checking oil MERCEDES-BENZ SL65AMG 2011 R230 Owner's Manual

Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift
program) ................................ 106, 107
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................109
Shifting procedure .........................104
Steering wheel gearshift control ....108
Transmission position indicator .....104
Transmission positions ..................104
AUX socket ........................................ 161
Axle oils .............................................. 304
B
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Replacing bulbs ............................. 272
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 205
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................71
Replacing ....................................... 269
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 283
Charging ........................................ 285
Jump starting ................................. 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Bead (tire) .......................................... 205
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 185
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 239
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 218
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 238
Brakes ................................................ 210
High-performance brake system ....211
Parking brake ................................ 102
Warning lamp ................................. 255
Break-in period .................................. 178
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 22
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 20
Calls (phone) ...................................... 129
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 303
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 220
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 73, 126
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 69
Locking/unlocking from inside ........73
SmartKey ......................................... 68
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 73
Certification label .............................. 294
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 39
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 52
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Safety notes ..................................... 51
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 221
Cigarette lighter ................................ 166
Climate control system
Air conditioning ............................. 150
Air conditioning refrigerant ............306
Air distribution ............................... 153
Air recirculation mode ...................154
Air vents ........................................ 151
Air volume ..................................... 153
Automatic mode ............................ 150
Deactivating system ......................149
Front defroster .............................. 153
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........153
Residual heat and ventilation .........154
Temperature .................................. 151
Index5230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 5

Number .......................................... 295
Starting ............................................ 98
Turning off ..................................... 102
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 183
Additives ........................................ 306
Checking level ............................... 181
Consumption ................................. 181
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Oil dipstick ..................................... 182
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 305
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 56
ETS .................................................. 57
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Warning lamp ........................ 259, 260
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 57
Express operation
Power windows ................................ 96
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 89
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 127
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 48
First aid kit ......................................... 224
Flat tire ............................................... 276
Lowering the vehicle ......................282
Mounting the spare wheel .............277
Preparing the vehicle .....................277
Spare wheel ........................... 276, 303
Floormats ........................................... 175
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 184, 304
Automatic transmission fluid .........304
Brake fluid ..................................... 304
Capacities ...................................... 303
Engine coolant ............................... 304
Engine oil ....................................... 304
Hydraulic fluid ................................ 305
Power steering fluid .......................304
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 305
Fog lamps ............................................. 91
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 250, 252
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Front air bags see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Fuel ..................................................... 178
Additives ........................................ 307
Capacity, fuel tank .........................305
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................209
Fuel consumption statistics ...........128
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp .................................. 31, 32, 262
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........306
Refueling ........................................ 178
Requirements ................................ 307
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 179
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 303
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 305
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................179
Refueling ........................................ 178
Fuses .................................................. 291
G
Garage door opener .................... 35, 172
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 206
Gear range ......................................... 106
Indicator ........................................ 106
8Index230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 8

FunctionBVehicle status message
memory13 menu (Y page 120)
CSettings menu (Y page 121)DTrip computer menu (Y page 128)ETelephone menu (Y page 129)
Standard display menu
Standard display
:Outside temperature;Transmission position=Trip odometer?Automatic transmission program modeAMain odometerXIf you see another display, press button
V or U repeatedly until the standard
display appears.
You can select whether the digital
speedometer or the outside temperature
appears in the left multifunction display
(Y page 124).
XPress button & or * to select the
functions in the Standard display menu.
The following functions are available:
RChecking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 190)
RCalling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature (Y page 116)
RCalling up maintenance service indicator
display (Y page 214)
RChecking engine oil level (Y page 182)
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature
If you have selected the digital speedometer
for the standard display (Y page 124), select
the outside temperature display here.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the digital speedometer or, depending on
the chosen setting, the outside
temperature appears in the right
multifunction display.
AMG menu
This function is only available in AMG
vehicles.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
The main screen of the AMG menu shows you
the engine oil temperature : as well as the
gear currently engaged ;.
13The vehicle status message memory menu is only displayed if there is a message stored.116Control systemControls in detail
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 116

XPush handle ; under the hood upwards.XPull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing
GWarning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
XLet the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the headlamps, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop with
somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds.
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
! Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle must
be parked on level ground.
SL 550, SL 63 AMG: The vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
SL 600, SL 65 AMG: With the engine at
operating temperature, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.
With the engine not at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 30 minutes with the engine turned off.
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick
On the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG you can check
the engine oil level with the oil dipstick.
iIn vehicles without an oil dipstick, the
engine oil level is measured with the control
system (Y page 182).
XOpen the hood (Y page 180).Engine compartment181Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 181Z

XPull out oil dipstick :.XWipe oil dipstick : clean.XSlowly insert oil dipstick : fully into the
dipstick guide tube.
XPull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
iSL 550 only:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
iSL 63 AMG only:
The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 1.6 US qt. (1.5 l).
XIf necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 303).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 247).
Checking engine oil level with the
control system
On the SL 600 and SL 65 AMG you can check
the engine oil level with the control system.
iIn vehicles without engine oil measuring
system, the engine oil level is measured
with the oil dipstick (Y page 181).
XSwitch on the ignition.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 116).
XPress button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction displays:
XAfter about 3 seconds, the following
message appears in the left multifunction
display: Engine Oil Level Measuring
Now.
One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the right
multifunction display:
REngine Oil Level
OK
RAdd 1.0 qt
to reach max.
oil level.
(Canada: 1.0 liter)
RAdd 1.5 qts
to reach max.
oil level.
(Canada: 1.5 liters)
RAdd 2.0 qts
to reach max.
oil level.
(Canada: 2.0 liters)
iIf you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button * or & on
the multifunction steering wheel.
XIf necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 303).
Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Turn ignition on
to measure
engine oil level.
XSwitch on the ignition.182Engine compartmentOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 182

If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Engine Oil Level
Not With
Engine Running
XTurn off the engine.XIf the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
XIf the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If there is excess engine oil with the engine at
normal operating temperature, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Engine Oil Level
Reduce Oil Level
XHave excess oil siphoned or drained off.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 249).
Adding engine oil
! Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
RUsing engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
RChanging of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
RUsing any oil additives.
Example illustration: SL 550
Example illustration: SL 63 AMG
XUnscrew filler cap : from filler neck.XAdd engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Engine compartment183Operation230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 183Z

! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XScrew filler cap : back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 303) and
(Y page 305).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission.
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level
Regular fluid level check is not required. If you
notice fluid leaks or malfunction messages in
the multifunction display, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC
system.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†).
GWarning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
RUse extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature gauge indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
RDo not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn counterclockwise
to relieve excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam
will be blown out under pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap approximately1/2 turn counterclockwise to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning the cap counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: is up to the upper mark
on the bracing rib of coolant expansion
tank : (translucent)
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap back on and tighten it.
! SL 600 and SL 65 AMG: Only open the cap
on the coolant expansion tank. Never open
the cap between the two charge-air
coolers. Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged.
184Engine compartmentOperation
230_AKB; 6; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-28T18:49:58+02:00 - Seite 184