MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER 2014 Owners Manual

little energy, thus conserving battery
power.
i If the battery power supply has been
interrupted, e.g. if the battery was fully
discharged, you will need to reset the
"exterior mirrors automatic folding
function", by folding the mirrors out once
(Y page 91). Charging the battery
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at
temperatures below freezing point. When
jump-starting the vehicle or charging the
battery, gases can escape from the battery.
There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
! Only use battery chargers with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
! Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment (Y page 240).
Never charge the battery if it is still installed
in the vehicle, unless you use a battery charger which has been tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. A battery charger unit
specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz
is available as an accessory. It permits the
charging of the battery in its installed
position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information and
availability. Charge the battery in accordance
with the separate instructions for the
accessory battery charger.
Read the battery charger's operating
instructions before charging the battery.
X
Open the hood (Y page 218).
X Connect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same
order as when connecting the donor
battery in the jump-starting procedure
(Y page 240). Battery (vehicle)
239Breakdown assistance Z

Jump-starting
G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with water and
seek medical attention. G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk
of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a battery.
R It is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running. G
WARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the catalytic converter could be
damaged by the non-combusted fuel.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged,
the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper
cables. Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
R You may only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust system are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Only jump-start from batteries with a 12 V voltage rating.
R Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. 240
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance

R
If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R when the jumper cables are connected to the battery, uninsulated sections of the terminal
clamp do not come into contact with other metal sections.
R the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.
X Press the electric parking brake handle.
X Shift the transmission to Pwith the button in the center console.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).
X Open the hood (Y page 218). Position number
Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Slide cover Aof positive terminal :in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal :on your vehicle to positive terminal ;of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal =of donor battery Bto earth point ?of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes. Jump-starting
241Breakdown assistance Z

X
First, remove the jumper cables from earth point ?and negative terminal =, then from
positive clamp :and positive terminal ;. Each time beginning with your vehicle's battery.
X Slide cover Aof the positive terminal in the opposite direction to the arrow.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The rear axle locks when:
R the engine is not running
R the engine stalls while the vehicle is being
towed
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a breakdown, you should
always have the vehicle transported. G
WARNING
If the brake system or power steering is
malfunctioning and your vehicle is then towed
away, significantly more effort may be
required to steer and brake than is normally
required. There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle. !
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button when towing the vehicle.
Start the engine and keep it running. Turn
the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition.
Set the transmission to Nusing the E-
SELECT lever. Make sure that you then
leave the SmartKey in position 2.
Check the transmission position in the
instrument cluster.
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle. 242
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

!
Tow-starting the vehicle is not permitted.
The transmission may otherwise be
damaged.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because
of an accident or breakdown, you have the
following options:
R transporting the vehicle
As a rule, you should have the vehicle
transported.
R towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
Only tow the vehicle with the rear axle
raised in exceptional cases.
R towing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow
bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
The engine must be running if you tow the
vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar. Observe
the following notes.
Also observe the following notes:
R If the engine does not start, try jump-
starting it (Y page 240). Tow-starting the
vehicle is not permitted.
R If it is not possible to jump-start the vehicle,
have it transported to the nearest qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R If the vehicle has transmission damage,
have it transported to a qualified specialist
workshop. Observe the display messages
in the instrument cluster. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye X
Take the towing eye and the wheel
wrench 6
out of the wheel-change tool kit
(Y page 232).
The bracket for the removable towing eye is
in the bumper at the front. It is located under
the cover. X
Pull out cover :forwards.
X Take cover :off the opening.
Removing the towing eye X
Take the lug wrench 6
from the wheel-
change tool kit (Y page 232).
X Insert the lug wrench handle into the
towing eye and turn it counter-clockwise.
X Unscrew the towing eye.
X Attach cover :to the bumper and press
until it engages.
X Return the towing eye and the lug wrench
to the wheel-change tool kit.
X Return the towing eye and the lug wrench
to the trunk. Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 242).
Only tow the vehicle with the rear axle raised
in exceptional cases.
! The engine must be switched off
(SmartKey in ignition lock in position 0or
position 1) if the vehicle is being towed with
the rear axle raised or if the parking brake
is being tested on a dynamometer.
Intervention by ESP ®
could otherwise
damage the brake system.
6 Not included in the scope of delivery. Towing and tow-starting
243Breakdown assistance Z

X
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 98).
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition and that the engine is
running throughout the towing procedure.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever. Check the transmission
position in the instrument cluster. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 242).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 98).
i When towing with the hazard warning
flashers switched on, use the combination
switch as usual to signal in which direction
you are changing. In this case, only the
indicator lamps for the direction of travel
flash. When you reset the combination
switch, the hazard warning flashers start
flashing again.
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock
(Y page 119).
X Start the engine and leave the SmartKey in
the ignition.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever.
X Check the transmission position in the
instrument cluster display (Y page 123).
X Leave the engine running throughout the
entire towing procedure Transporting the vehicle
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting
purposes.
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
X Start the engine.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition and that the engine is
running during the entire loading operation.
X Move the transmission to Nwith the E-
SELECT lever. Check the transmission
position in the instrument cluster.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to Pwith the button
in the center console.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the
ignition lock and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock.
X Secure the vehicle. Fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate or bridge a faulty fuse or if
you replace it with a fuse with a higher
amperage, the electric cables could be
overloaded. This could result in a fire. There
is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with the specified
new fuses having the correct amperage.
! Only use fuses that have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which
have the correct fuse rating for the system
concerned. Otherwise, components or
systems could be damaged.
The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down
faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the
components on the circuit and their functions
stop operating.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognize by 244
FusesBreakdown assistance

the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Before changing a fuse
X Park the vehicle and apply the electric
parking brake.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse box in the footwell on the front-
passenger side
R fuse box in the rear
The "Relay and fuse information sheet" is
located with the wheel-change toolkit in the
trunk. Fuse box in the footwell
X
To open: remove the carpet over the
footrest.
X Loosen screws :on the floor panel using
a suitable tool.
X Remove the floor panel.
X To close: install the floor panel again.
X Screw in and tighten screws :.
X Put in the carpet and press to secure. !
The floor panel must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses. Fuse box in the rear
Coupe X
To open: open the trunk.
X Fold cover :in the center of the rear wall
down in the direction of the arrow.
X To close: fold cover :up in the opposite
direction to the arrow and press to secure.
! The cover must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
Roadster X
To open: from the vehicle interior, lift up
cover :between the roll bars in the
direction of the arrow.
X To close: shut cover :in the opposite
direction to the arrow and press to secure. Fuses
245Breakdown assistance Z

!
The cover must be installed properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses. 246
FusesBreakdown assistance

Useful information
............................248
Important safety notes ....................248
Operation ........................................... 248
Winter operation ............................... 250
Tire pressure ..................................... 251
Loading the vehicle ..........................258
All about wheels and tires ...............261
Changing a wheel ............................. 268
Wheel and tire combinations ...........273 247Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 22).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
Warning
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with a flat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not being used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R
suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
(Y page 273).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R under "Tire pressure"
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the
tire pressures and correct them if
necessary.
R While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling
characteristics, e.g. pulling to one side.
This may indicate that the wheels or tires
are damaged. If you suspect that a tire is
defective, reduce your speed immediately.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tires for damage.
Hidden tire damage could also be causing
the unusual handling characteristics. If you
find no signs of damage, have the wheels
and tires checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive 248
OperationWheels and tires