Driving systems. Mercedes-Benz SL Class 2004, SL 500, SL 600, SL 55 AMG

Controls in detail

Driving systems

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Driving systems

The driving systems of your vehicle are described on the following pages:

앫 Cruise control and Distronic*, with which the vehicle can maintain a preset speed

앫

앫

ABC with vehicle level control systems, with which you can change vehicle suspension characteristics

Parktronic*, which assists the driver during parking maneuvers

For information on the BAS, ABS, and ESP, see “Driving safety systems” ( 컄 page 75).

Cruise control

The cruise control automatically maintains the speed you set for your vehicle.

Use of cruise control is recommended for driving at a constant speed for extended periods of time. You can set or resume cruise control at any speed over 20 mph

(30 km/h).

The cruise control function is operated by means of the cruise control lever.

The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever found on the left-hand side of the steering column ( 컄 page 20).

Warning!

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The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the vehicle speed and for safe brake operation.

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

앫 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.

앫 The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

앫 Deactivate the cruise control when driving in fog.

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.

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Controls in detail

Driving systems i

On uphill or downhill grades, the cruise control may not be able to maintain the set speed. Once the grade eases, the set speed will be resumed.

1

2

3

4

Set current or higher speed

Set current or lower speed

Cancel cruise control

Resume at last set speed

Setting current speed

왘 Accelerate or decelerate to the desired speed.

왘 Briefly lift 1 or depress 2 the cruise control lever.

The current speed is set.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

The cruise control is activated.

Canceling cruise control

There are several ways to cancel the cruise control:

왘 or

Step on the brake pedal.

왘 Briefly push the cruise control lever to position 3 .

The cruise control will be canceled. The last speed set will be stored for later use.

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!

Moving gear selector lever to position N while driving also cancels cruise control. However, the gear selector lever should not be moved to position N while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads).

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The last stored speed is canceled when you turn off the engine.

Controls in detail

Driving systems

Setting a higher speed

왘 Lift the cruise control lever to position 1 and hold it up until the desired speed is reached.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set.

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Depressing the accelerator pedal does not deactivate the cruise control. After brief acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise control will resume the last speed set.

Setting a lower speed

왘 Depress the cruise control lever to position 2 and hold it down until the desired speed is reached.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set.

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When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the transmission will automatically downshift if the engine’s braking power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.

Setting to last stored speed (“Resume” function)

Warning!

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Fine adjustment in 1 mph

(Canada: 1 km/h) increments

The speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

Faster

왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 1 .

Slower

왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 2 .

왘 Briefly push the cruise control lever to position 4 .

The cruise control will resume the last previously set speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.

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