brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ SL ROADSTER 2018 Owner's Manual

Engaging neutral ............................ 132
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 132
Engaging reverse gear ................... 132
Engaging the park position ............ 131
Gearshift recommendation ............ 138
Kickdown ....................................... 134
Manual shifting .............................. 136
Oil temperature (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 197
Overview ........................................ 130
Problem (malfunction) ................... 139
Pulling away ................................... 124
Selector lever ................................ 130
Starting the engine ........................ 124
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 136
Transmission position display ........ 131
Transmission positions .................. 133
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 139
B
Back button ....................................... 237
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 60
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 76
Important safety notes .................... 75
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 277
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety notes .................. 275
Jump starting ................................. 278
Overview ........................................ 275
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning ......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth
®
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 240
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Telephony ...................................... 239
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System) Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes .................... 61
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 206
Notes ............................................. 315
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 65
Display message ............................ 212
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 64
BAS .................................................. 60
Brake Assist with cross-traffic
function ........................................... 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 315
Display message ............................ 201
EBD .................................................. 69
High-performance brake system .... 148
Important safety notes .................. 146
Maintenance .................................. 147
Parking brake ................................ 142
Riding tips ...................................... 146
Warning lamp ................................. 228
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Breakdown assistance
Reflective safety jacket .................. 269
Where will I find...? ........................ 269
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 33
C
California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 25
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 263
6Index

SD memory cardsee also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Selecting ........................................1 91
Search & Send
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................2 36
Seat
Correct driver's seat position ........... 95
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt ......................... 44
Correct usage .................................. 43
Fastening ......................................... 44
Important safety guidelines ............. 42
Introduction ..................................... 41
Releasing ......................................... 44
Seat belt guide ................................. 97
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 197
Warning lamp ................................. 227
Warning lamp (function) ................... 44
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 98
Belt guide ......................................... 97
Important safety notes .................... 95
Overview .......................................... 95
Seat heating problem ...................... 99
Seat ventilation problem ................ 100
Sliding forward/back ....................... 98
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 105
Switching AIRSCARF on/off .......... 100
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 99
Switching seat ventilation on/off .... 99
Selector lever
Positions ........................................ 130
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 267
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 194
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 315
Coolant (engine) ............................ 315
Engine oil ....................................... 314
Fuel ................................................ 313 Important safety notes .................. 312
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 316
Washer fluid ................................... 316
Setting the air distribution ............... 117
Setting the airflow ............................ 117
Se

tting the date/time format
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Setting the language
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Setting the time
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 197
On-board computer ....................... 194
SETUP (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .................. 198
Side impact air bag ............................. 46
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 212
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 266
Convenience closing feature ............ 87
Important safety information ........... 85
Opening/closing (all) ....................... 87
Opening/closing (front) ................... 86
Opening/closing (rear) .................... 86
Overview .......................................... 85
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 88
Resetting ......................................... 88
Reversing feature ............................. 86
SIRIUS services
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 76
Changing the programming ............. 74
Checking the battery ....................... 76
Display message ............................ 225
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 73
Important safety notes .................... 73
Loss ................................................. 77
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Opening/closing the roof ................ 90
Index17

The following text is published as required of
manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Fed-
eral Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
"National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of
1966".
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to: Admin-
istrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov
Limited Warranty
!
Observe the notes in this Operator's Manual
regarding the correct operation of your vehi-
cle and possible damage to the vehicle. Dam-
age to the vehicle which is caused by violation
of these notes is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz implied warranty or the new
or used-vehicle warranty.
QR codes for the rescue card
The QR codes are secured in the fuel filler flap
and on the opposite side on the B-pillar. In the
event of an accident, rescue services can use
the QR code to quickly find the appropriate res- cue card for your vehicle. The current rescue
card contains the most important information
about your vehicle in a compact form, e.g. the
routing of the electric cables.
You can find more information under http://
portal.aftersales.i.daimler.com/public/ content/asportal/en/communication/
informationen_fuer/QRCode.html.
Data stored in the vehicle
Data storage
A wide range of electronic components in your
vehicle contain data memories.
These data memories temporarily or perma-
nently store technical information about:
Rvehicle's operating state
Rincidents
Rmalfunctions
In general, this technical information docu-
ments the state of a component, a module, a
system or the surroundings.
These include, for example:
Roperating conditions of system components,
e.g. fluid levels
Rthe vehicle's status messages and those of its
individual components, e.g. number of wheel
revolutions/speed, deceleration in move-
ment, lateral acceleration, accelerator pedal
position
Rmalfunctions and defects in important system
components, e.g. lights, brakes
Rvehicle reactions and operating conditions in
special driving situations, e.g. air bag deploy-
ment, intervention of stability control sys-
tems
Rambient conditions, e.g. outside temperature
This data is of an exclusively technical nature
and can be used to:
Rassist in recognizing and rectifying malfunc-
tions and defects
Ranalyze vehicle functions, e.g. after an acci-
dent
Roptimize vehicle function
The data cannot be used to trace the vehicle's
movements.
When your vehicle is serviced, technical infor-
mation can be read from the event data memory
and malfunction data memory.
Services include, for example:
Rrepair services
Rservice processes
Rwarranties
Rquality assurance
Data stored in the vehicle29
Introduction
Z

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have
brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle
which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent
quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have
not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
or which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brake
system (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
RAmbient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake system
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water could enter the vehicle interior
or engine compartment. It can then damage
the engine's or automatic transmission's
electronic components. It can also be sucked
in by the engine's air intake connection and
cause engine damage.
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
148Driving tips
Driving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The yellow!warning lamp lights up and th ered F (USAonly)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp flashes .
It is no tpossibl eto apply th eelectric parking brak emanually.
XShift th etransmission to position j.
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
$(USAonly)
J(Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level
There is no tenough brak efluid in th ebrak efluid reservoir .
In addition ,th e$ (USAonly) or J(Canada only) warning lamp
lights up in th einstrumen tcluste rand awarning tone sounds.
GWARNIN G
The braking effec tmay be impaired.
There is aris kof an accident.
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions. Do no tcontinu edrivin g
under any circumstances.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
XDo notadd brak efluid .This does no tcorrec tth emalfunction .
#
CheckBrakePadWear
The brak epads/linings hav ereached their wear limit.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
G
Inoperative
Oneor mor emain features of th embrace system are malfunctioning .
XHaveth embrace system checke dat aqualified specialist work-
shop.
PRE-SAFE Inopera‐tiv eSeeOperator' sManual
Importantfunction sof PRE-SAF E®havefailed. Al lother occupant
safet ysystems ,e.g. air bags ,remain available.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop immediately.
ActiveBrakeAssistFunctionsCurrentlyLimite dSee Opera‐tor's Manual
Active Brake Assis tis temporarily inoperative.
Possibl ecauses are:
RThe radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagneti cradiation emitted by nearby TV or radi ostation sor
other source sof electromagneti cradiation .
RThe system is outside th eoperating temperature range.
RThe on-boar dvoltag eis to olow.
Whe nth ecauses state dabov eno longer apply, th edisplay message
disappears.
Active Brake Assis tis operational again .
If th edisplay message does no tdisappear :
XPull overand stop th evehicl esafely as soo nas possible, payin g
attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XSecur eth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway (Ypage 142).
XRestart th eengine.
206Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Safety systems
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
$JN$ (USA only), J(Canada only): the red brake system warning lamp is lit
while the engine is running.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking characteristics may be
affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 142).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
$JN $ (USA only) or J(Canada only): the red brake system warning lamp is
lit while the engine is running. A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving under any circumstances.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 142).
XDo not add brake fluid. Adding more will not correct the malfunction.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction display.
$N USA only: the red brake system warning lamp is lit while the engine is running.
The multifunction display also shows a display message with the #symbol.
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
228Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays

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

!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 unin-
tentional 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.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products recommen-
ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five months,
depending on the climate conditions and the
care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner recom- mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz
should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-
work quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following can give the paint a glossy
appearance and thus reduce the matt effect:
RRubbing hard with unsuitable agents
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax, for the
purpose of paintwork care. These products
are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their
use on vehicles with matte paintwork leads to
considerable surface damage or, more spe-
cifically, to shiny, spotted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Only use automatic car washes which cor-
respond to the latest technological stand-
ards. Never use wash programs which finish
by treating the vehicle with hot wax.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage
to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with
a clear matte finish.
iUse only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the decorative film
!The following may have an effect on the ser-
vice life and coloring of decorative film:
Rsunlight
Rtemperature, e.g. hot-air fan
Rweather conditions
Rstone impacts and dirt
Rchemical cleaning agents
Rgreasy substances
!Do not use any types of polish on matt dec-
orative film. Polishing surfaces covered with
film gives it a shiny finish.
!Do not treat matt or structured decorative
film with wax. This may lead to marks that
cannot be removed.
Care265
Maintenance and care
Z

from the data shown here. You can find the
data applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
XMove the front-passenger front seat to its
rearmost position.
XFold up floor covering:in front of the front-
passenger seat.
You will see VIN ;.
The VIN can also be found in the following loca-
tions:
Ron the lower edge of the windshield
(Ypage 312)
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 311)
Engine number
:Emission control information plate, includ-
ing the certification of both federal and Cali-
fornian emissions standards
;Engine number (stamped into the crank-
case)
=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and filling capaci-
ties
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
RFuels
RLubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
RCoolant
RBrake fluid
RWindshield washer fluid
RClimate control system refrigerant
Comply with all valid regulations with respect to
handling, storing, and disposing of service flu-
ids.
Components and service products must match.
You should therefore only use products that
have been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Information about tested and approved prod-
ucts can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can identify service products approved by
Mercedes-Benz by the following inscriptions on
the container:
RMB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
RMB-Approval (e.g. MB-Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations indi-
cate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet Number (e.g. MB
229.51). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
312Service products and filling capacities
Technical data

iMB approval is indicated on the oil contain-
ers.
Filling capacities
The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter.
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
ModelCapacity
SL 4506.9 US qt (6.5 l)
SL 5508.5 US qt (8.0l)
Mercedes‑AMG
SL 638.9 US qt (8.5l)
Mercedes‑AMG
SL 6510.5 US qt (10.0 l)
Additives
!Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
When handling brake fluid, observe the impor-
tant safety notes on service products
(
Ypage 312).
The brake fluid change intervals can be found in
the Maintenance Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz in accordance with MB-Freigabe or MB-
Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can be
obtained at any qualified specialist workshop or
on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
iHave the brake fluid regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the replace-
ment confirmed in the Maintenance Booklet.
Coolant
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
!Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be found
in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Ser-
vice Products, MB BeVo 310.1, e.g. on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop.
!Always use a suitable coolant mixture, even
in countries where high temperatures prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
iHave the coolant regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the replace-
ment confirmed in the Maintenance Booklet.
Comply with the important safety precautions
for service products when handling coolant
(
Ypage 312).
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It is responsible for
the following:
Ranti-corrosion protection
Rantifreeze protection
Rraising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down to
-35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the coolant
during operation is approximately 266 ‡
(130 †).
Service products and filling capacities315
Technical data
Z