MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2004 R230 Owner's Manual

400 Technical termsMultifunction display
Two display fields in the instrument
cluster used to present information
provided by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
on the tachometer dial (not on
SL 55 AMG, see “Tachometer”
(
page 125). Avoid this engine speed
range, as it may result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axlesProgram mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operation (S)
and comfort operation (C).
SL 55 AMG with steering wheel gear-
shift control and manual shift program:
in addition to S and C (for regular S or
comfort C operation, see above), you
can use MANUAL for manual shift pro-
gram
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual Engine Heat Utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.

401 Technical terms
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop roof that can be opened and
closed at the push of a button and
stored in the trunk.
Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic. The roll bar is lowered into the
car body during normal driving condi-
tions and raised automatically. It may
also be manually raised and lowered by
operating a button during critical driv-
ing situations.
RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the gear selector lever from
being inadvertently moved out of posi-
tion P without SmartKey turned and
brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e--
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.

402 Technical termsTraction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed. The driver
can choose manually within a range of
ground clearance, for example on very
rough roads.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).
Wind screen
Screen for deflecting wind from the ve-
hicle interior when the hardtop is low-
ered.
Xenon headlamps
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.

403 Index
A
ABC 207, 397
Messages in display 292
Oil level 258
Setting vehicle level 208
ABC switch 26
ABS 75, 76, 397
Messages in display 293
Warning lamp 23, 283
ABS/ESP
Warning lamp 23, 282
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 162
Activating
Air circulation mode 175
Air conditioning (cooling) 180
Anti-theft alarm system 85
Central locking (control system) 146
Distance warning function* 204
Distronic* 200
Easy-entry/exit feature 148Electric air pump 355
ESP 80
Exterior lamps 117
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 167
Hazard warning flasher 121
High beams 121
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 53
Parktronic* 212
Rear window defroster 177
Residual heat 178
Seat heating 110, 111
Seat ventilation* 113
Tow-away alarm 87
Windshield wipers 48
Active Body Control (ABC) switch 26
Active Body Control see ABC
Adding
Engine oil 257Adjusting
Air distribution 174
Air volume 173
Backrest tilt 35, 36
Exterior rear view mirrors 38
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Interior rear view mirror 38
Lumbar support 108
Mirrors 38
Multicontour backrest* 109
Seat cushion depth 36
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat height 36
Seat in the lumbar region 109
Seat in the shoulder region 109
Seats 34
Steering column in/out 37
Steering column up/down 37
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner refrigerant 388

404 IndexAir conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 179
Turning on 179
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 324
Turning on 355
Air recirculation mode 175
Air volume adjustment 173
AIRBAG OFF
Warning lamp 290
Airbags 59
Children 60
Front 64
Head-thorax 64, 65
Kneebag 64
Passenger 64
Alarm
Audible 74, 85
Canceling 86
Visual 85
Alignment bolt 397
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 353Anticorrosion/antifreeze 387, 392
Anti-theft alarm system 85
Arming 85
Canceling the alarm 86
Disarming 86
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 84
Tow-away alarm 86
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment 215
Ashtray 25, 219
At the gas station 250
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 258
Automatic climate control 25, 170
Center air vents 25
Deactivating 179
Residual heat utilization 178
Side air vents 25
Temperature sensor 27Automatic transmission 155
Accelerator position 162
Comfort program mode 161
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 165
Gear range 157
Gear selector lever 26
Gear selector lever position 155, 158
Gear shifting malfunctions 165
Kickdown 162
Manual shift program mode
(SL 55 AMG Kompressor) 163
Manual shifting 156
One-touch gearshifting 156
Program mode selector switch 26,
161
Transmission fluid 258
B
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 72, 397
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 397

405 Index
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 109
Shoulder region 109
Backrest tilt 35
Backup lamp bulbs 332
Backup lamps 335
BAS 75, 77, 397
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 328
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 329
Check lamp 98
Batteries, vehicle 260
Charging 361
Disconnecting 360
For electrical consumers 260, 324,
358
For starter 260, 358
Messages in display 297, 298
Reconnecting 361
Removing 361
Service 358Battery
For electrical consumers 324
Bi-Xenon* 397
Bi-Xenon* headlamps 397
Block heater 269
Brake fluid 252, 386, 389
Brake lamp bulb, high mounted 332
Brake lamp bulbs, left and right 332
Brake pads
Message in display 298
Brake system
Messages in display 302
Brakes 240
Warning lamp 284
Break-in period 238
Bulbs, replacing
Backup lamps 335
Brake lamps 332
Front lamps 331, 334
License plate lamps 336Parking lamps 335
Rear fog lamp 335
Standing lamps 335
Tail lamp assemblies 335
Turn signal lamps, front 334
Turn signal lamps, rear 335
C
CAC see Customer Assistance Center
CAN System 398
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 386
Catalytic converter 247
CD player
Operating 134
Center air vents 25
Center console
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 140

406 IndexCentral locking
Automatic 105
Central locking switch 105
Switching on/off (control
system) 146
Unlocking from inside 105
Central locking switch 25
Central unlocking switch 25
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 329
Batteries (SmartKey) 328
SmartKey setting 91
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
settings 96
Vehicle level 209
Charging
Vehicle batteries 361
CHECK ENGINE
Messages in display 303
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 23, 285Checking
Coolant level 258
Oil level 252, 255
Tire inflate pressure 252
Vehicle lighting 252
Child safety
Airbags 60
Automatic child seat recognition 72
Infant and child restraint systems 58
Cigarette lighter 25, 219
Cleaning
Cup holder 279
Gear selector lever 279
Hard plastic trim items 279
Headlamps 168
Headliner 279
Leather upholstery 280
Plastic and rubber parts 280
Seat belts 279
Steering wheel 279
Upholstery 280
Windshield 47
Wood trims 280Clock 21
Closing
Hood 254
Power window with
KEYLESS-GO* 183
Retractable hardtop (SmartKey) 189
Retractable hardtop (switch) 186
Side windows 182
Sunshade 192
Trunk lid 102
Windows 181
Windows with KEYLESS-GO* 183
Cockpit 398
Collapsible tire 398
COMAND 25, 398
COMAND, radio and telephone 247
Combination switch 21, 47, 120, 121
Comfort driving
Transmission program mode 161
Consumer information 394

407 Index
Control system 127, 130, 398
AUDIO menu 132
Convenience submenu 148
Distronic* menu 135
Functions 128
Instrument cluster submenu 140
Lighting submenu 142
Malfunction memory menu 136
Menus 128
Multifunction display 127
Multifunction steering wheel 128
NAVI menu 134
Standard display menu 127, 132
Submenus 131
TEL* menu 152
Trip computer menu 150
Vehicle submenu 145
Convenience feature 189
Coolant 391
Adding 259
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 392Checking level 258
Messages in display 303, 304, 305
Temperature 249
Temperature gauge 124
Temperature warning lamp 23
Warning lamp 286
Coolant temperature gauge 23
Cooling see Air conditioner
Courtesy lighting 123
Cruise control 193, 398
"Resume" function 195
Canceling 194
Driving downhill 194
Driving uphill 194
Fine adjustment 195
Setting a higher speed 195
Setting a lower speed 195
Setting current speed 194
Setting to last stored speed 195Cruise control lever 21, 193
For cruise control 193
For Distronic* 200
Cup holder 25, 214
Cleaning 279
Customer Assistance Center 397
D
Daytime running lamp mode 119
Setting 142
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 179
Air recirculation mode 176
Alarm 86
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Automatic climate control 179
Central locking (control system) 146
Cruise control 194
Distance warning function* 204
Distronic* 202
Engine with KEYLESS-GO* 54

408 Index
Engine with the SmartKey 53
ESP 79
Exterior lamps 117
Hazard warning flasher 121
Headlamps 52, 117
Immobilizer 84
Interior light delayed switch-off 145
Parktronic* 212
Rear window defroster 177
Residual heat 178
Seat heating 110, 111
Seat ventilation* 113
Tow-away alarm 87
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting 175
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 143
Interior lighting 145
Digital clock 21
Direction of rotation (tires) 263Displays
Distronic* 198
Messages 256, 306
Parktronic* 211
Service indicator 271
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 152
Distance warning function* 204
Activating 204
Deactivating 204
Intermittent warning sound 204
Symbol 135, 199
Distance warning function* switch 26
Distronic indicator lamp* 23
Distronic* 196, 398
"Resume" function 202
Activating 200
Calling up settings 135, 199
Cleaning system sensors 277
Cruise control lever 200Deactivating 202
Deceleration 199
Decreasing time interval 204
Displays 198
Distance warning function 204
Distance warning function switch 26
Driving hints 205
DTR warning lamp 198
Increasing time interval 203
Intermittent signal tone 198
Setting a higher speed 201
Setting a slower speed 202
Setting distance 26
Setting last stored speed 202
Setting speed 201
System sensor cover 277
Warning and indicator lamps 198
Distronic* warning lamp 23
Door control panel 21, 28
Door handle 28

409 Index
Doors
Message in display 306
Opening from inside vehicle 99
Storage compartments 215
Downhill driving
Cruise control 194
Downshifting 156
Drinking and driving 239
Drive sensibly - save fuel 239
Driving 40, 45
Driving abroad 246
Driving hints
Distronic* 205
SBC brake system 83
Driving instructions 239
Driving off 242
Driving safety systems 75
ABS 75, 76
BAS 77
ESP 78Driving systems 193
ABC 207
Cruise control 193
Distronic* 196
Parktronic* 210
Vehicle level control 208
DTR see Distronic
E
Easy-entry/exit 148
Interrupting movement 107, 148
Messages in display 306
Easy-entry/exit feature 107
Electric air pump 324, 354
Electrical consumer battery 260
Electrical outlet 222
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system*
Initiating emergency call 226
Requirements 223
Emergency engine shut-down 55Emergency operation
Locking the vehicle 327
Lowering load assist 327
Unlocking storage
compartments 326
Unlocking the trunk 326
Unlocking the vehicle 325
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 165
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) 68,
398
Emission control 248
Emission control label 374
Engine
Compartment 253
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 44
Starting with the SmartKey 43
Turning off 53
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 54
Turning off with the SmartKey 53
Engine number 398