suspension 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

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

Paddle shifters ............................... 123
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 91
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 161
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 201
Cup holders ................................... 202
Glove box ....................................... 200
Important safety information .........200
Parcel net ...................................... 201
Rear wall ........................................ 201
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 201
Center console (rear) .....................201
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 252
Sun visor ............................................ 202
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 158
Suspension tuning AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 138
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 109
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 59
T
Tachometer ........................................ 148
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 175
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Technical data ................................... 284
Notes ............................................. 276
Tires/wheels ................................. 272
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 209
Display message ............................ 173
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 209
Emergency call .............................. 206
Important safety notes ..................205
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............210
MB info call button ........................208
Remote vehicle locking ..................210
Roadside Assistance button ..........207
Search & Send ............................... 209
Self-test ......................................... 205
System .......................................... 205
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 155
Menu (on-board computer) ............155
Number from the phone book ........ 156
Redialing ........................................ 156
Rejecting/ending a call .................156
Temperature
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 160
Engine oil ....................................... 148
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 160
Outside temperature ...................... 149
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........59
Immobilizer ...................................... 59
Theft-deterrent systems
Tow-away alarm ............................... 60
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 161
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 233
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....257
Checking manually ........................256
Display message .................... 181, 183
Maximum ....................................... 256
Notes ............................................. 254
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................235
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................235
Recommended ............................... 253
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 257
Restarting ...................................... 259
Warning lamp ................................. 196
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................270
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................269
Bar (definition) ............................... 268
Characteristics .............................. 268
Checking ........................................ 251
Definition of terms .........................268
Direction of rotation ......................27214Index

Center console
Upper section
FunctionPage:Controls COMAND; see the
separate operating
instructions;Adjusts AIRSCARF, left
(Roadster only)
111
=Retracts/extends rear
spoiler (vehicles with AMG
adaptive sport suspension
system)
210
?Hazard warning lamps96APARKTRONIC141FunctionPageBAdjusts AIRSCARF, right
(Roadster only)
111
CSeat heating, right86D4 PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF indicator lamp
42
EOperates dual-zone
automatic climate control
105
FSeat heating, left8630Center consoleAt a glance

Lower sectionFunctionPage:AMG E-SELECT selector
lever
119
;COMAND controller=Stowage compartment20112 V socket204Ashtray203Cigarette lighter203?Stowage compartment/
telephone compartment
with cup holder
201
ASoft top switch (Roadster
only)
78
BIgnition lock (behind the
stowage compartment/
telephone compartment)
115
FunctionPageCCalls up/stores AMG menu
(SETUP)
126
DAdjusts AMG adaptive
sport suspension system
138
Retracts/extends rear
spoiler (vehicles without
AMG adaptive sport
suspension system)
210
EActivates/deactivates
ESP ®
57
Activates/deactivates
SPORT handling mode
58
FStart/Stop button115GSelects the drive program122HParking lock button P119Center console31At a glance

Manual drive program
In manual drive program M, you need to
change gear yourself using the steering wheel
paddle shifters ( Y page 123). The
transmission only shifts down automatically
at low engine speeds depending on the
respective gear.
! In manual drive program M, the
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 and observe
the upshift indicator. There is otherwise a
risk of engine damage.XTo activate the manual drive program:
turn the drive program selector switch until
M appears in the instrument cluster's
multifunction display.
M lights up in red on the drive program
selector switch.XTo deactivate the manual drive
program: turn the drive program selector
switch and select another drive program.
Upshift indicator
The upshift indicator is a four-stage display
designed to assist you in sporty driving.
The upshift indicator allows you to recognize
the ideal shift point for dynamic acceleration.
White segments : and yellow segment ;
light up in succession from left to right.
When red segments = light up and the "up"
message appears in the multifunction
display, the ideal shift point has been
reached:XShift up using the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (UP) as quickly as possible.
The vehicle shifts up to the next gear.
i If you continue to increase the engine
speed without shifting up in time, the fuel
supply is shut off to protect the engine. This
results in abruptly reduced acceleration.
Display for downshift override
If the engine speed is too high, you cannot
shift down with the left steering wheel paddle
shifter. If you then pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter, both red segments = light up
briefly.
AMG button (SETUP)
With the AMG button, you can call up and
store a default drive program setting and the
default suspension tuning.
126AMG button (SETUP)Driving and parking

vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Making adjustments in 1 mph
incrementsXBriefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up : for a higher speed or
down ; for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Making adjustments in 10 mph
increments
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point, up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards =.
or
XBrake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you press the electric parking brake
handle.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to N while the
vehicle is in motion.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. The Cruise control Off
message is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the suspension setting
reverts to Comfort mode.
Sport mode
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress button : once.
Indicator lamp ? lights up. You have
selected Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning
in Sport + mode ensures the best possible
138Driving systemsDriving and parking

contact with the road. Select this mode only
when driving on race circuits.
If indicator lamps = and ? are off:XPress button : twice.
Indicator lamps = and ? light up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If indicator lamp ? lights up:
XPress button : once.
The second indicator lamp = lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort mode
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. freeways.
XPress button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
XTo store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.XTo call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.XTo display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R release the electric parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using four sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Driving systems139Driving and parkingZ

XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Convenience submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Easy Entry/Exit feature.
You will see the selected setting: on or
off .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Switching the fold-in exterior mirrors with
locking function on/off
If you switch on the Fold Mirrors in when
Locking: function, the exterior mirrors fold
in when you lock the vehicle. If you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door, the exterior mirrors fold out
again.
If you have switched the function on and you
fold the exterior mirrors in using the button
on the door (Y page 90), they will not fold out
automatically. The exterior mirrors can then
only be folded out using the button on the
door.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
CONVENIENCE submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Fold mirrors in when locking:
function.
You will see the selected setting: on or
off .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Resetting to factory settings
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running
Lights: function in the Lights submenu is
only reset when the vehicle is stationary.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Factory Settings submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.
The Reset All Settings? message
appears.XPress the : or 9 button to select
Yes or No.XPress the a button to confirm the
selection.
If you have selected Yes, the multifunction
display shows a confirmation message.
AMG menu
AMG displays
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.:Digital speedometer;Engine oil temperature=Coolant temperature?Transmission fluid temperature
If the engine oil temperature is below 80 †
or if the transmission fluid temperature is
below 60 †, the corresponding temperature
gauge flashes. Avoid driving at full engine
output during this time.
SETUP
SETUP displays the drive program, the AMG
adaptive sport suspension system setting
and the selected traction assist.
160Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until
SETUP is displayed.
or
XPress the AMG button on the center
console.:Drive program (C/S/S+/M);ESP®
mode ( ON/Sport Handling Mode /
OFF )=AMG adaptive sport suspension system
setting ( COMFORT /SPORT /SPORT + )
RACETIMER
Displaying and starting RACETIMER
GWARNING
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
You can use the RACETIMER to store lap
times.
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the AMG menu.XPress the 9 button repeatedly until the
RACETIMER is shown.
i If the RACETIMER is selected, the =
and ; buttons are inoperative.
:Digital speedometer;RACETIMER=Lap
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or if key position 2 is
selected with the Start/Stop button.
XTo start: start the RACETIMER with a.
Displaying the intermediate time
XPress the = or ; button to select
Interm. Time .XPress the a button to confirm.
The intermediate time is displayed for five
seconds.
Starting a new lap
It is possible to store a maximum of sixteen
laps.
XPress a to confirm New Lap.:RACETIMER;Fastest lap time (best lap)=LapDisplays and operation161On-board computer and displaysZ