towing MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER 2014 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 21 At a glance
........................................... 27 Safety
................................................... 39 Opening and closing
...........................71 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
....95 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........109 Climate control
................................. 125 Driving and parking
..........................139 On-board computer and displays
....199 Stowing and features
.......................263 Maintenance and care
......................279 Breakdown assistance
.....................293 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 313 Technical data
................................... 339 Contents
3

Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 229
Notes ............................................. 348
Brake force distribution, elec-
tronic
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 62
Display message ............................ 232
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 60
BAS .................................................. 61
BAS PLUS ........................................ 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 348
Display message ............................ 223
Driving tips .................................... 166
High-performance brake system .... 167
Important safety notes .................. 166
Parking brake ................................ 163
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 30
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
Calling up a fault see Display messages
Capacities (technical data) ............... 342
Car
see Vehicle
Car key
see Key
Car wash (care) ................................. 286
Care
Automatic car wash ....................... 286
Carpets .......................................... 292
Display ........................................... 290
Exhaust pipe .................................. 290
Exterior lighting ............................. 289
Gear or selector lever .................... 291
High-pressure cleaner .................... 287
Interior ........................................... 290 Matt paintwork .............................. 288
Note
s............................................. 286
Paint .............................................. 288
Plastic trim .................................... 290
Roof lining ...................................... 292
Seat belt ........................................ 292
Seat cove r..................................... 291
Sensors ......................................... 290
Steering wheel ............................... 291
Trim pieces .................................... 291
Washing by hand ........................... 287
Wheels ........................................... 288
Windows ........................................ 289
Wiper blades .................................. 289
Wooden trim .................................. 291
CD player/CD changer(on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 216
Locking/unlocking (key) .................. 73
Centre console
Lower section .................................. 35
Upper section .................................. 34
Changing bulbs
Dipped-beam headlamp s............... 119
Main-beam headlamp s................... 119
Parking lamps (front) ..................... 119
Reversing lamps ............................ 120
Standing lamps .............................. 119
Turn signals (front) ......................... 120
Child seat
Automatic recognition ..................... 52
Forward-facing restraint system ...... 55
On the front-passenger seat ............ 54
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 56
Rearward-facing restraint system .... 55
Recommendations ........................... 58
Suitable positions ............................ 57
Children
Restraint systems ............................ 52
Cigarette lighter ................................ 268
Cleaning
Mirror turn signal ........................... 289
Climate control
Air conditioning ............................. 127
Controlling automaticall y............... 131 6
Index

Driving Assistance packag
e........... 194
HOLD function ............................... 183
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 195
Parking Guidance ........................... 188
PARKTRONIC ................................. 185
Speed Limit Assist ......................... 192
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 180
Driving tips
Aquaplaning ................................... 167
Automatic transmission ................. 153
Brakes ........................................... 166
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 179
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Driving abroad ............................... 110
Driving in winter ............................. 168
Driving on flooded roads ................ 168
Driving on wet roads ...................... 167
Fuel ................................................ 165
General .......................................... 165
Icy road surfaces ........................... 168
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 167
New brake pads/linings ................ 167
Running-in tips ............................... 140
Snow chains .................................. 317
Symmetrical dipped beam ............. 110
Wet road surface ........................... 166
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 207
Dynamic handling package
Function/note s............................. 182 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating ................. 217
Function/note s............................. 101
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 102
Function/note s............................. 101
Switching on/of f........................... 217
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 225
Function/note s................................ 66
ECO display
Function/note s............................. 165
On-board computer ....................... 204 ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 147
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 146
Deactivating/activating ................. 148
General information ....................... 146
Important safety notes .................. 145
Introduction ................................... 145
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electromagnetic compatibility
Declaration of conformity ................ 23
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 51
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door .............. 80
Emergency key element
Function/note s................................ 74
Locking vehicle ................................ 80
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 80
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 334
Important safety notes .................. 334
Inflating the collapsible spare
wheel ............................................. 335
Removing ....................................... 334
Stowing .......................................... 335
Technical data ............................... 337
Emergency unlocking
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Engine
Display message ............................ 234
ECO start/stop function ................ 145
Engine number ............................... 342
Jump-starting ................................. 304
Running irregularly ......................... 150
Starting problems .......................... 150
Starting the engine with the key .... 144
Starting with KEYLESS GO ............. 144
Stopping ........................................ 162
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 309
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 257
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 340 Index
9

Function ........................................... 69
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 309
Fitting the towing eye .................... 307
Important safety notes .................. 306
Removing the towing eye ............... 308
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 306
With the rear axle raised ................ 308
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye .................... 307
Removing the towing eye ............... 308
With both axles on the ground ....... 308
Transmission
Selector lever ................................ 152
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 308
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 291
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 204
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 204
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 205
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 120
Switching on/off ........................... 113
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 208
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 340
Installation ..................................... 340
Transmission output (maximum) .... 340
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 320
Display messag e............................ 243
Important safety notes .................. 320
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 299
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 299
Recommended ............................... 318
Tyre pressure loss warning
General notes ................................ 319
Important safety notes .................. 319
Restarting ...................................... 320 Tyre pressure monitor
Checking the tyre pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 321
Function/note s............................. 320
General notes ................................ 320
Important safety notes .................. 320
Radio type approval for the tyre
pressure monitor ........................... 323
Restarting ...................................... 322
Warning lamp ................................. 261
Warning message .......................... 322
Tyres
Changing a whee l.......................... 323
Checking ........................................ 315
Direction of rotation ...................... 324
Display message ............................ 243
Important safety notes .................. 314
M+S tyres ...................................... 316
MOExtended tyre s......................... 316
Overview ........................................ 314
Replacing ....................................... 323
Service life ..................................... 315
Storing ........................................... 324
Summer tyres ................................ 316
Tyre size (data ).............................. 328
Tyre tread ...................................... 315
Wheel and tyre combinations ........ 330
see Flat tyre U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79 V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 268
Variable SPEEDTRONIC
see SPEEDTRONIC
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 245
Electronics ..................................... 340
Equipment ....................................... 22
Implied warranty .............................. 25
Individual settings .......................... 213 18
Index

Leaving parked up .........................1
64
Locking (in an emergency) .............. .80
Locking (key) ................................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 328
Pulling away ................................... 144
Raising ........................................... 325
Registration ..................................... 24
Securing from rolling away ............ 325
Tow-starting ................................... 306
Towing away .................................. 306
Transporting .................................. 308
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 80
Unlocking (key) ................................ 73
Vehicle data ................................... 349
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 349
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 349
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 80
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 342
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 295
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 207
VIN ...................................................... 342 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 252
Brakes ........................................... 252
Distance warning signal ................. 260
ESP® ............................................. 254
ESP® OFF ...................................... 255
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 169
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 173
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 181
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 41
Reserve fuel ................................... 258
Seat belt ........................................ 251
Tyre pressure monitor ................... 261
Warning triangle ................................ 294
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 249
Wheel and tyre combinations
see Tyres Wheel bolt tightening torque
........... 328
Wheel chock ...................................... 325
Wheeled draught stop
see AIRGUIDE
Wheels
Changing a whee l.......................... 323
Changing/replacing ....................... 323
Checking ........................................ 315
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Cleaning (warning) ......................... 324
Emergency spare wheel ................. 334
Fitting a new wheel ........................ 327
Fitting a wheel ............................... 324
Important safety notes .................. 314
Overview ........................................ 314
Removing a whee l.......................... 327
Storing ........................................... 324
Tightening torque ........................... 328
Wheel size/tyre size ...................... 328
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 289
see Side windows
Windscreen
Demisting ...................................... 133
Windscreen washer fluid
see Windscreen washer system
Windscreen washer system
Note s............................................. 349
Topping up ..................................... 284
Windscreen wipers
Display message ............................ 249
Problem (malfunction) ................... 123
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 121
Switching on/of f........................... 120
Winter operation
Important safety notes .................. 316
Overview ........................................ 316
Radiator cover ............................... 281
Slippery road surfaces ................... 168
Snow chains .................................. 317
Winter tyres
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 216
M+S tyre s...................................... 316
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Important safety notes .................. 121
Replacing ....................................... 121 Index
19

Child restraint system
Observe the instructions for correct use of
the child restraint system (Y page 57).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use a child restraint sys- tem recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 58). G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is incorrectly fit-
ted on the seat position suitable for this pur-
pose, it cannot perform its intended protec-
tive function. In the event of an accident,
sharp braking or a sudden change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions and the correct use for the child
restraint system. Make sure that the entire
surface of the child restraint system is resting
on the seat surface. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system,
e.g. cushions. Only use child restraint sys-
tems with the original cover designed for
them. Only replace damaged covers with gen- uine covers. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is fitted incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik- ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always fit child restraint systems properly,
even if they are not being used. Make sure
that you observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Further information on stowing objects, lug-
gage and loads securely can be found under
“Stowing options/stowage compartments”
(Y page 264). G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems that have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident cannot perform their
intended protective function. In the event of
an accident, sharp braking or a sudden
change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an increased risk of serious
or even fatal injuries.
Immediately replace child restraint systems
that have been damaged or subjected to a
load in an accident. Have the child restraint
securing systems checked in a qualified spe-
cialist workshop before fitting a child restraint
system again.
i If a child is carried on the front-passenger
seat, be sure to observe the information on "Child restraint systems on the front-
passenger seat" (Y page 54). There you
will also find information on disabling the
front-passenger front airbag.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
i It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care
products to clean child restraint systems
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain information about this at any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Automatic child seat recognition on
the front-passenger seat
The sensor system for child restraint systems
in the front-passenger seat detects whether a special Mercedes-Benz child restraint system
with a transponder for automatic child seat
recognition has been fitted. In this case, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
lights up briefly when the ignition is switched on. The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit continuously. The front-passenger
front airbag is disabled. 52
Children in the vehicleSafety

ESP
®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tyres
and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilise the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilise the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 60).
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 tyres on the rear
axle. If replaced with a 19-inch tyre, ETS
may intervene noticeably sooner for the
first few kilometres. After approximately
10 km ETS will function as usual again.
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tyres for your vehicle can be
found under "Wheel/tyre combinations"
(Y page 328).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses 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 your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 308).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 254) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 223).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tyre sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® General notes
If the
÷ ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving. When pulling away again, the engine
starts automatically. ESP ®
remains in its pre-
viously selected status. Example:if ESP®
was deactivated before the engine was Driving safety systems
63Safety Z

AIRSCARF
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
When AIRSCARF is switched on, very hot air
can flow from the vents in the head restraints. This could result in burns in the immediate
vicinity of the air vents. There is a risk of injury.
Reduce the heater output before it becomes
too hot. The AIRSCARF function warms the head and
neck area of vehicle occupants with warm air.
The warm air flows out of the holes in the head restraints.
The three red indicator lamps in the button
indicate the heating level you have selected.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button:.
Three red indicator lamps in the button light up. The blower starts up after a preheating
phase of seven seconds.
X Press button :repeatedly until the
desired heating level is set.
X To switch off: press button:repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i The blower continues running for seven
seconds to cool down the heating ele-
ments.
i If the battery voltage is too low, AIRSCARF
may switch off. Problems with AIRSCARF AIRSCARF has switched off prematurely or
will not switch on. The vehicle's electrical sys-
tem voltage is too low because too many
electrical consumers are switched on.
X Switch off electrical consumers that you do
not need, such as the rear window heating
or interior lighting.
X Switch on AIRSCARF again. Steering wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If the steering wheel lock is engaged, the vehi- cle can no longer be steered. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always switch on the ignition when towing
with a tow rope or a towing bar. G
WARNING
Children could become trapped by the steer-
ing wheel if they adjust it. There is a risk of
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
The electrically adjustable steering wheel can
still be adjusted when there is no key in the
ignition lock. 100
Steering wheelSeats
, steering wheel and mirrors

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to:
R people or animals
R stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles
R oncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DISTRONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit- uation and be ready to brake. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden- tify other road users and complex traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
R accelerate unexpectedly
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 automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow- ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DIS-
TRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take account of
road and weather conditions or traffic condi-
tions. 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 correctly 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 smooth or slippery roads. Braking or
accelerating can 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 there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-
ing the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example, in multi-storey car parks
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehi-
cle in front, it may unexpectedly accelerate to the speed stored. 172
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking

This speed can:
R be too high for a filter lane or a slip road
R be so high in the right lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the left
R be so high in the left lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the right
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
:
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To set the specified minimum distance
= LIM indicator lamp
? To store the current speed and to call up
the last stored speed
A To store the current speed or a lower
speed
B To switch between DISTRONIC PLUS and
variable SPEEDTRONIC
C To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
You can operate DISTRONIC PLUS and varia-
ble SPEEDTRONIC with the cruise control
lever.
LIM indicator lamp =on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec- ted:
R LIM indicator lamp =
= off: DISTRONIC
PLUS is selected.
R LIM indicator lamp = =on: variable
SPEEDTRONIC is selected. Selecting DISTRONIC PLUS X
Check whether LIM indicator lamp =is off.
If it is off, DISTRONIC PLUS is already selec- ted.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow B.
LIM indicator lamp =in the cruise control
lever goes out. DISTRONIC PLUS is selec-
ted.
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 automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
To activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following
conditions must be fulfilled: R the engine must be running. It may take up
to two minutes of driving before DIS-
TRONIC PLUS is ready for use.
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 bonnet 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 be skidding. Driving systems
173Driving and parking Z