2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 SL55 AMG Owners Manual

SL 500 SL 55 AMG

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz. Your selection of our product is a demon- stration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service. Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef- forts of many skilled engineers and crafts- men. To help assure your driving pleasure, and also the safety of you and your passen- gers, we ask you to make a small invest- ment of time:  Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.  Please follow the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.  Please pay attention to the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and oc- cupants. We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents Introduction .......................................... 7 Product information ................................ 7 Operator’s Manual .................................. 8 Service and warranty information ..... 8 Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles ............. 9 Maintenance .................................. 10 Roadside Assistance ...................... 10 Change of address or ownership.... 10 Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada ...................................... 11 Where to find it .................................... 12 Symbols ............................................... 13 Operating safety .................................. 14 Proper use of the vehicle ............... 14 Problems with your vehicle .................. 15 Reporting safety defects...................... 16 Reporting safety defects ................ 16 At a glance ......................................... 17 Cockpit ................................................ 18 Instrument cluster ............................... 20 Multifunction steering wheel ............... 22 Center console ..................................... 23 Upper part ...................................... 23 Lower part ...................................... 24 Overhead control panel ........................ 25 Door control panel................................ 26 Getting started ................................... 27 Unlocking ............................................. 28 Unlocking with the SmartKey .......... 28 Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* ......... 30 Adjusting .............................................. 32 Seats............................................... 32 Steering wheel ................................ 34 Mirrors ............................................ 35 Driving .................................................. 37 Fastening the seat belts.................. 37 Starting the engine ......................... 39 Switching on headlamps ................. 43 Turn signals and high beam ............ 43 Windshield wipers ........................... 44 Problems while driving .................... 45 Parking and locking .............................. 47 Parking brake.................................. 47 Switching off headlamps................. 48 Turning off engine with the key ....... 48 Turning off engine with KEYLESS-GO* ................................ 49 Emergency engine shut-down ......... 50 Safety and Security ........................... 51 Occupant safety ................................... 52 Airbags ........................................... 53 Seat belts ....................................... 58 Roll bar ........................................... 61 Children in the vehicle .................... 62 Panic alarm .......................................... 67 Activating........................................ 67 Deactivating.................................... 67 Driving safety systems ......................... 68 ABS ................................................. 68 BAS ................................................. 69 ESP ................................................. 70 SBC brake system .......................... 72 Anti-theft systems ................................ 75 Immobilizer ..................................... 75 Anti-theft alarm system .................. 75 Tow-away alarm .............................. 77

Contents Controls in detail ............................... 79 Locking and unlocking ......................... 80 Keys ............................................... 80 KEYLESS-GO card*......................... 84 Opening the doors from the inside . 89 Opening the trunk from the inside.. 89 Trunk lid emergency release .......... 90 Closing the trunk lid ....................... 91 Automatic central locking .............. 91 Locking and unlocking from the inside ............................... 92 Seats.................................................... 93 Lumbar support .............................. 93 Multicontour backrest* .................. 93 Moving the seats forward and backward........................................ 95 Seat ventilation* ............................ 96 Seat heater..................................... 97 Memory function.................................. 99 Storing positions into memory ..... 100 Recalling positions from memory . 100 Storing parking position ............... 100 Lighting .............................................. 102 Exterior lamp switch ..................... 102 Combination switch...................... 104 Hazard warning flasher ................ 105 Interior lighting............................. 106 Courtesy lighting .......................... 107 Instrument cluster ............................. 108 Instrument cluster illumination .... 108 Coolant temperature gauge ......... 108 Trip odometer .............................. 109 Tachometer .................................. 109 Outside temperature indicator ..... 109 Control system .................................. 110 Multifunction display .................... 110 Multifunction steering wheel ........ 111 Menus .......................................... 113 Standard display menu ................ 115 AUDIO menu ................................ 115 NAVI menu ................................... 117 Distronic* menu........................... 117 Malfunction memory menu .......... 118 Settings menu .............................. 119 Trip computer menu ..................... 131 TEL menu* ................................... 133 Automatic transmission ..................... 137 One-touch gearshifting................. 138 Gear ranges.................................. 139 Gear selector lever position ......... 140 Program mode selector switch..... 141 Accelerator position ..................... 142 Steering wheel gearshift control (Speedshift) and manual shift program SL 55 AMG................................... 142 Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode) .......................................... 144 Good visibility .................................... 145 Rear view mirror .......................... 145 Headlamp cleaning system .......... 146 Rear window defroster ................. 146 Sun visors .................................... 146 Automatic climate control ................. 147 Setting the temperature............... 149 Adjusting air volume .................... 150 Adjusting air distribution .............. 151 Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ....... 151 Defrosting .................................... 151 Air recirculation mode.................. 152 Rear window defroster ................. 153 Residual heat and ventilation ....... 154 Deactivating the automatic climate control system ............................. 154 Air conditioning ............................ 155 Ventilated storage compartments 156 Power windows.................................. 157 Opening and closing the windows 157

Contents Retractable hardtop........................... 159 Opening and closing the retractable hardtop ........................................ 159 Driving systems ................................. 168 Cruise control .............................. 168 Distronic* .................................... 171 Active Body Control (ABC) ........... 183 Parktronic system* ...................... 186 Useful features .................................. 190 Interior storage spaces ................ 190 Ashtray......................................... 196 Cigarette lighter ........................... 197 Heated steering wheel* (Canada only–model SL 500) ..................... 197 Easy-Pack load assist in the trunk 198 Electrical outlet ............................ 199 Telephone* .................................. 199 Tele Aid ........................................ 200 Garage door opener ..................... 208 Operation ......................................... 213 The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 214 Driving instructions............................ 215 Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 215 Drinking and driving ..................... 215 Pedals ........................................... 215 Power assistance .......................... 216 Brakes........................................... 216 Driving off ..................................... 218 Parking.......................................... 218 Tires .............................................. 219 Hydroplaning................................. 219 Tire traction .................................. 220 Tire speed rating ........................... 220 Winter driving instructions ............ 221 Standing water.............................. 222 Passenger compartment ............... 222 Driving abroad .............................. 222 Control and operation of radio trans- mitters .......................................... 222 Catalytic converter........................ 223 Emission control ........................... 224 Coolant temperature..................... 224 At the gas station ............................... 225 Check regularly and before a long trip ........................................ 226 Engine compartment .......................... 227 Hood ............................................. 227 Engine oil ...................................... 228 Transmission fluid level ................ 230 Oil level in the ABC system ........... 230 Coolant ......................................... 230 Battery .......................................... 232 Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system ........... 233 Tires and wheels ................................ 234 Important guidelines ..................... 234 Life of tires ................................... 235 Direction of rotation ..................... 235 Checking tire inflation pressure .... 235 Rotating wheels ............................ 238 Winter driving ..................................... 239 Winter tires ................................... 239 Block heater (Canada only) ........... 240 Snow chains ................................. 240 Maintenance ...................................... 241 Clearing the service indicator ....... 241 Service term exceeded ................. 241 Calling up the service indicator .... 242 Resetting the service indicator ..... 242 Vehicle care ....................................... 243 Cleaning and care of the vehicle... 243

Contents Practical hints .................................. 249 What to do if … .................................. 250 Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 250 Messages in the display ............... 257 Where will I find ...?............................ 288 First aid kit ................................... 288 Vehicle tool kit ............................. 288 Locking/unlocking in an emergency.. 290 Unlocking the vehicle ................... 290 Locking the vehicle ...................... 292 Lowering the Easy Pack feature manually ....................................... 292 Changing batteries ....................... 293 Replacing bulbs ................................. 295 Bulbs ............................................ 295 Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 298 Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 299 Replacing wiper blades ...................... 301 Removing ..................................... 301 Installing....................................... 301 Flat tire .............................................. 302 Preparing the vehicle.................... 302 Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 1 ..... 302 Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2 ..... 308 Mounting the spare wheel ............ 312 Batteries ............................................ 319 Disconnecting the batteries ......... 320 Removing the batteries ................ 321 Charging and reinstalling batteries....................................... 321 Reconnecting the batteries .......... 321 Jump starting ..................................... 323 Towing the vehicle ............................. 325 Installing towing eye bolt ............. 327 Fuses ................................................. 329 Main fuse box............................... 329 Technical data ................................. 331 Spare parts service ............................ 332 Warranty coverage............................. 333 Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet ..................... 333 Identification labels ........................... 334 Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 335 SL 500 ......................................... 335 SL 55 AMG ................................... 335 Engine................................................ 336 Rims and tires.................................... 337 Same size tires ............................. 337 Mixed size tires ............................ 338 Spare wheel ................................. 338 Electrical system ............................... 339 Main dimensions ............................... 340 Weights ............................................. 341 Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 342 Capacities .................................... 342 Engine oils ................................... 343 Engine oil additives ...................... 343 Air conditioner refrigerant ............ 343 Brake fluid.................................... 343 Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 344 Fuel requirements ........................ 344 Gasoline additives ........................ 344 Coolants ...................................... 345 Windshield and headlamp washer system ......................................... 347 Consumer information ....................... 348 Uniform tire quality grading ......... 348 Technical terms............................... 351 Index................................................. 357

7 Product information Introduction Product information Please observe the following in your own best interest: We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in indi- vidual cases an official approval or authori- zation by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

8 Introduction Operator’s Manual Operator’s Manual This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail- ure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures. We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations, and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle. If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Operator’s Manual and Service Book- let are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle. Service and warranty information The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:  New Car Limited Warranty,  Emission System Warranty,  Emission Performance Warranty,  California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),  State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

9 Introduction Operator’s Manual Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. During the pe- riod of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs: (1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the need for its repair, (2) the same substantial defect or malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for its repair, or (3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.

10 Introduction Operator’s Manual Maintenance The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals. Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you. Roadside Assistance The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number: 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada) will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Cus- tomer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro- gram brochure in your glove box. Change of address or ownership If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser- vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise. If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator. If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and Warranty In- formation Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen- ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

2003 Mercedes Benz SL500 SL55 AMG Owners Manual

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