MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG 2007 R230 Owner's Manual

410 Practical hintsFlat tire

Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.
Inflating the spare tire (collapsible tire)

Take the electric air pump out of the
trunk (
page 388).1Flap
2Air pump switch
3Electrical plug
4Air hose with pressure gauge and vent
screw
5Union nut

Open flap 1 on air pump.

Pull out electrical plug 3 and air hose
with the pressure gauge 4.

Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve.

Screw union nut 5 onto the tire valve.

Insert electrical plug 3 into vehicle ci-
gar lighter socket.
Warning!
G
Always replace wheel bolts that are dam-
aged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be re-
paired immediately. Do not continue to drive
under these circumstances! Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight-
ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident. Be
sure to use the correct wheel bolts.
Warning!
G
Only use genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. They are identi-
fied by the Mercedes star. Other wheel bolts
may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the ve-
hicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
fall off the jack.!
Do not lower the vehicle before inflating the
spare wheel tire. Otherwise the rim may be dam-
aged.
Warning!
G
Observe instructions on air pump label.

411 Practical hints
Flat tire

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position1.
or

Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button on the gear selector lever once
without depressing the brake pedal.

PressI on the electric air pump
switch2.
The electric air pump should now
switch on and inflate the tire.

Inflate the spare tire:

SL 550 to 36 psi (2.5 bar)


SL 600, SL 55 AMG, SL 55 AMG
(Performance Package*), and
SL 65 AMG to 51 psi (3.5 bar)
This takes about 5 minutes.
Air hose4 and union nut5 can be-
come hot during inflation. Exercise
proper caution to avoid burning your-
self when using the equipment.

Press0 on the electric air pump
switch2.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0.
or

Press KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button
on the gear selector lever twice without
depressing the brake pedal.
The electric air pump should now be
switched off.

If the spare tire inflation pressure is
above the recommended tire inflation
pressure for the respective collapsible
tire (
page 440), release excess spare
tire inflation pressure using the vent
screw.

Detach the electric air pump.

Stow the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the air
pump back in the trunk.
!
Compare the recommended tire inflation
pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare
wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label
on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to
the recommended tire inflation pressure given
on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
!
Do not operate the electric air pump longer
than 8 minutes without interruption. Otherwise it
may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again after it has
cooled off.
Warning!
G
Follow recommend inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.


412 Practical hintsFlat tireLowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning crank coun-
terclockwise until the full weight of the
vehicle is resting on the ground.

Pull the jack out of the jack support
tube.
1 - 5 Wheel bolts

Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly, fol-
lowing the diagonal sequence illustrat-
ed (1 to 5), until all bolts are tight.
Observe a tightening torque of 96 lb-ft
(130 Nm).

Before storing the jack in the trunk,
crank back to storage position and fold
in the arm.
Replacing jack support tube cover

Slide tongue of cover under the upper
edge of the tube opening.

Applying even pressure, press cover
until it snaps into place.
Be careful not to damage the locking
tabs or clamp the plastic retaining
strap.
i
The flat tire may be transported in the trunk
when the retractable hardtop is raised. If avail-
able, use a protective sheet on the spare wheel.
Vehicles with TPMS or Advanced TPMS*:
Do not activate the tire inflation pressure moni-
tor until a full size wheel/tire with functioning
sensor has been placed back into service on the
vehicle.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).Warning!
G
When turning the wheel wrench to tighten
the wheel bolts, make sure you position
hands on the wrench in such a way that you
avoid injury to yourself, such as scraping
your hands against the wheel. Make sure
turning the wheel wrench will not scratch or
damage the wheel rim.
i
For information on storing the spare wheel
back into the trunk, see “Storing the spare wheel
after use” (
page 390).


413 Practical hints
Flat tire
MOExtended system*
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there
is a total loss of pressure in one or more
tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system
in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator*
(Canada vehicles) (
page 293) or TPMS
(U.S. vehicles) (
page 295).
!
The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 30 miles
(50 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving distance
begins in emergency mode is when the warning
message appears in the multifunction display
indicating that there is a loss of tire inflation
pressure.
Do not exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Warning!
G
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such situa-
tions as:

driving around curves


while braking


while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapt-
ed accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and
driving maneuvers, as well as driving over
obstacles (road curbs, potholes, or off-road
areas). This is especially important if the ve-
hicle is heavily loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can
be significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is
driven cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode
if

you notice knocking sounds


the vehicle starts to shake


smoke develops and you smell rubber


ESP
® is intervening continuously


you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.
i
When replacing individual or all tires on the
vehicle, make sure only matching tires marked
with “MOExtended” are mounted in the size
specified for your vehicle (
page 439).

414 Practical hintsBatteriesFor more information on batteries, see
“Battery” (
page 281).
Your vehicle is equipped with two
batteries:


The starter battery


The battery for electrical consumers
(consumer battery), located in the
trunk
The starter battery is located on the
right-hand side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Positive terminal
2Negative terminal
3Battery ventilationThe consumer battery is located on the
right-hand side of the trunk.
4Positive terminal
5Negative terminal
!
The starter battery, its filler caps, and the
ventilation hose must always be securely in-
stalled when the vehicle is in operation.
!
The consumer battery located in the trunk is
a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery, also
referred to as “fleece” battery. Such batteries do
not require topping-up of the electrolyte level.
VRLA batteries therefore do not have cell caps
and the battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the consumer battery as other-
wise the battery will be damaged.
Even though VRLA batteries do not require top-
ping-up of the electrolyte level and cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level, the bat-
tery condition must be checked periodically by
performing a battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition test-
ing intervals.
As with any other battery, disconnect the con-
sumer battery if you do not intend to operate
your vehicle for an extended period of time to
prevent battery discharge or connect an acces-
sory battery charge unit expressly approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to main-
tain the battery charge. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information.

415 Practical hints
Batteries
!
The factory-equipped VRLA battery is
leak-proofed. Only use a battery as replacement
that has the same security features and is of
identical size, voltage, and capacity as the
factory-equipped battery.
The battery, the battery ventilation and the later-
al plug must always be securely installed when
the vehicle is in operation.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
!
Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch. Otherwise the
alternator and other electronic components
could be severely damaged.
Have the starter battery checked regularly by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for maintenance
intervals or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information.
Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the
risk of acid burns in the event of an acci-
dent.
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical power
to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. The same applies if
battery is disconnected. To brake, the driver
must then apply significantly greater brake
pedal pressure and depress the pedal much
further to obtain the expected braking ef-
fect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the
brake pedal. Brakes are only applied to the
front wheels. Stopping distance is in-
creased! Adjust your driving style according-
ly. For more information, see
“Electro-hydraulic brake system”
(page 92).

416 Practical hintsBatteries
Disconnecting the batteries
Apply the parking brake (
page 61).

Make sure the gear selector lever is set
to position P (
page 168).

Close the retractable hardtop
(page 199).

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Turn off the engine (
page 62).

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: Open
the driver’s door.

Open the trunk.

Read and observe safety instructions
and precautions (
page 281).

Open the luggage cover in the trunk
(page 206).

Remove the trunk floor.
The battery for electrical consumers is
located in the right hand area of the
trunk (
page 388).

Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
negative lead from negative
terminal5 of the consumer battery
(page 414).
Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch and
pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button on the gear selector lever will
have no effect


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP
!
Always disconnect the batteries in the order
described below, even if you only want to charge
the starter battery, for example. Otherwise the
vehicle’s electronics can be damaged.

417 Practical hints
Batteries

Open the hood (
page 274).

Use the 10 mm open-end wrench from
the vehicle tool kit to disconnect the
negative lead from negative
terminal2 of the starter battery
(page 414).

Remove the covers from the positive
terminals 1 and 4 (
page 414).

Disconnect the positive lead from pos-
itive terminal 4 of the consumer bat-
tery (
page 414).

Disconnect the positive lead from pos-
itive terminal 1 of the starter battery
(page 414).
Removing the batteries
Removing the consumer battery
Remove the screws securing the bat-
tery in the trunk.

Remove the battery support and
bracket.

Pull out the battery ventilation hose
from the battery.
Depending on battery arrangement in
your vehicle model, the ventilation tube
is located either on the left or right side
of the battery.

Take out the battery.
Removing the starter battery

Remove the screws securing the start-
er battery in the engine compartment.

Pull battery ventilation 3
(page 414) out of the battery.

Lift the retaining bracket.

Remove the battery.
Charging and reinstalling batteriesWarning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the bat-
tery in its installed position. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability. Charge battery
in accordance with the separate instruc-
tions for the accessory battery charger.

418 Practical hintsBatteries
Charge batteries in accordance with
the instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.

Reinstall the charged batteries. Follow
the previously described steps in re-
verse order.
Reconnecting the batteries
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Install starter battery in the designated
location in the engine compartment.

Install consumer battery in the desig-
nated location in the trunk.

Attach supports and brackets.

Tighten support and bracket screws.

Connect positive lead 4 (
page 414)
of the consumer battery and positive
lead 1 (
page 414) of the starter bat-
tery and fasten covers.

Connect negative lead 2
(page 414) of the starter battery.

Connect negative lead 5
(page 414) of the consumer battery.

Reinstall the trunk floor.

Close trunk luggage cover
(page 206).
!
Always connect the batteries in the order
described below. Otherwise the vehicle’s elec-
tronics can be damaged.
!
Never invert the terminal connections!
i
The following procedures must be carried
out following any interruption of battery power
(e.g. due to reconnection):


Resynchronize the ESP
® (page 355).


Resynchronize side windows (
page 198).

419 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the starter battery is discharged, the en-
gine can be started with jumper cables and
the battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic
converter are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Jump starting may only be performed on the
battery installed in the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a bat-
tery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several unsuc-
cessful starting attempts, have it checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the
catalytic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still
attached to a battery.