2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Owner's Manual

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class owners manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Mercedes-Benz
Model:
SL Class
Rating:
(9)

Online manual

Size:
5.94 MB

Table of Contents

Contents
3
Introduction
7
Service and warranty information
8
Important notice for California retail\x11buyers and lessees of \x05Mercedes-Benz \x05automobiles
9
Maintenance
10
Roadside Assistance
10
Change of address or ownership
10
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
11
Proper use of the vehicle
14
Reporting safety defects
16
At a glance
17
Cockpit
18
Instrument cluster
20
Multifunction steering wheel
22
Center console
23
Center console:Upper part
23
Center console:Lower part
24
Overhead control panel
25
Door control panel
26
Getting started
27
Unlocking
28
Key, electronic:Unlocking;Unlocking:With the electronic key
28
KEYLESS-GO* card:Unlocking;Unlocking:With the KEYLESS-GO* card
30
Adjusting:Seats
32
Seats
32
Steering wheel;Steering wheel:Adjusting
34
Mirrors;Rear view mirrors see Mirrors <$nopage>
35
Driving
37
Seat belts;Fastening the seat belts
37
Switching on headlamps
43
Turn signals
43
Cleaning:Windshield;Windshield wipers
44
Problems while driving
45
Locking
47
Deactivating:Headlamps
48
Key, electronic:Turning off the engine;Engine:Turning off with the key;Deactivating:Engine with the
48
Emergency engine shut-down
50
Safety and Security
51
Occupant safety
52
Airbags
53
Seat belts
58
Roll bar
61
Panic alarm;Panic alarm:Panic button on SmartKey
67
Activating
67
Deactivating
67
Driving safety systems
68
Driving safety systems:ABS
68
BAS
69
Driving safety systems:ESP
70
SBC brake system
72
Anti-theft systems:Anti-theft alarm system
75
Immobilizer
75
Anti-theft alarm system
75
Anti-theft systems:Tow-away alarm
77
Controls in detail
79
Locking and unlocking
80
Keys
80
Doors:Opening
89
Opening the trunk from the inside
89
Trunk lid emergency release
90
Trunk:Closing the lid;Closing:Trunk lid
91
Locking:Automatic while driving;Central locking:Automatic
91
Central locking:Central locking switch
92
Seats
93
Lumbar support adjustment;Adjusting:Lumbar support
93
Multicontour backrest*;Adjusting:Multicontour backrest*
93
Seats:Moving
95
Seats:Heater
97
Memory function
99
Storing positions into memory
100
Recalling positions from memory
100
Lighting
102
Combination switch
104
Hazard warning flasher
105
Interior lighting;Lighting:Interior
106
Courtesy lighting
107
Instrument cluster
108
Instrument lighting;Setting:Instrument lighting;Lighting:Instruments
108
Coolant:Temperature gauge
108
Resetting:Trip odometer
109
Temperature:Outside temperature indicator
109
Control system
110
Multifunction display;Control system:Multifunction display
110
Multifunction steering wheel:Buttons;Control system:Multifunction steering wheel;Multifunction steer
111
Control system
113
Menus:Standard display;Control system:Standard display menu
115
Menus:AUDIO;Control system:AUDIO menu
115
Menus:NAVI;Control system:NAVI menu
117
Menus:Malfunction memory;Control system:Malfunction memory menu
118
Trip computer menu
131
Menus:TEL*;Control system:TEL* menu;Telephone*:Operating;Operating:Telephone*
133
Automatic transmission
137
One-touch shifting
138
Gear range:Automatic transmission;Automatic transmission:Gear ranges
139
Program mode selector switch:Automatic transmission;Automatic transmission:Program mode selector swi
141
Steering wheel gearshift control (Speedshift) and manual shift program SL\x1155\x11AMG
142
Automatic transmission:Gear shifting malfunctions
144
Good visibility
145
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors <$nopage>
145
Headlamps:Headlamp cleaning system;Cleaning:Headlamps
146
Rear window defroster
146
Sun visors
146
Automatic climate control
147
Temperature:Setting interior temperature
149
Air volume adjustment
150
Adjusting:Air distribution
151
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL
151
Defrosting
151
Air recirculation mode
152
Rear window defroster
153
Residual heat utilization;Automatic climate control:Residual heat utilization
154
Automatic climate control:Deactivating
154
Air conditioner (cooling):Turning on
155
Storage spaces:Ventilated compartments
156
Power windows
157
Retractable hardtop
159
Opening and closing the retractable hardtop
159
Driving systems
168
Parking assistance (Parktronic*)
186
Useful features
190
Interior storage spaces
190
Ashtray
196
Lighter see Cigarette lighter <$nopage>
197
Heated steering wheel*;Steering wheel:Heating*
197
Trunk:Easy-Pack load assist;Easy-Pack
198
Electrical outlet
199
Telephone*
199
Tele Aid
200
Garage door opener
208
Operation
213
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
214
Driving instructions
215
Drive sensibly - save fuel
215
Drinking and driving
215
Pedals
215
Power assistance
216
Brakes
216
Driving off
218
Parking
218
Tires:Driving instructions
219
Hydroplaning; Aquaplaning see Hydroplanning
219
Tire traction
220
Tire speed rating
220
Winter driving instructions
221
Standing water:Driving instructions;Deep water see Standing water <$nopage>
222
Passenger compartment
222
Driving abroad
222
Radio transmitters, control and operation
222
Catalytic converter
223
Emission control
224
Coolant:Temperature
224
Fuel
225
Regular checks
226
Engine:Compartment
227
Hood
227
Engine oil:Checking level;Oil:Dipstick
228
Transmission see Automatic transmission:Fluid level;ATF (automatic transmission fluid);Automatic tra
230
ABC:Oil level
230
Coolant:Checking level;Checking:Coolant level
230
Batteries, vehicle
232
Windshield:Washer system;Headlamps:Headlamp cleaning system;Windshield washer fluid:Refilling;Windsh
233
Tires and wheels
234
Important guidelines
234
Service life (tires);Tires:Service life
235
Direction of rotation (tires)
235
Tire inflation pressure:Checking;Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure<$nopage>
235
Tires:Rotating
238
Winter driving
239
Winter driving:Tires;Tires:Winter
239
Block heater
240
Snow chains;Winter driving:Snow chains
240
Lamps, indicator and warning:Service indicator
241
Service indicator:Clearing
241
Service:Overdue
241
Service:Calling up the service indicator
242
Resetting:Service indicator (FSS)
242
Vehicle care
243
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
243
Practical hints
249
What to do if ...?
250
Lamps in instrument cluster
250
Where will I find ...?
288
First aid kit
288
Vehicle tool kit;Tools
288
Locking/unlocking in an emergency
290
Vehicle:Unlocking in an emergency;Emergency operations:Unlocking the vehicle;Unlocking:Vehicle in an
290
Vehicle:Locking in an emergency;Emergency operations:Locking the vehicle;Locking:Vehicle in an emerg
292
Easy-Pack:Lowering manually;Manual operations:Lowering Easy-Pack;Emergency operations:Lowering Easy-
292
Changing batteries
293
Bulbs, replacing:Front lamps;Replacing:Bulbs
295
Bulbs
295
Bulbs, replacing:Front lamps;Front lamps:Replacing bulbs;Replacing:Front lamp bulbs
298
Lamps, exterior:Replacing bulbs for rear;Replacing:Rear lamp bulbs
299
Replacing:Wiper blades;Windshield wipers:Replacing wiper blades
301
Removing
301
Installing
301
Flat tire
302
TIREFIT kit 1:Instructions for use
302
TIREFIT kit 2:Instructions for use
308
Flat tire:Spare wheel;Wheel change
312
Batteries, vehicle:Service;Service:Batteries
319
Batteries, vehicle:Disconnecting
320
Batteries, vehicle:Removing
321
Batteries, vehicle:Charging;Charging:Vehicle batteries
321
Batteries, vehicle:Reconnecting
321
Jump starting
323
Towing the vehicle;Vehicle:Towing
325
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit):Installing
327
Fuses
329
Technical data
331
Technical data
332
Warranty coverage
333
Loss of Service and Warranty Informa\x05tion Booklet
333
Labels, identification
334
Poly-V-belt drive:Layout
335
SL\x11500
335
SL\x1155\x11AMG
335
Engine
336
Tires:Rims and tires
337
Same size tires
337
Mixed size tires
338
Spare wheel
338
Technical data:Electrical system
339
Technical data:Main dimensions
340
Technical data:Weights
341
Capacities:Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
342
Capacities
342
Engine oil
343
Engine oil:Additives
343
Air conditioner refrigerant
343
Brake fluid
343
Fuel:Premium unleaded gasoline
344
Fuel requirements
344
Fuel:Gasoline additives
344
Coolant
345
Technical data:Windshield and headlamp washer system
347
Consumer information
348
Uniform tire quality grading
348
Technical terms
351
Index
357

2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Overview

Introduction

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class is a stunning masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the world of sports cars. Renowned for its sophisticated design and remarkable build quality, this model captures the essence of German engineering excellence. With its retractable hard-top roof, the SL Class seamlessly transitions from a sleek coupe to an open-air roadster, allowing drivers to enjoy the thrill of the drive in any weather condition.

Powertrains

Under the hood, the 2003 SL Class offers a range of dynamic powertrains that deliver exhilarating performance. The lineup begins with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing an impressive 302 horsepower, which ensures spirited acceleration and an engaging driving experience. For those seeking even more power, the SL55 AMG variant features a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine, generating an astounding 493 horsepower. Both powertrains are paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission that offers seamless gear changes, enhancing the driving experience.

Trims

The 2003 SL Class is available in various trims catering to diverse preferences. The base SL500 model combines luxury features with robust power, while the high-performance SL55 AMG model is tailored for enthusiasts seeking a track-ready experience. Each trim is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every ride feels opulent and complete.

Features

Luxury and technology converge within the 2003 SL Class, boasting a host of advanced features. A high-quality leather interior, premium audio system, and state-of-the-art navigation enhance the driving experience. Optional features such as a panoramic roof and advanced safety systems further elevate the vehicle’s appeal, making it as safe as it is stylish.

Owners Manual

The owners manual for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL Class provides comprehensive guidance on the vehicle’s features, maintenance, and operation. It serves as an essential resource for owners to familiarize themselves with every facet of their luxury sports car, ensuring an enjoyable and problem-free ownership experience.

User manual download

The Mercedes-Benz SL Class owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

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A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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