engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased! For
more information, see “Electro-hydraulic
brake system” in this in this Operator’s
Manual.
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed.XSwitch off the tow-away alarm before
towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or one axle raised ( Y page 64).
!
Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
( Y page 283) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 285).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor ( Y page 224).
XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.288Towing the vehiclePractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 288

Removing towing eye boltXLoosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.XUnscrew towing eye bolt ;.XReinstalling front cover: Fit locking tabs
of cover : (Y page 288) under the lower
edge of the opening in the bumper.XApply even pressure on the upper part of
the cover until it snaps into place.XReinstalling rear cover: Fit cover :
( Y page 288) and snap it into place.XStore the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit.
Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 126).XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the vehicle
is being towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Towing with all wheels on the groundGWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 92).
!
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
290Towing the vehiclePractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 290

Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating.
GWarning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
A blown fuse must be replaced by an
appropriate spare fuse (recognizable by its
color or the fuse rating given on the fuse) of
the amperage recommended in the fuse
chart. Any Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to advise you on this subject.
iIn case of a blown fuse contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If a newly inserted fuse blows again, have the
cause determined and rectified by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuse chart is located in the trunk with the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 224). The fuse chart
explains the fuse allocation and fuse
amperages.
Before replacing fuses
XEngage the parking brake.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Open the
driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in
position 0, same as with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch). The
driver’s door then can be closed again.
Fuse box in passenger compartment
The fuse box is located under the rear
passenger-side storage compartment.
XOpen the passenger door.XOpening: Open the rear passenger-side
storage compartment (Y page 163).
XLift both clips :.XRemove storage compartment floor ; in
direction of arrow.
XClosing: To reinstall storage compartment
floor ; after checking or replacing fuses,
follow the procedure in reverse order.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned as described. Otherwise,
moisture or dirt could enter the fuse box
and possibly impair fuse operation.
Fuse box in trunk
The fuse in the trunk is located on the right-
hand side of the trunk.
XLift up the trunk floor cover.Fuses291Practical hints230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 291Z

Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse boxes are located on the driver’s and
passenger side in front of the bulkhead (wall
separating the engine and passenger
compartment).
XOpen the hood.
Fuse box on driver’s side
Fuse box on passenger side
XWith a dry cloth, remove any moisture from
fuse box cover :.
XMove slide to position = and lift fuse box
cover :.
XClosing: Make sure the sealing rubber is
positioned properly.
XHook fuse box cover : onto tabs and close
it.
XMove slide to position ;.
! The fuse box cover must be properly
positioned with the slide at the &
symbol to prevent moisture and/or dirt
from entering the fuse box and possibly
impairing fuse operation.
XClose the hood after checking or replacing
fuses.
Emergency engine shut-down
If the engine cannot be turned off as
described (Y page 102), you may use the
following emergency procedure.
XTake the fuse chart from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 224).
XFind row “Engine emergency stop” in the
fuse chart table to identify the fuses that
have to be removed as well as their
locations.
XRemove the respective fuses.292FusesPractical hints
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 292

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can
be found
Ron certification label : on the driver’s door
B-pillar
Rembossed underneath a trim below the
passenger-side rear storage compartment
lid (Y page 295)
Ron the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 295)
Example certification label (U.S. vehicles)
;VIN=Paintwork code
Example certification label (Canada vehicles)
;VIN=Paintwork code
iData shown on certification label are for
illustration purposes only. These data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from
data shown in the illustration. Refer to
certification label on vehicle for actual data
specific to your vehicle.
Passenger-side rear storage compartment
XOpen compartment lid ?.XRemove compartment trim A.
VIN B is now visible.
CEngine number (engraved on engine) DVIN (on lower edge of windshield)EEmission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission standards
iWhen ordering parts, please specify
vehicle identification and engine number.
Identification labels295Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 295Z

Vehicle specification SL 550
(230.471)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.Engine SL 550Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.2 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 20382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm
(530 Nm/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 401 mmElectrical system SL 550Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhElectrical system SL 550Battery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeBosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions SL 550Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 21Overall vehicle
width 2281.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 21Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 550Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 600
(230.477)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
20 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
21 When opening/closing hardtop.
22 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.296Vehicle specification SL 600 (230.477)Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 296

Engine SL 600Engine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.23 in (82.00 mm)Stroke3.43 in (87.00 mm)Total piston
displacement336.4 cu in
(5 513 cm 3
)Compression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 23510 hp/5
000 rpm
(380 kW/5 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349612 lb-ft/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm
(830 Nm/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 600Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/2.0 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GElectrical system SL 600Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 22 lb-ft
(20 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 600Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 24Overall vehicle
width 2581.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 24Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 600Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG
(230.470)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
23 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
24 When opening/closing hardtop.
25 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG (230.470)297Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 297Z

Engine SL 63 AMGEngine, type156Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore4.02 in (102.20 mm)Stroke3.72 in (94.60 mm)Total piston
displacement378.8 cu in
(6 208 cm 3
)Compression
ratio11.3:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 26518 hp/6
800 rpm
(386 kW/6 800 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349465 lb-ft/5 200 rpm
( 630 Nm/5 200 rpm)Maximum engine
speed7 000 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 360 mmElectrical system SL 63 AMGAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/2.1 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK ILZKAR 7A10Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.039 in (1.0 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions SL 63 AMGOverall vehicle
length181.0 in (4 598 mm)187.9 in
(4 772 mm) 27Overall vehicle
width 2881.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.1 in (1 298 mm)66.1 in (1 680 mm) 27Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.8 in (1 569 mm)Track, rear61.2 in (1 555 mm)Turning circle36.3 ft (11.05 m)SL 63 AMGTrunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG
(230.479)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine SL 65 AMGEngine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.25 in (82.60 mm)Stroke3.66 in (93.00 mm)Total piston
displacement364.9 cu in
(5 980 cm 3
)26 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
27 When opening/closing hardtop.
28 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.298Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG (230.479)Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 298

Engine SL 65 AMGCompression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 29603 hp/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm
(450 kW/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349738 lb-ft/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm
(1 000 Nm/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 65 AMGAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GSpark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque18 - 22 lb-ft
(25 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
length181.0 in (4 598 mm)187.9 in
(4 772 mm) 30Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
width 3181.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.1 in (1 298 mm)66.1 in (1 680 mm) 30Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.8 in (1 569 mm)Track, rear61.2 in (1 555 mm)Turning circle36.3 ft (11.05 m)SL 65 AMGTrunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Rims and tires
Notes
! Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires
approved by Mercedes-Benz are developed
to provide best possible performance in
conjunction with the driving safety systems
on your vehicle such as the ABS or the
ESP ®
. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding
the following on the tire’s sidewall:
R MO =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires
R MO1 =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires (applicable to selected
tire sizes only)
R MOE =
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with limited run-flat
characteristics) original equipment tires
29 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
30 When opening/closing hardtop.
31 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Rims and tires299Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 299Z

If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterSL 550
SL 65 AMG9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsSL 600
SL 63 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Automatic
transmissionSL 5509.8 US qt (9.3 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidSL 63 AMG9.3 US qt (8.8 l)SL 600
SL 65 AMG8.0 US qt (7.5 l)Rear axleSL 550
SL 6001.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Hypoid Gear Oil
(SAE 85W-90)SL 63 AMGFuchs Titan
EG 5010 DSL 63 AMG 41
SL 65 AMGCastrol SAF-XJ
(SAE 75W-140)Hydraulic
system for
active body
control (ABC)All models3.7 US qt (3.5 l)MB ABC FluidPower steeringAll modelsapprox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid (Chevron
Texaco PSF 9109)Brake systemAll models0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemSL 550approx. 12.3 US qt (11.6 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeSL 600approx. 15.9 US qt (15.0 l)SL 63 AMGapprox. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 14.8 US qt (14.0 l)Low
temperature
cooling systemSL 600approx. 2.2 US qt (2.1 l)SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.4 US qt (3.2 l)41 With Performance Package.304Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 304