ABS MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE 2012 Owners Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Function/notes ................................ 55
Warning lamp ................................. 192
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 106
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 59
Additional speedometer ................... 157
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 282
Adjusting lumbar support .................. 86
Air bags Display message ............................ 171
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) .............. 180
Air pressure see Tire pressure
AIRSCARF
Setting the vents ........................... 111
Switching on/off .............................. 87
Air vents
Important safety notes ..................110
Setting ........................................... 110
Setting the AIRSCARF vents ..........111
Setting the center air vents ...........110
Setting the side air vents ...............110
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ............87
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
AMG
Adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 138
Button for AMG menu ....................126
E-SELECT lever .............................. 119
Menu (on-board computer) ............160
SETUP ............................................ 126
SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-gear sport
transmission .................................. 119
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 203
ASSYST PLUS service interval
display Hiding service messages ...............222
Service messages ..........................222
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................59
Function ........................................... 59
Switching off the alarm ....................59
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 154
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 174
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 95
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Display message ............................ 175
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 55
Basic settings see Settings
Battery
Display message ............................ 185
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 66
Important safety notes ....................65
Replacing ......................................... 66
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 242
Display message ............................ 178
Important safety notes ..................240
4Index

Jump starting ................................. 243
Location ......................................... 242
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................156
Display message ............................ 181
Notes/function .............................. 143
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 169
Notes ............................................. 282
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 174
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 55
Brake fluid (notes) .........................282
Display message ............................ 165
Driving tips .................................... 133
High-performance brake system ....134
Important safety notes ..................133
Maintenance .................................. 134
Warning lamp ........................ 190, 192
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 223
Display ........................................... 228
Exterior lights ................................ 227
Matte finish ................................... 225
Notes ............................................. 223
Paint .............................................. 225
Plastic trim .................................... 228
Power washer ................................ 224
Rear view camera .......................... 228
Seat belt ........................................ 229
Seat cover ..................................... 229
Sensors ......................................... 228
Soft top .......................................... 226
Tail pipes ....................................... 228
Trim pieces .................................... 229
Wheels ........................................... 225
Windows ........................................ 226
Wiper blades .................................. 227
Wooden trim .................................. 229
Car wash (care) ................................. 223
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 154
Center console Lower section .................................. 31
Upper section .................................. 30
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 159
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........64
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes ....................98
License plate lighting .......................99
Charge maintenance socket ............ 215
Children In the vehicle ................................... 51
Restraint systems ............................ 51
Child seat
Special seat belt retractor ...............53
Top Tether ....................................... 53
Cigarette lighter ................................ 203
Climate control Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 105
Controlling automatically ...............107
Cooling with air dehumidification ..106
Defrosting the windows .................109
Defrosting the windshield ..............108
Important safety notes ..................104
Indicator lamp ................................ 107
Maximum cooling .......................... 108
Notes on using automatic climate
control ........................................... 106
Overview of systems ......................104Index5

Door control panelOverview .......................................... 33
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 159
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 71
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 64
Display message .................... 183, 185
Emergency locking ........................... 72
Emergency unlocking .......................71
Important safety notes ....................69
Opening (from inside) ......................70
Draft stop ............................................. 80
Drinking and driving ......................... 132
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program .................................... 122
Automatic ...................................... 124
Manual ........................................... 126
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........160
Drive program display ...................... 121
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................223
Symmetrical low beam ....................94
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 135
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......55
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 59
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............55
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) ..................................... 59
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 56
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....56
Important safety information ...........54
Overview .......................................... 54
Driving systems
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 138
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 143Cruise control ................................ 136
Display message ............................ 180
PARKTRONIC ................................. 139
Rear view camera .......................... 142
Driving tips
AMG ceramic high-performance
compound brake system ...............134
Brakes ........................................... 133
Break-in period .............................. 114
Downhill gradient ........................... 133
Drinking and driving .......................132
Driving abroad ................................. 94
Driving in winter ............................. 135
Driving on wet roads ......................135
Exhaust check ............................... 133
Fuel ................................................ 132
General .......................................... 132
Hydroplaning ................................. 135
Icy road surfaces ........................... 136
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 134
Pedals ............................................ 132
Snow chains .................................. 252
Symmetrical low beam ....................94
Wet road surface ........................... 133
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 154
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 155
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................159
Function/notes ................................ 88
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 89
Function/notes ................................ 88
Switching on/off ........................... 159
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 165
Function/notes ................................ 59
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS
Index7

Trunk lidDisplay message ............................ 183
Opening/closing ........................73, 74
Trunk load (maximum)
see Technical data
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 174
Switching on/off .............................. 96
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................71
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 70
Upshift indicator ............................... 126
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 203
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 22
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Display message ............................ 183
Equipment ....................................... 18
Individual settings ..........................157
Limited Warranty ............................. 22
Loading .......................................... 259
Locking (in an emergency) ...............72
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 64
Lowering ........................................ 240
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking for a long period ................ 131
Raising ........................................... 237
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 244
Transporting .................................. 246
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........71
Unlocking (SmartKey) ................64, 69
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 72
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 277
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 232
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 155
VIN ...................................................... 277
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 192
Brakes ................................... 190, 192
Cruise control ................................ 137
Engine diagnostics .........................194
ESP ®
.............................................. 192
Fuel tank ........................................ 195
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 195
Seat belt ........................................ 191
SPORT handling mode ...................193
SRS ................................................ 193
Tire pressure monitor ....................196
Warranty ............................................ 277
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 184
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 240
Wheel chock ...................................... 236
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 236
Checking ........................................ 251
Cleaning ......................................... 225
Important safety notes ..................250
Interchanging/changing ................271
Mounting a wheel .......................... 239
Removing a wheel ..........................239
Storing ........................................... 272
Tightening torque ........................... 240
Wheel size/tire size .......................272
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 226
see Side windows
16Index

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:ESP®192;Seat belt191=Brakes (USA only)J
Brakes (Canada only)?High-beam headlamps96ALow-beam headlamps95BTurn signal96CSRS193DCheck engineEABS192FunctionPageFEngine oil temperature148GTire pressure196HElectric parking brake (USA
only)! Electric parking brake
(Canada only)IReserve fuel195JSPORT handling mode58KESP ®
OFF5628Instrument clusterAt a glance

XInstall the child restraint system.XTension Top Tether belt ?. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.
The child restraint system with Top Tether
belt ? has been removed:
XSlide cover : onto Top Tether
anchorage ;.
Panic alarm
X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
54Driving safety systemsSafety

The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
Observe the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Driving safety systems55SafetyZ

Swallowing batteries can lead to serious
health issues or death.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.GWARNING
The SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Observe
government disposal guidelines. California
residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Checking the battery
XPress the & or % button.
The SmartKey battery is working properly if
battery check lamp : lights up briefly.
If battery check lamp : does not light up
briefly during the test, the SmartKey battery
is discharged.
XChanging the battery ( Y page 66)
i
The battery can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If the SmartKey battery is checked within
the signal range of the vehicle, pressing the
& or % button locks or unlocks the
vehicle.
Changing the batteryXTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 65).
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XPress mechanical key ; into the opening
in the SmartKey in the direction of the
arrow until battery tray cover : opens. Do
not hold the cover closed while doing so.XRemove the cover of the battery tray.XRepeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery = falls out.XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal facing upwards. Use a lint-free
cloth to do so.XInsert the front tabs of the battery tray's
cover first, and then press to close it.XCheck the function of all SmartKey buttons
on the vehicle.66SmartKeyOpening/closing

XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver's
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
If you choose to use the telephone 9
while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND 9
(Cockpit
Management and Data System) if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger yourself
and others.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out
according to the service intervals listed inthe Maintenance Booklet or the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
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 that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
9 Observe all legal requirements.132Driving tipsDriving and parking

Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust checkGWARNING
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.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine may only be
carried out by qualified and authorized
Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be carried out at
regular intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Maintenance Booklet.
Brakes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
GWARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
Driving tips133Driving and parkingZ