engine MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG 2011 Owner's Guide

beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, and the turn signal
indicator lamps will only come on if activated.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to
come on when the ignition is switched on,
have it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument cluster”
( Y page 388).XAlways remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.
This will help to prevent accelerated vehicle
battery discharge or a completely
discharged vehicle battery.
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the vehicle battery may not be
sufficiently charged.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge it if
necessary ( Y page 410).
or
XGet a jump start ( Y page 413).
i
If the SmartKey does not belong to the
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the
starter switch. However, the ignition does
not switch on and the engine does not start.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
GWarning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
GWarning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Seats243Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 243Z

The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated
or deactivated in the Convenience submenu
of the control system ( Y page 286).GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment stalk or press one
of the memory position buttons.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when
R you close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on
R when you insert the SmartKey into the
starter switch or press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once with the driver’s
door closed
i The last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
( Y page 249).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when
R you remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch
R when you open the driver’s door with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position
1 or the SmartKey in starter switch position
0 or 1
i When the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will no longer be able to
move upward when the easy-entry/exit
feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly
interrupted when the engine is started.GWarning!
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Mirrors
Notes
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a good
view of the road and traffic conditions.
Interior rear view mirror
XAdjust the interior rear view mirror
manually.
Exterior rear view mirrors
GWarning!
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
246MirrorsControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 246

Exterior lamp switch004A 006FStanding lamps, left004B 0070Standing lamps, right004C 006CParking lamps 5
Daytime running lamp mode004D 0066Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode004E 0064Low-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
i The exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you open the driver’s
door with the ignition switched off or
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
When the parking lamps are switched on
and you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch and open the driver’s door,
an acoustic signal sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i For better detection of the vehicle, the
LED daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0064.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 5
R Green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster
Automatic headlamp mode
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to 0066, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions. This could endanger
you and/or others. Thus, turn the exterior
lamp switch to 0064 under foggy conditions.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0066.
When ambient light is low: When the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has been
pressed once or when the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 1, the parking lamps 5
come on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has been
pressed once or when the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 1, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 6
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster comes on.
5 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
6 USA only: The daytime running lamp mode must be activated via the control system.250LightingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 250

Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is activated by default.
XMake sure the daytime running lamp mode
is activated in the control system, see
“Switching daytime running lamp mode on
or off (USA only)” ( Y page 284).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
0066 .
When the engine is running and the
ambient light is bright, the daytime running
lamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 5
R green indicator lamp 0064 in the
instrument cluster
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps when the low-beam headlamps
are on.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
Canada only
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to park
position P with the vehicle at a standstill,
the daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
006C , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps 5
come on in bright ambient
lighting conditions.
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 250).
USA only
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position 006C or
0064 , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 250).
Locator lighting
The locator lighting is described in the
“Control system” section, see “Switching
locator lighting on or off” ( Y page 285).
Combination switch
Turn signals
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow 0047 or 0088.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp 0026 or 0024 in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
5 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.Lighting251Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 251Z

For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 325).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 252).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
or
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again.
If the windshield wipers fail to function at
all with the combination switch in position
0062 or 0063 ,
R set the combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed
R have the windshield wipers checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
Power windows
Opening and closing
The door windows are opened and closed
electrically. The switches for all windows are
located on the driver’s door. The switch for
operating the passenger-side windows is
located on the passenger door.GObserve Safety notes, see page 57.GWarning!
When opening or closing the door windows,
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the opening/closing procedure.
The door windows are equipped with the
express operation and automatic reversal
function. If in express operation mode a door
window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path, the automatic reversal
function will stop the door window and open
it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled and held. See the “Closing
when a door window is blocked” section in
this chapter for details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by either pressing or
pulling the respective switch.
If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the door windows by pressing
and holding button 0037 on the SmartKey the
automatic reversal function will not operate.
i You can also open or close the door
windows using the SmartKey, see
“Summer opening feature” ( Y page 256)
and “Convenience closing feature”
( Y page 257).
i After switching off the ignition or
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch, you can operate the door windows
until you open a door. If no door was
opened you can operate the door windows
for up to 5 minutes.
Power windows255Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 255Z

XAim the transmitter eye of the SmartKey at
the driver’s outside door handle.XPress button 0036 on the SmartKey to
unlock the vehicle.
Keep button 0036 pressed until the door
windows have reached the desired
position.XRelease button 0036 on the SmartKey to
interrupt the opening procedure.
Convenience closing feature
When locking the vehicle, you can close the
door windows.
GWarning!
When closing the door windows, make sure
there is no danger of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.
If potential danger exists, proceed as follows:
R Release button 0037 to stop the closing
procedure. To open, press and hold button
0036 . To continue the closing procedure
after making sure that there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure, press and hold button 0037.
The SmartKey must be in close proximity to
the driver’s outside door handle.
XAim the transmitter eye of the SmartKey at
the driver’s outside door handle.XPress button 0037 on the SmartKey to lock
the vehicle.XPress and hold button 0037 on the
SmartKey until the door windows are
closed completely.XRelease button 0037 on the SmartKey to
interrupt the extending procedure.
Driving and parking
Safety notes
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
Driving and parking257Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 257Z

Starting the engineGWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Gearshift pattern for AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT7-SPEED Transmission
\000`Park position\000aReverse gear\000_Neutral position\000^Drive position
For more information, see “AMG SPEEDSHIFT
DCT 7-SPEED Transmission” (Y page 263).
XMake sure the transmission is in park
position P.
With KEYLESS-GO
GWarning!
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
It will, however, not be detected in the trunk.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
\000FUSA only\000GCanada onlyXDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
The engine starts automatically.
With SmartKey
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 (Y page 242) and release it.
The engine starts automatically.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
258Driving and parkingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 258

The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 413).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.Driving offGWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Drive off immediately after starting the
engine to warm up the engine efficiently.
The engine must be at operating
temperature before using full engine
power. The engine has reached operating
temperature once the engine oil
temperature indicator in the AMG menu of
the control system has stopped flashing.
At engine temperatures below 32‡ (0†),
the engine’s maximum speed is restricted
in order to protect it from damage. Avoid
driving your vehicle at full speed when the
engine is cold to prevent premature engine
wear and/or diminished comfort.
! You have forgotten to release the
electronic parking brake when driving off if
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake 0049 (USA only) or 0024
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Release the electronic parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
Driving and parking259Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 259Z

premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED
TransmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the transmission out
of park position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than 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.
! Only shift the transmission into reverse
gear R or park position P when the vehicle
is stopped. Otherwise the transmission
could be damaged.
XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.XShift the transmission into drive position
D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the transmission out of park
position P is only possible with the brake
pedal depressed.
Only depressing the brake pedal releases
the gear selector lever lock.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically.The red indicator lamp 0049 (USA only)
or 0024 (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
After a cold start, the transmission shifts at a
higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic
converter to reach its operating temperature
earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 258).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above 248‡
(120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 324).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.260Driving and parkingControls in detail
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 260

If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the transmission into park position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button,
or turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the transmission out of park position P,
either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Engaging electronic parking brake
XPress handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe transmission is in drive position D or
reverse gear R. With the transmission in
reverse gear R the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
Driving and parking261Controls in detailBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 261Z