Drinking and Driving

Warning!

Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.

The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is sharply increased when you drink and drive.

Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after drinking.

Parking Brake

To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the key is in steering lock position 2, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly.

To release the parking brake, pull handle on instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out.

A warning sounds, if you start to drive without having released the parking brake.

Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in

Index.

Driving Off

Test the brakes briefly after driving off.

Perform this procedure only when the road is clear of other traffic.

Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached.

Warning!

Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

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Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon

• Selector lever position

• Accelerator position

• Vehicle speed

Important!

When parking the car or before working on the vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the parking brake pedal and shift the selector lever into "P".

Driving

The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release.

Shift selector lever to the desired driving position only when the engine is idling and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position.

Warning!

It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not on the brake pedal, the car could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the car and hit someone or something. Only shift info gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Important!

After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before accelerating, especially when the engine is cold

Accelerator position

Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration

Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration

Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to next lowest gear = maximum acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on the accelerator the transmission shifts up again

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Selector Lever Positions SL 320

The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating conditions using the selector lever.

P Parking lock.

The parking lock is an additional safeguard to the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped.

Note:

The key can be removed from the steering lock only with the selector lever in position "P".

With the key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".

R Reverse gear.

Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.

N Neutral.

No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed).

Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter Driving

Instructions in Index).

Important!

Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N", can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

D The transmission automatically upshifts to 5th gear. Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions

4 Upshift to 4th gear only. Suit-able for performance driving.

3 Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable for moderately steep hills. Since the transmission does not shift higher than 3rd gear, this gear selection will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.

2 Upshift to 2nd gear only. For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions.

This gear selection will allow use of the engine's braking power when descending steep grades.

Important!

With selector lever in position "D",

"4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle speed and engine temperature.

This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.

During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction. However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.

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Important!

The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine temperatures below 95°F (35°C).

To avoid overrevving the engine when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear as long as the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit of that gear.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPMs, do not allow the engine speed to drop too low on uphill gradients.

Depending on the degree of the incline, shift selector lever to a lower gear range early enough to maintain engine

RPM within the best torque range.

Maneuvering

To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into parking space, control the car speed by gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the accelerator.

To rock a car out of soft ground (mud or snow), alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle.

Rocking a car free in this manner may cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.

Stopping

For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake.

For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P".

When stopping the car on an uphill incline, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build up.

Warning!

Getting out of your car with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. When parked on a steep incline, position

"P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position "P".

When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.

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Selector Lever Positions SL

500, SL 600

The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating conditions using the selector lever.

P Parking lock.

The parking lock is an additional safeguard to the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped.

Note:

The key can be removed from the steering lock only with the selector lever in position "P"

With the key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".

R Reverse gear.

Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.

N Neutral.

No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed).

Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter driving

Instructions in Index),

Important!

Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

D The transmission automatically upshifts to 4th gear. Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal operating conditions.

3 Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable for moderately steep hills.

2 Upshift to 2nd gear only. For driving in mountainous regions. Since the transmission does not shift higher than 2nd gear, this gear selection will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.

B In this position, the engine's braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1st gear. Use this position while descending very steep or lengthy downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60 km/h).

Important!

With selector lever in position "D" or

"3", upshifting from 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.

During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as malfunction. However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.

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The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine temperatures below 95°F(35°C).

Do not exceed the vehicle speed limits for individual gear selections, which are indicated by marks (I, II, III etc.) on the circumference of the speedometer.

Do not brake the vehicle by downshifting to a lower gear (for example from "D" to "3") unless the speedometer needle is below the speed limit mark of that particular gear range.

Overrewing could result in’ serious damage to the engine.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear wheel slip and reduced vehicle control Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

This applies particularly for position "B".

To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPMs, do not allow the engine speed to drop too low on uphill gradients.

Depending on the degree of the incline, shift selector lever to a lower gear range early enough to maintain engine

RPM within the best torque range.

Maneuvering

To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into parking space, control the car speed by gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the accelerator.

To rock a car out of soft ground (mud or snow), alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle.

Rocking a car free in this manner may cause the ABS warning lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.

Stopping

For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake.

For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P".

When stopping the car on an uphill incline, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build up.

Warning!

Getting out of your car with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. When parked on a steep incline, position

"P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position "P".

When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.

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Cruise Control

Any given speed above approximately

25 mph (40 km/h) can be maintained with the cruise control by operating the lever.

1 Accelerate and set:

Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold lever up to accelerate.

2 Decelerate and set:

Depress lever briefly to set speed.

Hold lever down to decelerate.

Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired speed with the accelerator.

Speed is set by briefly pushing the lever to position 1 or 2.

The accelerator can be released.

The speed can be increased (e.g. for passing) by using the accelerator. As soon as the accelerator is released, the previously set speed will be resumed automatically.

If a set speed is to be increased or decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the traffic flow, hold lever in position 1 or

2 until the desired speed is reached, or briefly tip the control lever in the appropriate direction for increases or decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increments. When the lever is released, the newly set speed remains.

3 Canceling

To cancel the cruise control, briefly push lever to position 3.

When you step on the brake or the vehicle speed drops below approx.

25 mph (40 km/h), for example when driving upgrade, the cruise control will be canceled.

If the cruise control cancels by itself and remains inoperative until the engine is restarted, have the system checked at your authorized

Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

4 Resume

If the lever is briefly pushed to position 4 when driving at a speed exceeding approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), the vehicle resumes the speed which was set prior to the cancellation of the cruise control.

The last memorized speed is canceled when the key in the steering lock is turned to position

1 or 0.

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Note:

If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the cruise control may be exceeded and you may have to step on the brake pedal to slow down. As soon as the grade eases, the cruise controlled speed will again be maintained as long as the brakes were not previously applied, or the lever may be used to resume the previously set speed if the brakes were applied.

Warning!

Only use the cruise control if the traffic and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed.

• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed.

• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.

Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Caution!

When driving with the cruise control engaged, the transmission selector lever must not be shifted to position

"N" as otherwise the engine will overrev, possibly causing engine damage that is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty

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Charge Indicator Lamp

Should the charge indicator lamp fail to come on prior to starting when the key is in steering lock position 2 or should it fail to go out after starting or during operation, this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.

If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine is running, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine.

Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

The oil pressure at idle speed may drop if the engine is at operating temperature. This will not jeopardize the engine's operational reliability.

Pressure must, however, rise immediately upon acceleration.

Note:

If the oil pressure gauge needle drops to "0" with the engine running, then damage to the engine may occur with continued operation, turn off engine immediately and contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz dealer. Do not operate the car until the condition is repaired.

Low Engine Oil Level Warning

Lamp

With the key in steering lock position

2, the oil pressure warning lamp comes on and goes out. with the engine running.

If the warning lamp comes on with the engine running and at operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.

When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops further.

If no oil leaks are noted and there is indicated engine oil pressure, continue to drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be topped to the "full" mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.

The low engine oil level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated could result in engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz

Limited Warranty.

In addition to the warning lamp, the engine oil level should be periodically checked with the dipstick, for example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip. See Index.

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Engine Oil Consumption

Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the break-in period.

During the break-in period, higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal. Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in increased consumption

Fuel Consumption Gauge

While driving, instantaneous fuel consumption is indicated in miles per gallon (mpg), or in Canada liters per

100 kilometers (1/100 km).

With the engine switched off, the needle reads "0".

Due to system design, minimum consumption is indicated at idle speed.

Tachometer

Red marking on tachometer:

Excessive engine speed.

Avoid this engine speed, as it may result in engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited

Warranty.

For engine protection, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.

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Fuel Reserve Warning Lamps

With the key in steering lock position

2, the fuel reserve warning lamps should come on and go out with the engine running.

If the warning lamps do not go out after starting the engine or if they come on while driving, it indicates that the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of approx. 2.6 gal (10 liters).

Outside Temperature Indicator

The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).

Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stopand-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of temperature change.

Warning!

The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an Ice-

Warning Device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.

Coolant Temperature Gauge

If the antifreeze mixture is effective to

-22°F (-30°C ), the boiling point of the coolant in the pressurized cooling system of your vehicle is approx.

266°F (130°C).

During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red marking.

The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty

Warning!

• Driving when your engine is badly overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned. Turn off the engine and get out of the car until it cools down.

• Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns and can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Turn off the engine and do not stand near the car until it cools down.

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Low Engine Coolant Level

Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position

2, the warning lamp comes on and goes out with the engine running.

If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, then the coolant level has dropped below the required level.

If no leaks are noticeable and the engine temperature does not increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station and have coolant added to the coolant system (see Index).

The low engine coolant level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited

Warranty

In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have the cooling system checked at your authorized Mercedes-

Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Note:

Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The engine will overheat causing major engine damage.

Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

Warning!

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn if it comes into contact with hot engine parts.

You can be seriously burned.

Low Windshield and Headlamp

Washer System Fluid Level Warning

Lamp

With the key in steering lock position

2, the warning lamp comes on and goes out with the engine running.

If the warning lamp comes on with the engine running, the level of the reservoir has dropped to approx.

1 /

4 of the total volume. The reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield

Washer Concentrate "S" and water (or commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on ambient temperature see Index) at the next opportunity. The reservoir for the windshield and headlamp washer system is located in the engine compartment.

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Roll Bar Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position

2, the warning lamp comes on and goes out with the engine running.

Warning!

If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, and the indicator lamps in the roll bar switch blink simultaneously, then the roll bar system is not operating properly and may not activate in an accident. In this case, raise the roll bar manually (see Index) before continuing to drive.

Have the roll bar system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Seat Belt and Backrest Lock

Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position

2, the warning lamp comes on and an audible warning sounds for a short time if the driver's seat belt is not fastened.

If a backrest is not engaged in its lock, an audible warning will sound intermittently for up to approx. 20 seconds.

After starting the engine, the warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the driver and passenger to fasten seat belts before driving off.

If the warning lamp does not go put after blinking briefly, but is instead lit continuously, then a backrest is not engaged in its lock.

The warning lamp goes out as soon as the backrest is engaged in its lock.

If the backrest is locked and the warning lamp does not go out, have the system checked at your authorized

Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator

With the key in steering lock position

2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, and goes out with the engine running.

With the key in steering lock position 2 or with the engine running, a bright illumination of this lamp indicates an exterior lamp failure (except high mounted stop lamp).

The indicator lamp will also come on if an incorrect bulb is installed.

If additional lighting equipment is installed (e.g. auxiliary headlamps etc.) be certain to connect into the fuse before the failure indicator monitoring unit in order to avoid damaging the system.

If an exterior lamp fails, the indicator lamp will come on only when that lamp is switched on.

If a brake or turn signal lamp fails, the lamp failure indicator will come on when applying the brake or actuating the turn signal and stay on until the engine is turned off.

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Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

The brake pad wear indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when the key in the steering lock is turned to position 2 and goes out when the engine is running.

If the indicator lamp lights up during braking, this indicates that the wheel brake pads are worn down.

Have the brake system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Brake Warning Lamp

The brake warning lamp will come on:

• when there is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir (engine running and parking brake released)

• when the parking brake is set

(engine running).

When the minimum mark on the reservoir is reached, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.

To test the brake warning lamp, turn key in steering lock to position 2. The brake warning lamp comes on, and should go out when the engine is running.

Warning!

Driving with the brake warning lamp on can result in an accident.

Have your brake system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Don't add brake fluid before checking the brake system.

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Important!

The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during braking maneuvers.

For maximum benefit, do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.

The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicle speed of approximately 2 mph (3 km/h) independent of road surface conditions.

It is necessary, however, that the vehicle speed reaches at least 5 mph (8 km/h) before commencing to function.

At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even with only slight brake pedal pressure. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering lock position 2 and should go out with the engine running.

If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is switched off.

When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the ABS is operational.

If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while driving, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In thus case, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.

Have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Warning!

Even the ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped car must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

Notes:

To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as appropriate.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the

ETS or ASR are also switched off.

Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the key in steering lock position 2.

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Electronic Traction System

(ETS)

The ETS improves vehicle traction, especially under slippery road conditions. It engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and applies the brakes to the spinning drive wheel. At approximately 50 mph

(80 km/h), the ETS switches off.

The ETS warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.

Important!

If the ETS warning lamp flashes:

• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,

• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions

With the key in steering lock position

2, the yellow ETS malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and the ETS warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on. They must go out when the engine is running.

If the ETS malfunction indicator lamp comes on with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected.

Have the ETS checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the

ETS is also switched off

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in

Index), or when testing the parking brake on a brake test dynamometer, the key must not be in steering lock position 2. Otherwise, the electronic traction system will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:

If the ETS malfunction indicator lamp comes on while the ETS warning lamp flashes, the electronic traction system is being switched off temporarily to prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes.

In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the electronic traction system is only achieved with

Mercedes-Benz recommended M + S radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

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Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)

The acceleration slip regulation will engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or both drive wheels begin to lose traction and spin due to excessive acceleration.

While engaged, the yellow warning lamp in the speedometer flashes.

With the acceleration slip regulation engaged, the brake is applied to the spinning drive wheel until it regains sufficient traction. If both drive wheels lose traction and spin, the brake is applied to both drive wheels and simultaneously, engine torque is limited, to improve the vehicle's driving stability.

As traction on the road surface increases, the allowable engine torque also increases again and the brake is no longer applied to drive wheels.

Important!

If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in

Index), the key must not be in steering lock position 2. Otherwise, the acceleration slip regulation will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:

With the key in steering lock position

2, the yellow malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and the yellow ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on. They must go out when the engine is running.

If the ASR malfunction indicator lamp comes on with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected.

Pressing the accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output is available.

Have the ASR checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the acceleration slip regulation may activate (yellow ASR malfunction indicator lamp in instrument cluster comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size.

When testing the parking brake on a brake test dynamometer, the key must not be in steering lock position 2.

Otherwise, the acceleration slip regulation will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the acceleration slip regulation is only achieved with

Mercedes-Benz recommended M + S radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

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ASR control switch located in center console

ASR Control Switch

To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ASR switch. The

ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated.

With the ASR system switched off, the engine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR is unavailable.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

A portion of the ASR system remains active, even with the switch in the

OFF position.

If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately

24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at

50 mph (80 km/h).

The ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.

To switch off: press lower half of the switch (the ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Important!

If the ASR warning lamp flashes:

• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,

• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.

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S

Adaptive Damping System

(ADS)

Depending upon road surface conditions, load, driving style, ADS will automatically adjust the optimal ride firmness.

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on with the key in steering lock position 2 and goes out when the engine is running.

If the malfunction indicator lamp stays on after the engine is running or comes on while driving, then the system has detected a malfunction.

We recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible to have the system checked-out.

Note:

If the power supply was interrupted

(battery disconnected or empty), the malfunction indicator lamp will light up when the engine is running.

Turn the steering wheel from full left to full right lock position. The light should go out.

Adaptive Damping System

Adjustment

The switch is located in the center console.

1 Firm dampening program.

This setting should be used for sporty driving. During the setting for sporty driving the malfunction indicator lamp in the switch lights up.

2 Soft dampening program.

This setting should be used for regular driving.

Note:

The firm dampening program must be selected again when restarting the engine.

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Emission Control

Certain systems of the engine serve to keep certain components of the exhaust gases within permissible limits required by law.

These systems, of course, will function properly only when maintained strictly according to factory specifications.

Any adjustments on the engine should, therefore, be carried out only by qualified Mercedes-Benz technicians.

Engine adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service and maintenance jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the

Maintenance Booklet.

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to 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.

On-Board Diagnostic System

The Sequential Multiport Fuel

Injection (SFI) control module monitors emission control components that either provide input signals to or receive output signals from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from interruptions or failure of any of these components are indicated by the

"CHECK ENGINE" mal function indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are simultaneously stored in the

SFI control module.

If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp comes on, have the system checked at your authorized

Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

An on board diagnostic connector allows the accurate identification of system malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes.

Connector location: SL 320 - passenger compartment, near the accelerator pedal. SL 500, SL 600 - engine compartment, on firewall

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Traveling Abroad

Abroad, there is a widely-spread

Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Winter Driving

Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.

• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation. For viscosity

(SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels,

Coolants, Lubricants etc. in

Index.

• Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration.

• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate

"S" to a premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is formulated for below freezing temperatures (see

Index).

• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery ensures that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.

• Tires: We recommend M + S radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season.

Observe permissible maximum speed for M + S radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.

Note:

In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the acceleration slip regulation or of the electronic traction system can only be achieved with M +

S radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Snow Chains

Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to advise you on this subject.

Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions.

Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow.

For tips on driving on slippery winter roads, refer to Index.

Vehicles with Acceleration Slip

Regulation (ASR):

When driving with snow chains, press the ASR control switch, refer to Index.

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Practical Hints

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