Mercedes-Benz 560 SL 107 1988 Owner's Manual

What You Should Know at the Gas Station
See last page
Drive Sensibly Save Fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and oper ating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures
remove unnecessary loads
remove ski racks or roof- mounted luggage racks when not in use
allow engine to warm up under low load use
avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration
have all maintenance work per formed at regular intervals by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-
and-go traffic, on short trips and in
hilly country.
Owner's Manual
560 SL
Model 107
1988
Printed in Germany
We reserve the right to modify the te chnical details of th e veh ic le as given in the d ata and illu strations of this O w ner’s Man ual (s.e.e.o.). Reprinting, tran slation and copying, eve n of ex cerpts, is n ot p erm itted with out our prior a uth orization in writing.
ZKD/8.87.10/R ung
O u r company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new MERCEDES-BENZ.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration 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, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside.
Please consider the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your MERCEDES-BENZ.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe,
pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3
Introduction
This Owners 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. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described. Therefore, you may find explanations of equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy
The Owners Service and Warranty Policy Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your MERCEDES-BENZ, including:
New Car Limited Warranty
Emission System Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
California Emission Control System Warranty (California Only)
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary
maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized MERCEDES- BENZ dealer for service. The Service Advisor will record each service.
Roadside Assistance
Although your Mercedes-Benz is built to be as trouble-free as possible, a Roadside Assistance Program is available to provide emergency roadside service after normal dealer hours and on weekends and holidays in the contiguous United States.
Roadside Assistance is available Monday through Fri day from 5:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight and on Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight. In the event of a breakdown during these hours, telephone this toll-free number:
1-800-222-0100.
For additional information, refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program Booklet in your glove
compartment.
4
Change of Address or Ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the Change of Address Noticefound in the Owners Service and Warranty Policy Booklet. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owners literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the Notice of Purchase of Used Car found in the Owners Service and Warranty Policy Booklet.
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign coun tries, please be aware that:
unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic conver ters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage,
service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for deliv ery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to: Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
5
Optional equipment is also described in this 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 Owners Manual, your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet are im
portant documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
6
Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine,
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance
Operation
Driving
Practical Hints
Technical Data
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
Consumer Information
Index
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
See page 108
The First 1500 km (1000 Miles)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with
its performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1500 km (1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy
loads (full throttle driving) and high
RPMs (no more than % of maxi
mum permissible speed in each gear).
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It
is not recommended to brake the
vehicle by manually shifting to a
lower gear. We recommend to se lect positions 3 or 2 only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1500 km (1000 miles) speeds
may gradually be increased to the permissible maximum.
8
Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine,
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance
Instruments and Controls 10 Instrument Cluster 12 Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Catalytic Converter Cautions 14 Starting and Turning off the
Engine 15 Driving Instructions 16 MERCEDES-BENZ
Maintenance System 19
9
Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages.
1 Adjustable air outlets (page 22)
2 Slide lever for adjustable air outlets (page 22) 3 Parking brake release knob (page 58) 4 Hood release handle (page 70) 5 Parking brake pedal (page 58)
6 Combination switch (page 40)
7 Exterior lamp switch (page 39)
8 Instruction tag (except tourist vehicle).
Use only premium unleaded gasoline
15 Rear window defroster switch (page 43) 16 Automatic antenna switch (page 56) 17 Front dome lamps switch (page 44) 18 Radio (page 49) 19 Air recirculation switch (page 22)
20 Automatic climate control (page 22) 21 Ashtray with lighter (page 42, 90) 22 Left power window switch (page 44)
23 Left seat heater switch (page 32) 24 Hazard warning flasher system switch
9 Cruise control (page 61)
10 Instrument cluster (page 12) 11 Horn control, air bag (page 35) 12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
(page 38)
13 Adjustable air outlets (page 22)
14 Outside temperature indicator (page 65)
10
25 Right seat heater switch (page 32) 26 Right power window switch (page 44) 27 Adjusting switch for exterior mirror on front
passenger side (page 41)
28 Glove compartment, illuminated (only with key in
steering lock positions 1 or 2)
To open, slide handle sideways
29 Loudspeaker cover, right and left
11
Instruments and Controls
1902
Instrument Cluster 8
1
Turn signal indicator lamp, left (green)
2
Economical driving indicator. See page 66
3
Coolant temperature gauge. See page 64
4
Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See page 64
5
Oil pressure gauge (bar). See page 63
6
Reset knob for trip odometer
10
11
12
13
14
(depress to reset)
7
Speedometer
15
12
Main odometer
9
Trip odometer
Dimmer knob for instrument lamps (rotate to vary intensity)
Knob for clock adjustment (press in for adjustments)
Electric clock
Tachometer
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed
Turn signal indicator lamp, right (green)
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam
ID
Fluid level for windshield washer system low. See page 64
Exterior light failure. See page 64
Warning Lamps
(must go out with the engine running)
Battery not being charged. See page 63
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
BRAK E
(®)
Parking brake engaged. See pages 58, 63
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged. See pages 58, 63.
Brake pad wear. See page 63
Engine oil level low. See page 63
Coolant level low.
See page 64
CH EC K
EN GI NE
ABS malfunction. See page 62
SRS malfunction. See page 35
Check engine malfunction. If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the Ofe-sensor on Federal version ve hicles, and injection system or emission control system on the California version vehicles. In either case we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible. See page 66
Seat belt warning lamp
Catalytic Converter Cautions
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped with monolithic catalytic converters, an important element in conjunction with the O^-sensor to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recom mended maintenance instructions as outlined in your maintenance booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle. Should any noticeable irregularities in the engine operation occur, ex cessive unburned fuel may reach
the converter causing it to over
heat.
Warning! As with any vehicle, do not idle,
park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited.
14
Starting and Turning off the Engine
Engage parking brake and move the gear selector lever in either P or N” position before starting the
engine. Turn key to steering lock position 2.
The charge indicator lamp should come on.
Cold Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Do not depress accel
erator. Release key only when the
engine is firing regularly. At ambient temperatures below
18° C (0° F), depress accelerator three times prior to starting.
Hot Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Do not depress accel erator. If the engine has not fired after approx. 4 seconds, depress accelerator and continue cranking until the engine is firing regularly. Release key and back off accele rator.
At very high coolant temperatures the engine starting time can be shortened if the accelerator is depressed slowly at the beginning of the starting process.
Turning off
Turn the key to steering lock posi tion 0 and only remove the key when the vehicle is stopped.
If the coolant temperature is very high (e.g. after hard driving on mountain roads), do not shut off
the engine immediately, allow it to
run for 1-2 minutes at increased idle speed.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non repeat unit, the key must be returned to steering lock position 0 before a new starting attempt is made.
Observe the oil pressure gauge im mediately after starting the engine. In a very cold engine the oil pres sure will only rise slowly, some time after the engine has started. Do not speed up the engine before pres sure is registered on the pressure gauge.
The charge indicator lamp should go out as soon as the engine has started.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below 25° C
(13° F), we recommend that a
block heater be installed. Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise you on this subject.
Driving Instructions Power assistance
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are without power assistance. Under these circumstances, a much
greater effort is necessary to stop
or steer the vehicle.
Brakes
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the brakes by shift
ing into 3, 2or B. This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes
and reduces brake pad wear. Do
not exceed engine speed limits
(see page 60). After hard braking it is advisable to
drive on for some time so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
Warning! After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying the
brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be
somewhat reduced and increased
pedal pressure may be neces
sary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in front.
16
The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the car is in the shop for maintenance.
Between maintenance checks it is
a good practice to apply the
parking brake once or twice while
driving at approximately 50 km/h
(30 mph) on a dry straight road. Apply brake lightly until a slight drag on the wheels is felt. Keep applying brake for about 10 sec onds while pulling the release
knob out before releasing the
parking brake completely. This
practice will keep the parking
brake at maximum efficiency.
Warning! The stop lamps will not come on
when applying the parking brake only. Perform the procedure in the previous paragraph only when the road is clear of other traffic.
Caution!
Resting your foot on the brake pe dal will cause excessive and pre
mature wear of the brake pads.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system should be carried out by an authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the ins trument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low
brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer without delay.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by MERCEDES-
BENZ.
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking pro
perties of the vehicle can be affect ed to an extent that the safety is
substantially impaired.
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visible at a depth of approx. 2 mm (V1 6 in), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear
down too far. With less than 3 mm ('/s in) of tread, the adhe sion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather
and/or road surface (conditions), the traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressure must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy
1801
loads, high ambient temperatures).
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the
water layer on the road, aquaplan
ing may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention
to the condition of the road as
soon as the prevailing temperatures
fall close to the freezing point.
Warning! If ice has formed on the road, tire
traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution.
We recommend M + S radial-ply tires for the winter season for all
four wheels to insure normal bal
anced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with summer tires. Stopping dis tance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is wet or dry.
Parking Warning! To reduce the risk of personal in
jury as a result of vehicle move
ment, before leaving the vehicle
always:
1. Keep foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake
pedal.
3. Slowly release brake pedal.
4. Move the selector lever to
position P.
5. Turn front wheels towards the
road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock
position 0 and remove.
Note: It is advisable to set the parking
brake whenever leaving the vehicle.
Also, when parking on hills, always
apply the parking brake. In addition, move selector lever to positon P.
Winter Driving Instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, brak
ing and steering action. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move selector lever to
position N”. Try to keep the vehicle under control by corrective
steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking efficiency.
Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore recom mend depressing the brake pedal repeatedly when traveling on salt- strewn roads at length. This can bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to normal. A prere quisite is, however, that this is possible without endangering other drivers on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.
18
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance
System
A maintenance booklet is included with your car, listing all the main tenance jobs that must be carried
out after the following mileages:
Routine Maintenance
Inspection at
1300-1600 km (800-1000 miles)
Lubrication Service every 12000 km (7500 miles)
Maintenance Service every
24000 km (15000 miles) Additional Work every
48000 km (30000 miles)
For additional details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
In the case of low mileage opera tion, the Maintenance Service must
be carried out at least once every
2 years.
Engine Oil and Filter Change
Required every 12000 km
(7500 miles), or at least once a year (fall) when using year-round
multigrade oil; otherwise at least twice a year (spring and fall).
For engine oil recommendations,
see page 98.
Severe Operating Conditions
Under severe operating conditions or heavy use, it may be necessary to carry out prescribed mainte nance jobs at shorter intervals, for example:
Engine: Oil change with filter change
every 6000 km (3750 miles) Automatic transmission: Fluid
change without filter change every 24000 km (15000 miles)
Tires: Inspect every 12000 km
(7 500 miles)
Air filter: Clean or replace element every 24000 km (15000 miles)
Note: Severe operating conditions or
heavy use include: predominant city or short distance driving, frequent mountain driving, poor
roads, dusty or muddy conditions, etc..
Special Maintenance Measures
Brake fluid should be replaced annually, preferably in the spring.
It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by MERCEDES-BENZ. Do not mix different types of brake fluids.
Have the engine coolant (water/ anticorrosion/antifreeze mixture) replaced every three years (see Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.).
Maintenance Vouchers
Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will certify in the mainte nance booklet that all lubrication and maintenance services have been carried out at the correct in tervals.
Operation
Automatic Climate Control Car Keys Opening the Doors Locking and Unlocking
of Doors Central Locking System Anti-Theft Alarm System Seat Adjustment Heated Seats Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)-Seat Belts, Emergency
Tensioning Retractors,
Driver Air Bag Steering Lock Exterior Lamp Switch Combination Switch Exterior Rear View Mirrors Inside Rear View Mirror Lighter Sun Visors Rear Window Defroster Interior Lamps Power Windows Soft Top Electronic Radio
22 27 28
28 29 30 31 32
33 38 39 40 41 41 42 42 43 44 44 45 49
21
Automatic Climate Control
The engine must be running for the climate control system to operate.
1 Temperature selector
2 Pushbuttons for function selec
tion (only press individually)
Defrost Multi-Level
Normal setting EC (Economy)
3 Fan control buttons
(only press individually)
© Maximum fan speed
kuT°Ml Automatic fan speed control
Minimum fan speed 4 Air recirculation switch 5 Adjustable air outlets 6 Volume control levers for adjust
able air outlets (7), right and left
7 Adjustable air outlets, right and
left
For maximum operating efficiency, keep windows closed, the soft top raised or the hard top mounted.
Heating, cooling and air distribution
within the vehicle’s interior will be
automatically controlled. This is accomplished with the temperature selector (1), the pushbuttons (2) and the fan control buttons (3).
The adjustable air outlets (5) and
(7) can be moved to direct the flow of air as desired. Outlets (7) can be opened or closed with slide levers
(6).
Slide lever (6) towards the center of the car to open outlet (7).
With the exterior lamps turned on
(except standing lamps), the sym
bols on all buttons light up. Each
button shines brighter when
depressed.
Note: The air conditioner removes con
siderable moisture from the air
during operation. It is normal for
water to drip on the ground
through openings in the underbody.
22
Off (air supply off)
Temperature Selection C)
The desired temperature can be adjusted by turning the temperature selector. The selected
temperature is reached as quickly as possible and maintained. A basic setting of 22° C (72° F) is re commended. To avoid undesirable temperature fluc tuations, a set temperature should be readjusted in small increments.
To override the automatic climate control turn the temperature wheel to either extreme end position
MIN or MAX.
MIN (detent) = peak cooling performance. The system operates with recirculated air, without additional fresh air.
MAX(detent) = maximum heating performance. If button s is pressed with the temperature selector
in the MIN” or MAX position, the fan will run con tinuously at a high speed.
Air Recirculation
9 Pressing the symbol-side of the air recirculation H switch causes air to be recirculated without addi
tional fresh air and the red indicator lamp to light up. To turn the air recirculation switch off, press the blank side of the switch. The red indicator lamp should then go out.
The air recirculation mode can be used with high or low outside temperatures, or to prevent dust or an noying odors from entering the cars interior. If the windows should fog up from the inside, the air recir culation switch should be turned off. The red indica tor lamp should then go out.
Note: The air recirculation mode will not come on if but
ton 0 is pressed. Function Setting
( § ) Off
In this setting, the Automatic Climate Control system is shut off including the fresh air supply to the interior of the car (to prevent entrance of odors, i.e. while driving through tunnels, etc. or to prevent the en trance of water from automatic car wash). Use this setting only temporarily while driving.
Economy setting - Ventilation
Normal setting - Cooling
Economy setting - Heating
Normal setting - Heating
1417
EC (ECONOMY) = Economical setting; the air conditioning compressor remains off.
0
In the remaining three settings, the air conditioning compressor comes on with ambient temperatures above +5° C (41° F).
As a fuel saving measure, we recommend this setting be used with cool outside temperatures, so that the air conditioning compressor remains off.
In the ventilation mode, air is emitted from outlets (5) and (7).
In the heating mode, warm air is primarily supplied to the foot area. In addition, warm air is also supplied to the ducts in the doors. Only enough warm air is sup plied to the windshield and air outlets (7), to keep the glass defogged in normal weather conditions. In the heating mode, air may be emitted periodically from outlets (5), depending on the interior temperature.
With low outside temperatures, fan operation is can celled until the engine coolant starts to warm up.
Normal Setting
©
This setting is recommended when you wish to
cool the interior of your car. It is also recommended for use in humid weather.
The s ettin g^ corresponds with setting@ but, in addition, the air can also be cooled as necessary.
24
Multi-Level ventilation - Cooling
Multi-Level ventilation - Heating
Multi-Level
0
This setting is used for clearing a fogged wind-
As soon as the windshield is clear, reset to In the heating mode, warm air is supplied to the
windshield, foot area, air outlets (7), and to the ducts in the doors. Additionally, warm air may be emitted periodically from outlets (5), depending on the interior temperature.
In the cooling mode, cool air is supplied to the wind shield, foot area, door ducts, and air outlets (5) and (7).
Note:
In warm, humid climates, prolonged use of this set ting may create condensation on the outside of the windshield, directly above the defroster ducts.
0
or
e ra Defrost
The maximum amount of heated air is directed to the windshield and side windows (outlets, 7). This setting overrides temperature and fan speed settings, and the air recirculation switch.
26
Car Keys
Included with your vehicle are two master keys, one valet key and one flat (master) key.
Master Key - square head with a red dot - fits all locks on the car. Arms/disarms the anti-theft alarm system.
Valet Key - round head with a red dot - fits only the door locks and the steering lock. Arms/disarms the anti-theft alarm system. The valet key will not fit the trunk or glove compartment locks. This key should be used whenever the car is left with an attendant. Be sure to lock glove compartment and trunk with the master key.
Flat Key
The flat key with a red dot fits all vehicle locks. Arms/disarms the anti-theft alarm system. We recom
mend that you carry the
T
flat key with you and keep
it in a safe place so that it is always handy. Never leave the flat key in the
vehicle.
Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a
theft deterrent locking system re quiring a special key manufacturing process. For security reasons, replacement keys can only be obtained via your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
Warning! When leaving the vehicle always
remove the key from the steering lock. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. Un
supervised use of vehicle equip ment may cause serious personal injury.
The driver’s door can be locked only if it is closed and the door
lock has properly engaged.
Opening the Doors
From outside: pull handle (1) outwards.
From inside: pull handle (4) in door panel.
28
Locking and Unlocking of Doors
From the outside: turn key. From the inside: actuate locking
lever. 2 Unlocking (rearward position)
3 Locking (forward position)
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