MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 2012 R172 Owner's Manual

Manual transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The movement of the pedals must not be
impaired in any way .Do not keep any objects
in the driver's footwell. Make sure that
floormats or carpets are correctly secured
and that there is sufficient clearance for the
pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of one
another. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. G
WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the manual
transmission into the 1stgear or reverse R.
The vehicle could otherwise roll away, which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury. Gear lever
Gear lever
0010
Reverse gear
0005 to000E
Forward gears !
When shifting between 5thand 6thgear,
you should always push the gear lever all
the way to the right. You could otherwise
shift unintentionally into 3rdor4th gear
and damage the transmission.
If you shift down at too high a speed
(transmission braking), this can cause the
engine to overrev, leading to engine
damage.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by
using the clutch pedal. There is otherwise
a risk of damaging the clutch. Engaging reverse gear
! Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Depress the clutch pedal fully.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Move the gear lever firmly to the left
beyond the point of resistance and then
forwards. Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display. X
Shift gear according to gearshift
recommendation 0002shown in the Manual transmission
139Driving and parking Z

multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position Por
neutral position Nif the engine speed is
highe rthan idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. G
WARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position Nautomatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position Pbefore turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury. Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions Selector lever
0013
Park position with selector lever lock
0010 Reverse gear
0011 Neutral
0012 Drive
Transmission position and drive
program display 0002
Transmission position display
0003 Drive program display
The current position of the selector lever is
shown by the indicators next to the selector
lever.
The indicators light up when the SmartKey is
inserted into the ignition lock. The indicators
go out when the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock. 140
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Transmission positions
0003
Park position
Do not shift the transmission into
position
P(Ypage 149) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can onl ybe removed
if the transmission is in position P.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the selector lever
is locked.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the selector lever
may be locked in position P. To
release the selector lever lock, see
"Releasing the parking lock
manually" (Y page 146). 0004
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. 0002
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train. 0009
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available. Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program (Y page 142)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected. Automatic transmission
141Driving and parking Z

Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Vehicles for USA (excep tAMG
vehicles): fully depress the accelerator
pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Vehicles for Canada and AMG vehicles:
depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Working on the vehicle G
WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
electronic parking brake and shift the
automatic transmission into park position P.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could resul tinanaccident and/or serious
personal injury. Program selecto
rbutton
General information The progra
mselecto rbutton allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics. Example: program selector button
In AMG vehicles, drive program
Eis called
drive program C. E
Economy
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gear shifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 143).
Only change from automatic drive program
E or Sto manual drive program Mwhen the
vehicle is stationary.
X Press program selector button 0002
repeatedly until the lette rfor the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i When the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E(drive program Cin AMG
vehicles).
i AMG vehicles: when in drive program C
and with a small load demand, e.g. in city
traffic or on a country road, the engine will
automatically only operate with four
cylinders. This reduces fuel consumption.
Cylinder shut-of fis inactive in drive
programs Sand M, so that the engine will
operate with all eight cylinders. Steering wheel paddle shifters
0002
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
0003 Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter 142
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel paddle shifters
(Y page 143).
In the manual drive program, you can change
gear using the steering wheelp addle shifters
or the selecto rlever (Y page 144).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D.Automatic drive program
Drive program E(drive program Con AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R comfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner .This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program Sis characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine and transmission settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position
D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range (Y page 143).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear. Shift range
0008
You can use the engine's braking
effect.
000B
To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 000F
To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
X
Press the selector lever to the left towards
D–.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine Automatic transmission
143Driving and parking Z

from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range X
Briefly press the selector leve rto the right
towards D+.
or
X Pull the right-hand steerin gwheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction X
Press and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until Dis shown once more in the
multifunction display.
or
X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until Dis shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range X
Press the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears. Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program Manual drive program
Mis different from
drive program Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes. Manual drive program
Mcan be selected
using the program selector button. You can
change gears using the steering wheel paddle
shifters or the selector lever in manual drive
program Mif the transmission is in position
D.T he gear selected is shown in the
multifunction display.
X Press the program selector button
(Y page 142) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting X
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 142).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Vehicles with AMG engines
! In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the AMG
menu of the multifunction display. 144
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

0002
Gear indicator
0003 Upshif tindicator
X Shift up a gear if the color in the
multifunctio ndisplay in the speedometer
changes to red and the UP display message
is shown.
Downshifting X
Briefly press the selector lever to the left
towards D–.
or
X Pull the left-hand steerin gwheel paddle
shifter (Y page 142).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
i For maximum acceleration, push the
selector lever to the left or pull and hold the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter until
the transmission shifts to the optimal gear
for the current speed.
Kickdown i
Vehicles with an AMG engine: it is not
possible to use kickdown in manual drive
program M. You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program
M.
X Vehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Vehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Switching off the manuald rive program X
Press the progra mselecto rbutton
(Y page 142) repeatedly until E(C in AMG
vehicles) or Sappears in the multifunction
display. Automatic transmission
145Driving and parking Z

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least 10seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Releasing the parking lock manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if
you wish to tow the vehicle away. !
Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter. X
Apply the electric parking brake.
X Press the frame of selector level gaiter 0002
together somewhat on the side edge at the
back and hold with one hand 0003.
X With the other hand, pry off the frame of
selector level gaiter 0002with a flat, blunt
object (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in cloth)
at rear edge 0023, pulling it up and out at the
same time.
X Press release buttons 0022down and
simultaneously move the selector lever out
of position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury. 146
RefuelingDriving and parking

Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health. G
WARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge .This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
(Y page 325). Refueling
Fuel filler flap 0002
Fuel filler flap
0003 To insert the fuel filler cap
0023 Tire pressure table
0022 Fuel type
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap 0010is
displayed in the instrumentc luster.The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening X
Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to SmartKey position 0:
"SmartKey removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in marked area 0002.
Fuel filler flap 0002swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap 0003. Refueling
147Driving and parking Z

X
Completely insert the fille rneck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing X
Replace the cap on the filler necka nd turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close fuel fille rflap 0002.
i If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
reserve fuel warning lamp 0010flashes .In
addition, the 000ECheck Engine warning
lamp may light up. Amessage appears in
the multifunction display (Y page 219).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Y page 234). 148
RefuelingDriving and parking