Mercedes Slclass 2012 Owner's Manual
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2012 SL-Class
125! years of innovation
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In 1886, Carl Benz was awarded the patent for inventing the first car,
while just 60 miles away, Gottlieb Daimler developed his own version.
Between them they also invented the motorcycle and tr uck, and won
the first auto race. For 125 year s, a passion for innovation has driven
Merc edes - Be nz to continually reinvent the automobile — creating an
ongoin g legacy of firsts that keep redefining the standard for al l cars.
Among them, the 4 - wheel independent suspension 80 years ago. The
crumple zone and fuel injection in the 1950s. The automat ic pop - up
roll bar in 1989. And the Electronic Stability Program in 1995. Today,
the Three - Pointed Star remains far more than a shining symbol of
Merc edes -Benz innovation. It ’s a guiding beacon for all automobiles.
born to win races. and capture hearts.
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It was conceived nearly 60 years ago to conquer the racetracks and endurance rallies of the world. And while its
engineering breakthroughs altered the course of automobiles, its startling design proved even more captivating.
In the generations that followed, it would continue to stretch the boundaries of performance. With a combination
of a folding soft top and detachable hardtop, it became the first coupe/roadster — a convertible for all seasons.
And continuous advances in safety, handling and power made it a performance car you could rely on like no other.
Developed as a r acecar, and long coveted as a sports car, the 2012 SL‑Class ass erts what the SL has always
been, above all: a dream car. There’s a reason you remember the first time you saw one. When your heart races
like never before, it sparks an enduring desire that can only be conquered one way. To li ve the dream for yourself.
MBUSA.com/SL
SL 550 shown with Magnetite Blac k metallic paint, and optional DIST RONIC an d Wheel Package.
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SL 550 shown with Steel Grey metallic paint, and optional DISTRONIC
and Wheel Package. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.
irresistible power.
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irrefutable pedigree.
Drivers can ’t resist a car that’s drawn to the road. W ith torrential
power and tenacious grip, the SL 550 channels its thoroughbred
racing heri tage with every launch, through every corner, and into
the enchanted heart of its driver. Its 382-hp V-8 and paddle-shifted
7-speed automatic transmission turn revs into pure romance. Its
18" wheels and tires cleave to the pavement, while it s Active Body
Control welcomes every curve with quick reflexes and a lasting
embrace. With every move, the SL shows unwavering affection for
the racing circuits where i ts mission began, and uniquely s atisfies
a passion for performance. The power of its engine is indeed
formidable. Its power of attr action is inescapable.
Muscle in motion. Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips resonate
a mellow rumble as its 382- hp 5.5- liter V-8 launches the
SL 550 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.1 With a dual- length intake
manifold and variable timing of its 32 valves, it generates
a 391-lb - ft crescendo of torque over a wide range of rpm.
The engine’s rigid yet light diecast- alloy block contributes
to the SL 550’s ideal front- to -rear weight distribution.
Athletic agility. Arguably the most advanced suspension in
production, Active Body Control (ABC) adapts instantly to
driving conditions for crisp cornering with silky comfort. It
also automatically lowers the car as speed rises, and offers
two selectable Sport modes. An innovative Direct-steer
system quickens response in tight corners while offering
precise on- center feel and inspiring straight-line stability.
Fast flexibility. Every element of the SL 550 is tuned for immediate
response. The driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic offers Touch Shift
control and paddle shifters. Staggered- width 18" 5- spoke alloy wheels
and high- performance tires2 expertly balance surefooted acceleration
with crisp steering feedback. An optional Wheel Package enhances
them both, with a manual shift mode and 19" AMG wheels2 — as well
as perforated rear brakes, plus dark-tinted headlamps and taillamps.
pioneering insight.
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protective instinct.
In racing an d in safety, leadership comes from thinking ahead and acting decisively. The very first SL in the 1950s was developed
for the rigors of motorsports, a proving ground for performance and for preparedness. Indeed, its space -frame body s tructure and
4-wheel disc brakes were far ahead of their time. But these engineering marvels also inaugurated a legacy of innovation continued
by every SL generation — from crumple zones and reinforced windshield pillars to the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®) and emergency-sensing Brake Assist. The SL was also the firs t roadster with a pop- up r oll bar that deploys
the moment it senses an imminent rollover. And it was first with adaptive brakes that, among other advances, automatically act to
keep their discs dry in wet weather. After all, in safety or racing, it’s important to prepare for the proverbial — or actu al — rainy day.
reveal.
High-performance headlamps. Standard Bi-Xenon
headlamps generate light that’s closer in perception
to natural daylight than halogen headlamps. Heated
headlamp washers help keep the lamps cleaner in
poor weather with a high-pressure spray of fluid.
Brighter corners. Active Curve Illumination swivels
the headlamp beams as you turn the steering wheel,
to improve illumination into corners up to 90% over
conventional fixed lamps. And corner- illuminating
front lamps help to brighten your path during tight
turns or low- speed maneuvers into driveways and
parking structures. They’re activated automatically
by turning the steering wheel or using a turn signal.
Quicker brake lamps. LED taillamps help make your
actions more immediately apparent to other drivers
with whom you share the road. The light- emitting
diodes illuminate the brake lamps more rapidly than
conventional bulbs — a benefit that may offer added
reaction time to a driver behind your SL- Class.
prepare.
Adaptive Brakes. An integrated system of braking
advances helps to make driving more reassuring and
relaxing in a variety of situations. If the driver lifts
off the accelerator pedal quickly, Predictive Brake
Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more
immediate response when the driver steps on the
brakes. When driving with the windshield wipers on,
Automatic Brake Drying gently applies the brakes
periodically, to sweep water build-up from the discs.3
Rigid body structure. Engineered from road to roof
not just as a convertible but as a genuine MercedesBenz, the SL- Class body structure enhances both
its occupant protection and its precise handling.
The extensive use of high- strength/low - alloy steel,
aluminum and magnesium bolster its rigidity and
assure its integrity whether the aluminum retractable
hardtop is raised in place or stowed within the trunk.
react.
DISTRONIC. Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise
control actively monitors your following distance
from the vehicle ahead of you. A breakthrough in
driving convenience first pioneered by MercedesBenz, the system minimizes your need to adjust
the cruise control in response to the flow of traffic.
It can automatically apply the brakes when traffic
ahead slows, and then resume your preset cruising
speed when it opens up again.
Five air bags. An integrated system of advanced air
bags5 includes dual-stage front air bags, a driver’s
knee air bag, and dual head- thorax side - impact air
bags. Seat belts are mounted directly to each seat
and augmented with Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs) and belt- force limiters. If an air bag or ETD is
activated, the Mercedes- Benz mbrace™ system can
automatically place a call for help — even if you can’t.6
Pop-up roll bar. A significant advance in convertible
safety, Mercedes- Benz pioneered the pop -up roll
bar in 1989. The roll bar normally lays flat, flush with
the rear- cabin trim and upholstered to match. When
sensors detect an impending rollover, the roll bar
deploys and locks into position in just 0.3 seconds,
to help protect and preserve the occupant space.7
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