engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2018 User Guide

:Gear indicator
;Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XWhen the UPmessage appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles): it is only partly pos-
sible to engage the gears, or the transmission is in position i.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible to shift into secondgear
and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to position hork.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: ifh is selected, the transmission shifts
to second gear ifkis selected, the transmission shifts into
reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Automatic transmission139
Driving and parking
Z

If a malfunction in the electric parking brake
occurs, the transmission may also be shifted
into positionjautomatically.
RACE START
Important safety notes
iRACE START must not be used on normal
roads. RACE START must only be activated
and used on dedicated road circuits, outside
of public road use.
iRACE START is only available for Mercedes-
AMG vehicles except Mercedes-AMG C 43
4MATIC.
iRACE START is only available for Mercedes-
AMG vehicles except Mercedes-AMG C 43
4MATIC.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from
a standing start. For this, a suitably high-grip
road surface is required and the vehicle and tires
must be in good working order.
GWARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tires may
start to spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP
®mode, there
is an increased risk of skidding and having an accident. Make sure that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.
iObserve the safety notes on driving safety
systems (Ypage 60).
Be sure to read the safety notes and informa-
tion on ESP
®(Ypage 65).
Conditions for activation
You can activate RACE START if:
Rthe doors are closed.
Rthe engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
160 ‡ (71 †). This is the case when the oil
temperature gauge in the multifunction dis-
play is shown in white.
Rthe engine is running and the engine and
transmission are at operating temperature.
This is the case when the oil temperature
gauge in the multifunction display is shown in
white (
Ypage 197).
RESP®is functioning correctly. (Ypage 65)
Rthe drive program S,S+ orRace is selected
(Ypage 129)
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE START
iWhen manual mode (Ypage 136) is active,
the transmission automatically shifts up to
RACE START in the drive program. This func-
tion supports maximum acceleration with
RACE START. After going through an acceler-
ating process once from a stationary position, this function is automatically deactivated.
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel paddle shift-
ers.
XThe RACE START Confirm: Paddle UPCancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel paddle shifters.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer ful-
filled, RACE START is canceled. The RACE
START Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo cancel: pull the left steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 136).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steering wheel pad-
dle shifter (Ypage 136).
The RACESTARTAvailableDepressgaspedalmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator pedal
within a few seconds, RACE START is can-
celed. The multifunction display shows the
RACE START Canceled
message.
XDepress the accelerator pedal completely,
until the engine speed stops increasing.
The RACE
STARTReleasebraketostartmessage appears on the multifunction dis-
play.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal within
five seconds, RACE START is canceled. The
Driving systems161
Driving and parking
Z

XPress the=or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Conveniencesubmenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XUsing :or9, select the EasyEntry/Exitfunction.
If the EasyEntry/Exitfunction is activated,
the multifunction display shows the steering
wheel in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Further information on the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature (
Ypage 101).
Switching the seat belt adjustment on/off
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Conveniencesubmenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Belt Adjustmentfunction.
When the Belt Adjustmentfunction is acti-
vated, the seat belt is displayed in orange in
the multifunction display.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
For further information on belt adjustment, see
(
Ypage 44).
Switching the fold-in mirrors when lock-
ing feature on/off
This function is only available when the vehicle is
equipped with the electrical fold-in function.
This function is only available in Canada.
When you activate the Auto.
MirrorFoldingfunction, the exterior mirrors are folded in when
the vehicle is locked.
If you have switched on the Auto. Mirror
Foldingfunction and you fold in the exterior
mirrors using the button on the door
(
Ypage 103), they will not fold out automati-
cally. The exterior mirrors can then only be fol-
ded out using the button on the door.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Conveniencesubmenu.
XPress ato confirm.
XPress the :or9 button to select the
Auto. Mirror Foldingfunction.
If the Auto. Mirror Foldingfunction is
switched on, the multifunction display shows
the exterior mirror in orange.
XPress the abutton to save the setting.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Sett.menu.
XPress the:or9 button to select the
Factory Settingsubmenu.
XPress ato confirm.
The Reset All Settings?function
appears.
XPress the :or9 button to select Noor
Yes.
XPress the abutton to confirm the selec-
tion.
If you have selected Yes
and confirmed, the
multifunction display shows a confirmation
message.
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running
Lightsfunction in theLightssubmenu is only
reset if the vehicle is stationary.
AMG menu (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Warm-up
:Digital speedometer
;Gear indicator
=Upshift indicator
?Engine oil temperature
ACoolant temperature
BTransmission oil temperature
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
Upshift indicator: upshift indicatorUP=
indicates that the engine has reached the
overrevving range when in the manual drive
program.
Menus and submenus197
On-board computer and displays
Z

Engine and transmission oil temperature:
when the engine and transmission are at nor-
mal operating temperature, oil tempera-
ture?and Bare displayed in white in the
multifunction display.
If the multifunction display shows oil temper-
ature ?orB in blue, the engine or the
transmission are not yet at normal operating
temperature. Avoid driving at full engine out-
put during this time.
SETUP
:Engine mode C,S,S+or M
;Suspension setting SPORTorCOMFORT
=Transmission position D/M
?ESP®mode ( On/Off)
SETUP displays the following information, func-
tions and settings:
Rthe digital speedometer
Rthe gear indicator
Rthe engine mode
Rthe suspension mode
Rthe transmission position
Rthe ESP®(Electronic Stability Program) mode
XPress =or; on the steering wheel to
select the AMGmenu.
XPress9repeatedly until SETUP appears.
RACE TIMER
Displaying and starting RACE TIMER
The RACE TIMER is only intended for use on a
closed race circuit. Do not use the function on
public roads.
:Lap
;RACE TIMER
You can start the RACE TIMER when the engine
is running or if the SmartKey is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
XPress the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the AMGmenu.
XPress the9button repeatedly until the
RACE TIMER appears.
XTo start: press the abutton to start the
RACE TIMER.
Displaying the intermediate time
XPress the =or; button to select
Interm. Time.
XPress ato confirm.
The intermediate time appears for five sec-
onds.
Starting a new lap
:RACE TIMER
;Fastest lap time (best lap)
=Lap
XPress ato confirm New Lap.
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen laps.
The 16th lap can only be completed with Fin‐
ish Lap.
198Menus and submenus
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
#
See Operator'sMan ‐ual
The battery is no tbein gcharged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possibl ecauses are:
Radefective alternato r
Ratorn poly-V-belt
Ramalfunction in th eelectronics
!Do no tcontinu edriving. The engin ecould otherwise overheat.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
#
StopVehicl eSeeOperator' sManual
The battery is no longer bein gcharged and th econdition of charg eis
to olow.
A warning tone also sounds.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XObserv eth einstruction sin th edisplay message #See Oper‐ator's Manual.
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
4
CheckEngineOilAtNextRefueling
The engin eoil level has dropped to th eminimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
XHav eth eengin echecke dat aqualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engin eoil mor eoften than usual.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from aqualified
specialist workshop or on th eInternet at http://bevo.mercedes -
benz.com.
4
Check Engine OilLevel (Ad d 1quart)
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The engin eoil level is to olow.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
XHav eth eengin echecke dat aqualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engin eoil mor eoften than usual.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from aqualified
specialist workshop or on th eInternet at http://bevo.mercedes -
benz.com.
214Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
4
Engine Oil LevelLow StopVehicl eTurnEngine Off
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
The engin eoil level is to olow.
There is aris kof engin edamage.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XCheckth eengin eoil level (Ypage 259).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 259).
8
Fue lLevel Low
The fuel level has dropped int oth ereserv erange.
XRefue lat th eneares tgas station .
CThere is only aver ysmall amount of fuel in th efuel tank.
XRefue lat th eneares tgas station without fail .
8
Gas Cap Loose
The fuel filler cap is notclosed correctl yor th efuel system is leaking .
XCheckthat th efuel filler cap is correctl yclosed .
If th efuel filler cap is not correctl yclosed :
XCloseth efuel filler cap .
If th efuel filler cap is correctl yclosed :
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
ABC MalfunctionThe Active Body Control (ABC) function is restricted.
GWARNING
The vehicle's suspension setting smay be affected.
There is aris kof an accident.
XDo no tdrive at speeds abov e50 mph (80 km/h).
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
ABC MalfunctionSto pVehicl eThe Active Body Control (ABC) vehicl elevel is to olow.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
Afte r afew seconds, th evehicl elevel is adjusted and th edisplay
message disappears.
Display messages21 5
On-board computer and displays
Z

XReachint oth egap, pull hoo dcatch handle ;
up and lift hoo d:.
If you lift th ehoo dby approximately 15 in
(40 cm), th ehoo dis opened and held open
automatically by th egas-filled strut .
Closing the hood
XLowerth ehoo dand let it fall from aheight of
approximately 8in (20 cm).
XChec kthat th ehoo dhas engage dproperly.
If th ehoo dcan be raised slightly, it is no t
properly engaged. Open it again and close it
wit h a littlemor eforce .
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Dependin gon your driving style, th evehicl e
consumes up to 0. 9US qt (0.8 liters )of oi lpe r
60 0mile s(1,000 km). Th eoi lcons umption may
be higher than th iswhen the veh icle isnew or if
you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Dependin g on the engine, the oil dipstick may be
in adiff erent location.
When checking the oil leve l:
Rpark the vehicleon a level surface
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes ifthe engine isat normal
operating temperature
Rif the engine isnot at normal operating tem-
perature, e.g. ifthe engine was only started
brie fly,wait about 30 minute sbefore carrying
out the measurement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Only touch the following components descri-
bed.
Example
XPull out oil dipstick :.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide tube
to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and MAX
mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =or
below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
Engine compartment259
Maintenance and care
Z

GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to
the environment.
!Use only engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with a service system. A list of the engine oils and oil filters that have
been tested and approved in accordance with
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following cause engine failure or damage
to the exhaust system:
RUse of engine oils and oil filters that have
not been expressly approved for the service
system
RReplacement of engine oil and oil filter after
the replacement interval specified by the
service system has expired
RUse of engine oil additives
!Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap :counter-clockwise and remove it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dipstick
(Ypage 259).
Further information on engine oil (
Ypage 314).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
The cooling system is pressurized, particularly
when the motor is warm. If you open the cap,
you could be scalded if hot coolant sprays out.
There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
Example
260Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicleis on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 122).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (
Ypage 122).
XCheck the coolant temperature gage in the
multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position u
(Ypage 122) in the ignition lock.
XSlowly turn cap ;half a turn counter-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn cap ;further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank :.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the fuel filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant in
expansion tank :.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap;and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
Further information on coolant (
Ypage 315).
Windshield washer system
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
Example
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom-
mended minimum fluid level of 1 US qt (1 liter),
a message appears in the multifunction display
prompting you to add washer fluid (
Ypage 225).
Further information on windshield washer fluid/
antifreeze (
Ypage 316).
Overview of the engine compartment
Example engine
:
Oil dipstick
;Brake fluid reservoir
=Engine oil cap
?Coolant expansion tank
AWasher fluid reservoir
Overview of the engine compartment261
Maintenance and care
Z

tire can be found under "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" (Ypage 271).
Rotating the wheels
GWARNING
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 acci-
dent.
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 spe-
cialist workshop.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(
Ypage 304).
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.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can rotate the wheels accord-
ing to the intervals in the tire manufacturer's
warranty book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires s
hould be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km). Depending on tire wear, this may
be required earlier. 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 rota- ted. Check the tire pressure and reactivate the
tire pressure monitor if necessary.
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of hydro- planing. These advantages can only be gained if
the tires are installed corresponding to the
direction of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates its
correct direction of rotation.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires
from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
XUnload the vehicle. The jack can only be used
when the vehicle is unladen.
XApply the electric parking brake manually.
XBring the front wheels into the straight-ahead
position.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The vehicle electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the SmartKey having been
removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(
Ypage 122).
XIf included in the vehicle equipment, remove
the tire-change tool kit from the vehicle.
XSafeguard the vehicle against rolling away.
304Changing a wheel
Wheels an d tires