service MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2008 Owners Manual

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Disclaimer
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special equipment of your vehicle. Country-specific language variations are
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described functions. This also affects safety-relevant systems and functions.
Please contact your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership if you would like
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Thank yo
ufor choosing Mercedes-Benz.
Before yo udrive off, familiaris eyours elfw ith
your vehicl eand rea dthe Operating Instruc-
tions. Thi swillh elpy ou to obtai nthe maxi-
mu mp leasur efrom your vehicl eand to avoid
endangering yoursel fand others.
Item sofo ptional equipment ar emarked with
an asterisk *.
The equipment in your vehicl emayvary,
depending on the model ,the ordere ditems,
the country specifications and availability.
The illustrations in thi smanualsho wal eft-
hand-driv evehicle. The arrangement of the
switches, levers, stowag ecompartments,
etc. will diffe raccordingl yinaright-hand-
drive vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the ar tand therefore
reserves the right to introduce change sin
design, equipment and technica lfeatures at
any time .You cannot, therefore, base any
claims on the data, illustrations or descrip-
tions in thi smanual.
Please consult aMercedes-Benz Service
Centre if yo uhavea ny questions.
The Owner' sManual, Brief Instructions,
Service Bookle tand supplements specifi cto
vehicl eequipment belong with the vehicle.
Yo us houl dalway skeept hem in the vehicle and pass them on to the new owner if yo
usell
the vehicle.
The technica ldocumentatio nteamat
Daimle rAGwishe sy ou safe and pleasant
motoring.
i Youc an ge ttoknow the important fea-
tures of your vehicl einGerma nand in
Englis hinthe interactive Owner' sManual
on the Internet at:
www.mercedes-benz.de/betriebsanlei-
tung
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3A
ABC see Active Body Control
ABC (Active Bod yControl)
Display message ....................... 204, 205
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .....53
Display message .............. 205
Warning lamp ............. 233, 234
Acceleration
Technical data ................ 291
Accident
Notes ....................... 241
Active Body Control (ABC) ........139
Active light system see Ligh tsystem (active)
Active Light System
Display message .............. 220
Active service system
see Service interva ldisplay
Adaptive brake lamps .............54
Airbag Activation ..................... 41
Control unit ................... 41
Driver's ....................... 44
Front ........................ 44
Front passenger ................ 44
Head/thorax airbags ............45PASSENGER AIRB
AGOFF warning
lamp ....................... 231
System ....................... 43
Ai rc onditioning
Activating/deactivating .........147
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode ................ 152
Air-recirculation mode with con-
venience opening/closing feature .152
Automatic airc onditioning.......145
Controlling automatically ........148
Cooling with aird ehumidification..147
Demisting the windscreen .......151
Misted-up windows ............151
Rea rwindow heating ........... 152
Setting the aird istribution.......150
Setting the airflow .............151
Setting the airv ents............ 149
Setting the temperature .........148
Switching the residua lheatfunc-
tion on/off ................... 153
see Climate control
AIRSCARF neck-level heating .......76
Antifreez econcentration .........306
Anti-loc kbraking system
see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft systems ................ 59
Ashtray ........................ 165ASSYST
see Service interva ldisplay
ASSYST service interval display ...193
ATA (anti-theft alarm system) ......59
Switching off the alarm ..........60
Audibl ewarning signal ........... 240
AUTO lights Display message .............. 220
Automatic air conditioning
Malfunction indicator lamp ......231
Automatic car wash .............195
Automatic transmission Changing gea ryoursel f.......... 99
Display in the speedomete r.......99
Driving tip s.................. .101
Emergency running mode .......246
Malfunction .................. 246
One-touch gearshifting ...........99
Program selector button ........100
Selector leve rpositions .......... 99
Shift ranges .................. 100
Axl eload, maximum permissible ...299 B
BAS (Brake Assist) ................ 54
Basic display (on-board computer) .110
Battery Changing (key )................ 259
Changing (KEYLESS GO key) .....259 Index
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5
Children
In th evehicle .................. 47
Restrai ntsystems .............. 47
Chil dseat
Automatic recognition ...........49
Automatic recognition (malfunc-
tion) ........................ 232
Recommendations ..............51
Suitable positions .............. 50
Ciga rettel ighter ................ 166
Cockpit Overview ..................... 22
Collapsible emergency spare wheel
Stowage ..................... 274
Collapsibl ewheel
Pumping up .................. 273
Technical data ................ 297
COMAND ....................... 109
On-board computer ............109
see separate Operating Instructions
Constant headlamp mode
Setting (on-board computer) .....118
Consumptio nstatistic s(on -board
computer) ...................... 122
Coolant ........................ 180
Checking the leve l.............180
Display message ......214, 219, 220
Mixture ratio ................. 304
Temperature gauge ............106
Warning lamp ................. 236Cornerin
glight
Display message .............. 220
Cruis econtrol .................. 125
Display message ..........212, 213
Cup holder ..................... 159 D
Dashboard see Cockpit
see Instrument cluster
Daytime drivin glights
see Constant headlamp mode
Delaye dswitch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ....................... 119
Interior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ....................... 120
Digital speedometer .............111
Setting the unit (on-board com-
puter) ....................... 118
Dipped beam
Display message .............. 220
Dipped-beam headlamps
Symmetrical .................. 193
Display message ................ 202
Service indicator .............. 193
Symbo lmessages ............. 213
Text messages ................ 203
Up (AMG menu) ............... 111Distanc
erecorder
see Total distance recorder
see Trip meter
Distanc ewarning function ........131
Distanc ewarning lamp .......131, 233
Distronic ....................... 127
Cleaning the sensors ...........198
Cove r....................... 198
Display message ......206, 207, 213
Distance warning function .......131
Driving tips ................... 133
Warning lamp ................. 233
Door
Automatic locking .............. 68
Display message .............. 214
Emergency locking .............256
Emergency unlocking ...........255
Opening (from the inside) ........67
Door control panel
Overview ..................... 34
Draught stop ................... 158
Drinks holder see Cuph older
Driver's airbag ................... 44
Driver's door Unlocking (K EYLESS GO) ......... 67
Driver's seat position .............86
Drivin gabroad .................. 193
Driving safety system .............53
ABS ......................... 53 Index
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11
Rear window heating
............152
Malfunction indicator lamp ......231
Refuelling ...................... 175
Remote control Garage door opene r............ 169
Programming (garage door
opener) ...................... 169
Replacing the wiper blades .......264
Reserve Display message .............. 227
Reserve fuel .................... 300
Display message .............. 227
Fuel tank .................... 300
Warning lamp ................. 239
Rese tbutton ................... 194
Restrain tsystem
see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Restrain tSystem
see SRS
Restrain tsystems
For children ................... 47
Rev counter .................... 106
Reverse gear Engaging (automatic transmission) .99
Reversin glamp
Displa ymessag e.............. 224
Roller sunblind ................. 159Roll-ove
rbar..................... 46
Display message .............. 228
Warning lamp ................. 237
Roof ........................... 154
Closing (key )................ .155
Closing (switch) ............... 155
Display message .............. 228
Malfunction .................. 249
Opening (key )................. 155
Opening (switch) .............. 155
Relocking .................... 156
Roof rack ...................... 160
Roof switch .................... 154
Run-on time (mobile phone) .......168 S
SBC Hold ....................... 137
Display message .............. 212
SBC TM
brake system .............. 57
Activation/Deactivatio n.......... 58
Malfunctio n.................. 242
Notes on driving ................ 58
Seat
Adjusting ..................... 74
Correct driver's seat position ......86
Storing settings ................ 82
Seat belt
Fastening ..................... 83
Warning lamp .............. 85, 238Seat heating
..................... 77
Seat ventilation .................. 77
Malfunctio nindicator lamp ......230
Selector lever
Display message .............. 209
Positions ..................... 99
Sensotronic Brake Control
see SBC TM
brak esystem
Service indicator
see Service indicator
Service products ................ 300
Brake fluid ................... 306
Coolant ..................... 304
Windscreen washer fluid ........306
Settings
Calling up astored setting ........83
Factory (key ).............. .64, 65
Factory (KEYLESS GO) ...........66
Factory (on-board computer) .....116
Settin gthe clock
see COMAND operating instructions
Settin gthe date
see COMAND operating instructions
Settin gthe time
see COMAND operating instructions
Settin gthe unit (on-board computer)
Speedometer ................. 117
SETUP (on-board computer) .......111 Index
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Protection of the environment
15Protection of the environment
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of integra-
ted environmental protection.
Our objectives are to use the natural
resources which form the basis of our exis-
tenceont his planet sparingly and in aman-
ner which takes the requirements of both
nature and humanity into consideration.
You too can help to protect the environ-
ment by operating your vehicle in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tyre wear depend
on the following factors:
R Operating condition sofyour vehicle
R Your personal driving style
You can influence both factors.
Therefore, please bear the following in
mind:
Operating conditions
R Avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R Make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct. R
Do not carry any unnecessary weight in
the vehicle.
R Keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
R Remove roof racks once you no longer
need them.
R Ar egularly serviced vehicle will contrib-
ute to environmental protection. You
should therefore adhere to the service
intervals.
R Always have maintenance work carried
out at aqualified specialist workshop,
e.g. aMercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Personal driving style
R Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when startingt he engine.
R Do not warm up the engine when the
vehicle is stationary.
R Drive carefully and maintain asafe dis-
tancef rom the vehicle in front.
R Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration.
R Change gear in good time and only use
each gear for up to 2
/ 3 of its maximum
engine speed.
R Switch off the engine in stationary traffic. Returning used vehicles
Mercedes-Benz will take back your
Mercedes-Benz to dispose of it in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner, in accordance
with the European Union (EU) End of Life
Vehicles Directive.
The End of Life Vehicles Directive appliesto
vehicles of up to 3.5 tgross vehicle weight, in
accordanc ewith national regulations. For
several years, Mercedes-Benz has been
meeting all the legal requirements for a
design which allowsf or recycling and re-use.
There is anetwork of return points and dis-
assembly plants which can recycle your vehi-
cle in an environmentally-responsible man-
ner. The options for recycling vehicles and
parts are constantly being developed and
improved. This means that your Mercedes-
Benz will also continue to meet even the
increased recycling quotas in the future in
good time. You can obtain further information
from your national Mercedes-Benz homepage
or your national hotline number. Introduction
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Operating safety
16 Operating safety
Safet
ynotes G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have work on the vehicle carried out
by aq ualified specialist workshop. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems as well as maintenance
work must be carried out at aqualified spe-
cialist workshop. The workshop must have
the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
aM ercedes-Benz Service Centr efor this
purpose. G
Risk of accident and injury
Some safety systems only function while
the engin eisrunning. Therefore, do not
switch the engin eoff when driving. Other-
wise, the safety systems in your vehicle
may no longer function correctly and
thereby not provide you or other swith the
intended degree of protection .There is also
ar isk that you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident. G
Risk of accident and injury
Work carried out incorrectly or impermissi-
ble modifications to the vehicle, for exam-
ple cables laid under trim ,can impair the
function of the safety systems .The safety
systems may no longer be able to protect
you or other sasthey are designed to do.
There is also arisk that you could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Have all work on and modifications to the
vehicle, such as installations or conver-
sions, carried out at aqualified workshop. G
Risk of accident
Ah eavy impact to the underbody, tyres or
wheels, for example when bottoming out on
rough terrain or driving over an obstacle at
high speed, could damage your vehicle. As
ar esult, you could cause an accident. This
also applies to vehicles which are equipped
with underbody protection.
For this reason, drive slowly over obstacles,
avoid bottoming out the vehicle in rough
terrain and, if necessary, have your vehicle
checked at aqualified specialist workshop. G
Risk of accident
If work on electronic equipment and its
software is carried out incorrectly, the
equipment could stop functioning. The
electronic systems are networked via inter-
faces. Tampering with these electronic sys-
tems could cause malfunction sinsystems
which have not been modified. Such mal-
function scan seriously compromise the
vehicle’s operatin gsafety and your own
safety as well.
Have all work on and modifications to elec-
tronic component scarried out at aqualified
workshop. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspection soncertain
vehicles to improve their quality or safety.
If you did not purchase your vehicle from an
authorised specialist dealer and your vehicle
has never been inspected at aMercedes-
Ben zService Centre, it is possible that your
vehicle is not registered in your name with
Mercedes-Benz .Mercedes-Benz can only
infor myou about vehicle checks if it has your
registration data. Introduction
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Operating safety
17
It is advisable to register your vehicle with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible
about any chang
einaddress or vehicle own-
ership. Correct use
Observe the following information when using
your vehicle:
R The safety notes in this manual
R The "Technical data" section in this manual
R National road traffic regulations
R National road traffic licensin gregulations G
Risk of injury
Various warning stickers are affixed to your
vehicle. Their purpose is to draw your atten-
tion ,and the attention of others, to various
dangers. Therefore, do not remove any
warning stickers unless the sticker clearly
states that you may do so.
If you remove the warning stickers ,you or
other scould be injured by failing to recog-
nise certain dangers. Introduction
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Occupant safety
40 Occupant safety
Notes on occupant safety
Seat belts, together with belt tensioners ,belt
forc elimiters and airbags, are coordinated
restraint systems .They reduce the risk of
injury in defined acciden tsituation sand
thereby increase occupant safety. However,
seat belts and airbags generally do not pro-
tec tagainst objects penetratin gthe vehicle
from the outside.
To ensure that the restraint systems can
deliver their full potential protection ,you
should ensure that:
R the seat and head restraint are adjusted
properly (Y page 74)
R the seat belt has been fastened properly
(Y page 83)
R the airbags can inflat eproperly if they are
deployed (Y page 43)
R the steering wheel is adjusted properly
(Y page 78)
R the restraint systems have not been modi-
fied
i An airbag increases the protection of
vehicle occupants wearing aseat belt. However, airbags are only an additional
restraint system which complements, but
does not replace, the seat belt. All vehicle
occupants must wear their seat belt cor-
rectly at all times, even if the vehicle is
equipped with airbags. This is because
-on
the one hand -airbags are not deployed in
all types of accident, as in some situations
airbag deployment would not increase the
protection afforded to vehicle occupants,
provided they are wearing their seat belt
correctly. On the other hand, airbag deploy-
ment only provides increased protection if
the seat belt is worn correctly because:
R the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle
occupant in the best position in relation
to the airbag
R for example, in ahead-on collision, the
seat belt can more adequately prevent
the occupant from being propelled
towards the forc eofthe impact ,and is
thus better suited to preven tinjury
Therefore, in acciden tsituation swhere an
airbag is deployed, it only provides protec-
tion in addition to the seat belt if the seat
belt is being worn correctly. G
Risk of accident and injury
Always have maintenanc ework carried out
at aq ualified specialist workshop which
has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
aM ercedes-Benz Service Centr efor this
purpose.
In particular, work relevant to safety or on
safety-related systems must be carried out
at aq ualified specialist workshop. If this
work is not carried out correctly, the oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be affec-
ted. There is arisk of an acciden tand injury. G
Risk of injury
The restraint system may not work as inten-
ded if the following component shave been
modified or work on these component shas
not been performed correctly:
R restraint system, consistin gofthe seat
belts and anchorages, belt tensioners,
belt forc elimiters ,airbags
R wiring
R networked electronic systems
Airbags or belt tensioners could then fail,
e.g. in the event of an acciden tinwhich the Safety
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Occupant safety
43
R
in the event of ahead-on or rear-en dcolli-
sion if the vehicle decelerates or acceler-
ates rapidly in alongitudinal direction
during the initial stages of the impact
R in certain situation sifthe vehicle over-
turns, and the system determines that it
can provide additional protection
R on the front-passenger side only if the
front-passenger seat is occupied and the
belt tongue is engaged in the buckle
If the belt tensioners are triggered you will
hear abang, which will not cause any harm to
your hearing, and asmall amount of powder
may also be released. The 1warning lamp
lights up. G
Risk of injury
If the seat belt tensioners have been trig-
gered, they provide no additional protec-
tion in the event of another accident.
Therefore, have belt tensioners which have
been triggered replaced at aqualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Comply with safety regulations when dis-
posing of belt tensioners .Any Mercedes-
Ben zService Centr ecan provide details of
these regulations. Airbags Airbag deployment slows down and restricts
the movement of the vehicle occupant.
If the airbags are deployed you will hear a
bang, which will not cause any harm to your
hearing, and
asmall amount of powder may
also be released. The 1warning lamp
lights up.
The SRS/AIRBAG identification indicates the
location of the airbags. G
Risk of injury
Airbags provide additional protection ;they
are not ,however, asubstitute for the seat
belts.
Observe the following notes to reduce the
risk of serious or even fatal injury if an air-
bag is deployed:
R all vehicle occupants —inparticular preg-
nant women —must wear their seat belt
correctly at all times and lean back
against the backrest, which should be
positioned as close to the vertical as pos-
sible. The head restraint must support
the back of the head at about eye level.
R alway ssecure children less than 1.5 0m
tall or under 12 years of age in suitable
child restraint systems. R
all vehicle occupants must select aseat
position that is as far away from the air-
bag as possible. The driver's seat posi-
tion must allow the vehicle to be driven
safely. The driver's chest should be as far
away from the middle of the driver's front
airbag cover as possible.
R move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible, in particular, if achild
is secured in achild restraint system on
the seat.
R vehicle occupants –inparticular, chil-
dren –must not lean their head on the
area of the window from which ahead/
thorax airbag is deployed.
R rearward-facing child restraint systems
must not be fitted to the front-passenger
seat unless the front-passenger fron tair-
bag has been disabled. The front-
passenger fron tairbag is disabled if a
child restraint system with automatic
child seat recognition is fitted to the
front-passenger seat. The
5 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp must be constantly lit.
If you secure aforward-facin gchild
restraint system to the front-passenger Safety
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