Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Operator's Manual page 199

Controls in detail
Driving systems
Distronic displays in the speedometer
dial
If Distronic detects a vehicle directly
ahead, the DTR indicator lamp E in the
speedometer dial comes on white.
If the distance to the vehicle ahead is too
small for the DTR to be able to maintain the
preset distance, the DTR warning lamp
E in the speedometer comes on red.
If Distronic calculates that there is a dan-
ger of collision
the DTR warning lamp E in the
speedometer comes on red
an intermittent warning sounds
Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid
a collision.
Under no circumstances should the
driver await the intermittent warning
sound before braking. See the follow-
ing warning note.
198
The intermittent warning sound ceases
and the red DTR warning lamp E
goes out when the necessary distance
to the vehicle ahead is again estab-
lished.
1 Red DTR warning lamp E
Warning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
E
DTR warning lamp (red) in the speed-
ometer dial is illuminated if the Distronic
system calculates that the distance to the
vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current
speed indicate that Distronic will not be ca-
pable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance,
which creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
the distance to the vehicle in front of you.
The warning sound is intended as a final cau-
tion that you have not interceded with your
own braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the op-
eration of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking, as that will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact be-
ing avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.
G