towing MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 2011 R230 Owner's Manual

Vehicle status message memory ...120
Vehicle system settings .................121
Distronic ............................................ 133
Cleaning system sensor cover .......218
Control system .............................. 120
Distance warning function .............140
Driving with .................................... 139
Menu ............................................. 135
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 232
Resume function ............................ 138
Sensor cover .................................. 218
Speed settings ............................... 137
Warning and indicator
lamps ..................................... 135, 262
Door control panel .............................. 35
Doors
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...69
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........68
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening from inside ......................... 72
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........267
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 205
Drinking and driving ......................... 209
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 212
Hydroplaning ................................. 212
Instructions ............................. 98, 209
In winter ........................................ 208
Problems ....................................... 101
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Safety systems ................................ 54
Systems ......................................... 130
Through standing water .................212
With Distronic ................................ 139
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 98
Driving off .................................. 100, 212
Driving safety systems ....................... 54
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 56
ESP ®
................................................ 56
ETS .................................................. 57Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) .............142
Cruise control ................................ 130
Distronic ........................................ 133
Hill-start assist system ..................142
Parktronic system ..........................144
RACE START (SL 63 AMG) .............141
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 105
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 85, 127
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 21
Power outlet .................................. 166
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 224
Flat tire .......................................... 276
Hazard warning flasher ....................92
Roadside Assistance ................ 20, 169
Towing the vehicle .........................287
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 168
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 292
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......171
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........77
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 213
Information label ............................ 295
System warranties ...........................19
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............178
Cleaning ......................................... 217
Compartment ................................ 180
Malfunction indicator
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
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Tire Identification Numbersee TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 189
Important notes on ........................188
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 188
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....193
Tire labeling ....................................... 200
Tire load rating .................................. 206
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 207
Tires ........................................... 186, 299
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 190
Air pressure ................................... 187
Care and maintenance ...................197
Cleaning ......................................... 198
Direction of rotation, spinning .......197
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 188
Inflation pressure ........................... 189
Information placard .......................193
Inspection ...................................... 198
Labeling ......................................... 200
Load index ............................. 201, 206
Load rating .................................... 206
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 234, 253
MOExtended .................................. 300
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 207
Problems under-/overinflation ......189
Retreads ........................................ 186
Rims and tires (technical data) ......299
Rotation ......................................... 200
Service life ..................................... 198
Sizes .............................................. 299
Snow chains .................................. 208
Speed rating .......................... 202, 207
Storing ........................................... 198
Temperature .......................... 188, 200
Terminology ................................... 205
Tire Identification Number .............207
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunctiontelltale
.......................................... 31, 32, 265
Traction ................................. 199, 207
Tread ............................................. 207
Tread depth ........................... 198, 207
Treadwear ...................................... 199
Treadwear indicators .............198, 207
Vehicle maximum load on ..............207
Wear pattern .................................. 200
Winter tires ............................ 207, 299
Tire speed rating ....................... 202, 207
Total load limit ................................... 207
Tow-away alarm .................................. 64
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 288
Vehicle ........................................... 287
Towing eye bolt ................................. 288
Traction ...................................... 199, 207
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 184
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 104
Traveling abroad ............................... 212
Tread (tires) ....................................... 207
Tread depth (tires) .................... 198, 207
Treadwear .......................................... 199
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 198, 207
Trip computer menu ......................... 128
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 113
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 75
Load assist .................................... 164
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening ........................................... 73
Opening/closing system ...........74, 76
Trunk lid emergency release ............77
Unlocking manually .......................268
Valet locking .................................... 77
Turning off the engine ...................... 102
Turn signals ......................................... 92
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
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Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 253
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 199, 207
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 123
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................123
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 306
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Manually ........................................ 267
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 221
Useful features .................................. 164
V
Valet locking ........................................ 77
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 283
Care ............................................... 215
Control system .............................. 113
Identification Number (VIN) ...........294
Locking/unlocking ........................... 68
Lowering (wheel change) ...............282
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 21
Towing ........................................... 287
Unlocking/locking manually ..........267
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 294
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 89
Vehicle loading
Load limit ....................................... 195
Terminology ................................... 205
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 207
Vehicle specification
SL 550 ........................................... 296
SL 600 ........................................... 296
SL 63 AMG .................................... 297
SL 65 AMG .................................... 298
Vehicle status message memory .... 120
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 224
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............140
Distronic ........................................ 135
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....48
Parking brake ................................ 239
Parktronic system ..........................147
Seat belt telltale ............................ 256
Warranty coverage ............................ 294
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 309
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Mixing ratio .................................... 309
Refilling .......................................... 185
Washing the vehicle .......................... 215
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 200
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 276
Removing ....................................... 279
Spare ............................................. 276
Tightening torque ........................... 282
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 299
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 186
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 219
Wind screen ....................................... 157
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Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking68Opening and closing73,
75
Valet locking77;Rear window defroster155=Fuel filler flap178?Doors:Locking and unlocking68,
267
AExterior rear view mirrors86BRetractable hardtop155CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid96Cleaning219DWipers95FunctionPageWiper blades, replacing275Wiper blades, cleaning219EHood180FFront lamps271GHeadlamp cleaning system93HFront towing eye288ITires and wheels186Rims and tires299JRear lamps271KRear towing eye28826Exterior viewAt a glance
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Electro-hydraulic brake system
The electro-hydraulic brake system combines
a hydraulic brake circuit with electronically
controlled brake servo assistance. You have
increased braking safety and improved
braking comfort.GWarning!
Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated in
the speedometer display, for example by the
$ (USA only) or J (Canada only)
indicator lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints”
section. Also read and observe the messages
in the instrument cluster multifunction
display.
For information on warning and indicator
lamps, see the “Practical hints” section
( Y page 255). For information on the
messages that may appear in the
multifunction display, see the “Practical
hints” section ( Y page 227) and
( Y page 237).
GWarning!
The electro-hydraulic brake system requires
electrical power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply or
electrical system may impair brake system
operation and switch it into its emergency
operation mode. In such a case, the red brake
warning lamp comes on and warning
messages appear in the multifunction display
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal
pressure and depress the pedal much further
to obtain the expected braking effect. If
necessary, apply full pressure to the brake
pedal. Brakes are only applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the electro-
hydraulic brake system, we recommend that
the vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances do
not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, see
the “Towing the vehicle” section in this
Operator’s Manual.
The electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated automatically when you
R unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
with KEYLESS-GO
R open the driver’s or passenger door
R turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1
R press the start/stop button on the gear
selector lever once (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
R depress the brake pedal
R release the parking brake
If the electro-hydraulic brake system is
activated as the brake pedal is first
depressed, 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 electro-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 driving and
the red brake warning lamp illuminates
and/or warning messages appear in the
multifunction display, the brake system is
malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the
warning message(s) and have the brake
system checked immediately.GWarning!
Have brake pad replacement and other work
on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried
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Ra door is opened from the inside
Rthe trunk is opened with the emergency
release button
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 65).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The Tele Aid system will
initiate the call provided that
Ryou have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
Rthe Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
Rthe necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
iUnless you open a door or the trunk within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
RThe vehicle will be locked again.
RThe anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 65).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Customer
Assistance Center is initiated automatically
by the Tele Aid system provided that you
have subscribed to the Tele Aid service and
that it has been activated properly, and that
the necessary mobile phone, power supply
and GPS coverage are available.
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The tow-away alarm is armed after about
30 seconds automatically.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until
you lock the vehicle again.
Disabling tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
disable the tow-away alarm feature before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
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XBriefly press on cover : to open.XPress SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ; will
flash until the emergency call is concluded.
XWait for a voice connection to the
Customer Assistance Center.
XClose cover : after the emergency call is
concluded.
GWarning!
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the emergency button. Carefully
leave the vehicle and move to a safe location.
The Customer Assistance Center will
automatically contact local emergency
officials with the vehicle’s approximate
location if they receive an automatic SOS
signal and cannot make voice contact with the
vehicle occupants.
XTerminating calls: Press button ~ on
the multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the respective button for ending a
telephone call on the COMAND system.
Roadside Assistance button
XOpen the storage compartment under the
armrest (Y page 162).
XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for longer than 2 seconds.
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance dispatcher will be initiated. The
indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button : will flash while the call is in
progress. The message Connecting
Call will appear in the multifunction
display and the COMAND system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message Call Connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will
transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and
location (subject to availability of cellular and
GPS signals).
i The COMAND system display indicates
that a Tele Aid call is in progress. While the
call is connected you can change to the
navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on the COMAND system. Spoken
commands are not available.
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants of
the vehicle will be established.
XDescribe the nature of the need for
assistance.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such as
labor and/or towing, charges may apply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for
more information.
Sign and Drive services (USA only):
Services such as a jump start, a few gallons
of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire with
the vehicle spare wheel are obtainable at no
charge.
iIf the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button : is flashing
continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Customer Assistance
Center established, then the Tele Aid
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The seating capacity gives you important
information on the number of occupants that
can be in the vehicle. The Tire and Loading
Information placard showing seating
capacity : is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar (Y page 194).
Steps for determining correct load limit
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
XStep 1: Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.”
on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard.
XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.
XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1 400 lbs and there will be five
150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs
(1 400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
XStep 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
XStep 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will
be towing a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle (Y page 196).
The following table shows examples on how
to calculate total and cargo load capacities
with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. The following
examples use a load limit of 1 500 lbs. This
is for illustration purposes only. Make sure
you are using the actual load limit for your
vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information placard (Y page 194).
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Example 1Example 2Step 1Combined weight limit of
occupants and cargo from
Tire and Loading Information
placard1 500 lbs1 500 lbsStep 2Number of occupants (driver
and passengers)12Occupants weightOccupant 1: 175 lbsOccupant 1: 175 lbs
Occupant 2: 195 lbsCombined weight of all
occupants175 lbs370 lbsStep 3Available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (total
load limit from Tire and
Loading Information placard
minus combined weight of all
occupants)1 500 lbs - 175 lbs =
1 325 lbs1 500 lbs - 370 lbs =
1 130 lbsThe higher the weight of all occupants, the
less cargo and luggage load capacity is
available.
For more information, see “Trailer tongue
load” ( Y page 196).
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants, cargo and
the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
( Y page 196) as to not exceed the
permissible load limit, you must make sure
your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
GAWR from the certification label. The
certification label can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar , see the “Technical data” section
( Y page 294).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all
cargo, and the trailer tongue load (if
applicable) must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total
allowable weight that can be carried by a
single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible weight limits
(GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle),
have the loaded vehicle (including driver,
passengers and all cargo and, if applicable,
trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable
commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the load
you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the tongue load must be added to the
weight of all occupants riding and any cargo
you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue
load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their cargo.
Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer
towing with your vehicle.
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Vehicle equipment ............................224
Where will I find ...? ..........................224
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .......................226
What to do if … ..................................254
Unlocking/locking manually ...........267
Replacing SmartKey batteries .........269
Replacing bulbs .................................271
Replacing wiper blades ....................275
Flat tire ..............................................276
Battery ...............................................283
Jump starting ....................................285
Towing the vehicle ............................287
Fuses ..................................................291
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