Mercedes-Benz 1997 320 SL Operator's Manual

1Mercedes-BenzSL Operator's Manual320 SL500 SL600 SL

10Instruments and ControlsFor more detailed descriptions see specified pages1Adjustable air outlet 17 Air volume control for left air outlet2 Level co

100Winter DrivingHave your car winterized at yourauthorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealerbefore the onset of winter.• Change the engine oil if the enginecontai

101Practical Hints

102HoodTo open:To unlock the hood, pull release lever(1) under the driver's side of theinstrument panel.Important!To avoid damage to the windshie

103ExampleChecking Coolant LevelThe coolant level can be checkedvisually at the transparent coolantreservoir.To check the coolant level, the vehiclemu

104SL 320Checking Engine Oil Level1. Oil dipstick2. Oil filler capTo check the engine oil level, parkvehicle on level ground, with engine atnormal ope

105Automatic Transmission Fluid LevelThe transmission has a permanent fill ofautomatic transmission fluid.Regular automatic transmission fluidlevel ch

106First Aid KitThe first aid kit is located in the left trunkwell.Stowing Things in the VehicleWarning!To help avoid personal injury during acollisio

107Vehicle Jack1. Jack arm2. Jack base3. Tool kitSee illustration for proper storage ofjack.Before storing the jack, the jack arm(1) must be lowered a

108Tire ReplacementFront tires should be replaced in sets.Furthermore - in the event of tirereplacement - the spare wheel, ifpossible, should be used

109Warning!The jack is designed exclusively forjacking up the vehicle at the jacktubes built into either side of thevehicle. Use the jack only to lift

11

1103. Prevent vehicle from rollingaway by blocking wheels withwheel chocks (not supplied withvehicle) or sizable wood blockor stone. When changing awh

11110. Clean contact surfaces ofwheel and wheel hub. Installspare wheel on wheel hub.Insert wheel bolts and tightenthem slightly.To avoid paint damage

112Tire Inflation PressureA table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tireinflation pressures specified forMercedes Benz recommended tires aswell as for

113BatteryWarning!Failure to follow theseinstructions can result in severeinjury or death.Never lean over batteries whileconnecting, you might get inj

114Exterior LampsHeadlamp AdjustmentCorrect headlamp adjustment isextremely important. Check andreadjust headlamps at regular intervalsand when a bulb

115Replacing BulbsWhen replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattrating.When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion

116Headlamp Assembly (Xenon)1. Headlamp horizontal adjustmentscrew2. Headlamp vertical adjustmentscrew3. Adjuster for horizontaladjustment scale4. Cov

117Replacing BulbsWhen replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattrating.When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion

118Adjusting HeadlampCorrect headlamp adjustment isextremely important. To check andreadjust a headlamp, follow steps 1through 7. Please note:• Adjust

1197. Horizontal headlamp aim(low beams on):Turn adjusting screw (1)(Right front headlamp:counterclockwise to adjust tothe left, clockwise to theright

12Instrument Cluster8 ESP warning lamp (yellow) or1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. ASR warning lamp (yellow). See Index.2 C

120Taillamp Assemblies1. Side marker lamp(10 W/6 cp bulb)2. Turn signal lamp(21/4 W/35/1.2 cp bulb)3.Tail, parking and standing lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)D

121FusesIn engine compartment:1. Main fuse boxIn trunk on rear wall:2. Auxiliary fuse boxBefore replacing a blown fuse,determine the cause of the shor

122All except Sport PackageTowing the VehicleThe rear towing eye is located at theright, below the bumper. The fronttowing eye is located on the passe

123Warning!With the engine not running, thereis no power assistance for thebraking and steering systems. Inthis case, it is important to keep inmind t

124Important!3. Clamp one end of the firstjumper cable to the positive (+)terminal of the discharged batteryand the other end to the positive(+) termi

125Testing Infrared Remote ControlChecking Batteries:If the transmit button (1) is pressedlonger than 1 second, the batteryindicator lamp in the trans

126Raising Soft Top ManuallyIn case of malfunction, the power softtop can also be raised manually. Thisprocedure should be performed withgreat care by

1277. Place soft top frame (5) ontowindshield header.8. Place soft top bow (4) in itsvertical position.9. Pivot sun visors to side.Remove left and rig

12811. Close storage compartmentcover (2). - Lock storagecompartment lock on right side:Place open-end wrench onbolt between roll bar andstorage compa

129SL 320Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive1. Automatic belt tensioner2. Crankshaft3. Air conditioning compressorSL 5004. Fan5. SL 500: Idler pulleySL 600: A

13Indicator Lamp SymbolsFunction Indicator LampHigh beam Exterior lamp failure. See Index.Warning Lamp(should go out with the engine running unless)Br

130Replacing Wiper BladesFor safety reasons, remove keyfrom steering lock before replacingwiper blade, otherwise the motor cansuddenly turn on and cau

131Cleaning and Care of the VehicleWarning!Many cleaning products can behazardous. Some are poisonous,others are flammable. Always followthe instructi

132Engine CleaningPrior to cleaning the enginecompartment make sure to protectelectrical components and connectorsfrom the intrusion of water or clean

133Instrument ClusterUse a gentle dish-washing detergent ormild detergent for delicate fabrics as awashing solution. Wipe with a clothmoistened in luk

134Soft TopClean soft top with soft top raised andlocked. Lower the soft top into thestorage compartment only if the top iscompletely dry. If the top

135Technical Data

1361.Certification Tag(left door pillar)2. Identification Tag(left window post)3. Vehicle Identification No.4. Engine No.(SL 320 right front,SL 600 ri

137Vehicle Data CardThe vehicle data card contains allimportant data pertaining to thevehicle. It should be kept in themaintenance booklet where indic

138Technical Data 320 SLRims–Tires (expect Sport Package)Model SL 320 (129 063)1Rims (light alloy rims) 8J x 16 H 2Wheel offset34 mm (1.3 in)Engine 10

139Technical Data SL 320Electrical System Weights See certification tagGenerator (alternator) 14 V/110 A Hardtop load max. 30 kg (66 lb)Starter motor

14Catalytic ConverterYour MERCEDES-BENZ is equippedwith monolithic type catalytic converters,an important element in conjunction withthe oxygen sensor

140Technical Data SL 500Rims–Tires (expect Sport Package)Model SL 500 (129 067)1Rims (light alloy rims) 8J x 16 H 2Wheel offset34 mm (1.3 in)Engine 11

141Technical Data SL 500Electrical System Weights See certification tagGenerator (alternator) 14 V/143 A Hardtop load max. 30 kg (66 lb)Starter motor

142Technical Data SL 600Rims–Tires (expect Sport Package)Model SL 600 (129 076)1Rims (light alloy rims) 8J x 16 H 2Wheel offset34 mm (1.3 in)Engine 12

143Technical Data SL 600Weights See certification tagElectrical SystemHardtop load max. 30 kg ( 66 lb)Generator (alternator) 14 V/143 A Trunk load max

144Fuels , Coolants, Lubricants etc.-CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and reco

145Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Accelerator controllinkageHydraulic fluidBrake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT

146Engine OilsEngine oils are specifically tested fortheir suitability in our engines.Therefore, use only engine oilsrecommended by Mercedes-Benz.Info

147Fuel RequirementsUse only Premium unleaded meetingASTM standard D 439:The octane number (posted at thepump) must be 91min. It is an averageof both,

148Therefore the following product isstrongly recommended for use in yourcar: Mercedes-BenzAnticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the wint

149Consumer InformationThis has been prepared as required of allmanufacturers of passenger cars underTitle 49, Code of U.S. FederalRegulations, Part 5

15Starting and Turning off the EngineStarter Lock-OutBefore StartingEngage parking brake and ensuregearshift lever is in neutral (selectorlever positi

150Problems with your VehicleIf you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believemay affect its safe operation, we

151For the U.S.A. only.The following text is published as required ofmanufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S.Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant

152

153Index

154ABS 81,91 -92,94Acceleration slip control (ASR) 92Adaptive damping system (ADS) 96ADS 96,98,109, 111,113,144Air conditioner refrigerant 146Air dist

155Display illumination 57Doors 30Drinking and driving 78Driving instructions 16Driving off 78Electronic stability program (ESP) 94Emergency tensionin

156Maintenance 4,8 MemoryRecalling 36Storing 36,40,55,107,111Mirror, exterior, rear view 55Mirror inside, rear view 55Multicontour seat 38Night securi

157

158

159Service and LiteratureYour authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trainedtechnicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to serviceyour vehicle properly.

16Driving InstructionsWarning!If you feel a sudden significantvibration or ride disturbance, or yoususpect that possible damage to yourvehicle has occ

160Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip The engine compartment ofmodel SL 500 is illustrated.1. Fuel Supply:Open flap by pushing near front(arrow).

161What You Should Know at the Gas Station• Fuel:Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane index91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).Fuel tank capacity ap

17Caution!When driving down long and steepgrades, relieve the load on the brakesby shifting into "3", "2" or "1" (formod

18Tire TractionThe safe speed on a wet, snow coveredor icy road is always lower than on adry road.You should pay particular attention tothe condition

19Winter Driving InstructionsThe most important rule for slippery oricy roads is to drive sensibly and toavoid abrupt acceleration, braking andsteerin

2Product informationKindly observe the following in your own best interest:We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts

20

21Operation

22Automatic Climate ControlThe system is always at operationalreadiness, except when manuallyswitched off.The automatic climate control onlyoperates w

23Display and ControlsPress to activate, indicator lamp is onwhile activated.Automatic modeRaise temperatureLower temperatureDefrostAir recirculationR

24Special Settings(use only for snort duration)Defogging WindowsSwitch off button,Press button.Press button repeatedlyuntil air directly upwards.Turn

25Air RecirculationThis mode can be selected totemporarily reduce the entry ofannoying odors or dust into thevehicle's interior.Outside air is no

26Car KeysIncluded with your vehicle are• 2 Master keys with infraredremote control• 1 Master key1 Valet key• 1 Flat keyRemote Control withFolding Mas

27Start Lock-OutImportant!Removing the key from the steeringlock activates the start lock-out. Theengine cannot be started.Turning the key in the stee

284. Receiver, red indicator lamp(locking) and green indicatorlamp (unlocking) in left doorhandle,5. Receiver, red indicator lamp(locking) and green i

29Locking and UnlockingAim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver(4, 5, or 6) and press transmit button.The red or green indicator lamp on thereceiver shou

3Operator's manualThis Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yours

30Central Locking SystemThe entire vehicle may be locked orunlocked by using either the masterkey in driver's door or trunk lock, orcentral locki

31Notes:In case of a malfunction in the centrallocking system the doors and trunk canbe locked and unlocked individually.To lock, turn key to position

32Power Windows1. Closing2. Interrupting3. OpeningWhen locking doors or trunk, turn keyin door lock or trunk lock to position 1and hold. The windows b

33Interior Central Locking System1. Initial position (integrated withvehicle central locking system)2. Separate locking of storagecompartments3. Emerg

341. Indicator lamp in center consoleAnti Theft Alarm SystemThe anti-theft alarm can bearmed/disarmed with any of yourvehicle's keys or infrared

35Power SeatsThe switches are located in each frontdoor.Turn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with either door open, the powerseats can also be

36Storing Position in MemoryD Memory buttonE Position buttons "1", "2"and "3"After the seat and head restraint arepositi

37BackrestFolding forward:Lift lever and fold forwards.Folding back:Fold backrest back until it audiblylocks in place.Warning!The seat belts provide p

38Switch is located on side of seat.BackrestFolding forward:Lift lever and fold forwards.Folding back:Fold backrest back until it audiblylocks in plac

39Heated SeatsThe seat heaters can be switched onwith the key in steering lock turned toposition 1 or 2.Press switch to turn on heater:1. Normal heati

4Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobilesUnder California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle o

40ArmrestTo adjust: Press button (1) and slidearmrest forward or backward.Adjusting Steering ColumnTurn key in steering lock to position1 or 2 (with e

41Seat Belts and SupplementalRestraint System (SRS)Your vehicle is equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts, emergencytensioning retractors for the seat

421. Latch plate2. Buckle3. Release buttonFastening of Seat BeltsPull belt with latch plate (1) acrossshoulder and lap. Push latch plate (1)into buckl

43Unfastening of Seat BeltsPush in the red button (3) in the beltbuckle (2).Allow the retractor to completelyrewind the seat belt by guiding thelatch

44•Never wear the shoulderbelt under your arm, againstyour neck or off your shoulder.In a crash, your body wouldmove too far forward. Thatwould increa

45Supplemental Restraint System(SRS)The SRS uses two crash severity levels(thresholds) to activate either the ETRor airbag or both. Activation depends

46Airbags1. Driver airbag2. Front passenger airbag3. Side impact airbagThe most effective occupant restraintsystem yet developed for use inproduction

47airbag ignition circuit and in the driverand passenger seat belt buckleharnesses, and low voltage in the entiresystem are detected and indicated.In

48Warning!It is very important for your safety toalways be in a properly seatedposition and to wear your seat belt.For maximum protection in the event

49Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,Emergency Tensioning Retractorand AirbagWarning!• Damaged belts or belts thatwere highly stressed in anaccident

5Change of address or ownershipIf you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warran

50Infants and Child RestraintSystemsWe recommend that all infants andchildren be restrained at all times whilethe vehicle is in motion.The passenger s

51Steering Lock0. The key can be withdrawn in thisposition only. The steering islocked with the key removed fromthe steering lock. The key can beremov

52Combination Switch1. Low beam (exterior lampswitch position )2. High beam (exterior lampswitch position )3. High beam flasher (high beamavailable in

53Windshield Washer Fluid MixingRatioFor temperatures above freezing:MB Windshield Washer Concentrate"S" and water1 part "S" to 10

54Exterior Lamp SwitchCanada only:When the engine is running, the lowbeam (includes parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license platelamps and

55Exterior Rear View MirrorsThe switch is located in the centerconsole.Turn key in steering lock to position 2.First select the mirror to be adjusted

56Night Security IlluminationWhen exiting the vehicle after drivingwith the exterior lamps on, they switchon again for added security forapproximately

571. Adjusting knobInstrument LampsRotate adjusting knob (1) to varyintensity of instrument lamps.Display IlluminationPress adjusting knob to brieflyi

58Garage Door Opener1 Remote control transmitterlocated on inside rear view mirror2 Portable remote control transmitterThe built-in remote control is

59mirror remote control light starts toflash rapidly. This means that theintegrated remote control hasaccepted the frequency and code ofthe portable t

6We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in designand equipment. There

60-Console Storage CompartmentsTo open front compartment(cup holder);Slide cover (1) back.Opening cup holder: Press button (2).Opening rear compartmen

61Ashtray in center consoleAshtray with LighterBy touching the bottom of the coverlightly, the ashtray opens automatically.Prior to removing the ashtr

62Interior LightingThe switch is located above the insiderear view mirror.Interior Lamp1. Interior lamps are switched on,and off delayed, when unlocki

63Power WindowsThe switch is located in the centerconsole.Turn key in steering lock toposition 2.Press switch up to resistance point:to closeto openRe

64Roll BarThe switch is located in the centerconsole.Turn key in steering lock to position 2.Press switchUpper half = to raiseLower half = to lowerThe

65Note:If the indicator lamps in the switch areblinking or if the warning lamp in theinstrument cluster comes on, then amalfunction has been detected.

66Panorama Roof(Hardtop)The removal or attachment of thehardtop can be carried out by 2persons.Warning!Do not place your hands between thehardtop and

675. After the hardtop has unlockedremove the key from the steeringlock and turn radio off to lowerantenna. The indicator lamp in thesoft top switch s

68Attaching Hardtop1. Engage parking brake and turnkey in steering lock to position 2,2. Lower roll bar,3. Open doors or windows.4. Turn radio off to

698. Connect plug (4) for rear windowdefroster.Warning!The raising or loweringprocedure of the soft top is notcompleted if the indicator lampin the so

7The First 1000 Miles (1500km)The more cautiously you treat yourvehicle during the break-in period, themore satisfied you will be with itsperformance

70Soft TopA minimum height clearance of 6.5 ft(2 m) is required to lower or raise thesoft top.Do not lower a frozen soft top untilthawed and dry. Doin

71Raising Soft Top1. Engage parking brake.2. Turn key in steering lock toposition 2.3. Fold down sun visors.4. Slide soft top switch (2) forwardand ho

72Warning!The soft top is not locked:• if the indicator lamp in the softtop switch does not go out (key insteering lock position 2),• if the indicator

73Wind ScreenInstallation1. Raise roll bar partially usingswitch on center console.2. Insert screen into roll bar bypositioning hook at bottom ofroll

74Setting upPush top of wind screen fully forwardagainst internal stopWarning!The rear storage area should neverbe occupied by passengers since theveh

75AntennaThe antenna extends when switchingon the radio and/or telephone.Note:To retract the antenna (e.g. whenentering a car wash) both radio andtele

76

77Driving

78Drinking and DrivingWarning!Drinking and driving can be a verydangerous combination. Even a smallamount of alcohol or drugs can affectyour reflexes,

79Automatic TransmissionThe automatic transmissionselects individual gears auto-matically, dependent upon• Selector lever position• Accelerator positi

8Introduction Central locking switch32 Storage Compartments (EyeglassesTrunk 31 compartment) in dashboard 59Product information2 Power windows 32 Door

80Selector Lever PositionsThe automatic gear shifting processcan be adapted to specific operatingconditions using the selector lever.P Parking lock.Th

81Important!With selector lever in position "D", "4"or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rdgear is delayed depending o

82Program Mode Selector SwitchThe transmission is provided with aselector switch for Standard "S" andWinter (snow and ice) "W" pro

83Cruise ControlAny given speed above approximately25 mph (40 km/h) can be maintainedwith the cruise control by operating thelever.1. Accelerate and s

84Note:If the engine does not brake the vehiclesufficiently while driving on adowngrade, the speed you set on thecruise control may be exceeded andyou

85Charge Indicator LampShould the charge indicator lamp fail tocome on prior to starting when the keyis in steering lock position 2 or shouldit fail t

86Engine Oil ConsumptionEngine oil consumption checks shouldonly be made after the break-in period.During the break-in period, higher oilconsumption m

87Fuel Reserve Warning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comeson and goes out with the enginerunning.If the w

88Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout with the engine running.If the wa

89Roll Bar Warning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout with the engine running.Warning!If the warning l

9Coolant temperature gauge87 Checking engine oil level 104 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,Low engine coolant levelChecking Automatic Lubricants etc.

90Brake Pad Wear Indicator LampThe brake pad wear indicator lamp inthe instrument cluster comes on whenthe key in the steering lock is turned topositi

91Antilock Brake System (ABS)Important!The ABS improves steering control ofthe vehicle during braking maneuvers.For maximum benefit, do not pump thebr

92Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)The acceleration slip regulation willengage at all vehicle speeds, if one orboth drive wheels begin to lose tracti

93ASR control switch located in centerconsoleASR Control SwitchTo improve the vehicle's traction whendriving with snow chains, or startingoff in

94Electronic Stability Program(ESP)The ESP enhances directional controland improves traction of the vehicleunder any driving condition.Over/understeer

95ESP control switch located in centerconsoleESP Control SwitchTo improve the vehicle's traction whendriving with snow chains, or startingoff in

96Adaptive Damping System(ADS)Depending upon road surfaceconditions, load, driving style, ADSwill automatically adjust the optimalride firmness.The ma

97Level Control SystemThe switch is located next to theexterior lamp switch.1. Level control switch2. Wheel change switchLevel Control Switch Position

98Option 2Level increases one inch (30 mm)This setting may be used when roadsurface conditions are very rough forincreased ground clearance.Upon selec

99Emission ControlCertain systems of the engine serve tokeep the toxic components of theexhaust gases within permissible limitsrequired by law.These s