ESP MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Symbols
Trademarks:
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R ESP ®
is a registered trademark of Daimler.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 2

Vehicle status message memory ...120
Vehicle system settings .................121
Distronic ............................................ 133
Cleaning system sensor cover .......218
Control system .............................. 120
Distance warning function .............140
Driving with .................................... 139
Menu ............................................. 135
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 138
Sensor cover .................................. 218
Speed settings ............................... 137
Warning and indicator
lamps ..................................... 135, 262
Door control panel .............................. 35
Doors
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...69
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........68
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening from inside ......................... 72
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........267
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 205
Drinking and driving ......................... 209
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 212
Hydroplaning ................................. 212
Instructions ............................. 98, 209
In winter ........................................ 208
Problems ....................................... 101
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Safety systems ................................ 54
Systems ......................................... 130
Through standing water .................212
With Distronic ................................ 139
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 98
Driving off .................................. 100, 212
Driving safety systems ....................... 54
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 56
ESP ®
................................................ 56
ETS .................................................. 57Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............142
Cruise control ................................ 130
Distronic ........................................ 133
Hill-start assist system ..................142
Parktronic system ..........................144
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 105
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 85, 127
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 21
Power outlet .................................. 166
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 224
Flat tire .......................................... 276
Hazard warning flasher ....................92
Roadside Assistance ................ 20, 169
Towing the vehicle .........................287
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 168
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 292
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........77
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 213
Information label ............................ 295
System warranties ...........................19
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............178
Cleaning ......................................... 217
Compartment ................................ 180
Malfunction indicator
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
Index7230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 7

Number .......................................... 295
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 183
Additives ........................................ 306
Checking level ............................... 181
Consumption ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 305
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 56
ETS .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Warning lamp ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 57
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 48
First aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel .............277
Preparing the vehicle .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats ........................................... 175
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid .........304
Brake fluid ..................................... 304
Capacities ...................................... 303
Engine coolant ............................... 304
Engine oil ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 305
Fog lamps ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Fuel ..................................................... 178
Additives ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................209
Fuel consumption statistics ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 303
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 206
Gear range ......................................... 106
Indicator ........................................ 106
8Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 8

Intermittent wiping ............................. 95
Rain sensor ...................................... 95
J
Jack ..................................................... 225
Jump starting ..................................... 285
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Unlocking/locking manually ..........267
Valet locking .................................... 77
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................71
Checking batteries ...........................71
Factory setting ........................... 69, 71
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 69
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 69
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO .....70
Locking/unlocking ........................... 68
Loss of ............................................. 72
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 242
Opening, trunk ................................. 73
Remote control ................................ 68
Replacing ......................................... 72
Replacing batteries ........................269
Restoring to factory setting .......69, 71
Selective setting ........................69, 71
Starter switch positions ...................78
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ...................79
Kickdown ........................................... 105
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 111
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 206
Knee bag .............................................. 42
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 294
Emission control information .........295
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 193
Tire inflation pressure ....................188
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................89
Front .............................................. 272
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Rear ............................................... 272
Switching on/off .............................. 89
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS ................................... 31, 32, 255
Brakes ..................................... 30, 255
Coolant .......................................... 263
Distance warning
lamp .............................. 135, 140, 262
Engine
malfunction
.......................................... 31, 32, 263
ESP ®
................................ 30, 259, 260
ESP ®
OFF ........................... 31, 32, 259, 261
Fog lamps ........................................ 91
Fuel tank
reserve .............................. 31, 32, 262
High-beam
headlamps
............................................ 31, 32, 92
Instrument cluster ...................30, 254
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ........................265
Passenger front air bag
off ...................................... 33, 43, 266
Roll bar .......................................... 258
Seat belt
telltale
.................................... 31, 32, 48, 256
SPORT handling mode .....................31
SRS ............................. 31, 32, 38, 257
Turn signals ..................................... 30
Language, selecting .......................... 12310Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 10

ESP®
.............................................. 228
Fog lamps .............................. 250, 252
Gas cap .......................................... 249
Gear selector lever ........................234
High-beam lamps ........................... 251
Hood .............................................. 241
License plate lamps .......................251
Light sensor ................................... 251
Low-beam lamps ............................ 251
Parking brake ................................ 239
Parking lamps ................................ 251
Passenger front air bag ..................229
Reserve fuel ................................... 249
Retractable hardtop .......................241
Reverse lamp ................................. 249
Roll bar .................................... 51, 240
Side marker lamps .........................250
SmartKey ....................................... 242
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........242
SRS ................................................ 240
Tail lamps ...................................... 252
Tele Aid .......................................... 240
Tire inflation pressure ............234, 253
Tire pressure monitor ....................234
Tires ...................................... 234, 253
Trunk ............................................. 241
Turn signals ................................... 253
Washer fluid ................................... 243
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 84
Buttons .......................................... 113
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Easy-entry/exit feature ...........85, 127
Gearshift control ............................ 108
Memory function .............................. 88
Overview .......................................... 27
N
Navigation menu ............................... 120
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions
Nets, parcel ....................................... 161
Night security illumination .............. 125
Normal occupant weight .................. 206
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 295
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 206
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 39
Children and air bags .......................39
Children in the vehicle .....................51
Fastening the seat belts ................... 48
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
Introduction ..................................... 38
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 43, 266
Roll bar ............................................ 51
Seat belts .................................. 40, 46
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 43
Self-test ........................................... 45
Odometer ........................................... 115
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 108
Operating safety .................................. 21
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 218
Overhead control panel ...................... 35
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 216
Paintwork code ................................. 295
Panic alarm .......................................... 54
Panorama roof
Sunshade ....................................... 160
Parcel nets ......................................... 161
Parking ............................................... 101
Parktronic system ..........................144
Parking and standing lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Parking brake .................................... 102
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
12Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 12

Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Introduction19230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 19Z

This information helps, for example, to
diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and
to continuously improve vehicle safety.
Daimler may access the information and
share it with others
R for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R with the consent of the vehicle owner or
lessee
R in response to an official request by law
enforcement or other government agency
R for use in dispute resolution involving
Daimler, its affiliates or sales/service
organization and/or
R as otherwise required or permitted by law
Please check the Tele Aid subscription
service agreement for details regarding the
information that may be recorded or
transmitted via that system.Introduction23230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 23Z

Instrument clusterFunctionPage:Coolant temperature gauge112? Coolant temperature
warning lamp263
;Speedometer with:# Left turn signal
indicator lamp
J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only255
÷ ABS/ESP® warning
lamp (Version 1)4 258
d ABS/ESP® warning
lamp (Version 2)4260
Ò Distronic indicator
lamp (white) or distance
warning lamp (red)5135,
262
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only 255
! Right turn signal
indicator lamp
FunctionPage=Left multifunction display
with:
Outside temperature
indicator or digital
speedometer (depending
on selected setting in the
control system)
116,
122
Main odometer114Set speed for cruise control
or Distronic
130,
136
?Reset button for: Trip odometer113Settings121Adjusting instrument
cluster illumination1124Depending on vehicle production date.5Vehicles without Distronic: Warning/indicator lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition isswitched on. It should go out when the engine is running.
30Instrument clusterAt a glance
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 30

Version 1 (depending on vehicle production date)FunctionPageATachometer with:K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp 92
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp 263
7 Seat belt telltale 48,
256
I Roll bar warning lamp258! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp
55,
255
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
38,
257
å ESP® OFF warning
lamp 258
h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
190,
265
FunctionPageh Low tire pressure
telltale, Canada only
190,
265 SPORT handling
mode warning lamp,
SL 63 AMG only
58,
258
BRight multifunction display
with:
Trip odometer113Transmission position
indicator104
Gear range indicator106Transmission program
mode indicator106
CFuel gauge with:8 Fuel tank reserve
warning lamp (the arrow
indicates that the fuel filler
flap is on the right-hand
side) 262
Instrument cluster31At a glance230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 31Z

Version 2 (depending on vehicle production date)FunctionPageATachometer with:K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp 92
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, Canada only263
7 Seat belt telltale 48,
256
I Roll bar warning lamp258! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp
55,
255
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
38,
257
= Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, USA only 263
h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
190,
265
h Low tire pressure
telltale, Canada only
190,
265
FunctionPage% ESP® OFF warning
lamp, SL 63 AMG only
58,
261
BRight multifunction display
with:
Trip odometer113Transmission position
indicator104
Gear range indicator106Transmission program
mode indicator106
CFuel gauge with:8 Fuel tank reserve
warning lamp (the arrow
indicates that the fuel filler
flap is on the right-hand
side) 262
32Instrument clusterAt a glance
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 32