2017 Mercedes-Benz SL ROADSTER Owner’s Manual

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is a beautiful and luxurious convertible that is a great example of what it means to drive with the top down. With its famous folding hardtop, the SL Roadster goes from a sleek coupe to a thrilling roadster in a single smooth motion, giving you the best of both worlds. It has a sleek, aerodynamic design and a range of powerful engines, including a top-of-the-line AMG version, which give it great speed and exciting driving dynamics. Inside, the SL Roadster is elegant and luxurious, with high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and comfy seats for a smooth ride. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster is perfect for drivers who want the best mix of luxury and top-down fun. It has a classic look, high-end features, and excellent craftsmanship.

Engine compartment

Hood
Important safety notes

WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view. There is arisk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving.Before every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
When opening and closing the hood, it may suddenly fall into the closed position. There is a risk of injury to persons within range of movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is within its range of movement.
Opening the hood when the engine is overheated or when there is a fire in the engine compartment could expose you to hot gases or other service products. There is a risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before opening the hood. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, keep the hood closed and contact the fire department.

The engine compartment contains moving components. Certain components, such as the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine compartment:

• switch off the ignition
• never reach into the area where there is a risk of danger from moving components, such as the fan rotation area
• remove jewelry and watches
• keep items of clothing and hair, for example, away from moving parts

Opening the hood
WARNING Certain components in the engine compartment, such as the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the following.
When the hood is open and the windshield wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and the ignition before opening the hood.

Make sure that the windshield wipers are not folded away from the windshield. You could otherwise damage the windshield wipers or the hood.

• Make sure that the windshield wipers are turned off.
• Pull release lever : on the hood. The hood is released.
• Reach into the gap, pull hood catch handle 2 up and lift hood 1.
  If you lift the hood by approximately 15 in (40 cm), the hood is opened and held open automatically by the gas-filled strut.

Closing the hood

• Lower the hood and let it fall from a height of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
• Check that the hood has engaged properly.
  If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not properly engaged. Open it again and close it with a little more force.

Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption may be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:

• park the vehicle on a level surface
• the engine should be switched off for approximately five minutes if the engine is at normal operating temperature
• if the engine is not at normal operating temperature, e.g. if the engine was only started briefly, wait about 30 minutes before carrying out the measurement

Checking the oil level using the oil dipstick

WARNING
Certain components in the engine compartment, such as the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the following.

1. Pull out oil dipstick 1.
2. Wipe off oil dipstick 1.
3. Slowly slide oil dipstick 1 into the guide tube to the stop, and take it out again.
   If the level is between MIN mark 3 and MAX mark 2 the oil level is correct.
4. If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark 3 or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine oil.

Adding engine oil
WARNING Certain components in the engine compartment, such as the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the following.

If engine oil comes into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, it may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and thoroughly clean the engine oil off the components before starting the engine.

Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
Only use engine oils and oil filters that have been approved for vehicles with a service system. You can obtain a list of the engine oils and oil filters tested and approved in accordance with  the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products at any Mercedes-Benz
Service center. Damage to the engine or exhaust system is caused by the following:

• using engine oils and oil filters that have not been specifically approved for the service system
• replacing engine oil and oil filters after the interval for replacement specified by the service system has been exceeded
• using engine oil additives.

Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is above the “max” mark on the dipstick, too much oil has been added. This can lead to damage to the engine or the catalytic converter.
Have excess oil siphoned off.

• Turn cap : counter-clockwise and remove it.
• Add engine oil.
  If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of engine oil.
• Replace cap : on the filler neck and turn clockwise.
  Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
• Check the oil level again with the oil dipstick (page 262).
  Further information on engine oil (Y page 314).

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph (8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you only brake gently.

Important safety notes 
Observe the “Important safety notes” section ( page 60).

WARNING
If ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels could lock when braking. The steerability and braking characteristics would be severely affected. There is an increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop?

When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, including driving safety systems, will also become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 229)and dis-play messages which may be shown in the instrument cluster (Y page 201).

Brakes

• If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the brake pedal vigorously until the braking situation is over.
• To make a full brake application: depress the brake pedal with full force.
  If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.
  The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions, and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

FAQ