MERCEDES-BENZ SLS 2011 C197 Owner's Manual

XRemove the SmartKey from the trunk lid
lock.XCheck whether the trunk is locked.XUnlocking: Insert the mechanical key into
trunk lid lock :.XTurn the mechanical key counterclockwise
as far as it will go.XRemove the SmartKey from the trunk lid
lock.
You can now open the trunk.
Replacing SmartKey battery
If the battery in the SmartKey is discharged,
the vehicle can no longer be locked or
unlocked. It is recommended to have the
battery replaced at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore, keep the batteries out
of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
GWarning!
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see http://
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
When inserting the battery, make sure he is
clean and free of lint.
i The required replacement battery is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Replacement battery: Lithium, type CR 2025
or equivalent.XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey ( Y page 397).XPress mechanical key ; into the SmartKey
opening until battery compartment
cover : opens. Do not keep the cover
shut.XRemove the battery compartment cover.XPat the SmartKey against the palm of your
hand until battery = falls out.XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal (+) facing up. Use a lint-free cloth.XInsert the tabs of the battery compartment
cover into the housing and press the cover
closed.XCheck the operation of the SmartKey.Replacing SmartKey battery399Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 399Z

Replacing bulbs
Safety notes
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling to a large
degree.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
headlamp adjustment.
GWarning!
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow
the lamp to cool down before changing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A
bulb can explode if you
R touch or move it when hot
R drop the bulb
R scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
i Since replacing bulbs is a technically
highly demanding process, we recommend
to have them replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If the headlamps are fogged up on the
inside as a result of high humidity, driving
the vehicle a distance with the lights on
should clear up the fogging.
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
You cannot replace the bulbs in the front
lamps yourself. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or a qualified
workshop.
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Except for the license plate lamp bulbs, you
cannot replace the bulbs in the rear lamps
yourself.
License plate lamps
A bulb of type C 5 W is required.
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ .XInsert a flat, blunt object into gap :
between the lamp lens and the housing.
The latches are released.XPull out the lamp lens together with the flat,
blunt object out of the housing.XReplace the bulb.XInsert the lens of license plate lamp and
press it in until it audibly engages.
Replacing wiper blades
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
(KEYLESS-GO: Make sure the vehicle’s on-
board electronics have status 0) before
replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the wiper
motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
400Replacing wiper bladesPractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 400

GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! To avoid damage to the hood, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward when
in the vertical position.
! Never open the hood when a wiper arm is
folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding a wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
Do not allow a wiper arm to contact the
windshield glass without a wiper blade
inserted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
this work carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Placing wiper arms in vertical position
:Wiper arms in vertical positionXMake sure the hood is fully closed.XMake sure the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status 1.
XTurn the combination switch to wiper
setting °.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
repeatedly until the windshield wipers
start.
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
when the wiper arms are in vertical
position :.
Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn the wiper blade at a right angle to
wiper arm.
XSlide the wiper blade sideways out of the
retainer.
Installing wiper blades
XSlide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm
until it locks in place.
XRotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Replacing wiper blades401Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 401Z

Flat tire
Notes
Your vehicle is equipped with a TIREFIT kit
(Y page 362).
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the electronic parking brake.XShift the transmission into park position P.XTurn off the engine.XKEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door (this
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch). The driver’s door can then
be closed again. Open doors only when
conditions are safe to do so.
or
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in the
tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient temperatures
down to -40‡ (-40†).
GWarning!
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call Roadside
Assistance.
XForeign objects (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed from the tire.
XTake the TIREFIT kit, the sticker, and the
electric air pump out of the trunk
(Y page 362).
XOpen the TIREFIT kit.XAttach upper part of sticker D where it will
be easily seen by the driver on the
instrument cluster.
XAttach lower part of sticker D to the
damaged tire (close to the tire valve).
GWarning!
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT
to come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing.
TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or
absorbed through the skin - causes skin, eye
and respiratory irritation.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT,
change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately.
402Flat tirePractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 402

GWarning!
Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children. If
swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting!
Consult a physician immediately.
iIf sealant has leaked out, let it dry. You
can then peel it off.
If clothing has come in contact with
TIREFIT, have it dry-cleaned with
perchloroethylene as soon as possible.
GWarning!
Observe safety instructions on air pump label.
XPull plug ? and air hose E out of the pump
housing.
XUnscrew flange lid A.XUnscrew lid of TIREFIT container :. Make
sure not to damage the aluminum seal.
XScrew TIREFIT container : clockwise onto
flange F.
The aluminum seal is punctured when the
TIREFIT container is fastened tightly.
XUnscrew the valve cap of the damaged tire
from tire valve G.
XMake sure vent screw C is closed
completely.
XPull off the dust cap from filler hose E.XScrew filler hose E onto tire valve G.XMake sure electric air pump switch ; is in
position 0.
XInsert electrical plug ? into the cigarette
lighter socket (Y page 307) or a power
outlet (Y page 308).
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once. Do not depress the brake pedal.
or
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
iUsing the electrical air pump drains the
vehicle battery. When in the open, start the
engine while inflating the tire.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death. Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated.
Flat tire403Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 403Z

XPress I on electric air pump switch ;.
The electric air pump is switched on and
inflates the tire.
iFirst, the sealing is pumped into the tire.
The pressure may briefly rise to up to
500 kPA (5 bar, 73 psi). This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction. Do not
switch off the electric air pump.
GWarning!
The air hose can become hot during inflation.
Please exercise appropriate caution.
XLet the electric air pump inflate the tire for
approximately 10 minutes.
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
180 kPA (1.8 bar, 26 psi). The maximum
tire inflation pressure is 350 kPA (3.5 bar,
50 psi).
Switch off the electric air pump to read the
tire inflation pressure from pressure gauge
B.
! Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 10 minutes without
interruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again after
it has cooled off.
If the tire inflation pressure of at least
180 kPA (1.8 bar, 26 psi) is not attained:
XTurn off the electric air pump by pressing
0 on electric air pump switch ;.
XDetach filler hose E from tire valve G.XLeave TIREFIT container : on flange F.XDrive vehicle back or forth very slowly
approximately 30 ft (10 m).
This serves to better distribute the TIREFIT
sealant material inside the tire.
XInflate the tire again.GWarning!
If a tire inflation pressure of 180 kPA (1.8 bar,
26 psi) is not attained, the tire is too severely
damaged for TIREFIT to provide a reliable tire
repair.
In this case, TIREFIT cannot properly seal the
tire.
Do not drive the vehicle.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
call Roadside Assistance.
After attaining a tire inflation pressure of
at least 180 kPA (1.8 bar, 26 psi):
XPress 0 on electric air pump switch ;.
The electric air pump is switched off.
XPull plug ? from the cigarette lighter/
power outlet.
GWarning!
The air hose may still be hot. Exercise proper
caution to avoid burning yourself when
detaching the electric air pump.
! Remaining TIREFIT sealant could escape
from the filler hose after it has been
detached from the tire valve. TIREFIT
sealant may cause stains.
Therefore, cover the filler hose, e.g. by
inserting it into the plastic bag the TIREFIT
kit was packed in.
XUnscrew filler hose E from tire valve G
and plug the filler hose with the dust cap.
Screw the valve cap back onto the tire
valve.
Leave TIREFIT container : on flange F.
XStore the TIREFIT kit in the designated
storage compartment.
XDrive off immediately.404Flat tirePractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 404

GWarning!
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
( 80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not designed to
operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the
instrument cluster where it will be easily seen
by the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics of a TIREFIT
repaired tire may change. Adapt your driving
accordingly.
XAfter driving for approximately 5 miles
(3 km) or 10 minutes, stop the vehicle and
check the tire inflation pressure using the
electric air pump.
i The TIREFIT sealing may impair the
function of the sensors in the tire. Proper
operating sensors are necessary to check
the tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System. When the sensors are not
operating properly, the measured tire
inflation pressure may be inaccurate or the
tire inflation pressure may not be displayed
at all. Error messages may appear.
Therefore, check and adjust the tire
inflation pressure with pressure gauge B
on the electric air pump.
GWarning!
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
130 kPA (1.3 bar, 20 psi) do not continue to
drive the vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the
roadway and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside
Assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.
If the tire inflation pressure is at least 130 kPA
(1.3 bar, 20 psi), inflate or deflate the tire to
the correct tire inflation pressure (see Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar):XTo increase tire inflation pressure:
Switch on the electric air pump.XTo decrease tire inflation pressure:
Open vent screw C on air hose E.XDrive to the nearest qualified workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
to have the damaged tire replaced.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a new
TIREFIT kit.XBring used TIREFIT materials to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.XReplace your TIREFIT container every
4 years. Replacement containers are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Wheel change
Preparing the vehicle
XPark the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.XEngage the electronic parking brake.XShift the transmission into park position P.XTurn off the engine.XKEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door (this
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch). The driver’s door can then
be closed again. Open doors only when
conditions are safe to do so.
or
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.XTake the following out of the vehicle:Wheel change405Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 405Z

Rcollapsible wheel chock
Rjack
Rwheel wrench
Ralignment bolt
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
(Y page 362).
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects.
One wheel chock is included with the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 362). For
information on setting up a collapsible
wheel chock, see (Y page 363).
GWarning!
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. Otherwise, the
vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
Changing a wheel on a level surface
Changing rear wheel on passenger side (exampleillustration)
XPlace a wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed.
Changing a wheel on a slight decline
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a slight
decline:
Changing wheel on passenger side (exampleillustration)
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.
Changing a wheel on a slight incline
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a slight
incline:
Changing wheel on passenger side (exampleillustration)
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.
406Wheel changePractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 406

Removing the wheelGWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built
into both sides of the vehicle. Make sure the
jack arm is fully seated in the jack take-up
bracket. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always make sure the electronic parking
brake is engaged. In addition, block the
wheels with wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects before raising the vehicle with the
jack. Do not disengage the electronic parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
XOn the wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with wheel
wrench :).
XAssemble the jack (Y page 363).
The jack take-up bracket is located centrally
between the front and rear wheel housings
where indicated by the arrow.
GWarning!
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets. Make
sure the jack arm is fully seated in the jack
take-up bracket.
If you do not position the jack correctly in the
jack take-up bracket, the vehicle can fall off
the jack and seriously or fatally injure you or
others.
! Do not position the jack on the body of
the vehicle, as this may cause damage to
the vehicle.
Wheel change407Practical hintsBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 407Z

XPlace jack = on firm ground.XPosition jack = under take-up
bracket ; so that it is always vertical as
seen from the side, even if the vehicle is
parked on an incline.
XTurn crank ? clockwise until jack = is
fully seated in take-up bracket ; and the
jack base evenly meets the ground.
XJack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
! The rim could strike the ceramic
composite brake disk when removing and
attaching the wheel. The ceramic
composite brake disk could be damaged.
Exercise appropriate care and have a
second person assist you if possible or use
a second alignment bolt.
XUnscrew the uppermost wheel bolt and
remove it.
XReplace this wheel bolt with alignment bolt
A.
XRemove the remaining bolts.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the wheel
bolts and wheel hub threads.
XRemove the wheel.
Mounting the wheel
GWarning!
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts.
GWarning!
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
408Wheel changePractical hints
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 408