MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2000 R129 Owner's Manual

257 Replacing wiper blade insert
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Replacing wiper blade insert
Windshield wiper blade
Removal:
Fold wiper a rm forward. Press safety tab down (1), push
wiper blade downward (2) and remove.
Installation:
Press down safety tab of new wiper blade. Insert wiper
b lad e between th e tabs (3) on t he w iper arm . Th en press
safety tab upward until it locks in place. Notes:
Do not open eng ine hood w it h wiper arm fold ed forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
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P82.30-0333-26

258 Replacing wiper blade insert
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Headlamp wiper blades
(Halogen lamps)
Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Pull out pin (1) and remove
wiper blade (2).
Installation:
Insert wiper blade and install pin.Headlamp wiper blades
(Xenon lamps)
Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Rotate wiper blade (2) in
direction of arrow (1) until it releases from the wiper
arm.
Installation:
Insert wiper blade (2) onto arm, perpendicular to arm,
and rotate in direction of arrow (3) until it engages.
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P82.30-0344-26
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P82.30-0334-26

259 Manual release of fuel filler flap
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Manual release of fuel filler flap
The manual release knob is located behind cover (2) in
the right slide trunk panel.
In case the central locking system does not release the
fuel filler flap:
1. Unscrew wing nut (1)
2. Pull panel (2) away from trunk wall.
3. Pull the manual release knob (3) (arrow) while
simultaneously opening the fuel filler f lap.Trunk lamp
1Switching off
2Switching on
Switch off trunk lamp if the trunk is to remain open for
a long period of time. This prevents the vehicle battery
from being discharged.
When the trunk lid is closed, the switch will reset and
turn on the lamp the next time the lid is opened.

260 Contents – Vehicle care
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle ............................. 261
Power washer ..............................262
Tar stains .....................................262
Paintwork, Painted Body
Components ................................262
Engine cleaning ..........................263
Vehicle washing .........................263Ornamental moldings ............... 263
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 263
Window cleaning ....................... 264
Light alloy wheels ..................... 264
Instrument cluster ..................... 264
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 264
Cup holder .................................. 264
Seat belts ..................................... 265
Headliner, shelf behind
roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items ....................... 265Soft top .........................................265
Headliner .....................................266
Wind screen ................................266
Automatic antenna .....................266
Wiper blade .................................266
Headlamp cleaning system .......266
Leather upholstery .....................267
Plastic and rubber parts ............267
Illuminated door sill panels .....267

261 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external inf luences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air pollution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base ru stproof ing in th e body cavities w hich will la st for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your car’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your car.

262 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your veh icl e a nd give importa nt “how-to” informa tion as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d it i on a l i n f or m a t i on c a n b e f ou nd i n t h e b oo k l e t ti t l e d
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturers’ operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at soft top, electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface to not “bead up”;
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your car is
parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, car doors, etc.).

263 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax.
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.If the vehicle has been run through an automatic car
wash – in particular one of the older installations -
rewipe the recessed sections in the taillamps (designed
to prevent soiling) if necessary. No solvents (fuels,
thinners etc.) must be used.
In the winter thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

264 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wiper and remove key
from steering lock before cleaning the windshield,
otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Note:
For ease of cleaning, the cup holder between the front
seats can be removed by pulling it up when in its closed
position.

265 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176 F (80 C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner, shelf behind roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Soft top
Clean soft top with soft top raised and locked. Lower the
soft top into the storage compartment only if the top is
completely dry. If the top is kept in the storage
compartment for a lengthy period, raise it and air it out
with the windows down about every 4 months. Dry cleaning:
Brush top (always from front to rear) with a soft-bristled
brush.
Wet cleaning:
Brush the dry top. Wash with a mild detergent and an
ample supply of lukewarm water by wiping with a soft-
bristled brush or sponge from front to rear. Then rinse
thoroughly with clear water.
If only parts of the top have been washed, wet the entire
top and allow it to air-dry before lowering it into the
storage compartment.
Wipe the rear window with a cloth soaked with a mild,
non-abrasive detergent, rinse and rub dry.
Do not use sharp-edged instruments for the removal of
ice and snow.
Notes:
Never run the vehicle through an automatic car wash
with th e sof t top in pla ce or use a power wa sher to cl ean
it, as you may damage the soft top material.
Remove bird droppings immediately. The organic acid
damages the material and causes the soft top to leak.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.

266 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
In general, regular spraying or cleansing with clear
water is sufficient to keep the top clean.
Wash the top only when heavily soiled.
Light colored soft tops should be cleaned frequently to
prevent spots and dirt from setting in, which could stain
and discolor the soft top material permanently.
Caution!
Never use any gasoline, thinner, tar and stain removers,
glass cleaner, or similar organic solvents to clean the
soft top, plastic window or wind screen. They will cause
damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Headliner
Soft top:
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.Wind screen
Use only water or mild detergent to clean the wind
screen.
Automatic antenna
For trouble-free operation of the automatic antenna, we
recommend that you clean the antenna mast
periodically.
Wiper blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove key from steering lock before
cleaning the wiper blade, otherwise the wiper motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Headlamp cleaning system
The condition of the wiper blades is important for
satisfactory cleaning of the headlamp lenses. We
therefore recommend that the blades be inspected
regularly.