Mercedes R129 2001 User Manual
SL
Operator’s Manual
SL 500
SL 600
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of o ur product is a de monstration 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 efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your 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 abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
• Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG
Introduction
Product information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual .............................8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Problems with your vehicle ...........14
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel .......................20
Overhead control panel ...............21
Dashboard .....................................22
Center console ..............................24
Operation
Vehicle keys ......................................28
Remote control with
folding master key .......................28
Central locking system ...................29
Remote control .............................29
Locking and unlocking ................30
Choosing global or
selective mode on
remote control ...............................31
Opening the trunk ........................31
Panic button ................................. 32
Start lock-out .................................... 33
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 33
Doors ................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .......... 37
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 38
Trunk ................................................. 38
Trunk lid release switch ................ 39
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 40
Power windows .................................41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ............................... 43
Power seats ....................................... 44
Storing position in memory ....... 46
Backrest ............................................ 48
Multicontour seats .......................... 49
Seat heater ........................................ 50
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system ..........................52
Seat belts ...........................................52
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................53
Fastening of seat belts .................54
TM
BabySmart
airbag
deactivation system ....................58
TM
Self-test BabySmart
without special child
seat installed ................................58
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................59
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 59
Airbags ..............................................60
Front airbags ................................62
Side impact airbags .....................62
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag .....................67
Infant and child
restraint systems ..........................68
Adjusting steering column .............70
1Contents
2Contents
Storing steering column
position in memory .....................70
Rear view mirrors ............................ 71
Inside rear view mirror ............... 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ..........72
Storing mirror positions in
memory ..........................................73
Instrument cluster ........................... 74
Indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................... 76
Additional function indicator
lamps ..............................................77
Instrument lamps .........................77
Display illumination ....................77
Coolant temperature gauge ........78
Outside temperature
indicator ........................................ 78
Trip odometer ...............................79
Clock ..............................................79
Tachometer ....................................79
Flexible service system (FSS) ........80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field .................................82
Fuel consumption gauge ................ 83
Engine oil temperature gauge ....... 83
Engine oil consumption ................. 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 84
Standing lamps ............................ 85
Night security illumination ....... 85
Combination switch ........................ 86
Blocked windshield wiper .......... 88
Windshield wiper smears .......... 88
Windshield and
headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio .................................. 88
Hazard warning flasher
switch ........................................... 89
Automatic climate control .............. 90
Display and controls ................... 92
Basic setting -
automatic mode ........................... 93
Economy ........................................ 93
Special settings ............................ 94
Audio and telephone, operation .... 98
Power windows ...............................116
Express opening of
door windows ..............................117
Synchronizing
power windows ............................117
Roll bar .............................................118
Interior lighting ............................. 120
Interior lamps .............................120
Reading lamps ............................120
Entrance lamps in footwells,
exit lamps in doors ....................120
Sunshade, manual .........................121
Power sunshade .............................122
Sun visors .......................................123
Illuminated vanity mirror ............ 123
Interior ............................................124
Storage compartment
(eyeglasses compartment)
in the dashboard .......................124
Interior central
locking system ............................125
Integration with vehicle
central locking system ..............126
Separate locking of storage
compartments .............................126
Armrest ...........................................127
Console storage compartments ...127
Cup holder ......................................128
Parcel net in
passenger footwell ....................128
Door pockets ...................................129
Rear storage compartment ...........129
Ashtray with lighter ......................130
Lighter ............................................. 131
Telephone, general ........................ 132
Garage door opener .......................133
Hardtop or panorama roof ............137
Removing hardtop ......................137
Attaching hardtop ......................140
Soft top ............................................143
Lowering soft top ........................ 144
Raising soft top ........................... 145
Wind screen .................................... 148
Antenna ........................................... 151
Driving
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ...............................154
Radio and telephone ..................154
Telep hones and
two-way radio ..............................154
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ..................................155
Maintenance ...................................155
Tele Aid ............................................156
Catalytic converter .........................163
Emission control .............................164
Steering lock ...................................165
Starting and turning off
the engine ...................................167
Before starting .............................167
Starting .........................................167
Turning off ...................................167
Automatic transmission ................168
Driving .........................................168
Accelerator Position ...................169
Selector lever positions .............169
Maneuvering .............................. 172
Stopping ...................................... 172
Program mode
selector switch ........................... 173
Emergency Operation ................174
Parking brake ................................ 175
Driving instructions .......................176
Drive sensibly - Save fuel ..........176
Drinking and driving ................. 176
Pedals ........................................... 176
Power assistance ........................177
Brakes ..........................................177
Driving off ...................................178
Parking ........................................ 178
Tires .............................................179
Aquaplaning ...............................180
Tire traction ................................180
Tire speed rating ........................ 181
Snow chains ................................ 181
Vehicles with
sport package .............................. 181
Deep water ..................................182
Winter driving
instructions ................................. 182
Winter driving ............................183
Block heater ................................ 183
Traveling abroad ........................183
Cruise control .................................184
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................188
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 190
3Contents
4Contents
ABS control ................................. 191
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) ........................................... 192
Synchronizing ESP ....................193
ESP Control Switch .................... 194
Level control system ......................196
Level control
switch positions .......................... 196
Normal Level ...............................197
Wheel Change Switch ...............198
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) ...........................................199
Adaptive damping system
adjustment .................................. 199
What you should know
at the gas station .......................200
Fuel supply ..................................200
Fuel ...............................................200
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................202
Instrument cluster display
Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................204
On-board
diagnostic system ......................204
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 204
Brake warning lamp .................. 205
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................ 205
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 206
Supplemental
restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................206
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 207
Electronic stability program
(ESP)- warning lamp .................207
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 207
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 208
Low engine coolant
level warning lamp ....................209
Low windshield and
headlamp washer
system fluid level
warning lamp ..............................210
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................210
Charge indicator lamp ............... 211
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp ............................. 211
Roll bar warning lamp ...............212
ADS indicator lamp ....................212
High beam
indicator lamp ............................. 213
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) .......... 213
Malfunction and
indicator lamp
(in the dashboard) .................... 213
Passenger airbag
indicator lamp ............................. 213
Practical hints
First aid kit ..................................... 216
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 216
Vehicle tools .................................... 217
Vehicle jack ..................................... 218
Fuses ................................................ 219
Hood .................................................220
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................222
Checking engine oil level .............222
Coolant level ...................................224
Adding coolant ...............................225
Windshield and
headlamp washer
fluid mixing ratio ......................226
Wheels .............................................227
Tire replacement ............................227
Rotating wheels ..............................228
Spare wheel ....................................229
Changing wheels ...........................231
Tire inflation pressure ..................235
Battery .............................................237
Battery Recycling .......................238
Jump starting ................................. 239
Towing the vehicle ........................ 241
Exterior lamps ...............................243
Headlamp assembly
(Halogen) ....................................244
Taillamp assemblies .................. 250
Changing batteries in the
remote control ...........................252
Synchronizing ............................ 253
Raising soft top manually ............ 254
Replacing wiper blade .................258
Manual release of
fuel filler flap ............................ 260
Trunk lamp .....................................260
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care
of the vehicle ............................. 262
Power washer ............................. 263
Tar stains ....................................263
Paintwork, Painted Body
Components ................................263
Engine cleaning ......................... 264
Vehicle washing ......................... 264
Ornamental moldings ................264
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................264
Window cleaning .......................265
Light alloy wheels ......................265
Instrument cluster .....................265
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................265
Cup holder ...................................265
Seat belts .....................................266
Headliner, shelf behind
roll bars, and other hard
plastic trim items .......................266
Soft top .........................................266
Headliner .....................................267
Wind screen ................................267
Automatic antenna .....................267
Wiper blade .................................267
Headlamp cleaning
system ..........................................267
Leather upholstery .....................268
Plastic and rubber parts ............268
Illuminated door sill panels .....268
5Contents
6Contents
Technical data
Spare parts service ........................270
Warranty coverage .........................270
Identification labels .......................271
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............272
Engine ..............................................273
Rims - Tires .....................................274
Weights ............................................ 276
Main Dimensions ...........................276
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities ...................................277
Engine oils ......................................279
Engine oil additives .......................279
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........279
Brake fluid ......................................279
Premium unleaded gasoline ........280
Fuel requirements .........................280
Gasoline additives .........................281
Coolants ........................................... 281
Consumer information ..................283
Index
Index ............................................... 285
Product information
Kindly 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 individual cases an official approval or authorization 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.
7Introduction
8Introduction
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 failure 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.
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, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties
after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of
the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by
reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same
substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly
notified us in writing of the need to repair th e non-conform ity and have given us an opportunity to perform t he
repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
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.
9Introduction
10Introduction
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 Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program 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
Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (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 Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
• Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
11Introduction
12Introduction
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 th is 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 Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
• Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
• Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
• Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and others appear on red background.
13Introduction
14Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect
its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your
satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if
necessary contact us at the following addresses:
In the USA: Client Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations,
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Mercedes-Benz USA,
Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
15Introduction
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel .......................20
Overhead control panel ...............21
Dashboard .....................................22
Center console ..............................24
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
17Contents - Instruments and controls
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
Instruments and controls
Operation Driving
Instruments and controls
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
18Instruments and controls
1
2
3
1 Door control panel, see page 20
2 Overhead control panel, see page 21
3 Dashboard, see page 22
4 Center console, see page 24
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
19Instruments and controls
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
20Instruments and controls
Door control panel 1 Door handle, pull to open, see page 34
2 Front seat adjustment, see page 44
Memory function (for storing seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror
settings), see page 46
data
Overhead control panel 1 Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid, and optional
telephone with voice recognition system
2 Interior lighting, see page 120
3 Tele Aid (emergency call system), see page 156
4 Rear view mirror, see page 71
5 Garage door opener, see page 133
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
21Instruments and controls
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Dashboard
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
22Instruments and controls
Technical
data
1 Side air outlet, adjustable, see page 91
2 Level control switch and wheel change switch,
see page 196
3 Exterior lamp switch, see page 86
4 Parking brake release, see page 175
5 Hood lock release, see page 220
6 Parking brake pedal, see page 175
7 Combination switch, see page 86
8 Cruise control switch, see page 184
9 Horn
10 Airbag, see page 60
11 Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
12 Instrument cluster, see page 74
13 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch,
see page 165
14 Center air outlets adjustable, see page 91
15 Heated air supply button - center air outlet,
see page 91
16 Non-heated/cooled air supply button - center air
outlet, see page 91
17 Storage/eyeglasses compartment, see page 124
18 Air volume control for left air outlet, see page 91
19 Air volume control for center air outlets, see page 91
20 Air volume control for right air outlet, see page 91
21 Airbag off indicator lamp, see page 213
22 Automatic climate control, see page 90
Rear window defroster switch, see page 95
23 Audio system, see page 98
24 Trunk lid release switch, see page 39
25 Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 43
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system,
see page 42
26 Central locking switch, see page 36
27 Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 89
28 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch,
see page 199
29 ESP control switch, see page 194
30 Roll bar operation switch, see page 118
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
23Instruments and controls
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
24Instruments and controls
Center console 31 Ashtray with lighter (to o pen press bottom of cover),
see page 130
32 Mirror adjustment switch, see page 72
33 Soft/hardtop operation switch, see page 143
34 Seat heater switch, see page 50
35 Power window switch, see page 116
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
25Instruments and controls
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
Technical
data
26Contents - Operation
Operation
Vehicle keys ......................................28
Remote control with
folding master key .......................28
Central locking system ...................29
Remote control .............................29
Locking and unlocking ................30
Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control .............. 31
Opening the trunk ....................... 31
Panic button ..................................32
Start lock-out ....................................33
General notes on the
central locking system ...............33
Doors ..................................................34
Central locking switch ....................36
Automatic central locking ..........37
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................38
Trunk .................................................38
Trunk lid release switch .................39
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 40
Power windows ................................. 41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm ............................... 43
Power seats ....................................... 44
Storing position in memory ....... 46
Backrest ............................................ 48
Multicontour seats .......................... 49
Seat heater ........................................ 50
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 52
Seat belts .......................................... 52
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 53
Fastening of seat belts ................ 54
TM
BabySmart
airbag
deactivation system ................... 58
TM
Self-test BabySmart
without special child
seat installed ............................... 58
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 59
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 59
Airbags .............................................. 60
Front airbags ................................ 62
Side impact airbags .....................62
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag .....................67
Infant and child
restraint systems ..........................68
Adjusting steering column .............70
Storing steering column
position in memory .....................70
Rear view mirrors ............................ 71
Inside rear view mirror ............... 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors ..........72
Storing mirror positions in
memory ..........................................73
Instrument cluster ........................... 74
Flexible service system (FSS) ........80
Engine oil level indicator in odometer
display field .................................82
Fuel consumption gauge ................83
Engine oil temperature gauge ........83
Engine oil consumption ..................83
Exterior lamp switch .......................84
Standing lamps .............................85
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