Mercedes-Benz SL 320 User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
SL Operator's Manual
SL 320
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.

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Introduction
Anti-Theft Alarm System 33 Interior Lighting 59
Product information 2Orthopedic Seat Backrest 37 Rear Window Defroster 60
Operator's manual 4Heated Seats 38 Power Windows 61
Consumer Information 141 Armrest 39 Roll Bar 61
Problems with your vehicle 140 Adjusting steering column 39 Hardtop 63
Reporting Safety Defects 143 Seat Belts and Supplemental
restraint system (SRS)
40
Soft top 67
Index 144 Seat belts 40 Wind Screen 70
Emergency Tensioning Retractor
(ETR) 44 Antenna 72
Instruments and controls Airbags 45 Cellular Telephone 72
Steering Lock 50
Instruments and controls 10 Exterior Lamp Switch 51 Driving
Instrument Cluster 12 Combination Switch 52
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Exterior Rear View Mirrors 54 Drinking and Driving 74
Catalytic Converter 14 Inside Rear View Mirror 54 Parking Brake 74
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Sun Visors 55 Driving Off 74
Driving Instructions 16 Vanity Mirrors 55 Automatic Transmission 75
Instrument Lamps 56 Cruise Control 80
Operation Display Illumination 56 Charge Indicator Lamp 82
Trip Odometer 56 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil 82
Automatic Climate Control 22 Setting Clock 56 Low Engine Oil Level Warning 82
Car Keys 26 Storage Compartment (Eyeglasses Engine Oil Consumption 83
Infrared Remote Control 27 Compartment) in the Dashboard 57 Fuel Consumption Gauge 83
Central Locking System 29 Console Storage Compartments 57 Tachometer 83
Doors 29 Rear Storage Compartments 58 Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 84
Interior Central Locking System 32 Lighter 58 Outside Temperature Indicator 84
Coolant Temperature Gauge 84

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Low Engine Coolant Level Checking Engine Oil Level 98 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,
Warning Lamp 85 Checking Automatic Lubricants etc. Consumer
Information
Low Windshield and Headlamp
Transmission Fluid Level
99 Identification Plates 126
Washer System Fluid Level Warning Trunk Lamp 100 Vehicle data Card 127
Lamp 85 Spare Wheel 100 Warranty Coverage 127
Roll Bar Warning Lamp 86 First Aid Kit 100 Technical Data
Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Stowing Things in Vehicle 100 SL 320 128
Warning Lamp 86 Vehicle Jack 101 SL 500 130
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 86 Vehicle Tools 101 SL 600 132
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 87 Wheels 103 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 134
Brake Warning Lamp 87 Changing Wheels 103 Capacities 134
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Tire Inflation Pressure 106 Engine Oils 136
Warning Lamp 88 Battery 107 Engine Oil Additives 136
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 89 Fuses 108 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 136
Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 90 Exterior Lamps 109 Brake Fluid 136
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 92 Jump Starting 111 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 136
Emission Control 93 Towing the Vehicle 113 Fuel Requirements 137
On-Board Diagnostic System 93 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 114 Gasoline Additives 137
Traveling Abroad 94 Testing Infrared Remote Control 118 Coolants 138
Winter Driving 94 Ashtray 121 Consumer Information 139
Snow Chains 94 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 121 Problems with your Vehicle 140
Ski Rack 121 Reporting Safety Defects 141
Practical Hints Replacing Wiper Blades 122 Check regularly and before a long trip 148
Hood 96 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 123
Checking Coolant Level 97 MERCEDES-BENZ
Spare Parts Service 123

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
1
Adjustable air outlet
17
Air volume control for right air outlet
2
Exterior lamp switch
18
Automatic climate control
3
Parking brake release
19
Radio
4
Hood lock release
20
Rear window defroster swit
ch
5
Parking brake pedal
21
Indicator lamp for Anti
-
theft alarm system
6
Combination switch
22
Hazard warning flasher switch
7
Cruise control
23
Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
8
Horn, airbag
24
Snow chain switch
9
Instrument clus
ter
25
Roll bar operation switch
10
Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
26
Compartment (to open press bottom of cover)
11
Adjustable air outlet
27
Mirror adjustment switch
12
Heated air supply button
-
center air outlet
28
Soft/hardtop
operation switch
13
Non heated/cooled air supply button
-
center air outlet
29
Seat heater switch
14
Storage/eyeglasses compartment
30
Power window switch
15
Air volume control for left air outlet
31
Ashtray with lighter
16
Air volume contro
l for center air outlet

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Instrument Cluster
1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. 9 Trip odometer. See Index
2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 10 Main odometer
3Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index.
4Engine Oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red). See Index. 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
5Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 13 Knob for setting clock. See Index.
6Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer.
Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps.
Depress knob: To reset trip odometer.
14 Tachometer. See Index
7Speedometer 15 Lock. See Index
8ASR warning lamp (yellow) or
ETS warning lamp (yellow).See Index

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam ETS malfunction. See Index.
Warning Lamp
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Exterior lamp failure. See Index.
Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Battery not being charged properly. See IndexASR or ETS.
Adjust driving to road condition.
See Index Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.
Engine oil level low. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.
See Index.
Roll bar malfunction. See Index.
ABS malfunction. See Index.
ADS malfunction. See Index.
ASR malfunction. See Index.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. 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 oxygen sensor to
achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our
recommended 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
Starter Lock-Out
Important!
The engine can only be started, if the
vehicle was unlocked from the outside.
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and ensure
gearshift lever is in neutral (selector
lever position "P" or “N” on automatic
transmissions).
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
The charge indicator lamp should come
on.
Cold Engine
Do not depress accelerator.
Turn key in steering lock clock-wise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.
Hot Engine
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key
in steering lock clock-wise to the stop.
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 to stop the engine.
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 position “P” or “N”.
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. If you do not see the
gauge register oil pressure, stop the
engine and have it checked.
The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as soon as the engine
has started.
In areas where temperatures frequently
drop below -4°F (-20°C) 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
Warning!
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 "3", "2" or "B" (for
models SL 500 and SL 600). This
helps prevent overheating of the brakes
and reduces brake pad wear. Do not
exceed engine speed limits. Refer to
Technical Data for downshift points.
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.
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.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
maintenance.
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 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, or other than
recommended brake fluid is used,
the braking properties of the
vehicle can be affected to an extent
that safe braking is substantially
impaired.

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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
approximately 1/16 in (1.5 mm), 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. As tread depth
approaches 1/16 in (1.5 mm), 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.
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with new
tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track
grooves in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.

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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 whenever the
outside temperatures are 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.
Tire Speed Rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"Z"-rated tires.
Despite the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never
operate a vehicle at speeds greater
than the maximum speed rating of
the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for
which tires are rated can lead to
sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in
personal injury and possible death.
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 right foot on brake
pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to
position "P".
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, move selector
lever position " P".
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.

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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, 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 periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads. This can bring road salt
impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however,
that this is done 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.
Passenger Compartment
Warning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking
or sudden maneuvers, loose items
will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle

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