tow MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2012 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 31 At a glance
........................................... 37 Safety
................................................... 49 Opening and closing
...........................83 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..111 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........125 Climate control
................................. 139 Driving and parking
..........................153 On-board computer and displays
....227 COMAND Online
................................ 285 Stowing and features
.......................543 Maintenance and care
......................561 Breakdown assistance
.....................575 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 595 Technical data
................................... 619 Contents
3

Adjusting the vehicle height
Active Body Control (AMG vehi-
cles) .............................................. .202
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 199
Adjusting the volume
COMAND ....................................... 299
Navigation messages ..................... 299
Traffic announcements .................. 299
AIR FLOW .......................................... .144
Air pressure
see Tyre pressure
Air vents
Glove compartment ....................... 150
Important safety notes .................. 150
Setting .......................................... .150
Setting the blower output of the
AIRSCARF vents ............................ .151
Setting the centre air vents ........... 150
Setting the side air vents .............. .150
Switching AIRSCARF on/off .......... 117
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airbag
Headbag .......................................... 55
Airbags
Front airbag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 54
Important safety guidelines ............. 52
Sidebag ............................................ 54
Triggering ......................................... 51
AIRSCARF
Switching on/off ........................... 117
AIRSCARF vents
Setting the blower output .............. 151
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 79
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 79
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 79
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alternate route .................................. 357
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 241
Setting the colour (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 241 AMG
Button for AMG menu .................... 168
SETUP ............................................ 168
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 244
Anti-glare film ................................... .559
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 181
Ashtray ............................................... 549
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .237
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .237
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ....... .567
Hiding a service message .............. 567
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 567
Service message ............................ 566
Special service requirements ......... 567
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 79
Function .......................................... .79
Interior motion sensor .....................80
Switching off the alarm .................... 79
Tow-away protectio n ........................80
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 238
Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................ .214
Audio
Radio mode ................................... 462
Audio CD/DVD or MP3 mode
Switching to (Rear Seat Entertain-ment System) ................................ 528
Audio DVD
Pause function ............................... 474
Playback options ........................... 478
Safety notes .................................. 468
Setting the audio format ................ 478
Stop function ................................. 474
Switching to ................................... 472
Audio menu (COMAND Online) ......... 463
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 234 Index
5

Bonnet
Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-tion) ............................................... 562
Closing ........................................... 563
Display message ............................ 270
Important safety notes .................. 562
Opening ......................................... 563
Boot
Emergency release .......................... 99
Important safety notes .................... 94
Locking separately ........................... 98
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 98
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 95
Opening/closing (from the out-
side, HANDS-FREE ACCESS) ............ 96
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 95
Overview .......................................... 94
Power closing .................................. 93
Boot lid
Display message ............................ 270
Opening dimensions ...................... 629
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Boot load (maximum) ........................ 629
Boot separator
Display message ............................ 271
Fitting ............................................ 106
General notes ................................ 105
Opening/closing ............................ 106
Removing ....................................... 106
Bottle holders .................................... 549
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 253
Notes ............................................. 627
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 73
Display message ............................ 256
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 71
BAS .................................................. 71
BAS PLUS ........................................ 72
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 627
Display message ............................ 248
Driving tips .................................... 179 High-performance brake system .... 180
Important safety notes .................. 179
Parking brake ................................ 176
Warning lamp ................................. 275
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away
Buttons on the COMAND control-
ler ........................................................ 296 C
Call ...................................................... 397
Accepting/ending/rejecting .......... 396
Connecting .................................... 397
see Telephone
Call list
Display details ............................... 406
Call lists
Deleting ......................................... 407
Opening and selecting an entry ..... 405
Saving an entry in the address
book .............................................. 406
Calling up a fault
see Display messages
Capacities (technical data) ............... 622
Car
see Vehicle
Car key
see Key
Car wash (care) ................................. 568
Care
Automatic car wash ....................... 568
Carpets .......................................... 574
Display ........................................... 572
Exhaust pipe .................................. 572
Exterior lighting ............................. 571
Gear or selector lever .................... 573
High-pressure cleaner .................... 569
Interior ........................................... 572
Matt paintwork .............................. 570
Night View Assist Plus ................... 572
Notes ............................................. 568
Paint .............................................. 570
Plastic trim .................................... 573
Reversing camera .......................... 572
Roof lining ...................................... 574
Seat belt ........................................ 574 Index
7

ECO start/stop functio
n................ 158
Engine number ............................... 622
Jump-starting ................................. 586
Running irregularly ......................... 162
Starting problems .......................... 162
Starting the engine with the key .... 157
Starting with KEYLESS GO ............. 157
Stopping ........................................ 176
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 591
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 280
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 620
Problem (fault) ............................... 162
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 626
Checking the oil level ..................... 564
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 564
Display message ............................ 259
Filling capacity ............................... 626
Notes about oil grade s................... 626
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 564
Temperature (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 244
Topping up ..................................... 564
Viscosity ........................................ 626
Entering a junction name ................. 330
Entering a street name ..................... 327
Entering an address (example) ........ 326
Entering the house number .............. 327
Entering the town .............................. 327
Entry ........................................... 304, 307
Deleting ......................................... 307
Saving ............................................ 304
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle ....... 31
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 244
Characteristics ................................. 74
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 75
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ...................... 74 Display message ............................ 248
ETS .................................................. 73
Function/note s................................ 73
General notes .................................. 73
Important safety guidelines ............. 74
Warning lamp ................................. 277
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 73
Example display ........................ 473, 484
Audio CD mode .............................. 473
MUSIC REGISTER ........................... 484
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 572
Exterior lighting
Settings options ............................. 126
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 120
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 121
Folding in when locking (on-boardcomputer) ...................................... 243
Folding in/out (automatically )....... 121
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 121
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 121
Parking position ............................. 122
Resetting ....................................... 121
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 123 F
Factory setting (reset function) ....... 316
Fast forward
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) ......... 476
Video DVD ..................................... 513
Fast rewind
Audio mode (CD, DVD, MP3) ......... 476
Video DVD ..................................... 513
Fault message
see Display messages
Favourites (Internet) ......................... 459
Favourites button .............................. 313
Filler cap
see Fuel filler flap
Fire extinguisher ............................... 577
First-aid kit ......................................... 576
Fitting a wheel
Fitting a wheel ............................... 609
Lowering the vehicle ...................... 609 Index
13

SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem)
Display message ............................2 55
Introduction ..................................... 51
Warning lamp ................................. 280
Warning lamp (function) ................... 51
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 157
Station list ......................................... 464
Station pre-sets ................................. 465
Station search ................................... 465
STEER CONTROL .................................. 78
Steering (display message) .............. 271
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 118
Button overview ............................... 43
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 229
Cleaning ......................................... 573
Gearshift paddle s........................... 169
Important safety notes .................. 118
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 123
Steering wheel gearshift paddles .... 169
Stop function
Audio DVD ..................................... 474
Video DVD ..................................... 513
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 245
Storing channels
TV .................................................. 505
Storing stations
Radi o............................................. 466
Stowage areas ................................... 544
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under) ............................. 545
Centre console .............................. 545
Centre console (rear) ..................... 546
Cup holde r..................................... 548
Glove compartment ....................... 544
Important safety information ......... 544
Rear ............................................... 546
Spectacles compartment ............... 545
Stowage net ....................................... 546
Stowage space
Display message ............................ 271
Stowage net ................................... 546
Umbrella holde r............................. 545 Stowage well beneath the boot
floor
.................................................... 548
Street View ........................................ 335
Summer tyres .................................... 598
Sun visor ............................................ 549
Supplemental Restraint System
see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 241
Surround sound ................................. 300
Surround sound (harman/
kardon® surround sound system)
Notes ............................................. 300
Switching on/of f........................... 301
Suspension tuning
Active Body Control (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 203
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 200
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 244
Switching between summer and
standard time .................................... 311
Switching wavelength (radio) .......... 464
System settings
Bluetooth® .................................... 313
Date ............................................... 311
Language ....................................... 313
LINGUATRONIC (voice control) ...... 312
Text reader speed .......................... 312
Time ............................................... 311
Time zone ...................................... 311 T
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 256
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 622
Emergency spare wheel ................. 617
Information .................................... 620
Tyres/wheels ................................. 610
Vehicle data ................................... 629
Telephone .................................. 397, 399
Accepting a cal l............................. 236 Index
25

Text messages
Telephone module with Blue-
tooth® (SAP profile) ...................... 425
Text messages (SMS)
Notes and requirements ................ 409
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system )......... 79
Immobiliser ...................................... 79
Time
Setting ........................................... 312
Setting summer/standard time ..... 311
Setting the format ......................... 311
Setting the time ............................. 311
Setting the time manually .............. 311
Setting the time zone ..................... 311
Setting the time/date format ........ 311
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 245
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 579
TMC (Traffic Message Channel)
Displays on the map ...................... 365
Switching dynamic route guid-
ance on/of f................................... 364
Tone settings ..................................... 300
Balance and fader .......................... 300
Total distance recorder .................... 231
Tow-away protection
Activating ......................................... 80
Deactivating ..................................... 80
Function ........................................... 80
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 591
Important safety notes .................. 588
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 588
With the rear axle raised ................ 590
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye .................... 589
Removing the towing eye ............... 590
With both axles on the ground ....... 591
Track
Selecting (CD, DVD, MP3 ).............. 475
Selecting using the number key-
pad ................................................ 475
Track information .............................. 530
Traffic Announcement (TA)
Interrupting .................................... 468
Notes ............................................. 467 Switching on/of
f........................... 467
Traffic jam function ........................... 357
Traffic jam icon .................................. 365
Showing on route ........................... 365
Traffic jam message .......................... 367
Reading out on route ..................... 367
Traffic jams ........................................ 365
Showing in the map ....................... 365
Traffic Message Channel
see TMC (Traffic Message Channel)
Traffic messages
see Dynamic route guidance/TMC
Traffic Programme (TA)
Switching off .................................. 299
Traffic reports ........................... 365, 367
Reading out on route ..................... 367
Real-time traffic news .................... 366
Showing in the map ....................... 365
Showing on route ........................... 365
Traffic symbol information ............. 365
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 163
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 591
Travel guide
Activating/deactivating data ......... 348
Calling up ....................................... 349
Choosing topics ............................. 350
Exploring a destination or route ..... 350
Selecting a destination or route on
the map ......................................... 350
ViaMichelin .................................... 348
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 573
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 231
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 231
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 232
True Image™ ...................................... 302
Turn signals
Switching on/of f........................... 129
TV
Alphabetical browser ..................... 506
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 501
Digital teletext (MHEG-5) ............... 508
Fixing a channel ............................. 507 Index
27

Locking (in an emergency) ............... 93
Locking (key) ................................... 85
Lowering ........................................ 609
Pulling away ................................... 158
Raising ........................................... 607
Registration ..................................... 34
Securing from rolling away ............ 606
Tow-starting ................................... 588
Towing away .................................. 588
Transporting .................................. 591
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 93
Unlocking (key) ................................ 85
Vehicle data ................................... 629
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 629
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 629
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 93
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 622
Vehicle level
Active Body Control (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 202
Active Body Control (except AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 199
Display message ............................ 260
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 577
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 235
see Video DVD
Video DVD .......................................... 514
Automatic picture shutoff .............. 501
Data carrier .................................... 511
DVD menu ..................................... 514
Fast forward/rewind ...................... 513
Function restrictions ...................... 511
Interactive content ........................ 516
Operation ....................................... 511
Pause function ............................... 513
Playing conditions .......................... 511
Safety notes .................................. 511
Selecting ........................................ 514
Selecting a film/title ...................... 514
Selecting a scene/chapter ............ 513
Setting the audio format ................ 515
Setting the language ...................... 515 Setting the picture ......................... 502
Showing/hiding the menu ............. 512
Showing/hiding the navigation
menu ............................................. 512
Stop function ................................. 513
Subtitles ........................................ 516
Switching on .................................. 512
Video-AUX
Setting the picture ......................... 502
VIN ...................................................... 622 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 275
Brakes ........................................... 275
Distance warning signal ................. 283
ESP® ............................................. 277
ESP® OFF ...................................... 278
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 182
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 186
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 194
Overview .......................................... 42
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 63
Reserve fuel ................................... 280
Seat belt ........................................ 274
SRS ................................................ 280
Tyre pressure monitor ................... 284
Warning triangle ................................ 576
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 272
Waypoints .......................... 335, 337, 338
Accepting waypoints for the
route .............................................. 338
Creating ......................................... 335
Editing ........................................... 337
Entering ......................................... 335
Searching for a filling station when the fuel level is lo w........................ 338
Weather display (COMAND
Online) ........................................ 447, 448
Calling up the weather map ........... 448
Information chart ........................... 447
Selecting locations in the informa-
tion chart ....................................... 447
Selecting the location .................... 447
Selecting the location in the
weather map .................................. 448 Index
29

G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to a diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This may
affect the operating safety of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a diagnos-
tics connection in the vehicle. G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardises the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
Always fit the floormats securely and as pre-
scribed in order to ensure that there is always sufficient room for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place several floor- mats on top of one another.
! If the engine is switched off and equip-
ment 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 dur-
ing the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
A qualified specialist workshop has the nec-
essary special skills, tools and qualifications
to correctly carry out any necessary work on
your vehicle. This particularly applies to work
relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Service Booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work R
repair work
R modifications, installations and conver-
sions
R work on electronic components
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Vehicle registration
Mercedes-Benz may ask its Service Centres
to carry out technical inspections on certain
vehicles. The quality or safety of the vehicle is
improved as a result of the inspection.
Mercedes-Benz can only inform you about
vehicle checks if it has your registration data.
It is possible that your vehicle has not yet
been registered in your name in the following
cases:
R if your vehicle was not purchased at an
authorised specialist dealer.
R if your vehicle has not yet been examined at
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
It is advisable to register your vehicle with a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible
about any change in address or vehicle own-
ership. You can do this at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre, for example. Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognise certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when driv- ing your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the technical data in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles 34
Introduction

Centre console, lower section (except AMG vehicles)
Function Page
:
Stowage compartment 545
Cup holders 548
Ashtray 549
;
COMAND controller 296
=
Seat adjustment 318
?
Favourites button 313
A
Roof switch 104
B
Opens/closes the side win-
dows 100
C
Extends/retracts the
draught stop
108
D
Stowage compartment with
Media Interface 545
Cigarette lighter 550
Power socket 551
E
Selects park position 163 Function Page
F
¤
start/stop button 158
G
Shows the driving condi-
tions menu in the COMAND
display (vehicles with
Active Body Control) 201
H
É
Sets the vehicle level 199
I
Adjusts the suspension set-
tings 199
Sets the suspension tuning
(vehicles with Active Body
Control)
200
J
Ú
Selects the drive pro-
gram/program selector
button 167
K
Transmission positions 166
L
Selector lever 163Centre console
45At a glance

Centre console, lower section (AMG vehicles)
Function Page
:
Stowage compartment 545
Cup holders 548
Ashtray 549
;
COMAND controller 296
=
Seat adjustment 318
?
Favourites button 313
A
Roof switch 104
B
Opens/closes the side win-
dows 100
C
Extends/retracts the
draught stop
108
D
Stowage compartment with
Media Interface 545
Cigarette lighter 550
Power socket 551 Function Page
E
Selects park position 163
F
Drive program selector 168
G
ß
button (drive program
or calling up/storing sus-
pension tuning) 168
H
à
Adjusts the suspen-
sion setting 203
I
å
ESP® 74
J
Transmission positions 166
K
Selector lever 16346
Centre consoleAt a glance