suspension MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2014 Owners Manual

Steering (display message)
..............175
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................102
Button overview ............................... 37
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 160
Important safety notes ..................102
Paddle shifters ............................... 126
Storing settings (memory function) 103
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 223
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........126
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 161
Stowage areas ................................... 204
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 204
Center console .............................. 204
Cup holders ................................... 206
Display message) ........................... 163
Eyeglasses compartment ...............204
Glove box ...................................... .204
Important safety information .........204
Stowage net ................................... 204
Stowage net ....................................... 204
Stowage space Center console (rear) .....................204
Umbrella holder ............................. 204
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 206
Sun visor ............................................ 206
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 161
Suspension tuning Active Body Control (AMG vehicles) 144
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 142
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........161
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 116
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............75
Systems settings (COMAND) see also Digital Operator's Manual 188 T
Tachometer ........................................ 160
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 163
see Lights Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 35
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 275
Information .................................... 274
Tires/wheels ................................. 268
Vehicle data ................................... 279
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 211
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 207
Downloading routes .......................207
Emergency call .............................. 208
Geo fencing ................................... 207
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............207
MB info call button ........................210
Remote vehicle locking ..................207
Roadside Assistance button ..........209
Search & Send ............................... 207
Self-test ......................................... 207
Speed alert .................................... 207
System .......................................... 207
Triggering the vehicle alarm ........... 207
Vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis ....................................... 207
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............207
Tele Aid
General notes ................................ 207
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 161
Menu (on-board computer) ............161
Number from the phone book ....... .161
Redialing ........................................ 161
Rejecting/ending a call .................161
see also Digital Operator's Manual 188
Telephone compartment ................204
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 160
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 161
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 161
Outside temperature ..................... .160
Setting (climate control) ................116
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........75
Immobilizer ...................................... 75
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................161
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 228 Index
17

Center console, lower section (except AMG vehicles)
Function Page
:
Stowage compartment ~
Cup holder ~
Ashtray ~
;
COMAND controller ~
=
Seat adjustment ~
?
Favorites button ~
A
Roof switch ~
B
Opens/closes the side
windows ~
C
Extends/retracts the wind
screen
96
D
Stowage compartment
Cigarette lighter ~
Socket ~
E
Selects park position 126
F
¤
ECO start/stop
button ~ Function Page
G
Shows the driving
conditions menu in the
COMAND display (vehicles
with Active Body Control)
143
H
É
Sets the vehicle level 142
I
Adjusts the suspension
settings
~
Sets the suspension tuning
(vehicles with Active Body
Control)
142
J
Ú
Selects the drive
program/program selector
button ~
K
Transmission positions ~
L
Selector lever 126Center console
39At a glance

Center console, lower section (AMG vehicles)
Function Page
:
Stowage compartment ~
Cup holder ~
Ashtray ~
;
COMAND controller ~
=
Seat adjustment ~
?
Favorites button ~
A
Roof switch ~
B
Opens/closes the side
windows
~
C
Extends/retracts the wind
screen
96
D
Stowage compartment
Cigarette lighter ~
Socket ~ Function Page
E
Selects park position 126
F
Drive program selector ~
G
ß
AMG button (drive
program or calls up/stores
suspension tuning) ~
H
à
Sets the suspension
tuning 144
I
å
ESP® 69
J
Transmission positions ~
K
Selector lever 12640
Center consoleAt a glance

Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles)
Vehicle level General notes
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the driving dynamics, the vehicle is
lowered as its speed increases. With the
SPORT suspension tuning, it is lowered by up
to 0.5 in (13 mm), with COMFORT by up to
0.2 in (5 mm). As the speed is reduced, the
vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The vehicle is slightly lowered if you:
R have selected the SPORT suspension
tuning at normal level and
R switch off the engine
Persons in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody may thus become trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody when you switch
off the engine. Setting raised level X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X Make sure that a speed of 75 mph
(120 km/h) is not exceeded.
X If indicator lamp ; ;is not lit: press
button :.
If the engine has been switched off by the
ECO start/stop function, it is now
restarted.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level
X Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If indicator lamp ; ;is lit: press
button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R are driving faster than approximately
75 mph (120 km/h).
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Suspension tuning You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual.142
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking

Driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual. Active Body Control (AMG vehicles)
Vehicle level General notes
In order to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the driving dynamics, the vehicle is
lowered as its speed increases. With the
SPORT suspension tuning, it is lowered by up
to 0.5 in (13 mm), with COMFORT by up to
0.2 in (5 mm). As the speed is reduced, the
vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Important safety notes
The vehicle is slightly lowered when the
engine is switched off. G
WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered. Setting raised level X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X Make sure that a speed of 75 mph
(120 km/h) is not exceeded.
X If icon ; ;is not shown: press=
or ; on the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Vehicle Level
Vehicle Level .
X Press the abutton.
The following message appears: Vehicle
Vehicle
Level Press 'OK' to Raise
Level Press 'OK' to Raise .
X Press the abutton.
If the engine has been switched off by the
ECO start/stop function, it is now
restarted.
Icon ;appears. The vehicle height is
adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level Driving syste
ms
143Driving an d parking Z

X
Make sure that the engine is running or that
it has been switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
X If icon ;
;is shown: press=or;
on the steering wheel to select the
DriveAssist
DriveAssist menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Vehicle Level Vehicle Level.
X Press the abutton.
The following message appears: Vehicle
Vehicle
Level Press 'OK' to Lower
Level Press 'OK' to Lower.
X Press the abutton.
Icon ;is faded out. The vehicle is adjusted
to normal level.
The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R are driving faster than approximately
75 mph (120 km/h).
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 50 mph (80 km/h).
Suspension tuning You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
Driving conditions menu in the
COMAND display You can find information about this in the
Digital Operator's Manual. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
!
When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror
N.
R release the electric parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors General notes
PARKTRONIC does not take objects into
consideration that are:
R
below the detection range, e.g. people,
animals or objects
R above the detection range, e.g.
overhanging loads, truck overhangs or
loading ramps. 144
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Driving systems
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ABC
ABC
Malfunction Malfunction The ABC function (Active Body Control) is restricted.
G WARNING
The vehicle's suspension tuning characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ABC ABC
Malfunction Stop Malfunction Stop
Vehicle Vehicle The vehicle level of the ABC is too low.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
After a few seconds, the vehicle level is adjusted and the display
message disappears. The vehicle is leaking oil.
The display message is shown continuously.
G WARNING
The vehicle's suspension tuning characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 130).
X Notify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service. ABC is malfunctioning.
The display message is shown continuously.
G WARNING
The suspension tuning characteristics are thus affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Do not drive at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Make only slight steering movements. Otherwise, the front
fender or the tires could be damaged if the steering movement
is too large.
X Listen for scraping sounds.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
173On-board computer and displays Z

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 30).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 an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R 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 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 268).
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 loaded, 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 244
OperationWheels and tires

the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of áin
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle. Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 227) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. Information on
driving with MOExtended tires in the event of
a flat tire can be found under "MOExtended
tires (tires with run-flat characteristics"
(Y page 227). Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components may also be damaged. There is a risk of
accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(Y page 264).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 mile s (5,000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if tire wear requires. Do
not change the direction of wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and, if
necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Changing a wheel
263Wheels and tires Z

Refrigerant instruction label
Example: refrigerant instruction label
:
Warning symbol
; Refrigerant filling capacity
= Applicable SAE standards
? PAG oil part number
A Type of refrigerant
Warning symbols :indicate:
R possible dangers
R having service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop
Filling capacities Missing values were not available at time of
going to print. All models Capacity
Refrigerant
550 ± 10 g
(19.4 ± 0.4 oz) PAG oil Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
-tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload. Dimensions and weights
Model : :Opening height
AMG vehicles
76.0 in - 76.6 in
(1931 mm -1945 mm) All other models
75.7 in (1923 mm)
SL 550
Vehicle length
181.6 in (4612 mm)
Vehicle length
when opening/
closing the roof
188.9 in (4798 mm)
Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors
82.6 in (2099 mm) Vehicle data
279Technical data Z