service MERCEDES-BENZ SL600 2007 R230 Owner's Manual

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-
sire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:


Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.


Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.


Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and oc-
cupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada............................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
Vehicle data recording ......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Exterior view ......................................... 22
Cockpit ................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 30
Center console ..................................... 31
Upper part ...................................... 31
Lower part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Storage compartments ......................... 34
Door control panel................................ 36
Getting started................................... 37
Unlocking ............................................. 38
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 38
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 39
Starter switch positions .................. 39
Adjusting .............................................. 42
Seats .............................................. 42
Steering wheel ................................ 45
Mirrors ............................................ 47
Driving .................................................. 49
Fastening the seat belts ................. 49
Starting the engine ......................... 52
Parking brake ................................. 54
Driving off ....................................... 54
Switching on headlamps ................. 55
Turn signals .................................... 56
Windshield wipers ........................... 57
Problems while driving.................... 59
Parking and locking .............................. 60
Parking brake ................................. 61
Switching off headlamps................. 61
Turning off the engine..................... 62
Releasing seat belts........................ 62
Locking ........................................... 63

ContentsOperation......................................... 257
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 258
Driving instructions ............................ 259
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 259
Drinking and driving ..................... 259
Pedals .......................................... 259
Power assistance ......................... 260
Brakes .......................................... 260
Driving off..................................... 262
Parking ......................................... 263
Tires ............................................. 263
Hydroplaning ................................ 264
Tire traction .................................. 265
Tire speed rating .......................... 265
Winter driving instructions ........... 266
Standing water ............................. 267
Passenger compartment .............. 268
Driving abroad .............................. 268
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 268
Catalytic converter ....................... 269
Emission control........................... 269
Coolant temperature .................... 270At the gas station .............................. 271
Refueling ...................................... 271
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 272
Engine compartment ......................... 274
Hood ............................................ 274
Engine oil ..................................... 275
Transmission fluid level ................ 279
Oil level in the ABC system .......... 279
Coolant ........................................ 280
Battery ......................................... 281
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 282
Tires and wheels ................................ 283
Important guidelines .................... 283
Tire care and maintenance ........... 284
Direction of rotation ..................... 286
Loading the vehicle ...................... 286
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 291
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 292
MOExtended system* .................. 301
Tire labeling.................................. 302
Load identification ....................... 306
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 307Maximum tire load ....................... 308
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 309
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 309
Tire ply material ........................... 311
Tire and loading terminology........ 312
Rotating tires ............................... 315
Winter driving .................................... 316
Winter tires .................................. 316
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 317
Snow chains................................. 318
Maintenance...................................... 319
Maintenance service indicator
message ...................................... 319
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display .............. 320
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 321
Vehicle care....................................... 322
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 322

Contents
Practical hints................................. 331
What to do if … .................................. 332
Lamps in the instrument cluster .. 332
Air bag off indicator lamp ............. 345
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 347
Where will I find ...? ........................... 388
First aid kit ................................... 388
Vehicle tool kit, jack, and spare
wheel ........................................... 388
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency ......................................... 391
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 391
Locking the vehicle ...................... 393
Lowering the load assist manually 394
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........... 395
Replacing bulbs ................................. 397
Bulbs ............................................ 397
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 399
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 402
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 403
Placing wiper arms in vertical
position ........................................ 403
Removing wiper blades ................ 404
Installing wiper blades................. 404Flat tire ............................................... 405
Preparing the vehicle .................... 405
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 405
MOExtended system* ................... 413
Batteries ............................................. 414
Disconnecting the batteries .......... 416
Removing the batteries ................. 417
Charging and reinstalling
batteries ....................................... 417
Reconnecting the batteries ........... 418
Jump starting ...................................... 419
Towing the vehicle .............................. 421
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 423
Fuses .................................................. 424
Fuse boxes in engine
compartment ................................ 425
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 426
Fuse in trunk ................................. 426
Emergency engine shut-down ....... 426
Technical data.................................. 427
Parts service ...................................... 428
Warranty coverage ............................. 429
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 429
Identification labels ............................ 430
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 432
SL 550 .......................................... 432
SL 55 AMG ................................... 432
SL 600, SL 65 AMG ...................... 432
Engine ................................................ 433
Rims and tires .................................... 435
Same size tires ............................. 436
Mixed size tires ............................. 437
MOExtended tires* ....................... 439
Spare wheel .................................. 440
Electrical system ................................ 441
Main dimensions ................................ 442
Weights .............................................. 443

10 IntroductionOperator’s ManualThis Operator’s Manual contains a great
deal of useful information. We urge you to
read it carefully and familiarize yourself
with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life
of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in-
structions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in dam-
age to the vehicle or personal injury to you
or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail-
ure to follow instructions is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
the operation of any equipment, your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to demonstrate the proper proce-
dures.We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in design and equipment. Therefore, infor-
mation, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from
your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in
this manual, including operating instruc-
tions wherever necessary. Since they are
special-order items, the descriptions and
illustrations herein may vary slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are
not shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and
should be kept with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:

New Car Limited Warranty,


Emission System Warranty,


Emission Performance Warranty,


California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control System
Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont only),


State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws).

11 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to
a replacement of your vehicle or a refund
of the purchase price or lease price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and / or its au-
thorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or mal-
functions in the vehicle that are covered by
its express warranty after a reasonable
number of repair attempts. During the pe-
riod of 18 months from original delivery of
the vehicle or the accumulation of
18 000 miles (approx. 29 000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair at-
tempts is presumed for a retail buyer or
lessee if one or more of the following oc-
curs: (1) the same substantial defect or mal-
function results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that de-
fect or malfunction has been subject to
repair two or more times, and you have
directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or mal-
function of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have direct-
ly notified us in writing of the need for
its repair, or(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason
of repair of the same or different sub-
stantial defects or malfunctions for a
cumulative total of more than
30 calendar days.
Written notification should be sent to us,
not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC,
Customer Assistance Center, One
Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ
07645-0350.

12 IntroductionOperator’s ManualMaintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for ser-
vice. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to
the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure in your vehicle literature
portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser-
vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in
your own interest that we can contact you
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it avail-
able 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 In-
formation Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,
or Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:

Service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,


unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,


gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-
pean 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

19 Introduction
Vehicle data recording
Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronicrecording devices
(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system,
may transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety.
DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others

for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes


with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee


in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency


for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or


as otherwise required or permitted by law.
Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted
via that system.

55 Getting started
Driving

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the automat-
ic central locking system engages and the
locking knobs drop down.After a cold start, the transmission engag-
es at a higher revolution. This allows the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
Switching on headlamps
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.Exterior lamp switch1Off
2Low beam headlamps on
Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position B.
The low beam headlamps come on.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.!
In order to avoid damage to the transmis-
sion:


Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.


Place the gear selector lever in positionD
orR only when the vehicle is stopped.
!
If you hear a warning signal and the mes-
sage Release parking brake
appears in the
multifunction display when driving off, you have
forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
!
Do not run cold engine at high engine speed.
Running a cold engine at high engine speed may
shorten the service life of the engine.
!
Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brake reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
i
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
You can deactivate the automatic locking using
the control system (
page 162).