brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG COUPE GT 2013 C197 Owner's Manual

Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................153
Display message ............................ 177
Notes/function .............................. 141
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 165
Notes ............................................. 280
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 170
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 55
Brake fluid (notes) .........................280
Display message ............................ 161
Driving tips .................................... 131
High-performance brake system ....133
Important safety notes ..................131
Maintenance .................................. 132
Warning lamp ........................ 186, 189
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 ........................................ 219
Display ........................................... 225
Exhaust pipe .................................. 224
Exterior lights ................................ 224
Gear or selector lever ....................225
Matte finish ................................... 222
Notes ............................................. 219
Paint .............................................. 221
Plastic trim .................................... 225Power washer
................................ 221
Rear view camera .......................... 224
Seat belt ........................................ 226
Seat cover ..................................... 226
Sensors ......................................... 224
Soft top .......................................... 222
Steering wheel ............................... 225
Trim pieces .................................... 225
Washing by hand ........................... 220
Wheels ........................................... 221
Windows ........................................ 223
Wiper blades .................................. 223
Wooden trim .................................. 225
Car wash (care) ................................. 219
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 151
Center console Lower section .................................. 31
Upper section .................................. 30
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 155
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........62
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes ....................96
License plate lighting .......................97
Charge maintenance socket ............211
Children In the vehicle ................................... 51
Restraint systems ............................ 51
Child seat
Special seat belt retractor ...............53
Top Tether ....................................... 53
Cigarette lighter ................................ 199
Climate control Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 103
Controlling automatically ...............105
Cooling with air dehumidification ..104
Defrosting the windows .................107
Defrosting the windshield ..............106
Important safety notes ..................102
Indicator lamp ................................ 105
Maximum cooling .......................... 106
Notes on using automatic climate
control ........................................... 104
Overview of systems ......................102 Index
5

Distance recorder
............................. 148
see Trip odometer
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 155
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .69
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .62
Display message .................... 180, 182
Emergency locking ........................... 70
Emergency unlocking .......................69
Important safety notes ....................67
Opening (from inside) ......................68
Draft stop ............................................. 78
Drinking and driving .........................131
Drive program ................................... .120
Automatic ...................................... 122
Manual .......................................... .123
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........157
Drive program display ......................119
Driver's door see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................219
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 92
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads ..................133
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......55
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 58
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............55
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) ..................................... 58
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 56
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....56
Important safety information ...........54
Overview .......................................... 54
Driving systems
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 136
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 141
Cruise control ................................ 134
Display message ............................ 176PARKTRONIC
................................. 137
Rear view camera .......................... 140
Driving tips
AMG ceramic high-performance
compound brake system ...............133
Brakes ........................................... 131
Break-in period .............................. 112
Downhill gradient ........................... 131
Drinking and driving .......................131
Driving abroad ................................. 92
Driving in winter ............................ .133
Driving on wet roads ......................133
Exhaust check ............................... 131
Fuel ................................................ 130
General .......................................... 130
Hydroplaning ................................. 133
Icy road surfaces ........................... 134
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 132
Snow chains .................................. 250
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 92
Wet road surface ........................... 132
DVD audio (on-board computer) ......151
DVD video (on-board computer) ......151 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................156
Function/notes ................................ 86
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ............................. 87
Function/notes ................................ 86
Switching on/off ........................... 156
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 162
Function/notes ................................ 58
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 69
Trunk ............................................... 73
Vehicle ............................................. 69 Index
7

Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 148
Resetting (on-board computer) ......149
see Trip odometer
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................73
Important safety guidelines .............71
Locking separately ...........................72
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 72
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 180
Opening/closing ........................71, 72
Trunk load (maximum)
see Technical data
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 170
Switching on/off .............................. 94
see Turn signals
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................69
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 68
Upshift indicator ............................... 124V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........198
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 22
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Display message ............................ 180
Equipment ....................................... 19
Individual settings ..........................153
Limited Warranty ............................. 23
Loading .......................................... 258
Locking (in an emergency) ...............70
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 62
Lowering ........................................ 236
Maintenance .................................... 20
Parking for a long period ................ 130
Raising ........................................... 233
Reporting problems .........................22Towing away
.................................. 242
Transporting .................................. 244
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........69
Unlocking (SmartKey) ................62, 67
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ...........................283
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................70
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 228
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 151
VIN ...................................................... 275 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 189
Brakes ................................... 186, 189
Cruise control ................................ 135
Engine diagnostics .........................191
ESP ®
.............................................. 190
Fuel tank ........................................ 192
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 192
Seat belt ........................................ 187
SPORT handling mode ...................190
SRS ................................................ 190
Tire pressure monitor ....................193
Warranty ............................................ 275
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 181
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........236
Wheel chock ...................................... 232
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 232
Checking ........................................ 249
Cleaning ......................................... 221
Important safety notes ..................24816
Index

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
0043
ESP
® 190
0044
Seat belts 187
0087
Brakes (USA only)
004D
Brakes (Canada only) 0085
High-beam headlamps 94
0083
Low-beam headlamps 93
0084
Turn signal 94
006B
SRS 190
006C
Check Engine
006D
ABS
189 Function Page
006E
Engine oil temperature 146
006F
Tire pressure 193
0070
Electric parking brake (USA
only)
0024
Electric parking brake
(Canada only) 0071
Reserve fuel 192
0072
SPORT handling mode 56
0073
ESP
®
OFF 5628
Instrument clusterAt a glance

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 G
WARNING
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 if you only brake gently.
The
0025 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.
X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. G
WARNING
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.
X Keep 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 systems
55Safety Z

G
WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident. Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with the rear
axle raised.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
When SPORT handling mode is activated, the
0074 warning lamp lights up in the instrument
panel.
When ESP ®
is deactivated, the 00BBand
0089 warning lamps light up in the instrument
panel.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 190) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 166).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 0089ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 54). 56
Driving safety systemsSafety

0044
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it.
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads. 003A
Drive
The transmission shifts into drive
programs (C/S/S+) automatically.
All forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The transmission shifts into individual gears
automatically. This is determined by:
R drive position D
R the selected drive program (C/S /S+)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
R a shift range restriction, if selected
The shift points primarily depend on:
R the position of the accelerator pedal:
little throttle: early upshifts; high throttle:
late upshifts
R the driving dynamics
A dynamic driving style with high
longitudinal and lateral acceleration delays
the shift points to higher engine speeds. Driving tips
Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch function reduces the load change reaction on
the drive axle. The sound generated by the
double-clutch function and its characteristics
depend on the drive program selected.
Kickdown
i
Kickdown is not available in manual drive
program M.
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
Depending on the selected drive program,
the transmission shifts to the lowest gear
allowing ideal acceleration. Drive program selector
With the drive program selector switch, you
can choose from a range of different
transmission configurations or select the
RACE START drive mode. Drive
program Characteristic
C
Controlled
Efficiency Comfort-oriented,
optimum-economy engine
and transmission settings S
Sport Sporty engine and
transmission settings
S+
SportPlus Extremely sporty engine
and transmission settings M
Manual Manual gear shifting120
AMG SPEE
DSHIFT DCT 7-speed spor ts transmissionDriving and parking

Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
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.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
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 must 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. Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
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 G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. Driving tips
131Driving and parking Z

Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. !
As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (the SmartKey must
be in position 0or 1in the ignition lock or
the Start/Stop button must be in position
0 or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is tested using
a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Have this work
carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Ypage 55).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your
vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety. 132
Driving tipsDriving and parking

such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterized at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 250).
Summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y
page 250).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 250). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2or 3in good time (Y page 122). By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effect of
the engine, This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in lane.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels 134
Driving systemsDriving and parking