Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
SL Operator's Manual
SL
500
SL
600

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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.
Our 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, 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

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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).

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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 the non-conformity and have given us an
opportunity to perform the 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.
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.

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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, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
LLC European Delivery Department European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NI 07645-0350 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

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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 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 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.

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The First 1000 Miles (1500km)
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 1000 miles
(1500 km) at moderate vehicle and
engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is
not recommended to brake the vehicle
by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend to select positions "3",
"2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for
hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds
may be gradually increased to the
permissible maximum.
Check Regularly and Before a Long
Trip
See Index
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in
accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained
in accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet may result in vehicle damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz.
Limited Warranty.
Radio Transmitters
Warning!
Never operate radio transmitters
equipped with a built-in or attached
antenna (i.e. without the telephone
connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's
electronic system, possibly resulting
in an accident and personal injury.
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit,
should only be used inside the vehicle
if they are connected to an antenna that
is installed on the outside of the
vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an
external antenna.

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Introduction Trunk 33 Console storage compartments and cup
Power windows 34 holder 62
Product information 2
Interior Central locking system
35 Door pockets 62
Operator's manual 4Antitheft Alarm System tow away Rear Storage Compartments 62
Consumer Information 151 protection 36 Power Windows 63
Problems with your vehicle 152 Power seat 37 Trunk release switch 64
Reporting Safety Defects 153 Backrest 39 Sunshade 64
Index 156 Multicontour seat 40 Roll Bar 65
Heated Seats 41 Antenna 66
Instruments and controls Armrest 42 Cellular telephone 66
Adjusting steering column 42 Display illumination 67
Instruments and controls 10 Seat belts and Supplemental Trip Odometer 67
Instrument Cluster 12 restraint system (SRS) 43 Clock 67
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Seat belts 43 Garage door opener 68
Catalytic Converter 15 BabySmart
Airbag deactivation 46
Hardtop or panorama roof 70
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 16 Self - test 47 Soft top 74
Driving Instructions 17 Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) 47
Wind Screen 77
Operation Airbags 48
Child restraint 52 Driving
Automatic Climate Control 22 Steering Lock 53
Basic settings – automatic mode 23 Combination Switch 54 Drinking and Driving 80
Defogging windows 24 Exterior Lamp Switch 56 Parking Brake 80
Defrosting 24 Night security illumination 57 Driving off 80
Rear window defroster 24 Inside rear view mirror 57 Automatic Transmission 81
Air recirculation 25 Exterior rear view mirrors 58 Cruise Control 85
Car Keys 26 Ashtray 59 Charge Indicator Lamp 87
Start lock out 27 Lighter 59
Engine oil pressure Gauge
87
Central locking system 27 Sun Visors 60 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 87
Radio Frequency and Infrared Vanity mirrors 60 Engine Oil Consumption 88
Remote Control 27 Interior Lighting 60 Fuel Consumption Gauge 88
Doors 31 Storage Compartments (Eyeglasses Tachometer 88
Central locking switch 32 compartment) in dashboard 61

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Fuel Reserve and fuel cap placement Practical Hints MERCEDES-BENZ
Warning Lamps 88 Spare Parts Service 137
Outside Temperature Indicator 89 Hood 106 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 138
Coolant Temperature Gauge 89 Checking Coolant Level 107
Low Engine Coolant Level Adding Coolant 107 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,
Warning Lamp 90 Checking engine oil level 108 Lubricants etc. Consumer
Low windshield and Checking Automatic Information
Headlamp washer system
Transmission Fluid Level
109
Fluid level warning lamp 90 Trunk Lamp 109 Identification Plates 140
Roll Bar Warning Lamp 91 First Aid Kit 110 Warranty Coverage 141
Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Stowing things in vehicle 110 Technical Data
Warning Lamp 91 Vehicle Tools 110 500 SL 142
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Spare Wheel 110 600 SL 144
Lamp 91 Vehicle Jack 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 146
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 92 Wheels 111 Capacities 146
Brake Warning Lamp 92 Changing Wheels 113 Engine Oils 148
Flexible service system (FSS) 92 Tire inflation Pressure 116 Engine Oils additives 148
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 94 Exterior lamps 117 Air conditioner refrigerant 148
Brake assist system (BAS) 94 Battery 124 Brake Fluid 148
Acceleration assist system 96 Fuses 125 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 149
Electronic stability program (ESP) 98 Jump Starting 126 Fuel Requirements 149
Adaptive damping system (ADS) 100 Towing the Vehicle 127 Gasoline Additives 149
Level control system 101 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 129 Coolants 150
Emission Control 103 Testing Infrared Remote Control 133 Service and literature 159
On-Board Diagnostic System 103 Raising soft top manually 134 Check regularly and before a long trip 160
Winter Driving 104 Replacing Wiper Blades 136
Snow Chains 104 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 137
Traveling Abroad 104

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages
1Side air outlet, adjustable 18 Air volume control for center air outlet
2Level control switch and
wheel change switch 19 Air volume control for right air outlet
3 Exterior lamp switch 20 Airbag off indicator lamp
4 Parking brake release 21 Automatic climate control
Rear window defroster switch
5 Hood lock release 22 Audio system
6 Parking brake pedal 23 Trunk lid release switch
7 Combination switch 24 Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system
8 Cruise control 25 Central locking switch
9 Horn 26 Hazard warning flasher switch
10 Airbag 27 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
11 Instrument cluster 28 ASR or ESP control switch
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 29 Roll bar operation switch
13 Center air outlet adjustable 30 Ashtray with lighter (to open press bottom of cover)
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Heated air supply button - center air outlet 31 Soft/hardtop operation switch
15 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 32 Mirror adjustment switch
16 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 33 Power window switch
17 Air volume control for left air outlet 34 Seat heater switch