engine MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2014 User Guide

Vehicle level
Active Body Control (AMG vehicles) 143
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 142
Display message ............................ 173
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 226
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 161
see also Digital Operator's Manual 188
Video (DVD) ........................................ 161
VIN ...................................................... 274
Voice Control System see Separate operating instructions W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 177
Brakes ........................................... 177
Check Engine ................................. 175
Coolant .......................................... 183
Distance warning ........................... 184
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 184
ESP ®
.............................................. 179
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 180
Fuel tank ........................................ 175
General notes ................................ 175
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................51
Reserve fuel ................................... 175
Seat belt ........................................ 176
SPORT handling mode ...................180
SRS ................................................ 182
Tire pressure monitor ....................185
Warranty ............................................ 274
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 163
Weather display (COMAND)
see also Digital Operator's Manual 188
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........267
Wheel chock ...................................... 264
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 263
Checking ........................................ 245
Cleaning ......................................... 222
Cleaning (warning) .........................264
Important safety notes ..................244
Interchanging/changing ................263Mounting a new wheel
...................267
Mounting a wheel .......................... 264
Overview ........................................ 244
Removing a wheel ..........................266
Storing ........................................... 264
Tightening torque ........................... 267
Wheel size/tire size .......................268
Windows
see Side windows
Wind screen
Electrical wind screen ......................96
Manual wind screen .........................95
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 116
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid .......................219
Notes ............................................. 278
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................112
Replacing the wiper blades ............111
Switching on/off ........................... 111
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ...................131
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 222
Important safety notes ..................111
Replacing ....................................... 111
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 223
Workshops see Qualified specialist workshop Z
ZONE function Switching on/off ........................... 11620
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of
comprehensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight.
R remove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel
consumption. Environmental concerns and
recommendations
Wherever the operating instructions require
you to dispose of materials, first try to
regenerate or re-use them. Observe the
relevant environmental rules and regulations
when disposing of materials. In this way you
will help to protect the environment. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Devices, as well as control units and
sensors for these restraint systems, may be
installed in the following areas of your
vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R cockpit
R instrument cluster
R center console
Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint
systems. 26
Introduction

Have aftermarket accessories installed at
a qualified specialist workshop.
You could jeopardize the operating safety of
your vehicle if you use parts, tires and wheels
as well as accessories relevant to safety
which have not been approved by Mercedes.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-
relevant systems, e.g. the brake system. Use
only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tires, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject to
strict quality control. Every part has been
specifically developed, manufactured or
selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz
vehicles. Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should therefore be used.
More than 300,000 different genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts are available for
Mercedes-Benz models.
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a supply of genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts for necessary service and repair work.
In addition, strategically located parts
delivery centers provide quick and reliable
parts service.
Always specify the vehicle identification
number (VIN) (Y page 274) and the engine
number (Y page 274) when ordering genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts. Operator's Manual
Vehicle equipment
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of going to
print. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle may
not feature all functions described here. This
also applies to safety-relevant systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. The original purchase agreement lists all
systems installed in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operator's Manual and Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and should
be kept in the vehicle. Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State warranty enforcement laws (lemon
laws) Introduction
27 Z

If you have purchased a used car, please send
us the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in
the Service and Guarantee booklet or simply
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9 Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or
system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/
maintenance work as well as any required
repairs carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their
software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other
networked components. In particular,
systems relevant to safety could also be
affected. As a result, these may no longer
function as intended and/or jeopardize the
operating safety of the vehicle. There is an
increased risk of an accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and
electronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
! There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
R the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road
R you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g.
a curb or a hole in the road
R a heavy object strikes the undercarriage
or parts of the chassis. Introduction
29 Z

In situations like this, the body, the
undercarriage, chassis parts, wheels or
tires could be damaged without the
damage being visible. Components
damaged in this way can unexpectedly fail
or, in the case of an accident, no longer
withstand the strain they are designed to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged,
combustible materials such as leaves,
grass or twigs can gather between the
underbody and the underbody paneling. If
these materials come in contact with hot
parts of the exhaust system for an
extended period, they can catch fire.
Have the vehicle checked and repaired
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. If on continuing your journey
you notice that driving safety is impaired,
pull over and stop the vehicle immediately,
paying attention to road and traffic
conditions. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop. Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves USA:
"The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) These devices may not cause
harmful interference, and 2) These devices
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the
equipment."
Canada: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) These devices
may not cause interference, and (2) These
devices must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device." Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to the diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. As a result,
the operating safety of the vehicle could be
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a
diagnostics connection in the vehicle. G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection
is used, the starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics
connection can lead to emissions monitoring
information being reset, for example. This
may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements of the next emissions test
during the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and 30
Introduction

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
:
L
Low-beam
headlamps ~
;
T
Parking lamps ~
=
÷
ESP® 179
?
K
High-beam
headlamps ~
A
Electric parking brake (red)
F
(USA only) !
(Canada only) ~
B
!
Electric parking brake
(yellow) ~
C
·
Distance warning 184
D
#!
Turn signals ~
E
h
Tire pressure monitor 185 Function Page
F
6
SRS 182
G
ü
Seat belt 176
H
M
SPORT handling
mode (AMG vehicles) 180
I
?
Coolant 183
J
;
Check Engine ~
K
8
Reserve fuel ~
L
å
ESP®
OFF 179
M
!
ABS 177
N
Brakes 177
$
(USA only) J
(Canada only) 36
Instrument clusterAt a glance

systems for infants and children, see
"Children in the vehicle" (Y
page 62).SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction SRS consists of:
R
The 6 SRS warning lamp
R Air bags
R The air bag control unit with crash sensors
R Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
R Seat belt force limiter
SRS reduces the risk of vehicle occupants
coming into contact with parts of the
vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.
It can also reduce the forces to which vehicle
occupants are subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamp G
WARNING
If SRS is malfunctioning, child restraint
system components may be triggered
unintentionally or might not be triggered at all
in the event of an accident with a high rate of
vehicle deceleration. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Have SRS checked and repaired immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop.
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the 6SRS warning lamp
goes out while the engine is running. There is a malfunction if:
R
the 6 SRS warning lamp does not light
up when the ignition is switched on
R the engine is running and the 6SRS
warning lamp does not go out after a few
seconds
R the engine is running and the 6SRS
warning lamp lights up again
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags G
WARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. In California, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm.
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R Do not make any modifications to the SRS
wiring or components.
R Do not modify or remove any components
or parts of the SRS. Occupant safety
45Safety
Z

When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 4PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine
is started and remain illuminated. This
indicates that the front-passenger front air
bag and the front-passenger knee bag are
deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp will illuminate when the engine is started
and remain illuminated. This indicates that
the front-passenger front air bag and the
front-passenger knee bag are deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-
month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp will illuminate for approximately 6
seconds when the engine is started.
Depending on occupant weight sensor
readings from the seat, it will then remain
illuminated or go out. If the 4PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is illuminated, the
front-passenger front air bag and the front-
passenger knee bag are deactivated. If the
4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is not illuminated, the front-passenger
front air bag and the front-passenger knee
bag are activated.
When the OCS senses that the front-
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 4PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF indicator lamp will illuminate for
approximately six seconds when the engine is
started and then go out. This indicates that
the front-passenger front air bag and the
front-passenger knee bag are activated. If the
4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-
passenger front air bag and the front-
passenger knee bag are deactivated and are
not deployed.
If the 4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front-
passenger front air bag and the front-
passenger knee bag are activated and are
deployed:
R in certain front impacts
R independently of the side impact air bag
and head bag
R if the impact has exceeded a
predetermined threshold value for
deployment
If the front-passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by:
R the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger's weight category as
determined by the OCS G
WARNING
Children under 12 years must be secured
correctly in a suitable infant or child restraint
system or booster seat suitable for the size
and weight of the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, in particular children, must sit as
upright as possible, fasten the seat belt
correctly and use a suitable infant restraint
system, child restraint system or booster seat
suitable for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be seriously or even fatally
injured by an air bag deploying.
Observe the following information:
R Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag and the front- 52
Occupant safetySafety

The seat belt adjustment is a convenience
function integrated in PRE-SAFE ®
(preventative occupant protection). More
information on PRE-SAFE ®
(Y page 57).
Releasing seat belts !
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop. X
Press release button ?on belt buckle =.
X Guide belt tongue ;back to seat belt
guide :.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger Regardless of whether the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the üseat belt warning lamp
lights up for six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out if the driver and
the front passenger have already fastened
their seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. This warning tone stops after
a maximum of six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If after six seconds, the driver or front
passenger have not fastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed:
R
the ü seat belt warning lamp remains lit
as long as the driver's or front-passenger's
seat belt is not fastened
and
R if a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is
exceeded, the 7seat belt warning lamp
begins to flash. A warning tone also sounds
with increasing intensity for a maximum of
60 seconds or until the driver or front
passenger have fastened their seat belts.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
ü seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front-passenger seat belt has still not been
fastened after 60 seconds. The üseat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the üseat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The ü seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the üseat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belts" (Y page 176). Occupant safety
61Safety Z

system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing
systems which have been damaged or
subjected 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 direction.
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
system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, before you install a child restraint
system again. G
WARNING
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. In the event
of an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position the shoulder belt across the chest
and shoulder, not the face or neck. A booster
seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat
belt positioning for children over 41 lbs
(18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/
shoulder belt fits properly without a booster
seat.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident. G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. G
WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot.
Children may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Protect it with a blanket, for example. If the
child restraint system has been exposed to
direct sunlight, let it cool down before
securing the child in it. Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle. 64
Child restraint systemsSafety