towing MERCEDES-BENZ SL-CLASS ROADSTER 2016 Owners Manual

see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 41
Brightness, setting (TV, video) ......... 475
Buttons on the COMAND control-
ler ........................................................ 295
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 32
Call
Accepting/ending/rejecting .......... 389
see Telephone
Call lists
Displaying details ........................... 397
Opening and selecting an entry ..... 397
Saving an entry in the address
book .............................................. 397
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Car key
see SmartKey
Car pool lanes .................................... 323
Care
Car wash ........................................ 542
Carpets .......................................... 548
Display ........................................... 546
Exhaust pipe .................................. 546
Exterior lights ................................ 545
Gear or selector lever .................... 547
Interior ........................................... 546
Matte finish ................................... 544
Night View Assist Plus ................... 547
Notes ............................................. 541
Paint .............................................. 543
Plastic trim .................................... 547
Power washer ................................ 543
Rear view camera .......................... 546
Roof lining ...................................... 548
Seat belt ........................................ 548
Seat cover ..................................... 548
Sensors ......................................... 546
Steering wheel ............................... 547 Trim pieces .................................... 547
Washing by hand ........................... 542
Wheels ........................................... 544
Windows ........................................ 545
Wiper blades .................................. 545
Wooden trim .................................. 547
Category list (music search) ............ 454
CD
Copy protection ............................. 454
Fast forward/fast rewind ............... 450
General information ....................... 454
Inserting ........................................ 446
Inserting/loading (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 491
Mode, switching to ........................ 448
Multisession .................................. 453
Notes on discs ............................... 454
Pause function ............................... 449
Removing/ejecting (Rear Seat
Entertainment System) .................. 491
Safety notes .................................. 446
Selecting a media type .................. 449
Selecting a track ............................ 449
Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble) ............................................ 298
CD mode
Playb
ack options ........................... 452
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 229
CD/DVD
Inserting ........................................ 447
Removing ....................................... 447
Center console
Lower section .................................. 45
Lower section (AMG vehicles) .......... 46
Upper section .................................. 44
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 234
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 82
Changing direction
Announcement phase .................... 347
Change-of-direction phase ............. 347
Preparation phase ......................... 347
Changing the character set .............. 304
Channel presets ................................ 438
Characters
Changing the character set ............ 302
Index7

Service life ..................................... 570
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 588
Speed rating (definition) ................ 587
Storing ........................................... 589
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 586
Summer tires ................................. 570
Temperature .................................. 582
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 588
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 588
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 587
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 586
Tire size (data) ............................... 593
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 582
Tire tread ....................................... 569
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 588
Total load limit (definition) ............. 588
Traction ......................................... 581
Traction (definition) ....................... 588
Tread wear ..................................... 581
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 581
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 586
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 588
Wheel and tire combination ........... 595
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 587
see Flat tire
Tone settings
Balance and fader .......................... 298
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 564
Important safety notes .................. 561
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 561
Installing the towing eye ................ 562
Removing the towing eye ............... 563
Transporting the vehicle ................ 564
With both axles on the ground ....... 563
With the rear axle raised ................ 563
Track
Selecting (CD, MP3) ....................... 449
Selecting using the number key-
pad ................................................ 450
Track information .............................. 494
Traffic jam function ........................... 351 Traffic reports
Calling up a list .............................. 359
Real-time traf fic re
port .................. 360
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 159
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 564
Treble, adjusting (sound) .................. 298
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 547
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 225
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 225
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 227
True Image™ ...................................... 300
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 96
Important safety notes .................... 91
Locking separately ........................... 95
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 95
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 92
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 93
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 92
Overview .......................................... 91
Power closing .................................. 90
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 267
Opening dimensions ...................... 608
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 608
Trunk partition
Display message ............................ 267
General notes ................................ 102
Installing ........................................ 103
Opening/closing ............................ 103
Removing ....................................... 103
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 253
Switching on/off ........................... 125
TV
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 474
Picture settings .............................. 475
26Index

Sound settings (balance, bass,
treble) ............................................ 298
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 600
Installation ..................................... 600
Transmission output (maximum) .... 600
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Umbrella holder ................................. 515
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 90
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 89
Updating the digital map .................. 377
Upshift indicator (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ....... 236
USB
see Media Interface
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 519
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 35
Data acquisition ....................... 36, 286
Display message ............................ 266
Electronics ..................................... 600
Equipment ....................................... 31
Individual settings .......................... 232
Limited Warranty ............................. 35
Loading .......................................... 578
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 90
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 82
Lowering ........................................ 593
Maintenance .................................... 32
Parking for a long period ................ 174
Pulling away ................................... 154
Raising ........................................... 590
Reporting problems ......................... 35
Securing from rolling away ............ 589
Tow-starting ................................... 561
Towing away .................................. 561
Transporting .................................. 564
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 90
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 82 Vehicle data ................................... 608
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 608
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 608
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 90
Vehicle height
Active Body Control (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 194
Active Body Control (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) ................................ 197
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 601
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 194
Active Body Control (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) ................................ 197
Display message ............................ 258
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 550
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 229
see Video DVD
Video AUX
Setting the picture ......................... 475
Video DVD
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 474
DVD menu ..................................... 478
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 477
Function restrictions ...................... 476
Interactive content ........................ 480
Notes on discs ............................... 475
Operation ....................................... 475
Pause function ............................... 478
P

laying conditions .......................... 476
Safety notes .................................. 475
Selecting ........................................ 478
Selecting a film/title ...................... 478
Selecting a scene/chapter ............ 478
Setting the audio format ................ 479
Setting the language ...................... 479
Setting the picture ......................... 475
Showing/hiding the control
menu ............................................. 476
Showing/hiding the menu ............. 477
Stop function ................................. 477
Index27

sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on stowing objects, lug-
gage and loads securely can be found under
“Stowing options/stowage compartments”
(
Ypage 514).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems 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 secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing system of child restraint sys-
tems is the seat belt system.
If you install a child restraint system on the
front-passenger seat, be sure to read and fol-
low the information on the "Occupant Classi-
fication System (OCS)" (
Ypage 59). There you
will also find information on deactivating the
front-passenger front air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ards 213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system
corresponds to the standards can be found on an instruction label on the child restraint
system. This confirmation can also be found
in the installation instructions that are inclu-
ded with the child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General notes
If you install a child restraint system onto the
front-passenger seat, always observe the
instructions and safety notes on the "Occu-
pant Classification System (OCS)"
(
Ypage 59).
You can thus avoid the risks that could arise
as a result of:
Ran incorrectly categorized person in the
front-passenger seat
Rthe unintentional deactivation of the front-
passenger front air bag
Rthe unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board
Rearward-facing child restraint system
If it is absolutely necessary to install a rear-
ward-facing child restraint system on the
front-passenger seat, always make sure that
the front-passenger front air bag is deactiva-
ted. Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp is permanently lit (
Ypage 51)
is the front-passenger front air bag deactiva-
ted.
Always observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation and operating
instructions.
Forward-facing child restraint system
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat,
always move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible. Fully retract the seat cush-
70Children in the vehicle
Safety

tection measures (PRE-SAFE®) are activa-
ted simultaneously.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes func-
tion as usual again, if:
Ryou release the brake pedal.
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision.
Rno obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal.
Ryou activate kickdown.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71).
ESP
®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP
®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP
®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 71).
ETS traction control is part of ESP
®.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example
if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction. ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP
®.
iMercedes-AMG vehicles:
your vehicle
may be equipped with 20-inch tires on the
rear axle. After changing to 19 inch wheels,
ETS may intervene noticeably earlier during
the first few kilometers. After approx-
imately 10 km ETS will function as usual
again. Information on the dimensions and
types of wheels and tires for your vehicle
can be found in the "Wheel/tire combina-
tions" section (
Ypage 593).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on ESP®
(Ypage 563).
ESP
®is only deactivated if the åwarning
lamp is lit continuously.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP
®not avail-
able due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(
Ypage 274) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 240).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If the ÷ ESP
®warning lamp goes out
before beginning the journey, ESP®is auto-
matically active.
74Driving safet ysystem s
Safety

To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else covering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example, in parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehi- cle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpect-
edly accelerate the vehicle to the stored
speed. This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
Rbe so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
Cruise control lever
:
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
;To set the specified minimum distance
=To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
?To store the current speed or a lower
speed
ATo deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS; storing,
maintaining and calling up a speed
Important safety notes
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
184Driving systems
Driving and parking

To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the fol-
lowing conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Ryour vehicle must not be secured by the
electric parking brake.
RESP®must be activated.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Rthe hood must be closed.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift fromPto Dor your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating
Cruise control lever
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ;, up :or down =.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-
ments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up :to the pressure point for a higher speed, or down
=
for a lower speed.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.
or
XTo adjust the speed in 5 mph incre-
ments (10 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up :past
the pressure point for a higher speed, or
down =for a lower speed.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
When driving at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h) , you can only activate DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected
and is shown in the multifunction display. If
the vehicle in front is no longer detected and
displayed, for example because it has
changed lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactiva-
ted. You will hear a warning tone if this is the
case.
iIf you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC
PLUSPassivemes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
The set distance to a slower-moving vehicle
in front will then not be maintained. You will
be driving at the speed you determine by
the position of the accelerator pedal.
Driving systems185
Driving and parking
Z

because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-
cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the
detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals
an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC
PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activat-
ing DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with
crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Deactivate the HOLD function (
Ypage 192) .
Driving systems191
Driving and parking
Z

Roadside Assistance button
XPress Roadside Assistance button:.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button :flashes while the call is active.
The multifunction display shows the Con‐
necting Callmessage. The audio output
is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call Con‐
nectedmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
Rcurrent location of the vehicle
Rvehicle identification number
iThe COMAND display indicates that a call
is active. During the call, you can change to
the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on COMAND, for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the remote malfunction diagnosis, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
can ascertain the nature of the problem
(
Ypage 528).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or makes arrangements for your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
Further details are available in your mbrace
manual.
iThe system has not been able to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call, if:
Rthe indicator lamp for Roadside Assis-
tance call button :is flashing continu-
ously.
Rno voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This can occur if the re
levant mobile phone
network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed
message appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo end a call: press the~button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on COMAND.
MB Info call button
XPress MB Info call button :.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in MB Info call button :
flashes while the connection is being made.
The multifunction display shows the Con‐
nectingCallmessage. The audio system
is muted.
524Features
Stowage and features

should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!It is preferable to use car washes with
adjustable high-pressure pre-cleaning that
corresponds to the specification for the
Cabriolet program. In car washes that use
high water pressures, there is a risk that a
small amount of water may leak into the
vehicle.
!Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS: if a
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is within the
detection range of the KEYLESS-GO
antenna, the following situations could lead
to the unintentional opening of the trunk
lid:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least
6.5 ft (2 m) away from the vehicle.
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If you have your vehicle cleaned in a high-
pressure automatic car wash, small
amounts of water may enter the vehicle.
!Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the roof are com-
pletely closed
Rthe climate control blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is at position
0
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
shield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
542Care
Maintenance and care