288 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2003 R230 Owner's Manual

ContentsPractical hints.................................. 249
What to do if … .................................. 250
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 250
Messages in the display ............... 257
Where will I find ...?............................ 288
First aid kit ................................... 288
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 288
Locking/unlocking in an emergency.. 290
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 290
Locking the vehicle ...................... 292
Lowering the Easy Pack feature
manually ....................................... 292
Changing batteries ....................... 293
Replacing bulbs ................................. 295
Bulbs ............................................ 295
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 298
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 299
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 301
Removing ..................................... 301
Installing....................................... 301
Flat tire .............................................. 302
Preparing the vehicle.................... 302
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 1 ..... 302
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2 ..... 308
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 312Batteries ............................................ 319
Disconnecting the batteries ......... 320
Removing the batteries ................ 321
Charging and reinstalling
batteries....................................... 321
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 321
Jump starting ..................................... 323
Towing the vehicle ............................. 325
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 327
Fuses ................................................. 329
Main fuse box............................... 329
Technical data................................. 331
Spare parts service ............................ 332
Warranty coverage............................. 333
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 333
Identification labels ........................... 334
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 335
SL 500 ......................................... 335
SL 55 AMG ................................... 335
Engine................................................ 336
Rims and tires.................................... 337
Same size tires ............................. 337
Mixed size tires ............................ 338Spare wheel ................................. 338
Electrical system ............................... 339
Main dimensions ............................... 340
Weights ............................................. 341
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 342
Capacities .................................... 342
Engine oils ................................... 343
Engine oil additives ...................... 343
Air conditioner refrigerant............ 343
Brake fluid.................................... 343
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 344
Fuel requirements ........................ 344
Gasoline additives ........................ 344
Coolants ...................................... 345
Windshield and headlamp washer
system ......................................... 347
Consumer information ....................... 348
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 348
Technical terms............................... 351Index................................................. 357

288 Practical hintsWhere will I find ...?
Where will I find ...?First aid kit
The first aid kit is located in storage space
under the passenger seat.
1Handle
2Lid
Pull the handle 1 up.

Fold the lid 2 down.
You can now remove the first-aid kit.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is stored in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
Lift up the trunk floor cover.
You can now remove the tools and ac-
cessories.
The vehicle tool kit includes

One pair of universal pliers


Two open-end wrenches


One hex-socket wrench


One interchangeable slot/Phillips
screwdriver


One towing eye bolt


One wheel wrench


One alignment bolt


One fuse extractor


One fuse chart for the main fuse
box


Spare fusesThe jack is exclusively designed for lifting
the vehicle during a wheel change. Always
lower the vehicle on sufficient capacity
jack stands before working under the vehi-
cle.
iCheck expiration dates and contents
for completeness at least once a year
and replace missing/expired items.

357 Index
A
ABC 183, 351
Messages in display 258
Oil level 230
Setting vehicle level 184
ABC switch 24
ABS 68, 351
Malfunction indicator lamp 21, 251
Messages in display 259
Warning lamp 70, 251
ABS/ESP
Warning lamp 250
ABS/ESP warning lamp 21
Activating
Air circulation mode 152
Air conditioning (cooling) 155
Anti-theft alarm system 76
Central locking (control system) 128
Distance warning function* 180
Distronic* 175
Easy-entry/exit feature 129
Electric air pump 316
ESP 72
Exterior lamps 102
Hazard warning flasher 105
High beams 104Ignition 29
Immobilizer 48, 75
Parktronic* 189
Rear window defroster 153
Residual heat 154
Seat heater 97, 98
Seat ventilation* 96
Steering wheel gearshift control
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 143
Tow-away alarm 77
Windshield wipers 44
Active Body Control (ABC) switch 24
Adjusting
Air distribution 151
Air volume 150
Backrest tilt 33
Exterior rear view mirrors 35
Head restraint height 33
Head restraint tilt 34
Inside rear view mirror 35
Lumbar support 93
Mirrors 35
Multicontour backrest* 93
Seat cushion depth 33
Seat cushion tilt 33
Seat height 33Seat in the lumbar region 94
Seat in the shoulder region 94
Seats 32
Steering wheel 34
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 155
Turning on 155
Air conditioner refrigerant 343
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 289
Turning on 316
Air recirculation mode 152
Air volume adjustment 150
Airbags 53
Children 54
Front 57
Head-thorax 57, 58
Kneebag 57
Passenger 57
Alarm
Audible 67, 75
Canceling 76
Visual 75
Alignment bolt 351
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 288, 314
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 342, 346

362 IndexE
Easy-entry/exit 129
Interrupting movement 130
Message in display 271
Easy-Pack 198
Lowering manually 292
Electric air pump 316
Electrical consumer battery 232
Electrical outlet 199
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 203
Requirements 201
Emergency engine shut-down 50
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 144
Emergency operations
Locking the vehicle 292
Lowering Easy-Pack 292
Unlocking interior storage
compartments 291
Unlocking the trunk 291
Unlocking the vehicle 290
Emission control 224
Emission control label 334Engine
Compartment 227
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 40
Starting with the key 40
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 49
Turning off with the key 48
Engine number 352
Engine oil 228, 343
Adding 229
Additives 343
Checking level 228
Consumption 228
Filler neck 229
Messages in display 280
Engine oil level see Oil level 226
ESP 68, 70, 352
Messages in display 261
Switching off 71
Switching on 72
ESP control switch 24
ESP/ABS warning lamp 21
ETD (emergency tensioning device) 52,
60, 352F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 122
Fastening the seat belts 37
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 170
Distronic* 177
First aid kit 288
Flat tire 302
Spare wheel 312
TIREFIT kit 302, 308
Flexible Service System (FSS) 241
Fog lamp, rear 104, 296
Replacing bulb 299
Fog lamps, front 104
Replacing bulbs 296
Front airbags 57
Front lamps 296
Replacing bulbs 298
FSS (Flexible Service System) 241, 352

363 Index
Fuel 225
Additives 344
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve warning lamp 21, 255
Gasoline additives 344
Premium unleaded gasoline 225,
342, 344
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 132
Since reset 132
Fuel filler flap 225
Locking 225
Opening 225
Unlocking 225
Fuel requirements 344
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 286
Fuel tank
Filler flap 225
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities 342
Functions (control system) 111
Fuse chart 288, 329Fuses 329
Fuse chart 288, 329
Fuse extractor 288, 329
Main fuse box 329
Spare fuses 288, 329
G
Garage door opener 25, 208
Gasoline see Fuel
Gear range
Automatic transmission 139
Indicator 21
Limiting 139
Shifting into optimal 138
Glove box 19, 190
Closing 190
Opening 190
GPS 353
H
Hands-free microphone 25
Hardtop open/close control 24
Hardtop see Retractable hardtop
Hardtop switch 160
Hazard warning flasher 105
Hazard warning flasher switch 23Head restraints
Adjusting height 33
Adjusting tilt 34
Headlamp switch-off delay see Delayed
switch-off, exterior lamps
Headlamps
Automatic mode 103
Headlamp cleaning system 146, 233
Manual mode 103
Refilling washer fluid 233
Head-thorax airbag 65, 353
Heated steering wheel* 197
Height adjustments
Head restraints 33
Seats 33
Steering column 35
Vehicle level 184
High beam flasher 105
High beam headlamp indicator 21
High beam headlamps 43, 102, 296
Replacing bulbs 298
Switching on 104
Hood 227
Messages in display 279
Horn 19
Hydroplaning 219

368 IndexPhone book* 135
Loading 135
Quick search 135
Phone number*
Dialing 135
Redialing 136
Pliers, universal (vehicle tool kit) 288
Poly-V-belt drive 354
Layout 335
Power assistance 216
Power train 354
Power windows 157
Side windows 157
Problems while driving 45
Product information 7
Program mode selector switch 354
Automatic transmission 24, 141
PULSE function (Massage function) 94
Q
Quick search
Phone book* 135R
Radio
Select station 116
Station search 116
Station selection setting 128
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 222
Range (distance to empty)
Calling up 133
Reading lamp 25
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear luggage compartment 195
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 146, 153
Redial memory 136
Regular checks 226
Regular driving style 183
Remote controls
Electronic key 80
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics 354
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 299
Brake lamp bulbs 296
Bulbs 295
Front lamp bulbs 298
Front turn signal bulbs 298Fuses 329
High beam bulbs 298
License plate lamp bulbs 300
Low beam bulbs 298
Rear fog lamp bulb 299
Rear lamp bulbs 296, 299
Rear turn signal bulbs 299
Wiper blades 301
Reset knob 21
Resetting
All functions (control system) 120
Fuel consumption statistics 132
Service indicator (FSS) 242
Trip odometer 109
Residual heat utilization 154
Restraint systems 52
Airbags 52
Child seat recognition 52
Child seats 52
Emergency tensioning device
(ETD) 52, 60
Seat belt force limiter 60
Seat belts 52, 58

369 Index
Retractable hardtop 354
Closing (electronic key) 164
Closing (switch) 161
Locking after raising/lowering 162
Message in display 287
Opening (key) 163
Opening (switch) 160
Problems when operating 164
Roll bar 61, 354
Installing wind screen 165
Lowering 62
Message in display 286
Raising 62
Warning lamp 21
Roll bar buttons 24
RON 225, 355
Roof see Retractable hardtop
S
SBC brake system 68, 72, 355
Activation 73
Deactivation 74
Driving hints 74
Messages in display 265, 266, 268
Self-check 74
Warning lamp 72
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 288Seat belt force limiter 60
Seat belts 37, 52, 58
Message in display 272
Warning lamp 256
Seat cushion depth 33
Seat heater
Switching off 97
Switching on 97
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 96
Switching on 96
Seats
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting cushion depth 33
Adjusting height 33
Adjusting lumbar support 94
Adjusting shoulder support 94
Heater 97
Massage function 94
Moving 95
Selector lever 24
Lock 39, 355
Position (automatic
transmission) 137Service
Batteries 319
Calling up the service indicator 242
Major service (Service B) 241
Minor service (Service A) 241
Overdue 241
Types 241
When due 241
Service indicator 241
Clearing 241
Service life (tires) 235
Service System see FSS 241
Setting
Convenience functions 129
Cruise control 170
Daytime running lamp mode 124
Distronic* time interval 179
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 131
Individual vehicle 119
Instrument lighting 108
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 127
Key dependent memory 130
Lamps and lighting (control
system) 124

370 Index
Locator lighting 125
Miles/kilometers in
speedometer 123
Multifunction display language 123
Night security illumination 125
Radio station 116
Speedometer display mode 123
Station selection mode 128
Suspension tuning 183
Temperature (interior) 149
Temperature indicator 122
Time display mode 122
Tire inflation pressure 129
Units
Speedometer 123
Temperature 122
Tire inflation pressure 129
Vehicle level control 184
Setting speed
Cruise control 169, 170
Distronic* 176, 177Settings
Calling up Distronic* 117, 174
Convenience functions 129
Factory (electronic key) 81
Individual (electronic key) 81
Resetting all (control system) 120
Settings menu
Individual vehicle settings 119
Submenus 120
Shifting
into optimal gear range 138
Shifting gears
On steering wheel (SL 55 AMG) 142
Shoulder support
Seat adjustment 94
Side air vents 23
Side marker lamps 296, 299
Side windows 157
Automatic opening 158
Closing 158
Closing (KEYLESS-GO*) 88
Opening 158
Opening fully 158
Stopping 158
Synchronizing power windows 158SL 500
Spare wheel 338
Tires 338
SL 55 AMG Kompressor
Tires 338
SL 55 AMG Kompressor
MANUAL shift program mode 142
Steering wheel gearshift control 143
Snow chains 240
Spare fuses 288, 329
Spare tire see Spare wheel 302
Spare wheel* 289, 312
Inflating tire 316
Tire inflation pressure 316
Speed settings
Cruise control 170
Distronic* 177
Speedometer 21
Setting units 123
Sporty driving style 183
SRS 355
Indicator lamp 252
Standing lamps 102, 296
Replacing bulbs 299
Standing water
Driving instructions 222

372 IndexTele Aid 200
Emergency calls 202
Information 205
Initiating an emergency call
manually 203
Messages in display 263
Roadside assistance 204
SOS button 25, 203
Tele Aid system 201
Tele Aid System 355
Telephone* 22, 199
Answering a call 134
Dialing 135
Ending a call 135
Hands-free microphone 25
Loading phone book* 135
Messages in display 270
Operating 133
Redialing 136
Signal strength 134
Telephones and two-way radios 223Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 109
Sensor 25
Setting interior temperature 149
Setting units in display 122
Tires 236
Tightening torque 318, 355
Tilt
Head restraint 34
Time display mode
Setting 122
Tire inflation pressure 305, 310
Checking 226, 235
Setting units 129
Tire speed rating 220, 355
Tire traction 220
TIREFIT 355
TIREFIT kit 289, 302, 308
TIREFIT kit 1
Instructions for use 302
TIREFIT kit 2
Instructions for use 308Tires 234, 348
Direction of rotation 235
Driving instructions 219
Messages in display 281
Retreads 234
Rims and tires 337
Rotating 238
Service life 235
SL 500 338
SL 55 AMG Kompressor 338
Temperature 236, 349
Tread depth 239
Wear pattern 238
Winter 239
Tools 288
Tow-away alarm 24, 77
Arming 77
Disarming 77
Disarming for transport 77
Tow-away alarm switch 24
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit) 288
Installing 327
Towing the vehicle 325
Traction 141, 355
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Fluid level 230

373 Index
Trip computer 131
Trip odometer 21
Resetting 109
Trunk
Closing the lid 91
Easy-Pack load assist 198
Lighting 107
Lock button (KEYLESS-GO*) 88
Locking separately 83
Message in display 272
Opening from inside vehicle 89
Opening the lid 83
Parcel net 195
Trunk lid lock 291
Unlocking (KEYLESS-GO*) 88
Unlocking in an emergency 291
Unlocking separately 82
Trunk lid 82
Trunk lid emergency release 90
Trunk lighting 107
Turn signals 19, 43
Additional in mirrors 296
Front bulbs 296
Indicator lamps 21
Rear bulbs 296U
Units
Setting speedometer units 123
Setting temperature units 122
Setting tire inflation pressure
units 129
Unlocking 28
Centrally from inside 92
Driver’s door in an emergency 290
Fuel filler flap 225
Global (KEYLESS-GO* card) 86
Interior storage compartments 291
Storage compartments 194
Trunk 82, 89
Trunk (KEYLESS-GO*) 88
Trunk in an emergency 291
Vehicle in an emergency 290
With the electronic key 28
With the KEYLESS-GO* card 30, 84
Uphill driving
Cruise control 169
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 119
Locking 23
Locking in an emergency 292Minimum distance (Parktronic*) 187
Towing 325
Unlocking 23
Unlocking in an emergency 290
Vehicle level 184, 356
Changing 185
Setting 185
Automatic 185
Manual 185
Vehicle level control 356
Vehicle level control switch 24
Vehicle lighting
Checking 226
Vehicle lock status
Checking (KEYLESS-GO*) 87
Vehicle tool kit 288
Alignment bolt 288
Fuse chart 288
Fuse extractor 288
Hex-socket wrench 288
Open-end wrench 288
Screwdriver 288
Spare fuses 288
Universal pliers 288
Wheel wrench 288
Ventilation and residual heat 154