engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.XUse the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick and provisional repairs of minor paint
damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Vehicles with mat paint
Your vehicle is painted with mat clear-coat
paint. Observe the following notes to avoid
paint damage caused by improper treatment.
i Only use insect remover and car shampoo
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not polish the vehicle. Polishing will
brighten the paintwork.
Do not use paintwork cleaning agents,
abrasives, polishing compounds, or wax for
paintwork care. Such products are
intended for use on high-polish surfaces.
Using such products on mat paint causes
severe damage, such as bright, spotted
areas on the respective surface.
Have paintwork repairs performed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have stone chipping repairs as soon as
possible.
Remove the following immediately if possible.
Do not apply strong force.
R Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse them of with water afterwards.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush for remains
that have not come off.
R Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
them of with water afterwards. Use a soft
bristle toothbrush for remains that have not
come off.
R Remove tree resins, grease, oil, and
gasoline with silicone remover.
R Dab off wax with silicone remover.
R Dab off tar splashes or tar stains with tar
remover.
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Hand-wash
XDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.XOnly use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.XThoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.XDo not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.XRinse with clean water and dry with a
chamois thoroughly.Vehicle care217Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 217Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONICCurrently
Unavailabl
e. See
Oper.
ManualDistronic is deactivated because:
R The Distronic cover in the radiator grille is dirty.
R The functionality is impaired by heavy precipitation or fog.
R The system is overheated.XIf necessary, clean the Distronic cover in the area of the
radiator grille ( Y page 218).XIf necessary, wait until the system has cooled down.XRestart the vehicle.
Distronic becomes operational again without the engine being
restarted when
R dirt on the radiator grille has fallen off while driving (e.g.
slush or snow)
R the system recognizes full sensor availability (due to
lessening rain or the road surface drying)
R the message in the multifunction display disappears
You can then operate Distronic as usual again.
DISTRONICCurrently
Unavailabl
e. See
Oper.
ManualDistronic is deactivated because the functionality is impaired
by external interferences, e.g. high-frequency sources such
as toll stations, speed measuring systems etc.XLeave the area of the external interference.XActivate Distronic again (Y page 136) when the message in
the multifunction display disappears.Distronic is deactivated because the Distronic sensor has not
sensed any other vehicles or objects, e.g. road sign or such,
for a long time.XActivate Distronic again (Y page 136) when the message in
the multifunction display disappears.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display233Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 233Z

VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPGear
Selector
Lever To PYou have attempted to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button while the automatic transmission was not
in park position P.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P.You have attempted to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button while the automatic transmission was
not in park position P.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P.Close RearSide
WindowsYou are getting out of the vehicle and a rear side window is
still open.XClose the rear side window ( Y page 97).
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
pressuredisplayed
after
driving
for a few
minutes.The tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
eThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
e No
Wheel
SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.234Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
“Towing the vehicle”.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Reduced
Brake
Effect
Start
EngineThe battery has insufficient voltage and cannot supply
sufficient power to the electro-hydraulic brake system.XStart the engine.
The message disappears when sufficient voltage is
available.GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death. Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#Brake WearThe brake pads have reached their wear limit.XHave the brake pads replaced as soon as possible.
!
Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
out by qualified technicians only. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
The electro-hydraulic brake system must be
deactivated prior to working on the system.
High pressure is intermittently built up in the
system as part of its automatic self-test.
In addition, the system is automatically
activated when the vehicle is unlocked by
remote control, when the driver or passenger
door is opened, when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button is pressed
once, when the brake pedal is depressed or
when the parking brake is released. Failure to
deactivate the system prior to maintenance
will cause brake pistons to extend and brake
fluid to leak, which may result in injuries
(contusions and acid burns). Extended brake
pistons may also cause injury.238Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake
Fluid Level displayed can result in an
accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid
reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on
hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You can be seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Brake
Service
RequiredThere are malfunctions, but the electro-hydraulic brake
system is operating normally.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Brakes
Overheated
Drive
on, but
with even
greater
care.The brake system is overheated due to an excessive load on
the brakes.
Relieve the load on the brake system:XDrive more smoothly and think ahead to avoid unnecessary
braking.XWhen driving down steep grades, shift into a lower gear to
use the engine’s braking power ( Y page 108).XCautiously continue driving so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes.$
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Release
Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display239Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 239Z

VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsNThe trunk is open.XClose the trunk ( Y page 75).LYou are driving with the hood open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 181).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
OYou are driving with the hood and the trunk open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 181) or the trunk ( Y page 75).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
CYou are driving with at least one door open.XClose all doors.CCheck
DoorsVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
You are pressing the lock button on the door handle and at
least one door is open.XClose all doors.KRetract.
Roof Oper.
Please
Wait
See Oper.
ManualThe on-board voltage is too low.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure.XStart the engine.The hardtop drive system was shut down for safety reasons
after multiple, consecutive attempts to raise or lower the
hardtop.
After about 10 minutes you can open or close the retractable
hardtop.XSwitch on the ignition.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure.XIf the retractable hardtop still does not open or close
properly, have the hardtop system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.KRetractabl
e Roof
LoweringThe retractable hardtop is not completely opened or closed.
The roof hydraulics will start to lose pressure.XMake sure the retractable hardtop is completely opened or
closed ( Y page 155).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display241Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 241Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsKRetractabl
e Roof
Operation
Only At
StandstillYou have attempted to open the retractable hardtop while
driving.XStop the vehicle in a safe location and try to open the
hardtop again.KRetractabl
e Roof
Not
Opened/
Closed
CompletelyYou are driving with the retractable hardtop not properly
locked.XStop the vehicle in a safe location. Observe the traffic
situation around you.XPull or push on the retractable hardtop switch until the
retractable hardtop is completely open or closed
( Y page 155).XIf the retractable hardtop still does lock properly, have the
hardtop system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.JTrunk
Partition
OpenYou are trying to open or close the retractable hardtop even
though the luggage cover in the trunk is not closed and/or
properly engaged.XClose the luggage cover and engage it into the side holders
( Y page 158).+Key
Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO left in the vehicle was
recognized while trying to lock the vehicle from the outside.XTake the SmartKey out of the vehicle.+Remove KeyYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Replace
KeyThe SmartKey is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.+Change
Key
BatteriesThe batteries in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO are
discharged.XReplace the batteries ( Y page 269).+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped.242Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because there is strong radio-frequency
interference.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.XChange the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch
if necessary.~Bluetooth
ReadyThe telephone has not yet been connected to the COMAND
system via Bluetooth ®
.XConnect the telephone to the COMAND system via
Bluetooth ®
.¥Top Up
Washer
FluidThe washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir has fallen below
the minimum level.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 185).YEntry
Position
Do Not
DriveThe steering wheel has not yet moved into its stored driving
position.XWait until the steering wheel has moved to its driving
position.
The message disappears.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display243Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 243Z

EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions=
or
;Engine
ServiceThere may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system
R the exhaust system
R the fuel systemXHave the engine checkedas soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.;Service
RequiredCertain electronic systems are unable to relay information to
the control system. The coolant temperature display or the
tachometer may have failed.XHave the electronic systems checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.+Top Up
Coolant
See Oper.
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 184).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XIf the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†).
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
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