the release button of the seat beltbuckle and route the seat belt tongue backtowards the seat belt guide.The special seat belt retractor is deactiva-ted.
child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint sys-tems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
You can obtain further information about thecorrect child restraint system from any author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly on a suitable seat, it cannot pro-
tect as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction.
There is an increased risk of injury, possibly
even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions and the notes on use. Please
ensure, that the base of the child restraint
system is always resting completely on the
seat cushion. Never place objects, e.g. cush-
ions, under or behind the child restraint sys-
tem. Only use child restraint systems with
the original cover designed for them. Only
replace damaged covers with genuine cov-
ers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly or is not secured, it can come
loose in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or a sudden change in direction. The
child restraint system could be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. There is
an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on stowing objects, lug-gage and loads securely can be found under“Stowing options/stowage compartments”(Ypage 249).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjec-
ted to a load in an accident can no longer
protect as intended. The child cannot then
be restrained in the event of an accident,
heavy braking or sudden changes of direc-
tion. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the
securing systems on the child restraint sys-
tem checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop, before you install a child restraint sys-
tem again.
The securing system of child restraint systemsis the seat belt system.
58Children in the vehicle
Safety

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

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine is not run-ning smoothly and ismisfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-verter and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The coolant tempera-ture display shows avalue above 248 ‡(120 †). The coolantwarning lamp may alsobe on and a warningtone may sound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine isno longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 267). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the engine radiator fan may be faulty.The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled suf-ficiently.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the near-est qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving inmountainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching towbar systems, such as those used for flat tow-ing or dinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may resultin damage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehi-cle.
The vehicle/vehicle combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 289) and the notes on towing withboth axles on the ground (Ypage 289).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to changethe drive program. Depending on the drive pro-gram selected the following vehicle character-istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe curve tilting function (vehicles withActive Body Control)
Rthe control thresholds of ESP®
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis activated. Further information about startingthe engine (Ypage 127).
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key, drive programCis activated. Furtherinformation about starting the engine(Ypage 127).
132DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Driving and parking

With the SmartKey:if you then open the driv-er's door or the front-passenger door orremove the SmartKey from the ignition, theautomatic transmission shifts to]automati-cally.
With KEYLESS-GO:if you then open the driv-er's or front-passenger door, the automatictransmission shifts to]automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having thevehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash witha towing system:
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:remove theStart/Stop button from the ignition lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles:switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XShift to neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smart-Key in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPush the selector lever back past the firstpoint of resistance.
Transmission positions
EPark position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-ing away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission intopositionE(Ypage 134) whenthe vehicle is stationary. The park-ing lock should not be used as abrake when parking. Always applythe electronic parking brake in addi-tion to the parking lock in order tosecure the vehicle.
If the SmartKey is removed from theignition lock, the transmission islocked.
The automatic transmission shiftstoEautomatically:
Rwhen the SmartKey is removedfrom the ignition lock
Rwhen the engine is switched offwith the transmission in positionFor:and one of thedoors is opened
In the event of a malfunction of thevehicle's electronics, the transmis-sion may lock in positionE.Have the vehicle electronicschecked immediately at a qualifiedspecialist workshop.
FReverse gear
Only shift the transmission intopositionFwhen the vehicle isstationary.
Automatic transmission137
Driving and parking
Z

As a result, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC may neither give warnings nor
intervene in such situations. There is a risk
of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
Distance keeping assistant cannot always
clearly identify other road users and com-
plex traffic situations.
In such cases, distance keeping assistant
can:
Raccelerate or brake the vehicle unexpect-
edly
Rintervene unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, especially if distance keeping assis-
tant warns you.
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC brakes
your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum
possible deceleration. If this deceleration is
not sufficient, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC alerts you with a visual and
acoustic warning. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Adjust your speed in these cases and main-
tain sufficient distance.
Apply the brakes yourself and/or take eva-
sive action.
!When Active Distance Assist DISTRONICor the HOLD function is activated, the vehi-cle brakes automatically in certain situa-tions.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC and theHOLD function in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can neitherreduce the risk of an accident if you fail to
adapt your driving style, nor override the lawsof physics. Active Distance Assist DISTRONICcannot take into account road, weather or traf-fic conditions. Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC is only an aid. You are responsiblefor the distance to the vehicle in front, forvehicle speed, for braking in good time and forstaying in your lane.
Do not use Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC:
RIn road and traffic conditions which do notallow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g.in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-erating could cause the drive wheels to losetraction and the vehicle could then skid
RIn poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rainor snow
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC may notdetect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g.motorcycles, or vehicles driving in a staggeredformation.
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
If Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC no longerdetects a vehicle in front, Distance PilotDISTRONIC may unexpectedly accelerate tothe speed stored.
This speed may:
RBe too high if you are driving in a turninglane or an exit lane
RBe so high when driving in the right-handlane that you overtake vehicles in the left-hand lane
RBe so high in the left lane that you passvehicles driving on the right
If there is a change of drivers, advise the newdriver of the speed stored.
Driving systems157
Driving an d parking
Z