Mercedes Benz Automobile 2000 SL 500 User Manual

SL  
Operator’s Manual  
 
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  
 
Choosing global or selective mode  
on remote control ........................ 32  
Opening the trunk ....................... 32  
Panic button ................................. 33  
Seat belts ...........................................52  
Seat belt nonusage  
warning system ............................53  
Introduction  
Product information .......................... 7  
Operator’s manual ............................. 8  
Where to find it ................................ 13  
Problems with your vehicle ........... 14  
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15  
Fastening of seat belts .................54  
Start lock-out .................................... 34 BabySmartTM airbag deactivation  
system ...........................................58  
General notes on the  
central locking system ............... 34 Self-test BabySmartTM without  
special child seat installed ........59  
Supplemental restraint  
Doors ................................................. 35  
Central locking switch .................... 37  
Automatic central locking .......... 38  
accident ........................................ 39  
Instruments and controls  
system (SRS) ................................59  
Emergency tensioning retractor  
(ETR) .............................................60  
Airbags ..............................................60  
Front airbags ................................62  
Side impact airbags .....................63  
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,  
emergency tensioning retractor  
and airbag .....................................66  
Infant and child  
restraint systems ..........................67  
Adjusting steering column .............70  
Storing steering column  
position in memory .....................70  
Rear view mirrors ............................ 71  
Inside rear view mirror ............... 71  
Instruments and controls ............... 18  
Overhead control panel ...............21  
Dashboard .....................................22  
Center console ..............................24  
Trunk ................................................. 39  
Trunk lid release switch ................ 40  
Power windows .................................41  
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42  
Tow-away alarm ............................... 43  
Power seats ....................................... 44  
Storing position in memory ....... 46  
Backrest ............................................ 48  
Multicontour seats .......................... 49  
Seat heater ........................................ 50  
Seat belts and integrated  
Operation  
Vehicle keys ......................................28  
Remote control with folding  
master key .....................................28  
Central locking system ...................30  
Remote control .............................30  
Locking and unlocking ................ 31  
restraint system .......................... 52  
Contents  
1
 
Contents  
2
Antiglare night position .............. 71 Engine oil level indicator in  
Audio and telephone, operation ....98  
Power windows ................................116  
Express opening of  
odometer display field ............... 82  
Exterior rear view mirrors ..........72  
Fuel consumption gauge ................ 83  
Storing mirror positions in  
memory ..........................................73 Engine oil temperature gauge ....... 83  
Instrument cluster ........................... 74 Engine oil consumption ................. 83  
door windows ...............................117  
Synchronizing power  
windows ........................................117  
Roll bar .............................................118  
Interior lighting .............................120  
Interior lamps .............................120  
Reading lamps ............................120  
Indicator lamps in the  
instrument cluster ....................... 76  
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 84  
Standing lamps ............................ 85  
Additional function indicator  
Night security illumination ....... 85  
Blocked windshield wiper .......... 88  
Windshield wiper smears .......... 88  
Windshield and headlamp  
washer fluid mixing ratio .......... 88  
Hazard warning flasher switch ..... 89  
Automatic climate control .............. 90  
Display and controls ................... 92  
Basic setting - automatic mode . 93  
Economy ........................................ 93  
Special settings ............................ 94  
lamps ..............................................77  
Instrument lamps .........................77  
Display illumination ....................77  
Coolant temperature gauge ........78  
Outside temperature  
indicator ........................................78  
Trip odometer ...............................79  
Clock ..............................................79  
Entrance lamps in footwells,  
exit lamps in doors ....................120  
Sunshade, manual .........................121  
Power sunshade .............................122  
Sun visors .......................................123  
Illuminated vanity mirror ............123  
Interior ............................................124  
Tachometer ....................................79  
Flexible service system (FSS) ........80  
 
Storage compartment  
Soft top ............................................ 143  
Turning off ..................................167  
(eyeglasses compartment)  
in the dashboard .......................124  
Interior central  
locking system ............................125  
Integration with vehicle  
central locking system ..............126  
Separate locking of storage  
compartments .............................126  
Armrest ...........................................127  
Console storage  
Cup holder ......................................128  
Parcel net in  
passenger footwell ....................128  
Door pockets ...................................129  
Rear storage compartment ...........129  
Ashtray with lighter ......................130  
Lighter ............................................. 131  
Telephone, general ........................132  
Garage door opener .......................133  
Hardtop or panorama roof ............137  
Removing hardtop ......................137  
Attaching hardtop ......................140  
Lowering soft top ....................... 144 Automatic transmission ...............168  
Raising soft top .......................... 145  
Wind screen ................................... 148  
Antenna ...........................................151  
Driving .........................................168  
Accelerator Position ...................169  
Selector lever positions .............169  
Maneuvering ...............................172  
Stopping .......................................172  
Program mode  
Driving  
Control and operation of radio  
selector switch ............................173  
Emergency Operation ................ 174  
Parking brake .................................175  
Driving instructions ...................... 176  
Drive sensibly - Save fuel .......... 176  
Drinking and driving ................. 176  
Pedals ........................................... 176  
Power assistance ........................177  
Brakes ..........................................177  
Driving off ...................................178  
Parking ........................................178  
transmitters ................................153  
Radio, telephone and  
Telephones and  
two-way radio ..............................153  
The first 1 000 miles  
(1 500 km) ..................................154  
Maintenance ...................................154  
Tele Aid ............................................155  
Catalytic converter .........................163  
Emission control .............................164  
Steering lock ...................................165  
Starting and turning off  
the engine ...................................167  
Before starting .............................167  
Starting .........................................167  
Tires .............................................179  
Aquaplaning ...............................180  
Tire traction ................................180  
Tire speed rating ........................ 181  
Snow chains ................................ 181  
Contents  
3
 
Contents  
4
Vehicles with sport  
package ........................................ 181  
Winter driving  
instructions .................................182  
Winter driving ............................183  
Block heater ................................183  
Adaptive damping system  
Electronic stability program  
(ESP) - warning lamp .................207  
BAS-/ESP malfunction  
indicator lamp .............................207  
ABS malfunction  
indicator lamp .............................208  
Low engine coolant  
adjustment ...................................199  
What you should know at the gas  
station .........................................200  
Fuel supply ................................. 200  
Fuel ..............................................200  
Deep water ..................................184 Check regularly and before  
level warning lamp ....................209  
Low windshield and headlamp  
washer system fluid level  
warning lamp .............................. 210  
Low engine oil level  
warning lamp .............................. 210  
Charge indicator lamp ............... 211  
Exterior lamp failure  
indicator lamp ............................. 211  
Roll bar warning lamp ............... 212  
ADS indicator lamp .................... 212  
High beam indicator lamp ........ 213  
Additional function  
indicator lamps  
(in the odometer display) .......... 213  
Malfunction and indicator  
a long trip ..................................202  
Traveling abroad ........................184  
Cruise control .................................185  
Brake assist system (BAS) ............188  
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 190  
ABS control ................................. 191  
Electronic Stability Program  
(ESP) ........................................... 192  
Synchronizing ESP ....................193  
ESP Control Switch ....................194  
Level control system ......................196  
Level control switch  
positions ...................................... 196  
Normal Level ............................... 197  
Wheel Change Switch ...............198  
Adaptive Damping System  
Instrument cluster display  
Malfunction and indicator  
lamps in the instrument  
cluster .........................................204  
On-board diagnostic system  
Check engine malfunction  
indicator lamp ............................ 204  
Brake warning lamp ..................204  
Brake pad wear  
indicator lamp ............................ 205  
Seat belt warning lamp .............206  
Supplemental restraint  
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 206  
Fuel reserve and fuel cap  
(ADS) ........................................... 199  
lamp (in the dashboard) .......... 213  
placement warning ................... 207  
 
Passenger airbag  
indicator lamp ............................. 213  
Battery Recycling .......................237  
Jump starting ................................. 238  
Towing the vehicle ........................ 240  
Exterior lamps ............................... 242  
Headlamp assembly  
(Halogen) ....................................243  
Taillamp assemblies ..................249  
Changing batteries in  
the remote control .................... 251  
Synchronizing ............................ 252  
Replacing wiper blade insert ...... 257  
Manual release of  
fuel filler flap ............................ 259  
Trunk lamp .....................................259  
Vehicle washing .........................263  
Ornamental moldings ................263  
Headlamps, taillamps,  
turn signal lenses ......................263  
Window cleaning .......................264  
Light alloy wheels ......................264  
Instrument cluster .....................264  
Steering wheel and  
gear selector lever ......................264  
Cup holder ...................................264  
Seat belts .....................................265  
Headliner, shelf behind  
Practical hints  
First aid kit ..................................... 215  
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 215  
Vehicle tools .................................... 216  
Vehicle jack ..................................... 217  
Fuses ................................................ 218  
Hood ................................................. 219  
Automatic transmission  
fluid level ...................................221  
Checking engine oil level .............221  
Coolant level ...................................223  
Adding coolant ...............................224  
Windshield and headlamp  
washer fluid mixing ratio ........225  
Wheels .............................................226 Cleaning and care  
Tire replacement ............................226  
Rotating wheels ..............................227  
Spare wheel ....................................228  
Changing wheels ...........................230  
Tire inflation pressure ..................234  
Battery .............................................236  
roll bars, and other hard  
plastic trim items .......................265  
Soft top .........................................265  
Headliner .....................................266  
Wind screen ................................266  
Automatic antenna .....................266  
Wiper blade .................................266  
Headlamp cleaning system .......266  
Leather upholstery .....................267  
Plastic and rubber parts ............267  
Illuminated door sill panels .....267  
Vehicle care  
of the vehicle ............................. 261  
Power washer .............................262  
Tar stains ....................................262  
Paintwork, Painted Body  
Components ................................262  
Engine cleaning .........................263  
Contents  
5
 
Contents  
6
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -  
Technical data  
Index  
capacities ....................................276  
Engine oils ...................................... 278  
Engine oil additives ......................278  
Air conditioner refrigerant ..........278  
Brake fluid ...................................... 278  
Premium unleaded gasoline ........279  
Fuel requirements ........................ 279  
Gasoline additives .........................280  
Coolants ..........................................280  
Consumer information ................. 282  
Spare parts service ........................269  
Warranty coverage .........................269  
Identification labels .......................270  
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............271  
Engine ..............................................272  
Rims - Tires .....................................273  
Weights ............................................275  
Main Dimensions ...........................275  
Index ................................................285  
 
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.  
Introduction  
7
 
 
Introduction  
8
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).  
 
 
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.  
Introduction  
9
 
Introduction  
10  
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.  
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, LLC  
European Delivery Department  
One Mercedes Drive  
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.  
European Delivery Department  
849 Eglinton Avenue East  
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5  
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350  
Introduction  
11  
 
Introduction  
12  
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.  
 
Where to find it  
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:  
Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.  
Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.  
Driving: Important information on driving.  
Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.  
Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.  
Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.  
Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,  
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.  
Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.  
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.  
Explanation of color used:  
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and  
others appear on red background.  
Introduction  
13  
 
 
Introduction  
14  
Problems with your vehicle  
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect  
its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to  
have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your  
satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if  
necessary contact us at the following addresses:  
In the USA: Client Assistance Center  
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC  
One Mercedes Drive  
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350  
In Canada:  
Customer Relations Department  
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.  
849 Eglinton Avenue East  
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5  
 
 
For the USA only:  
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations,  
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.  
Reporting Safety Defects  
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or  
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.  
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety  
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA  
cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your retailer, or Mercedes-Benz USA,  
Inc.  
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393  
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,  
Washington, D.C. 20590. Youcanalsoobtainotherinformationaboutmotorvehiclesafetyfrom  
the Hotline.  
Introduction  
15  
 
 
 
Instruments and controls  
Instruments and controls ............... 18  
Door control panel .......................20  
Overhead control panel ...............21  
Dashboard .....................................22  
Center console ..............................24  
Contents – Instruments and controls  
17  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
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Technical  
data  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Index  
cluster display  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
cluster display  
Technical  
data  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Car care  
Index  
Instruments and controls  
Instruments and controls  
18  
1
2
3
 
 
1 Door control panel, see page 20  
3 Dashboard, see page 22  
2 Overhead control panel, see page 21  
4 Center console, see page 24  
Instruments and controls  
19  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
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Technical  
data  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Index  
cluster display  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
cluster display  
Technical  
data  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Car care  
Index  
Instruments and controls  
Door control panel  
20  
1 Door handle, pull to open, see page 35  
2 Front seat adjustment, see page 44  
Memory function (for storing seat, head restraint,  
steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror  
settings), see page 46  
 
   
Overhead control panel  
1 Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid, and optional  
telephone with voice recognition system  
2 Interior lighting, see page 120  
3 Tele Aid (emergency call system), see page 155  
4 Rear view mirror, see page 71  
5 Garage door opener, see page 133  
Instruments and controls  
21  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
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Technical  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Index  
cluster display  
data  
   
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
cluster display  
Technical  
data  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Car care  
Index  
Instruments and controls  
Dashboard  
22  
 
   
1 Side air outlet, adjustable, see page 91  
16 Non-heated/cooled air supply button - center air  
outlet, see page 91  
2 Level control switch and wheel change switch,  
see page 196  
17 Storage/eyeglasses compartment, see page 124  
18 Air volume control for left air outlet, see page 91  
19 Air volume control for center air outlets, see page 91  
20 Air volume control for right air outlet, see page 91  
21 Airbag off indicator lamp, see page 213  
3 Exterior lamp switch, see page 86  
4 Parking brake release, see page 175  
5 Hood lock release, see page 219  
6 Parking brake pedal, see page 175  
7 Combination switch, see page 86  
8 Cruise control switch, see page 185  
9 Horn  
22 Automatic climate control, see page 90  
Rear window defroster switch, see page 95  
23 Audio system, see page 98  
24 Trunk lid release switch, see page 40  
10 Airbag, see page 60  
25 Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 43  
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system,  
see page 42  
11 Voice recognition system switch, see separate  
operating instructions  
12 Instrument cluster, see page 74  
26 Central locking switch, see page 37  
13 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch,  
27 Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 89  
see page 165  
28 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch,  
14 Center air outlets adjustable, see page 91  
see page 199  
15 Heated air supply button - center air outlet,  
29 ESP control switch, see page 194  
see page 91  
30 Roll bar operation switch, see page 118  
Instruments and controls  
23  
Instruments  
and controls  
Instrument  
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Technical  
Operation  
Driving  
Practical hints  
Index  
cluster display  
data