MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2013 Owners Manual

Example: towing eye mounting covers
:
Front cover
; Back cover
The mountings for the screw-in towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, under the covers.
X Remove the towing eye from the bracket in
the trunk (
Y page 508).
X Front bumper: grip
with one finger into the
recess on the bottom edge of cover :.
X Pull cover :
forward
out of the bumper in
the direction of the arrow.
Cover : is fastened with a strap to the
opening.
X Rear bumper: push cover ; inwards on
the marking in the direction of the arrow.
X Take cover ; off the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it. Removing the towing eye
Example: towing eye mounting covers
:
Front cover
; Back cover
X Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Front bumper: place cover : on the
opening in the bumper as shown.
X Screw cover : into the opening in the
direction of the arrow.
Cover : is now hooked onto the upper
edge of the opening.
X To close, push the lower section of
cover :.
X Rear bumper: place cover ; on the
bumper and press it until it engages.
X Stow the towing eye in the bracket in the
trunk (

Y page 508). Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised. Intervention by ESP ®
could
otherwise damage the brake system. Towing and tow-starting
519
Roadside Assistance Z

X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 113).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the
SmartKey or
the KEYLESS-GO key with you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions ( Y page 518).Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
G
WARNING
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will then need
much more effort to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your style of driving
accordingly.
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to

position P when you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position N when towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 113).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the turn signals for the desired
direction flash. When the combination
switch is reset, the hazard warning lamps
start flashing again.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
SmartKey
instead

of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 135).
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 518). Transporting the vehicle
! Only lash

the vehicle down by the wheels
or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle
such as axle or steering components.
Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Tow-starting (emergency starting)
! Vehicles with an automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission. 520
Towing and tow-starting
Roadside Assistance

Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and that have the
correct fuse rating for the systems
concerned. Do
not attempt to repair or bridge
faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been
approved or attempting to repair or bridge
faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be
overloaded and result in a fire. Have the cause
traced and rectified at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by
the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Before changing a fuse
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(
Y page 154).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 135). On
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure the
ignition is switched off (Y page 135). All
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
must be off. The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R
fuse box

in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R Dashboard fuse box
R Fuse box in the rear
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 508). Fuse box in the engine compartment
! Make sure

that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
Open the hood (
Y page 496).
X Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X To open: open clamps ;.
X Fold cover : upwards in the direction of
the arrow and remove it. Fuses
521
Roadside Assistance Z

X
To close: check whether the seal is lying
correctly in cover :.
X Insert both openings = at the rear of
cover :
into
the brackets on the fuse box.
The brackets on the fuse box must be
completely visible in the two openings =
on the fuse box.
X Fold down cover :.
X Hook clamps ; into the fuse box and
close.
X Close the hood ( Y page 497).Dashboard fuse box
! Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
! Make sure

that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
To open: pull cover : outwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover :
at the front of the
dashboard.
X Fold cover : inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the rear
! Make sure

that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. The fuse box in the rear is located on the right-hand
side when viewed in the direction of travel.
X
To open: open the seat belt guide on the
right-hand seat and remove the seat belt
(Y page 99).
X Move the right-hand front seat as far
forward as possible (Y

page 99).
X Insert your fingers at the bottom of front
cover : between the cover and floor
covering.
X Remove front cover : towards the front
by pulling it in the direction of the arrow.
X Lift off top cover ; by pulling it in the
direction of the arrow. Fuses = are accessible through the two
openings in the top of the fuse box.522
FusesRoadside Assistance

X
To close: insert the securing tags
underneath top
cover ; in the recesses at
the top of the fuse box.
X Fold down top cover ; until it engages
audibly.
X Insert the securing tags underneath top
cover : in

the recesses at the front of the
fuse box.
X Push front cover : towards the rear until
it engages audibly.
X Move the right-hand seat backwards
(Y page 99).
X Hook the seat belt into the seat belt guide
on the right-hand seat ( Y page 99). Fuses
523
Roadside Assistance Z

524

Useful information ............................
526
Important safety notes ....................526
Operation ........................................... 526
Winter operation ............................... 528
Tire pressure ..................................... 529
Loading the vehicle ..........................537
All about wheels and tires ...............540
Changing a wheel ............................. 547
Wheel and tire combinations ...........552 525Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please
note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 31).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If
wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part (designation, manufacturer, model). G
WARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and
warning notices

on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R
suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on dimensions and types of
wheels and

tires for your vehicle can be found
(Y page 552).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R under "tire pressure" Operation
Information on driving
If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling

to one side. This may indicate that
the wheels or tires are damaged. If you
suspect that a tire is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon
as possible to check the wheels and tires for
damage. Hidden tire damage could also be
causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you find no signs of damage, have the tires
and wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb or
other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over
curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try
to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tires, particularly the
sidewalls, may be damaged. 526
Operation
Wheels and tires

Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Regularly check the wheels and tires of your
vehicle for
damage at least once a month, as
well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of
tire pressure. Pay particular attention to
damage such as:
R cuts in the tires
R punctures
R tears in the tires
R bulges on tires
R deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width
of the tire (Y page 527). If necessary, turn
the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect
the inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than the
standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
Do not use any other valve caps or systems,
e.g. tire pressure monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure as necessary ( Y page 529).
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R distance covered Tire tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient
tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means

that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: â in (3 mm)
R M+S tires: ã in (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached. Bar indicator
: for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately á

in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Operation
527
Wheels and tires Z

Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first
60 miles (100 km). They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth. as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may be used only in
conjunction with the activated tire pressure
loss warning system or the activated tire
pressure monitor and only on wheels
specifically tested by Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
a flat tire ( Y
page 510).
i Vehicles equipped

with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop. Winter operation
General notes
Have your

vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (
Y page 547). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures

below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause tears to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã

in

(4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ã
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted. 528
Winter operation
Wheels and tires