brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2006 R230 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 255
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 256
Driving instructions ............................ 257
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 257
Drinking and driving ..................... 257
Pedals .......................................... 257
Power assistance ......................... 258
Brakes .......................................... 258
Driving off..................................... 260
Parking ......................................... 261
Tires ............................................. 261
Hydroplaning ................................ 262
Tire traction .................................. 263
Tire speed rating .......................... 263
Winter driving instructions ........... 264
Standing water ............................. 265
Passenger compartment .............. 266
Driving abroad .............................. 266
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 266
Catalytic converter ....................... 267
Emission control........................... 267
Coolant temperature .................... 268At the gas station .............................. 269
Refuelling ..................................... 269
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 271
Engine compartment ......................... 272
Hood ............................................ 272
Engine oil ..................................... 274
Transmission fluid level ................ 277
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 277
Coolant ........................................ 278
Battery ......................................... 279
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 280
Tires and wheels ................................ 281
Important guidelines .................... 281
Tire care and maintenance ........... 282
Direction of rotation ..................... 284
Loading the vehicle ...................... 284
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 291
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 293
MOExtended system* .................. 300
Tire labeling.................................. 300
Load identification ....................... 304
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 305Maximum tire load ....................... 306
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 308
Tire ply material ........................... 310
Tire and loading terminology........ 310
Rotating tires ............................... 313
Winter driving .................................... 315
Winter tires .................................. 315
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 316
Snow chains................................. 317
Maintenance...................................... 318
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 318
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 319
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 320
Vehicle care....................................... 321
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 321

ContentsFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 445
Capacities .................................... 445
Engine oils .................................... 447
Engine oil additives ...................... 447
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 447
Brake fluid .................................... 447
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 448
Fuel requirements ........................ 448
Gasoline additives ........................ 449
Coolants ....................................... 450
Windshield and headlamp washer
system.......................................... 452
Technical terms............................... 453Index................................................. 461

89 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
The electro-hydraulic brake system is auto-
matically activated when you

unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*


open the driver’s or passenger door


turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position1


in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*, press
the start/stop button on the gear se-
lector lever once


depress the brake pedal


release the parking brake
iIf the electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated as the brake pedal is first de-
pressed, you may feel a reduced pedal
resistance and longer pedal travel than
normal. When releasing the pedal, you
may also feel the brake pedal pulsate
and you may hear a sound which is
caused by the activation of the elec-
tro-hydraulic brake system pump. This
is normal and not an indication of a
malfunction. Pedal travel returns to
normal when you release the brake
pedal and the sound soon ceases.
If you experience the above while driv-
ing and the red brake warning lamp
(page 334) illuminates and/or warn-
ing messages appear in the multifunc-
tion display (
page 361), the brake
system is malfunctioning. Follow the in-
structions of the warning message(s)
and have the brake system checked
immediately.
Warning!
G
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system car-
ried out by qualified technicians only. Con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for further information. The electro-hydrau-
lic brake system must be deactivated prior
to working on the system. High pressure is
intermittently built up in the system as part
of its automatic self-test. In addition, the
system is automatically activated when the
vehicle is unlocked by remote control, when
the driver or passenger door is opened,
when the SmartKey in the starter switch is
turned to position1 or the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button is pressed once, when the
brake pedal is depressed or when the park-
ing brake is released. Failure to deactivate
the system prior to maintenance will cause
brake pistons to extend and brake fluid to
leak, which may result in injuries (contu-
sions and acid burns). Extended brake pis-
tons may also cause injury.

259 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 84).If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system
(
page 88) or the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than to park im-
mediately, so the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
Be certain to read and observe the warning
notices on brake pad replacement
(page 89).!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.

271 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and require-
ments of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 445).

Open the hood (
page 272).
1Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
2Brake fluid
3Coolant levelWindshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For information on refilling the reservoir,
see “Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system” (
page 280).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 445).Coolant level
For information on checking the coolant
level, see “Coolant” (
page 278).
Engine oil level
For more information on checking the en-
gine oil level, see “Checking engine oil lev-
el with the control system” (
page 274).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information, see “Replacing bulbs”
(
page 391).
Exterior lamp switch, see “Switching on
headlamps” (
page 53).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on checking the tire infla-
tion pressure, see “Checking tire inflation
pressure” (
page 293).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately. Noti-
fy an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as
this will not solve the problem. For
more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 363).

321 Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:


Air pollution


Road salt


Tar


Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Bird droppings


Insects


Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:


near the ocean


in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


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 corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last 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 ap-
plied later.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

334 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
;
(USA only)
3
(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on while driving and
you hear a warning sound.
You are driving with the parking brake set.

Release the parking brake
(page 51).
;
(USA only)
3
(Canada only)
The red brake warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running and you hear a warn-
ing sound.


There is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system.


There is insufficient brake fluid in the reser-
voir.

Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 345).

Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle in a safe location or as soon as
it is safe to do so and notify an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not
add brake fluid! This will not solve the
problem.
Warning!
G
Driving with the brake warning lamp illumi-
nated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake sys-
tem.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can re-
sult in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You
can be seriously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.

363 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
USA only:;Canada only:3
Brake fluid
below min. level
Visit
workshop
There is insufficient brake fluid in
the reservoir.

Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle in a safe lo-
cation or as soon as it is safe to do so and no-
tify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do
not add brake fluid! This will not solve the
problem.
Warning!
G
Driving with the message
Brake fluid
below min level Visit workshop
dis-
played can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately. Do not
add brake fluid before checking the brake
system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot en-
gine parts and the brake fluid catching fire.
You can be seriously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.

445 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
products tested and approved by
Mercedes Benz.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
9.2 US qt (8.7 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
9.1 US qt (8.6 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear axle
SL 500
SL 600
SL 55 AMG
SL 65 AMG
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.5 US qt (1.4 l)
1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Hypoid gear oil SAE 75 W 140
Hydraulic system for active body control (ABC)
approx. 4.3 US qt (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluid
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 3.0 oz (85 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
1.1 US qt (1.05 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)

447 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters re-
quired for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air condition-
er system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
provide you with additional information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of spec-
ification other than those expressly re-
quired for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehi-
cles), or changing oil and oil filter at
change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada
vehicles) will result in engine damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehi-
cles) recommendations for scheduled
oil changes. Failure to do so could re-
sult in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.