towing MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2014 R172 Owner's Manual

Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function)
..........................144
Automatic headlamp mode ..............109
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position .............150
Automatic drive program ...............152
Changing gea r............................... 150
Display message ............................ 235
Driving tips .................................... 150
Emergency running mode ..............156
Kickdown ....................................... 151
Manual drive program ....................152
Manual drive program (vehicles
with Sports package AMG) ............153
Overview ........................................ 149
Problem (malfunction) ...................156
Program selector button ................151
Pulling away ................................... 142
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 156
Selector lever ................................ 149
Starting the engine ........................142
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......152
Transmission position displa y........ 149
Transmission positions ..................150
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 156 B
Backup lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 117
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................60
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 73
Important safety notes ....................73
Replacing ......................................... 73
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 296
Display message ............................ 226
Important safety notes ..................294
Jump starting ................................. 298
Overview ........................................ 294Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................201
Display message ............................ 229
Notes/function .............................. 187
Bottle holder ...................................... 257
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 216
Notes ............................................. 347
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 222
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 60
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................347
Display message ............................ 211
Driving tips .................................... 164
High-performance brake system ....165
Important safety notes ..................164
Maintenance .................................. 165
Parking brake ................................ 160
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 285
Car wash ........................................ 280
Display ........................................... 284
Exhaust pipe .................................. 283
Exterior lights ................................ 283
Gear or selector lever ....................284
Interior ........................................... 284
Matte finish ................................... 282 Index
5

Emergency spare wheel
Important safety note s.................. 337
Points to remember .......................337
Removing ....................................... 337
Stowing .......................................... 338
Technical data ............................... 340
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .55
Safety guideline s............................. 39
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 248
Display message ............................ 225
ECO start/stop function ................143
Engine number ............................... 343
Irregular running ............................ 147
Jump-starting ................................. 298
Starting problems ..........................147
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 142
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............142
Switching off .................................. 160
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 303
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................147
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 276
Additives ........................................ 346
Checking the oil level ..................... 275
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 275
Display message ............................ 226
Filling capacity ............................... 346
Notes about oil grades ................... 346
Notes on oil level/consumption ....275
Temperature (on-board computer) .206
Viscosity ........................................ 346
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...207
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 63
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................62
Display message ............................ 211
ETS .................................................. 61
Function/notes ................................ 61 General notes
.................................. 61
Important safety information ...........62
Warning lamp ................................. 244
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 61
Exhaust check ................................... 163
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 283
Exterior lighting Setting options .............................. 108
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 103
Dipping (automatic) .......................104
Folding in/out (automatically). ......104
Folding in/out (electrically). ..........104
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...104
Storing settings (memory function) 105
Storing the parking position ..........104
Eyeglasses compartment .................255 F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
Filling capacities (Technical data) ...344
Fire extinguisher ............................... 289
First-aid kit ......................................... 288
Flat tire MOExtended tires ..........................290
Preparing the vehicle .....................289
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 291
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormats ........................................... 272
Fog lamps Switching on/off ........................... 109
Front fog lamps
Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 345
Consumption statistics ..................195
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 196
Displaying the range ......................196
Driving tips .................................... 162
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 345 Index
9

Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................53
Belt force limiters ............................ 55
Cleaning ......................................... 285
Correct usage .................................. 52
Emergency Tensioning Devices ....... .55
Fastening ......................................... 53
Important safety guidelines .............51
Releasing ......................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................206
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting (manually). .......................98
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 99
Adjusting the head restraint ............99
Cleaning the cover .........................285
Correct driver's seat position ........... 96
Important safety notes ....................97
Overview .......................................... 97
Seat heating problem ....................100
Storing settings (memory function) 105
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........100
Switching seat heating on/off .........99
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 284
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......283
Service menu (on-board computer) .201
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 347
Coolant (engine) ............................ 347
Engine oil ....................................... 346
Fuel ................................................ 344
Important safety notes ..................344
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 349
Washer fluid .................................. .348
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........202
On-board computer .......................202
Setting the air distribution ...............130
Setting the airflow ............................130
SETUP (on-board computer) .............207Side impact air bag
.............................43
Side marker lamp Changing bulbs (rear) ....................116
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 223
Side windows Cleaning ......................................... 282
Convenience closing feature ............84
Important safety information ...........82
Opening/closing (all) .......................83
Opening/closing (front) ...................82
Overview .......................................... 82
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
Resetting ......................................... 84
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................73
Changing the programming .............71
Checking the battery .......................73
Convenience opening feature ..........83
Display message ............................ 238
Door central locking/unlocking .......70
Important safety notes ....................70
Loss ................................................. 75
Mechanical key ................................ 72
Opening/closing the roof ................88
Overview .......................................... 70
Positions (ignition lock) .................139
Problem (malfunction) .....................75
Starting the engine ........................142
Snow chains ...................................... 309
Sockets Center console .............................. 259
General notes ................................ 258
Under the armrest .........................259
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 338
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Special seat belt retractor .................. 58
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................203
Digital ............................................ 196
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 193
Selecting the unit of measurement 202 Index
15

Tire size (data)
............................... 333
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 322
Tire tread ....................................... 307
Tire tread (definition) .....................327
Total load limit (definition) .............328
Traction ......................................... 321
Traction (definition) .......................328
Tread wea r..................................... 321
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 320
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................326
Unladen weight (definition) ............327
Wear indicator (definition) .............328
Wheel rim (definition) ....................326
see Flat tire
Towing
Important safety guidelines ...........300
Installing the towing eye ................301
Removing the towing eye ...............301
With the rear axle raised ................302
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......302
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............303
Important safety notes ..................300
Installing the towing eye ................301
Removing the towing eye ...............301
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 149
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transporting the vehicle ..................302
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .284
Trip computer (on-board computer) 195
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 195
Resetting (on-board computer) ......196
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................81
Important safety notes ....................79
Locking separately ...........................81
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 80
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 80
Overview .......................................... 79Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 236
Opening/closing .............................. 79
Opening dimensions ......................350
Trunk load (maximum) ......................350
Trunk partition Display message ............................ 237
General notes .................................. 88
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................117
Display message ............................ 221
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................78
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 77 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........258
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 25
Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 235
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................202
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 317
Locking (in an emergency) ...............78
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 70
Lowering ........................................ 332
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 162
Pulling away ................................... 142
Raising ........................................... 330
Reporting problems .........................25
Securing from rolling away ............329
Towing away .................................. 300
Tow-starting ................................... 300
Transporting .................................. 302
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........78 18
Index

ETS traction control is part of ESP
®
.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example
if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP ®
.
i AMG vehicles: your vehicle may be
equipped with 20-inch tires on the rear
axle. If replaced with a 19-inch tire, ETS
may intervene noticeably sooner for the
first few kilometers. After approximately
10 km ETS will function as usual again.
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be
found in the "Wheel/tire combinations"
section ( Ypage 333).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP ®
may otherwise destroy the brake
system.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 302).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the 00BBwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the 00E5 warning lamp and the 00BB
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction. Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y
page 244) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 211).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® General information
If the
00E5 ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 00E5ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example:if ESP®
was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) Important safety notes
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Ypage 59). 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. Adjusting the steering wheel
manually
0043
Release lever
0044 To adjust the steering wheel height
0087 To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
X Push release lever 0043down completely in
the direction of the arrow.
The steering column is unlocked.
X Adjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.
X Push release lever 0043up completely.
The steering column is locked.
X Check if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
fore-and-aft direction. Adjusting the steering wheel
electrically
0043
To adjust the steering wheel height
0044 To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 101)
R Storing settings (Y page 105) EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive off while the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature is making adjustments, you could lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always wait until the adjustment process is
complete before driving off. G
WARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle
occupants – particularly children – could
become trapped. There is a risk of injury.
While the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is
making adjustments, make sure that no one
has any body parts in the sweep of the
steering wheel. Steering wheel
101Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
Z

There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line. In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R
there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R strong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
R be too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
R be so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
R be so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
0043
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
0044 To set the specified minimum distance
0087 To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed Driving systems
171Driving and parking Z

0085
To store the current speed or a lower
speed
0083 To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS; storing,
maintaining and calling up a speed Important safety notes
!
If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R your vehicle must not be secured by the
electric parking brake.
R ESP ®
must be activated.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.
R the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from Pto Dor your seat belt must be
fastened.
R the front-passenger door must be closed.
R the vehicle must not skid.
Arming
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever toward
you 0087, up 0043or down 0085.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up 0043to the pressure point for a higher speed or
down
0085for a lower speed.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.
or
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0043 past the pressure point for a higher
speed or down 0085for a lower speed.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
When driving at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h) , you can only activate DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected
and is shown in the multifunction display. If
the vehicle in front is no longer detected and
displayed, for example because it has
changed lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated. You will hear a warning tone if
this is the case.
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Inactive
DISTRONIC PLUS Inactive
message appears in the multifunction
display. The set distance to a slower-
moving vehicle in front will then not be
maintained. You will be driving at the speed
you determine by the position of the
accelerator pedal.
Pulling away and driving
If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary. 172
Driving systemsDriving and parking

HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function
(Y page 179). Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if:
R
the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
R the hood is closed.
R the electric parking brake is released
R the selector lever is in position D,Ror Non
vehicles with automatic transmission
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function X
Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until 0043HOLDHOLD appears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R
you accelerate. On vehicles with automatic
transmission: only when the transmission
is in position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position Pon
vehicles with automatic transmission. Driving systems
179Driving and parking Z

Roadside Assistance button
X
Press Roadside Assistance button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button 0043flashes while the call is active.
The multifunction display shows the
Connecting Call Connecting Call message. The audio
output is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call
Call
Connected
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
R Current location of the vehicle
R Vehicle identification number
i The audio system or COMAND display
indicates that a call is active. During the
call, you can change to the navigation menu
by pressing the NAVI button on COMAND,
for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis, the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center can ascertain the nature of
the problem (Y page 266).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes- Benz technician or makes arrangements for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
Further details are available in your mbrace
manual.
i
The system has not been able to initiate
a roadside assistance call, if:
R the indicator lamp for Roadside
Assistance call button 0043is flashing
continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone
network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed
Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
X To end a call: press the0076button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.
MB Info call button X
Press MB Info call button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in MB Info call
button 0043flashes while the connection is
being made. The multifunction display 262
FeaturesStowage and features