octane MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2011 R230 Owner's Manual

License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 251
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 220
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 89
Daytime running lamp mode ............90
Exterior ............................................ 89
Interior ............................................. 94
Limp-home mode .............................. 111
Load assist ......................................... 164
Load index (tires) ...................... 201, 206
Locator lighting ................................. 125
Lock button
Outside door handle (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 71
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Manually ........................................ 269
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Loss of
Key .................................................. 72
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 294
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 90
Exterior lamp switch ........................89
Switching on .................................... 90
Lubricants .......................................... 303
Luggage cover ................................... 158
Lumbar support ................................... 81
M
Maintenance ........................................ 20
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................214
Service indicator message .............214
Service term exceeded ..................214
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 90
Manual shift program ....................... 109
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 206
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 206
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 206
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 162
Memory function ................................. 88
Menus see Control system menus
Mirrors .................................................. 86
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 86
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 87
Exterior rear view mirrors ................86
Interior rear view mirror ...................86
Memory function .............................. 88
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ............................................. 88
Vanity mirror .................................. 165
MOExtended system ......................... 283
MOExtended tires ..................... 283, 300
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 307
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multicontour seat ................................ 82
Multifunction display ........................ 114
Symbol messages ..........................237
Text messages ............................... 227
Vehicle status messages ...............226
Multifunction display messages
ABC (Active Body Control) .............231
ABS ................................................ 227
Active headlamps .......................... 249
Advanced TPMS ..................... 234, 253
Air bags ......................................... 229
Alternator ...................................... 247
Automatic transmission .................234
Battery ........................................... 247
Brake fluid ..................................... 239
Brake pads ..................................... 238
Check engine ................................. 244
Coolant .......................................... 244
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............252
Cruise control ................................ 232
Distronic ........................................ 232
Doors ............................................. 241
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 243
Engine oil ....................................... 247
Engine service ............................... 244Index11230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 11

Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................87
Transmission position ....................104
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............218
Malfunction .................................... 147
Minimum distance .........................146
Sensor range ................................. 145
Switching on/off ........................... 147
System sensors ............................. 145
Warning indicators ...................28, 146
Parts service ...................................... 294
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Passenger front air bag ...................... 41
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 229
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ....................... 33, 43, 266
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 209
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Power assistance .............................. 210
Power closing assist for trunk lid ...... 78
Power outlet ...................................... 166
Power seats see Seats
Power washer .................................... 216
Power windows ................................... 96
Cleaning ......................................... 219
Door windows .................................. 97
Operation ......................................... 96
Rear side windows ...........................97
Synchronizing .................................. 98
Practical hints ................................... 224
Problems
While driving .................................. 101
With vehicle ..................................... 22
With wipers ...................................... 96
Product information ............................ 19
Production options weight ............... 206Program mode selector dial
(SL 63 AMG)
Automatic shift program ................107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift
program ................................. 106, 107
Manual shift program ..................... 109
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 206
R
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) ................. 141
RACETIMER ........................................ 117
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................119
Radio transmitters ............................ 213
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 304
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear window defroster ..................... 155
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 187, 206
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 306
Refueling ............................................ 178
Regular checks .................................. 180
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 171
Replacing
Key .................................................. 72
Replacing bulbs ................................. 271
Reporting safety defects .................... 22
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Index13230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 13

Reset button ................................ 30, 112
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retractable hardtop .......................... 155
Locking .......................................... 157
Luggage cover ............................... 158
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Sunshade ....................................... 160
Wind screen ................................... 157
Rims ........................................... 206, 299
Roadside Assistance ................... 20, 169
Roll bar ................................................. 51
Lowering .......................................... 51
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 240
Raising ............................................. 51
Warning lamp ................................. 258
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 307
Roof see Retractable hardtop
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 220
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................54
Occupant safety ............................... 38
Reporting defects ............................ 22
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 49
Seat belts ............................................. 46
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........49
Children in the vehicle .....................51
Cleaning ......................................... 220
Fastening ......................................... 48
Proper use of ................................... 47
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Safety notes ..................................... 46
Telltale
.................................... 31, 32, 48, 256
Seat heating ......................................... 83
Seating capacity ................................ 194
Seats ..................................................... 80
Adjustment ...................................... 80
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................85
Heating ............................................ 83
Memory function .............................. 88
Multicontour seat ............................ 82
Ventilation ....................................... 82
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 45
Tele Aid .......................................... 167
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 294
Service and warranty information ..... 19
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 198
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........71
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............69
Memory function .............................. 88
Menu ............................................. 121
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......71
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............69
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 250
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 207
Side windows see Power windows
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 208
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 299
Mounting ....................................... 277
Storage location ............................ 225
Speedometer ..................................... 13514Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 14

contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction21230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 21Z

Mercedes-Benz Center to have the fuel
system drained completely.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it to
overheat and potentially start a fire.
i Only use premium unleaded gasoline with
a minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91
(average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump. Please
contact gas station personnel in case
labels on the pump cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(Y page 306), see “Fuel requirements”
(Y page 307), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, or visit
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.
iIn case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the
opening mechanism is clamping, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand
side of the vehicle towards the rear.
XTurn off the engine.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp = (USA
only14) or ; (Canada only14) to
illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” (Y page 263).
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door. This
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch. The driver’s door then can
be closed again.
XOpening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.
XTurn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.XTake off fuel filler cap ;.XPlace fuel filler cap ; in direction of arrow
into holder =.
XFully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill.
XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
XClose fuel filler flap :.14Depending on vehicle production date, U.S. vehicles may be equipped with the Canada engine malfunctionindicator lamp ;.
At the gas station179Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 179Z

Vehicle specification SL 550
(230.471)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.Engine SL 550Engine, type273Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore3.86 in (98.00 mm)Stroke3.56 in (90.50 mm)Total piston
displacement333.2 cu in
(5 461 cm 3
)Compression
ratio10.7:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 20382 hp/6
000 rpm
(285 kW/6 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349391 lb-ft/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm
(530 Nm/
2 800 - 4 800 rpm)Maximum engine
speed6 500 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 401 mmElectrical system SL 550Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhElectrical system SL 550Battery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeBosch Y 7 MPP33Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions SL 550Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 21Overall vehicle
width 2281.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 21Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 550Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 600
(230.477)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
20 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
21 When opening/closing hardtop.
22 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.296Vehicle specification SL 600 (230.477)Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 296

Engine SL 600Engine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.23 in (82.00 mm)Stroke3.43 in (87.00 mm)Total piston
displacement336.4 cu in
(5 513 cm 3
)Compression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 23510 hp/5
000 rpm
(380 kW/5 000 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349612 lb-ft/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm
(830 Nm/
1 900 - 3 500 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 600Alternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/2.0 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GElectrical system SL 600Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 22 lb-ft
(20 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 600Overall vehicle
length179.8 in (4 568 mm)185.6 in
(4 713 mm) 24Overall vehicle
width 2581.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.0 in (1 295 mm)65.9 in (1 674 mm) 24Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.4 in (1 559 mm)Track, rear60.5 in (1 537 mm)Turning circle36.2 ft (11.04 m)Weights SL 600Trunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG
(230.470)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
23 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
24 When opening/closing hardtop.
25 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Vehicle specification SL 63 AMG (230.470)297Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 297Z

Engine SL 63 AMGEngine, type156Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders8Bore4.02 in (102.20 mm)Stroke3.72 in (94.60 mm)Total piston
displacement378.8 cu in
(6 208 cm 3
)Compression
ratio11.3:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 26518 hp/6
800 rpm
(386 kW/6 800 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349465 lb-ft/5 200 rpm
( 630 Nm/5 200 rpm)Maximum engine
speed7 000 rpmFiring order1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8Poly-V-belt2 360 mmElectrical system SL 63 AMGAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/2.1 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK ILZKAR 7A10Spark plugs,
electrode gap0.039 in (1.0 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque15 - 18 lb-ft
(20 - 25 Nm)Main dimensions SL 63 AMGOverall vehicle
length181.0 in (4 598 mm)187.9 in
(4 772 mm) 27Overall vehicle
width 2881.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.1 in (1 298 mm)66.1 in (1 680 mm) 27Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.8 in (1 569 mm)Track, rear61.2 in (1 555 mm)Turning circle36.3 ft (11.05 m)SL 63 AMGTrunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG
(230.479)
The quoted data apply only to the standard
vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for the corresponding data of all
special bodies and special equipment.
Engine SL 65 AMGEngine, type275Mode of operation4-stroke engine,
gasoline injectionNo. of cylinders12Bore3.25 in (82.60 mm)Stroke3.66 in (93.00 mm)Total piston
displacement364.9 cu in
(5 980 cm 3
)26 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
27 When opening/closing hardtop.
28 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.298Vehicle specification SL 65 AMG (230.479)Technical data
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 298

Engine SL 65 AMGCompression
ratio9.0:1Output acc. to
SAE J 1349 29603 hp/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm
(450 kW/
4 800 - 5 100 rpm)Maximum torque
acc. to SAE J 1349738 lb-ft/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm
(1 000 Nm/
2 000 - 4 000 rpm)Maximum engine
speed5 950 rpmFiring order1-12-5-8-3-10-
6-7-2-11-4-9Poly-V-belt2 335 mmElectrical system SL 65 AMGAlternator14 V/180 AStarter motor12 V/1.7 kWStarter battery12 V/35 AhBattery for
electrical
consumers12 V/70 AhSpark plugs, typeNGK IFR 6Q-GSpark plugs,
electrode gap0.028 in (0.7 mm)Spark plugs,
tightening torque18 - 22 lb-ft
(25 - 30 Nm)Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
length181.0 in (4 598 mm)187.9 in
(4 772 mm) 30Main dimensions SL 65 AMGOverall vehicle
width 3181.5 in (2
069 mm)Overall vehicle
height51.1 in (1 298 mm)66.1 in (1 680 mm) 30Wheelbase100.8 in (2
560 mm)Track, front61.8 in (1 569 mm)Track, rear61.2 in (1 555 mm)Turning circle36.3 ft (11.05 m)SL 65 AMGTrunk loadmax. 220 lb (100 kg)
Rims and tires
Notes
! Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires
approved by Mercedes-Benz are developed
to provide best possible performance in
conjunction with the driving safety systems
on your vehicle such as the ABS or the
ESP ®
. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding
the following on the tire’s sidewall:
R MO =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires
R MO1 =
Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires (applicable to selected
tire sizes only)
R MOE =
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with limited run-flat
characteristics) original equipment tires
29 Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
30 When opening/closing hardtop.
31 Exterior rear view mirrors folded out.Rims and tires299Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 299Z

ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank
reserveSL 550
SL 600approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)SL 63 AMG
SL 65 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Hydraulic
system for
retractable
hardtopAll models0.42 US qt (0.4 l)MB Hydraulic OilWasher system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 42
( Y page 309)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 309)Approved 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 required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage notcovered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.ModelEngine,
typeMB sheet
numberSL 550273229.5SL 600275229.542 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.305Technical data230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 305Z