Mercedes-Benz 450 SL 1980, 450 SLC 1980 Owner's Manual
450 SL
450 SLC
Mercedes-Benz
Drive Sensibly — Save Fuel
Fuel consumption depends to a
great extent on driving habits and
operating conditions.
In order to save fuel you should:
• ensure that tire pressures are
correct
• not carry unnecessary loads
• remove ski racks or roof-
mounted luggage racks when
not in use
• not warm up your engine at idle
and with the vehicle at standstill
• avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration
• avoid frequent braking
• avoid unnecessarily high speeds
• have all the maintenance jobs
specified by us carried out at
regular intervals by a
MERCEDES-BENZ service
station.
Driving in low temperature weather,
in stop-and-go city traffic and on
short hops, and in hilly country
also increases fuel consumption.
Owner’ s
Ma nu al
450 SL
450 SLC
Type 107
1980
Mercedes-Benz
You have chosen to drive a MERCEDES-BENZ, a car in whose
construction and p ro d uction we have taken great pains because we
believe that qua lity is not a m atter of chance.
Perhaps you have already had experience w ith a MERCEDES, maybe
th is is your first car from the DAIMLER -BENZ com pany. In both cases -
for your own benefit - please read this o w ne r’s manual before putting
it away. Even though you have been driving a car fo r years, some
things in this car may be new to you, and this manual certain ly contains
a few hints which w ill help you to make the most of your new car.
We wish you safe and pleasant motoring.
DAIMLER-BENZ Aktiengesellschaft
3
Contents
This Owner's Manual also
describes optional extras as far as
an introduction on their handling
is required. As these extras need
to be ordered separately, the
equipment of your vehicle may
deviate from the descriptions and
illustrations to some extent.
The last page
What you should know at the
gas station
Vehicle Operation
Instruments and Controls
........
8
Instrument Cluster
.......................
10
Keys, Doors
...................................
12
Flat Key, Master Key
and Supplementary Key .... 12
Obtaining Replacement Keys . 12
Opening, Locking and
Unlocking of Doors
...................
12
Master Lock System
.................
13
Seats
................................................
14
Adjustment of Driver’s Seat
and Front Passenger Seat ... 14
Safety Belts
...............................
15
Safety Headrest
.........................
16
C o ntrols
...........................................
17
Steering Lock
.............................
17
Lighting S w itch
.........................
17
Combination Switch
..............
18
Cruise Control
...........................
19
Automatic Climate C o n tro l 20
Various Equipment
.......................
23
Interior Lamps
...........................
23
Rear View Mirrors
.....................
23
Sun V is or
.....................................
23
Lighter
.........................................
24
Heated Rear Window
...............
24
Shelf below Rear Window .... 24
Electric Window L ifte rs 25
Roadster Top
.................................
26
Hardtop
...........................................
27
Sliding Roof
.................................
28
Radio
.............................................
29
Driving
Hood
.............................................
34
Parking B ra k e
...............................
34
Regular Inspections
..................
35
Catalytic Converter Cautions .. 36
Starting and Turning
off the Engine
...............................
37
Starting and Shifting Gears .... 38
Safe Driving
.................................
40
Brake Pad Wear Indicator
Lamp
.........................................
41
Brake Fluid
...............................
41
Charge Indicator La m p 41
Oil Pressure Gauge
................
42
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 42
Emission Control
..................
42
Engine Oil Consumption .... 42
The First 1500 km/1000 Miles .. 42
Special Operating Conditions .. 42
Winter Driving
.........................
42
Hints for Driving
......................
4‘
Tire Chains
...............................
4‘
Traveling Abroad
....................
4‘
4
Contents
Vehicle Care
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance
System
.............................................
46
Severe Operating Conditions . 46
Engine Oil Change and Filter
Change
.......................................
47
Automatic Transmission-
Fluid and Filter Change
...........
47
Spare Parts Service
.....................
47
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 48
Jobs related to Care
.................
49
Practical Hints
Ash tra y s
.........................................
52
Rear Seat Cushion
.......................
52
First Aid Kit
...................................
53
Luggage or Ski Racks
.................
53
Spare Wheel, Jack,
Vehicle Tool Kit
.............................
53
Wheels, Tires,
Changing Wheels
.........................
54
Wheels and Tires
.....................
54
Changing Wheels
.....................
55
Tire Inflation Pressure
.............
56
Checking Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants, etc
.................................
57
Engine Oil Level Check
...........
57
Replenishing Coolant
...............
57
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level
.................................
58
Electrical System
...........................
59
Fuses
............................................
59
Battery
..........................................
59
Spark Plugs
...............................
59
Replacing B u lb s
.........................
60
Sliding Roof-Emergency
Operation
.......................................
64
Unlocking of the Filler Flap .... 64
Emergency-starting and Towing
the Vehicle
.....................................
65
Jump Starting
...............................
66
Technical Data - Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
Identification Plates
.....................
68
Vehicle Data Cards
.......................
69
Technical Data
...............................
70
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. 72
Capacities
...................................
72
Engine Oils
.................................
74
Brake Fluid
.................................
74
Coolants
.....................................
75
Service Literature
.........................
76
Vehicle Operation
Driving
Vehicle Care
Practical Hints
Technical Data - Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
5
Vehicle Operation
Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages.
1 Swivelling side ventilation outlets (page 20)
2 Control lever for side ventilation (page 20)
3 Parking brake release button (page 34)
4 Hood release lever (page 34)
5 Parking brake pedal (page 34)
6 Combination switch (page 18)
7 Lighting switch (page 17)
8 Instruction tag (except tourist vehicle).
Use only unleaded gasoline
9 Cruise control (page 19)
10 Instrument cluster (page 10)
11 Horn control
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter
switch (page 17)
13 Swivelling outlets for cooled air (page 20)
8
14 450 SL: Switch for front dome lamps
450 SLC: Switch for rear dome lamp
15 Switch for automatic antenna (page 31)
16 Switch for heated rear window (page 24)
17 450 SLC: Switch for electric sliding roof
(page 28)
18 Radio (page 29)
19 Automatic climate control (page 20)
20 Ash tray with lighter (page 24, 52)
21 450 SLC: Loudspeaker - fader
control (page 30)
22 Switch group for window lifters (page 25)
23 Hazard warning flasher switch
Push switch = hazard warning flasher system
switched on
Push switch once more = hazard warning
flasher system switched off
24 Glove compartment (to open, shift handle
sideways). Only illuminated if steering lock is
in position “1” or “2” .
25 Loudspeaker cover, right and left
Instruments and Controls
9
Instrument Cluster
1 Coolant temperature gauge (° C)
Up to red marking: Maximum permissible
temperature for an antifreeze-blended fill
protecting down to -30° C /-22° F
2 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow)
Fuel reserve for approximately
35-40 km/22-25 miles
For capacity, refer to page 73 and last page
3 Oil pressure gauge (bar)
4 Main odometer
5 Trip odometer
6 Knob for clock adjustment
(press in for adjustments)
7 Electric clock
8 Tachometer
9 Red marking on tachometer:
Excessive engine revolutions
10 Turn signal indicator lamp, right (green)
11 02-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red):
When the indicator lamp comes on, the
02-Sensor must be replaced
12 Seat belt warning lamp (red)
13 Brake pad wear indicator lamp (red):
Lamp comes on while braking and driving if the
front wheel brake pads are worn down, refer to
page 41
14 Dimmer knob for instrument lamps,
continuous adjustment
15 Resetting knob for trip odometer
(push button)
16 Brake warning lamp (red) comes on if
• the parking brake is engaged
• too little brake fluid is in the reservoir
17 High beam indicator lamp (blue)
18 Charge indicator lamp (red):
Comes on when the steering lock key is
moved to driving position “2” and must go
out when the engine is idling
19 Turn signal indicator lamp, left (green)
Note
A stop is provided on the speedometer at the
138 km/h/85 mph reading. Speeds in excess of
138 km /h/85 mph will no longer be recorded.
Instrument Cluster
l i mm mill
(
922 4
11
Keys Doors
>
Flat Key
The flat key fits all vehicle
locks. We recommend that
you carry the flat key with
you and keep it in a safe
place so that it is always
handy, if needed (e.g. in
your wallet). Never leave
the flat key in the vehicle.
Master Key - square headed - fits
all locks on the car.
Supplementary Key - rounded head
- fits only the door locks and the
steering lock. This key is intended
to be used whenever the car is left
with an attendant. Be sure to lock
glove compartment and trunk
with the master key.
Obtaining Replacement Keys
Replacement keys can be obtained
only via MERCEDES-BENZ service
stations. If the keys are lost,
assistance is rather time con
suming and expensive.
Opening the Doors
From outside: pull handle
outwards (1).
From inside: pull handle in door
panel (4).
Locking and Unlocking of Doors
From the outside: turn key.
From the inside: actuate safety
catch.
2 Unlocking
3 Locking
One cannot lock:
• the driver’s door if it is open.
• any door if the door lock has
not engaged fully. In this case
open the door and shut it again.
12
Master Lock System
The master lock system enables the
front passenger door, the fuel tank
filler flap and the trunk lid to
be locked or unlocked together
with the driver’s door. When locking
or unlocking, the locking levers
on both doors must move simul
taneously. If one locking lever fails
to do so, the lock of that particular
door is not properly engaged.
The door must then be opened and
closed correctly.
With the master lock system in the
locked position, the front passenger
door can be locked and unlocked
either with the locking lever or
with the key.
Actuation of the locking lever on
the front passenger door, however,
is not possible when the master
lock system is in the unlocked
position.
The trunk lid can also be unlocked
separately by turning master key
counterclockwise to the stop. Push
the trunk lock button in with it and
lift the lid. Return the key to its
initial position and withdraw it. To
lock the lid, close it firmly. It will
then be locked again by the master
lock system.
A provision has been made to
facilitate permanent locking of the
trunk lid for positive prevention
of access to trunk by unauthorized
persons.
Before leaving vehicle with an
attendant, lock trunk with master
key (square head) by turning key
clockwise to stop (tumbler slot
vertical), then provide attendant
with round-headed supplementary
key. Thus, the trunk lock has been
excluded from the operation of the
master lock system and cannot be
opened except with the square
headed master key.
Keys Doors
To reverse this, turn trunk lock
counterclockwise back to hori
zontal position of the tumbler
slot with master key. Lock will then
be reengaged in master lock
system; that is, it will automatically
be locked or unlocked depending
on whether the driver’s door
is locked or unlocked.
The master lock system operates
on vacuum generated bytheengine.
A reservoir allows the master lock
system to be actuated about five
times after the engine is turned off.
If the system can then no longer be
engaged, idle engine for a short
period.
If no vacuum is available, doors and
trunk have to be locked individually
in the normal manner. The fuel
tank filler flap, however, remains
unlocked.
Note:
If the filler flap cannot be opened
when the master lock system is
unlocked, refer to "Unlocking of the
Filler Flap” (page 64).
13
Adjustment of Driver’s Seat and
Front Passenger Seat
Forward/backward adjustment:
lift handle (1), push seat backward
or forward and allow handle to re
engage.
Height adjustment of driver’s seat
(3 positions): pull out rotary
handles (2) at the rear ends of the
guide rails, turn to desired position
and allow to reengage.
The height of the front passenger
seat can be adjusted, if necessary,
by relocating the guide rails
(2 positions). To do so, unscrew both
the rear clamping screws and screw
in again at the respective bore.
14
Back rest tilt: turn handwheel (3)
back or forth.
For full reclining of backrest, seat
should be moved to one of the
forwardmost positions and headrest
removed. For driving, return back
rest to upright position and push
seat back. Replace headrest.
450 SL: After disengaging the
stop by lifting knob (4), the back rest
can be folded forwards.
450 SLC: Backrests are vacuum-
locked when the doors are closed.
One can unlock them from the rear
seat by means of a button (5)
accommodated in the respective
lateral panelling of the rear
passenger compartment. With
opened doors the backrests will
fold forward without pressing the
buttons.
Note:
Prior to operating the vehicle, the
driver should adjust the seat height
for proper vision as well as fore-aft
placement and seat back angle to
insure adequate control, reach,
operation, and comfort. The head
rest should also be adjusted for
proper height so that when the
cushion is tipped completely for
ward, it should form a cradle behind
the seat occupant’s head. Both the
inside and outside rearview mirrors
should then be adjusted for ade
quate rearward vision. Fasten seat
belts. Children under the age of six
or under the weight of 23 kg/50 lb
should be seated in the back seat
with an approved restraint system
properly secured.
All seat, headrest, and rear view
mirror adjustments as well as faste
ning of seat belts should be accom
plished before the vehicle is put
into motion.
Seats
450 SLC
Unfastening, front and rear:
• Depress red button (3) in
buckle (2).
• Return tongue (1) to initial
position.
450 SLC: On entering or leaving the
rear passenger compartment, the
safety belt must be disengaged
from guide (4).
i
Safety Belts
Warning System:
The indicator is illuminated for
4-8 seconds after turning the
steering lock key to position “ 2” .
If the safety belt of the driver’s seat
is not fastened a warning buzzer
sounds simultaneously.
Fastening of front and rear seat
belts (with inertia reel):
• Pull belt with tongue (1) across
shoulder and lap. The belt must
not be twisted and must be tight.
• Press tongue (1) into buckle (2)
and allow to engage audibly.
15
Seats
>
Operation of belts with inertia reel:
The safety belt inertia reel stops the
belt from unwinding further in case
of vehicle deceleration in any direc
tion or if the belt is pulled out
quickly.
Functional test:
The locking function of the inertia
reel can be tested by braking,
driving around a bend or by pulling
the belt out quickly.
Note:
No safety belt can be used for more
than one person. Belts are not
intended for children.
After an accident, inspect the safety
belts and replace them, if required.
The belt anchors in the vehicle
should also be checked.
Renew damaged belt webbing.
Belt webbing must not be routed
via sharp edges.
No modifications which may affect
the efficiency of the belts must be
made.
For cleaning and care of belt
webbing, refer to page 49.
Safety Headrest
Adjust headrest to support the back
of the head at the level of the
upper end of the ear.
Height adjustment:
Press headrest slightly forward (1)
and reset upward or downward.
Detaching headrests:
Pull headrest out to the stop.
Release arrester by depressing
locking knob to be felt under the
backrest covering material and
pull up headrest, holding it by the
LH headrest post (viewed in driving
direction). Finally pull out headrest
completely with both hands.
The headrest locking knob of the
front seat is located below the LH
headrest post (2).
16
Controls
9232
Steering Lock
0 Steering is locked when the key
is withdrawn and the steering
lock is engaged. The key can be
withdrawn only in zero position.
Note:
Do not remove key from steering
lock while the vehicle is in mo
tion as this will cause the en
gagement of the steering lock
thus rendering the vehicle in
operable.
Steering is unlocked.
(If necessary, move steering
wheel slightly to turn the
key clockwise to position “1 ”.)
2 Driving position
Starting:
Continue turning key clockwise to
the stop. The starter is engaged
when the key is pressed against
the stop. The starter nonrepeat unit
requires the key to be returned to
position “0” prior to a new starting
attempt.
Notes:
The following items can be
operated with the key in steering
lock position “1”.
Wiper, windshield washer, head
lamp flasher, lighter, glove compart
ment lamp, radio, electric seat
heater for front seats.
The power supply to the standing
lamps is disrupted if the key in the
steering lock is in position “2” .
A warning buzzer sounds when
the key has been left in steering
lock positions “ 1” or “0” and the
driver’s door is opened.
Lighting Switch
0 Off-position
1 Parking lamps (includes side
marker lamps, tail lamps, license
plate lamps, instrument panel
lamps)
4
2 Same as pos. 1 plus headlamps
3 Standing lamps, right
4 Standing lamps, left
A Turn to position 2 and pull out
to first detent = same as
position 2 plus fog lamps
B Available for an option
Note:
With the steering lock key removed
and the driver’s door or the front
passenger's door open a signal
sounds if the vehicle’s exterior
lamps are not switched off
(standing lamps excepted).
17
Controls
I
Combination Switch
1 Low beam (lighting switch
turned clockwise to 2nd notch)
2 High beam (lighting switch
turned clockwise to 2nd notch)
3 Headlamp flasher (high beam
available independent of
lighting switch position)
4 Turn signals, right
5 Turn signals, left
18
To operate the turn signals, move
the combination switch past the
point of resistance (up or down).
The switch is automatically can
celled when the steering wheel is
turned by a large enough angle.
To signal minor directional changes
of the vehicle, such as changing
lanes on a highway, move combi
nation switch to the point of resi
stance only and hold it there.
6 Control for windshield washer
system
When the washer system is
switched on, the wipers also
operate
7 Windshield wiper control
0 Windshield wiper switched off
1 Intermittent wiping
II Normal wiper speed
III High wiper speed
Hints:
If one of the turn signals fails,
the turn signal indicator system
flashes and sounds at a faster
sequence than under normal
operating conditions.
Fog lamps will only operate
together with low beam headlamps.
Fog lamps are turned off auto
matically when lighting switch is
returned to off-position.
Controls
3
Cruise Control
Any given speed above a range of
approximately 16-40 km /h/
10-25 mph, depending on model,
can be maintained with the cruise
control by operating the switch.
1=Setting (touch switch)
Accelerating (hold switch)
2 = Setting (touch switch)
Decelerating (hold switch)
Normally the vehicle is accele
rated to the desired speed with
the accelerator. Speed is set by
briefly pushing the switch to
position “1” or “2” , and 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 the set speed is to be in
creased or decreased slightly
(e. g. for adaptation to the flow
of traffic), hold switch in
position “1” or “2” until the
desired speed is reached. When
the switch is released, the newly
set speed remains constant.
3 = Cancelling
To cancel the cruise control,
briefly push lever to position
''3".
The cruise control will also be
cancelled if the brake pedal is
actuated or if the vehicle speed
drops on steep grades by more
than 20 % below the set speed.
4=Resume
If the lever is briefly pushed to
position “4” when driving at a
speed exceeding approximately
16-40 km /h/10-25 mph,
depending on model, that speed
is resumed which was set prior
to the cancellation of the cruise
control.
The last memorized speed is
cancelled when the key in the
steering lock is turned to
position “1” or “0” .
Important:
Please do not use the cruise
control if traffic conditions do not
make it advisable to maintain a
steady speed, i. e. in heavy traffic
or on twisting or slick and muddy
roads.
Position “Resume” should be
engaged only if the driver is fully
aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this parti
cular preset speed.
When driving with the cruise
control, the selector lever must
not be shifted to position "N ”
as otherwise the engine will
overrev.
Automatic Climate Control
mn
!
CL I M A T E
i n
CONTROL
—
----------
• ~ '-ti
AUTO L
LO I t
OFF I '"
AIR COND
1 Temperature selector wheel
2 “OFF” button
3 “AUTO-LO” button
4 “AUTO-HI” button
5 “ BI-LEVEL” button
20
“DEF” button
Refrigerant compressor switch
Swivelling outlets for cooled air
Swivelling outlets for side
ventilation
10 Lever for side ventilation
open = towards center
of vehicle
closed = towards outside
of vehicle
Automatic Climate Control
The automatic climate control is
designed to maintain the desired
temperature in the vehicle interior.
Heating, cooling and air distribution
(top, center, bottom) are controlled
automatically. The blower speeds
will be varied automatically depend
ing on the push button setting,
operating and temperature
conditions.
The automatic climate control is
operational only if the engine is
running.
For adaptation to the weather con
ditions various functions can be
selected with the pushbuttons. Air
outlets 8 -9 must then be adjusted
as required. Buttons 2 - 6 can be
pressed only individually. The
indicator lamps in the individual
buttons come on if the buttons are
pressed and the vehicle lamps are
switched on.
1 Temperature selector wheel
The desired temperature in the
vehicle interior can be set with
the selector wheel.
Normally only one adjustment is
necessary for the entire year.
If required to be altered, only
slight adjustments should be
made to this temperature
setting.
2 “OFF” button:
Switching off the automatic
climate control.
Simultaneously the fresh air
supply to the vehicle interior is
cut off. This position can be
briefly selected in the case of
odorous or dust annoyances or
when passing through an auto
matic car wash.
3 “AUTO-LO” button:
Normal vehicle operation.
This setting will provide heating
or cooling of the vehicle’s in
terior depending on the selector
wheel setting and the outside
temperature. If heating is re
quired, the fresh air supply and
the blower will remain in the off
position until the engine cooling
water is slightly warmed up.
Only then will warm air enter the
interior of the vehicle and be
distributed mainly to the foot-
well outlets. A small amount of
air is directed to the windshield
to ensure defogging under nor
mal weather conditions. For the
defogging of the side windows,
air can be diverted from the side
outlets 9 depending on the posi
tion of levers 10. The center out
lets 8 remain closed during
heating operation.
If cooling of the interior is re
quired, the blower will start
immediately regardless of en
gine temperature. The air is
routed via center outlets 8 into
the vehicle’s interior and addi
tionally via the side outlets 9
depending on the position of
lever 10. No air is allowed to
flow to the windshield and to the
footwell. The blower speed will
be automatically reduced in
several steps in the heating or
cooling cycle as the interior
temperature approaches the
preselected temperature on the
temperature wheel 1.
Automatic Climate Control
4 “AUTO-HI” button:
Fast heating or cooling of
vehicle interior.
Air conditioning, air distribution
and blower control are the same
as in position “3” “AUTO-LO".
The blower, however, operates
at a higher speed.
5 “ BI-LEVEL” button:
For fogged-up windows.
During heating and cooling
operations air is channelled to
the windshield and to the foot-
well. During the cooling ope
ration air also enters via the
center swivelling outlets 8.
The vehicle interior is cooled
practically free of draft with
more air being blown into the
footwell. The blower then
operates at a higher speed than
“AUTO-LO” .
We recommend this position at
low ambient temperatures.
“DEF” button:
For iced-up windows.
Independent of the position of
the temperature selector wheel
air heated to maximum tempe
rature is channelled to the
windshield.
For the side windows, open
swivelling outlets 9.
Refrigerant compressor switch:
Switching the air conditioning
compressor on and off.
The compressor can be
switched off completely in the
positions “AUTO-LO” and
“AUTO-HI” , e. g. if no cooling
is required because of low
ambient temperatures (fuel
economy).
Fresh air is supplied to the foot-
well if the refrigerant com
pressor is switched off while the
system is working in the cooling
mode.
Fresh air enters the vehicle through
openings in front of the windshield
(keep free of snow).
450 SLC and 450 SL with hardtop:
When the windows are closed the
air is emitted through ventilation
opening below the rear window.
Do not cover up ventilation
openings with clothes etc.
Important!
In order to keep the air condi
tioning section of the climate con
trol system in good working condi
tion at all times, it is necessary to
operate the A/C compressor briefly
at least once a month even during
the seasons it is normally not re
quired. Switch compressor switch
to “ON” and depress “AUTO-LO”
or “AUTO-HI” button. Make sure
that the ambient temperature is
above 2° C/36° F since the A/C
compressor will not operate below
this temperature.
Various Equipment
Interior Lamps
The footwell lamps below the
instrument panel are switched on
as long as one of the doors is open
450 SL: The front dome lamps are
switched on and off by means of a
rocker switch on the instrument
panel.
450 SLC: The switch for the front
lamp has 3 positions.
Position I: lamp is switched on and
off by the door contact switches.
Position II: lamp is continuously
switched off.
<
Position III: lamp is continuously
switched on.
The rear dome lamp is switched
on and off by means of the toggle
switch on the instrument panel.
Rear View Mirrors
Outside rear view mirror:
Outside rear view mirror (2) can
be randomly adjusted by means
of lever (1).
Inside rear view mirror:
Mirror housing can be randomly
adjusted. In addition mirror
can be dimmed by means of lever
on lower mirror edge. Lever in
opposite driving direction = normal
position. Lever in driving direction
= antidazzle position.
Sun Visor
Swing sun visor down to protect
against sun dazzle. If sunlight
enters through the side windows,
disengage visor from inner mount
ing and swing to the side.
23
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