Level control system MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 2000 R129 User Guide

96 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To cancel, press O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures
above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 20 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove electronic key.
Press T button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
• If you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
• after approx. 30 minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops.

102 Audio system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Operation
Switching on and off
Press the control knob .
Th e ra dio is switch ed of f wh en the ignition key is tu rned
to position 0 or removed from the ignition. The radio is
switched on again when the ignition key is turned to
position 1 or 2.
Note:
The radio can also be switched on even if the ignition
key is not inserted, but will switch itself off
automatically after one hour to conserve vehicle battery
power.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the control knob - Turning the knob clockwise will
increase the volume, counterclockwise will decrease the
volume.Audio functions
The AUD key is used to select the BASS, TREBLE and
BALANCE functions. Settings for bass and treble are
stored separately for the radio, cassette and CD modes.
Tone level settings are identified by the vertical bars.
The center (flat) setting is shown by one longer bar in
the center of the display.
Bass
Press the AUD key repeatedly
until “BASS” appears in the
display.
Treble
Press the AUD key repeatedly
until “TREBLE” appears in th e
display.
Press the “+” key to increase
or the “-” key to decrease the level.

103 Audio system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Balance
Press the AUD key repeatedly
until “BALANCE” appears in
the display.
Press the “L” key to move the
sound to the left speaker or the “R” key to move the
sound to the right speaker.
1 not available on all models
Centering all audio functions
Push and hold down the
“AUD” key. All audio
functions (bass, treble,
balance and fader) are set to
center or flat positions, and
the volume is adjusted to a pre-set level.

109 Audio system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index CD mode
General notes on CD mode
Should excessive temperatures occur while in CD mode,
“TEMP HIGH” will appear in the display and muting
will take place. The unit will then switch back to radio
mode until the temperature has decreased to a safe
operating level.
Should temperatures occur while in CD mode which are
too low, “TEMP LOW” will be displayed, but the CD will
play. It will be sensitive to skipping if you are driving
over rough roads.
Handle CDs carefully to prevent interference during
playback.
Avoid fingerprints and dust on CDs. Do not write on the
CDs or apply any label to the CDs.
Clean CDs from time to time with a commercially
available cleaning cloth. No solvents, anti-static sprays,
etc. should be used. Replace the CD in its container after use. Protect CDs
from heat and direct sunlight.
1 Optional equipmentWa r n i n g !
The CD changer
1 is a Class 1 laser product. There
is a danger of invisible laser radiation if the cover
is opened or damaged.
Do not remove the cover. The CD changer
1 does not
contain any parts which can be serviced by the
user. For safety reasons, have any service work
which may be necessary performed only by
qualified personnel.

152 Contents – Driving
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 153
Radio, telephone and
two-way radio .............................. 153
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 154
Maintenance ................................... 154
Tele Aid ........................................... 155
Catalytic converter ........................ 163
Emission control ............................ 164
Steering lock ................................... 165
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 167
Before starting ............................ 167
Starting ........................................ 167
Turning off .................................. 167
Automatic transmission ............... 168
Driving ......................................... 168
Accelerator Position ................... 169
Selector lever positions ............. 169
Maneuvering ............................... 172
Stopping ....................................... 172Program mode
selector switch ........................... 173
Emergency Operation ................174
Parking brake ................................ 175
Driving instructions ....................... 176
Drive sensibly - Save fuel .......... 176
Drinking and driving ................. 176
Pedals ........................................... 176
Power assistance ........................ 177
Brakes .......................................... 177
Driving off ................................... 178
Parking ........................................ 178
Tires ............................................. 179
Aquaplaning ................................180
Tire traction .................................180
Tire speed rating ........................181
Snow chains ................................ 181
Ve h i c l e s w i t h s p o r t
package ........................................181
Winter driving
instructions .................................182
Winter driving .............................183
Block heater .................................183
Deep water ...................................184Traveling abroad ........................ 184
Cruise control ................................. 185
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 188
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 190
ABS control ................................. 191
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) ........................................... 192
Synchronizing ESP .................... 193
ESP Control Switch .................... 194
Level control system ...................... 196
Level control switch
positions ...................................... 196
Normal Level ............................... 197
Wheel Change Switch ............... 198
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) ........................................... 199
Adaptive damping system
adjustment .................................. 199
What you should know at the gas
station .........................................200
Fuel supply ..................................200
Fuel ...............................................200
Check regularly and before
a long trip ...................................202

177 Driving insturctions
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Power assistance
BrakesThe condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake f luid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake f luid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Al l checks and service work on the brake system shoul d
be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components, the first braking action
may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary to obtain expected
braking effect. Be sure to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
Wa r n i n g !
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid
is used, t he braking properties of th e vehic le can be
degraded to an extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired. This could result in an
accident.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

196 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Level control system
(SL 600 only)
The switch is located next to the exterior lamp switch
1Level control switch
2Wheel change switchLevel control switch positions
Press upper half of switch once for option 1. One
indicator lamp lights up.
Press upper half of switch twice for option 2. Both
indicator lamps light up.
Note:
The indicator lamps blink at first, and stay on
continuously once the selected level is attained.
Press lower half of switch once:
From option 2, system switches to option 1. Only one
indicator lamp is illuminated.
From option 1, system returns to Normal Level. Indicator
lamp goes out.
Press lower half of switch twice:
From option 2, system returns to Normal Level. Both
indicator lamps go out.
12
P32.35-0219-26

197 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Normal level
Used for normal operation of the vehicle.
At speeds above approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
vehicle chassis is lowered automatically by about one
half inch (15 mm).
Option 1
Level increases one half inch (15 mm)
This setting may be used when road surface conditions
are rough.
When option 1 is selected, the vehicle chassis is raised
by one ha lf inch (15 mm) a t vehicle speed s u p to approx.
35 mph (60 km/h).
At speeds between approximately 35 mph (60 km/h)
and 60 mph (95 km/h) the vehicle chassis is lowered to
its normal level.
At speeds above approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
vehicle chassis is lowered an additional one half inch
(15 mm). Notes:
When exceeding approximately 60 mph (95 km/h), the
system switches from option 1 back to Normal Level.
The indicator lamp will go out.
If speed exceeds 35 mph (60 km/h) but does not exceed
60 mph (95 km/h), the vehicle chassis will be
automatically raised again by one half inch (15 mm)
when vehicle speed drops below approx. 35 mph
(60 km/h).
Option 2
Level increases one inch (30 mm)
This setting may be used when road surface conditions
are very rough for increased ground clearance.
Upon selection of option 2 the vehicle chassis is raised
by one inch (30 mm). This option can only be selected at
vehicle standstill, and the raised level is only retained
up to speeds of approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
At speeds between approximately 15 mph (25 km/h)
and 35 mph (60 km/h) the vehicle chassis is lowered by
one half inch (15 mm).

198 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
At speeds between approximately 35 mph (60 km/h)
and 60 mph (95 km/h) the vehicle chassis is lowered to
its normal level.
At speeds above approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
vehicle chassis is lowered an additional one half inch
(15 mm).
Notes:
When exceeding approximately 35 mph (60 km/h), the
system will switch from option 2 to option 1. Only one
indicator lamp will be illuminated.
When exceeding approximately 60 mph (95 km/h) the
system will switch from option 1 to Normal Level. The
indicator lamp will go out.
If speed exce eds approx. 35 mph (60 km/h) bu t d oes not
exceed 60 mph (95 km/h), the system will switch from
option 2 to option 1 when vehicle speeds drop below
approximately 35 mph (60 km/h).
If speed does not exceed 35 mph (60 km/h), the system
will switch from option 2 to option 1 when driving on
after the vehicle has been stopped.Wheel change switch (2)
Prior to changing a wheel, depress wheel change switch
with engine running. The indicator lamp in the switch
and ADS malfunction indicator lamp light up. The
presently selected level option cannot be changed now.
After activating the wheel change switch turn off the
engine.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive the vehicle while the wheel change
switch is activated since the vehicle suspension
will not function properly.

202 Check regularly and before a long trip
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip 1Coolant level
See “Adding coolant” on page 223.
2Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page 225.
3Engine oil level
See “Checking engine oil level” on page 221 and
“Engine oil level indicator” on page 82.
4Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page 278.
Opening hood, see page 219.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on page
242.
Exterior lamp switch, see page 84.