air suspension MERCEDES-BENZ SL63AMG 2012 R230 Owner's Manual

The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, the ride height is reduced
by up to approximately 0.5 in (12 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change.
Setting the vehicle level
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
LevelUse forIndicator
lamps
NormalFor driving on
normal roads.
Both lamps
are off.
Level 1For driving on
rough roads or
with snow chains
(Y page 208).
One lamp
is on.
Level 2For driving on very
rough road surface
conditions.
Both lamps
are on.
Select the level 1 and level 2 settings only
when required by current driving conditions.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling may be
impaired.
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
XStart the engine.XPress vehicle level control button = briefly
to change from one level setting to the
next.
RThe normal level is selected if both
indicator lamps are off.
RAt level 1, indicator lamp : is on.
RAt level 2, both indicator lamps :
and ; are on.
When the vehicle is at level 2, pressing
vehicle level control button = will return
the vehicle to normal level.
iPressing vehicle level control button =
twice in quick succession will cause the
vehicle to immediately raise or lower to the
new vehicle level as selected.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour choice of suspension style
Rthe vehicle loading
You can set the following suspension styles:
RRegular (Comfort)
RSporty
iThe selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted.
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The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
186Tires and wheelsOperation
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Position A represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
XRemove cover from battery positive
terminal ;.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
XConnect positive terminal : of charged
battery A with positive terminal ; with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal : of charged battery A first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with charged
battery A and run at idle speed.
XConnect negative terminal = of charged
battery A with negative terminal ? with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal = of charged battery
A first.
XStart engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
XRemove the jumper cables from negative
terminals = and ? first.
XRemove the jumper cables from positive
terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
XHave the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
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
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