Mercedes-Benz 300 SL User manual

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

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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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Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
See page 152
The First 1000 Miles (1500 km)
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 RPM (no more than 2/3 of maximum permissible speed in each
gear as indicated on the speedometer).
Downshift at proper engine speed!
On vehicles with automatic transmission avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually
shifting to a lower gear. We recommend to select positions "4" (for model 300 SL), "3" or "2" only at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).
After 1500 km (1000 miles) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

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Introduction Anti-Theft Alarm System
Orthopedic Seat Backrest
33
37 Wind Screen 71
Product information 2Heated Seats 38 Antenna 73
Operator's manual 4Arm Rest 39 Cellular Telephone 73
Consumer Information 143 Adjusting steering column 39
Problems with your vehicle 144 Seat belts and Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) 40
Driving
Reporting Safety Defects 145 Seat belts 40
Index 148 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 44 Drinking and Driving 76
Airbags 45 Parking Brake 76
Instruments and controls Steering Lock 50 Driving off 76
Combination Switch 52 Manual Transmission 77
Instruments and controls 10 Exterior Lamp Switch 54 Automatic Transmission 78
Instrument Cluster 12 Exterior rear view mirrors 55 Cruise Control 83
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Inside rear view mirror 56 Charge Indicator Lamp
Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil 85
Catalytic Converter 14 Sun Visors 57 Pressure Warning Lamp 85
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Setting Clock 57 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 86
Driving Instructions 16 Storage Compartment (Eyeglasses
Compartment) in the Dashboard 58
Engine Oil Consumption 86
Operation Door Pockets 59 Fuel Consumption Gauge 87
Rear Storage Compartments 59 Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 87
Automatic Climate Control 22 Lighter 59 Outside Temperature Indicator 87
Car Keys 26 Interior Lighting 60 Coolant Temperature Gauge 87
Infrared Remote Control
Central locking system
27
29
Rear Window Defroster
Roll Bar
61
62
Low Engine Coolant Level
Warning Lamp 88
Interior Central Locking System
Locking and unlocking
Power seats
32
32
34
Power Windows
Hard top
Soft top
62
64
68
Low windshield and headlamp
washer system fluid level warning
lamp 88

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Roll Bar Warning Lamp 88 Spare Wheel 102 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,
Seat Belt and Backrest Lock
Warning Lamp 89
First Aid Kit 102 Lubricants etc. Consumer
Information
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 89 Vehicle Jack 103
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 90 Vehicle Tools 103 Identification Plates 130
Brake Warning Lamp 90 Wheels 103 Theft Prevention 131
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Warning Lamp
91 Changing Wheels 104 Vehicle Data Card 132
Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 92 Tire Pressure 108 Warranty Coverage 132
Driving with Snow Chains 92 Battery 109 Technical Data
Automatic Locking Differential (ASD) 92 Spark Plugs 110
300 SL
133
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 94 Fuses 110 500 SL 135
Emission Control 95 Adjusting Headlamps 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 137
On-Board Diagnostic System
(California models only) 95
Replacing Bulbs 111 Capacities 137
Traveling Abroad 96 Jump Starting 113 Engine Oils 140
Winter Driving 96 Towing the Vehicle 115 Brake Fluid 140
Snow Chains 96 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 116 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 140
Testing Infrared Remote Control 120 Fuel Requirements 141
Practical Hints Locking Soft Top Manually 121 Gasoline Additives 141
Locking Hard Top Manua
lly
124 Coolants 140
Hood 98 Ashtray 125 Check regularly and before long trip 152
Checking Coolant Level 99 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 125 At the Gas Station 153
Adding Coolant 99 Ski Rack 125
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level 101
Replacing Wiper Blades 126
Trunk Lamp 102 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 127
MERCEDES-BENZ
Spare Parts Service 127

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages
1 Adjustable air outlet 16 Air volume control for center air outlet
2 Exterior lamp switch 17 Air volume control for right air outlet
3 Parking brake release 18 Automatic climate control
4 Hood lock release 19 Radio
5 Parking brake pedal 20 Rear window defroster switch
6 Combination switch 21 Hazard warning flasher switch
7 Cruise control 22 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
8 Horn, airbag 23 Snow chain switch
9 Instrument cluster 24 Roll bar operation switch
10 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 25 Compartment (to open press bottom of cover)
11 Adjustable air outlet 26 Mirror adjustment switch
12 Heated air supply button - center air outlet 27 Soft/hardtop operation switch
13 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 28 Power window switch
14 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 29 Seat heater switch
15 Air volume control for left air outlet 30 Ashtray with lighter

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Instrument Cluster
1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. 9 Trip odometer
2 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 10 Main odometer
3 Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index..
4 Oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red). See Index. 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
5 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 13 Knob for setting clock (to adjust pull knob out
and rotate). See Index.
6 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer.
Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps. Depress
knob: To reset trip odometer.
14 Tachometer
7 Speedometer 15 Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed.
8 ASR function indicator lamp (yellow). See Index.
ASD function indicator lamp (yellow). See Index.
16 Electric clock

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam ADS malfunction. See Index.
Warning Lamp
(should go out with the engine running unless)
ABS malfunction. See Index.
Battery not being charged properly. See Index. Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Engine oil level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.
See Index.
Roll bar malfunction. See Index.
ADS malfunction. See Index.
ASR malfunction. See Index.
Engine malfunction. (California only).
If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it
indicates a malfunction of the fuel injection system
or emission control system. In either case, we
recommend that you have the malfunction checked
as soon as possible. See Index.

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Catalytic Converter
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped
with monolithic type catalytic converters,
an important element in conjunction with
the O2sensor to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our re-
commended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter
causing it to overheat.
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.

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Starting and Turning off the Engine
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and move
gearshift lever to neutral (selector
lever position "P" on automatic
transmissions).
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
The charge indicator lamp should come
on.
Cold Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.
Hot Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator. 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 accelerator.
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 in the steering lock to
position 0 only when the vehicle has
stopped moving.
Note:
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
the key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position "P".
If the coolant temperature is very high
(e.g. after hard driving on mountain
roads), do not shut off the engine
immediately, but allow
it to run for 1 - 2 minutes at increased
idle speed with selector lever in neutral
or position "P".
Important
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will rise slowly after the engine has
started. Do not speed up the engine
before pressure 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 an engine block
heater be installed. Your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
will advise you on this subject.

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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 load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear (selector
lever position "4" [for model 300 SL],
"3", "2" or "B" [for model 500 SL] in
the case of automatic transmission).
This helps prevent overheating of the
brakes and reduces brake pad wear. Do
not exceed engine speed limits (see
pages 78 or 80).
After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time, rather than
immediately parking, 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 necessary. Be sure to maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in front.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
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 parking brake
lightly until a slight drag on the wheels
is felt. Keep applying the brake for
about 10 seconds while pulling the re-
lease handle 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.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the car in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.

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If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
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
immediately.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.
Warning!
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be
affected 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 (1/16 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 (1/8 in)
of tread, the adhesion properties on
a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or
road surface (conditions), the tire
traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
tire affects the ability to steer or
brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the car. Continued driving
with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause
excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire, or tire blowout.

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Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with new
tires. Avoid track grooves in the road
arid 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 balanced
handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance,
however, is still considerably greater
than when the road is wet or dry.
Parking
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal
injury as a result of vehicle
movement, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle
always:
1. Keep foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.
3. Engage first or reverse gear
(selector lever position "P" in
the case of automatic
transmissions).
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards
the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering
lock position 0 and remove.
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle. In addition, engage first or
reverse gear (selector lever position
"P").
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.
Clutch
Caution!
Resting your foot on the clutch
pedal will cause excessive and
premature wear of the clutch
components.

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Winter Driving Instructions
The most important rule for slippery or
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering action. Do not use the cruise
control system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, declutch, or in case of
automatic transmission 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 recommend 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
prerequisite 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.
Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
make sure that snow is kept clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around
the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air
ventilation, open a window slightly
on the side of the car that is out of
the wind.

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