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Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1984 Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Mercedes-Benz 380 SL 1984

  • Page 2 • avoid unnecessarily high speeds • have all the maintenance jobs specified by us carried out at regular intervals by a MERCEDES-BENZ service station. Driving in low temperature weather, in stop-and-go city traffic and on short hops, and in hilly country also...
  • Page 3 Mercedes-Benz Owner's Manual 380 SL Chassis 107 1984...
  • Page 5 O u r company and staff wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new vehicle. You have placed a lot of trust in our company name by purchasing a MERCEDES, from which you may expect that it will give you long service, with a minimum of trouble and that it is easy to operate.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Brake Pad Wear Indicator this Owner's Manual, your Cruise Control ......20 Lamp ........47 MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be Automatic Climate C o n tro l Brake Fluid ......47 glad to inform you of correct care Various Equipment ...... 26 Charge Indicator L a m p ..
  • Page 7 Contents Vehicle Care Electrical S ystem ....Headlamp Adjustm ent..MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance Replacing Bulbs....System ........Vehicle Operation Fuses ........Spare Parts Service ....Battery........ Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle Spark Plugs......Jobs related to Care....Tow-starting and Towing the V ehicle......

  • Page 9: Vehicle Operation

    Vehicle Operation...

  • Page 10: Instruments And Controls

    Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages. 16 Switch for automatic antenna (page 38) > 1 Swivelling side ventilation outlets (page 21) 17 Switch for heated rear window (page 27) Control lever for side ventilation (page 21) 3 Parking brake release button (page 40) 18 Radio (page 33) 19 Automatic climate control (page 21)
  • Page 11 Instruments and Controls...

  • Page 12: Instrument Cluster

    Instrument Cluster 11 Turn signal indicator lamp, right (green) 1 Gauge for economical driving (ECONOMY). See page 49 12 02-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red): 2 Coolant temperature gauge (° C) When the indicator lamp comes on, the Up to red marking: Maximum permissible 02-Sensor must be replaced temperature for an anti-corrosion/antifreeze- 13 Seat belt warning lamp (red)
  • Page 13 Instrument Cluster...

  • Page 14: Keys Doors

    You are given 4 keys with your place so that it is always catch. vehicle. Replacement keys can be handy, if needed (e.g. in your wal­ obtained only via MERCEDES-BENZ let). Never leave the flat key in the Unlocking service stations. For security rea­ Locking vehicle.

  • Page 15: Central Lock System

    Keys Doors Central Lock System the trunk lock button in with it and To reverse this, turn trunk lock lift the lid. Return the key to its ini­ counterclockwise back to horizontal The central lock system enables tial position and withdraw it. To lock position of the tumbler slot with the front passenger door, the fuel the lid, close it firmly.

  • Page 16: Seats

    Seats Note: Seat elevation (6 positions): Each time handle (2) is pulled up, the Prior to operating the vehicle, the seat is raised by one notch. If the driver should adjust the seat height handle is pushed down completely, for proper vision as well as fore/aft the seat will return to its lowest placement and seat back angle to position.

  • Page 17: Safety Head Restraints

    Seats rear of back rest and pull up head restraint quickly, holding it by the LH head restraint post (viewed in driving direction). Finally pull out head restraint completely with both hands. Seat Heater The seat heater can be switched on when the steering lock is in position “1”...

  • Page 18: Seat Belts

    Seats Fastening: Functional test: • Pull belt with latch plate (1) over The locking function of the inertia shoulder and lap. The belt must reel can be tested by pulling the not be twisted. belt out quickly. • Press latch plate (1) into buckle Note: (2) and allow to engage audibly.

  • Page 19: Controls

    Controls Note: Wiper, windshield washer, head­ lamp flasher, lighter, glove compart­ Do not remove key from steer­ ment lamp, radio, seat heater, elec­ ing lock while the vehicle is in < trically adjustable exterior mirror. motion as this will cause the engagement of the steering lock A warning buzzer sounds when the thus rendering the vehicle...

  • Page 20: Lighting Switch

    Controls Lighting Switch Note: 0 Off-position With the steering lock key removed and the driver’s door or the front > 1 Parking lamps (includes side passenger’s door open, a warning marker lamps, tail lamps, license buzzer sounds if the vehicle’s ex­ plate lamps, instrument panel terior lamps are not switched off lamps)

  • Page 21: Combination Switch

    Controls Control for windshield washer system When the washer system is switched on, the wipers also operate. 7 Windshield wiper control 0 Windshield wiper switched off 1 Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III High wiper speed Note: If one of the turn signals fails, the turn signal indicator system flashes and sounds at a faster sequence Combination Switch...

  • Page 22: Cruise Control

    Controls pushing the switch to position 1 4 Resume or 2, and the accelerator can be If the lever is briefly pushed to released. The speed can be position 4 when driving at a speed exceeding approximately increased (e.g. for passing) by using the accelerator.

  • Page 23: Automatic Climate Control

    Automatic Climate Control The air volume of movable nozzles (3) can be adjusted with levers (2). Levers (2) to center of car = open All push buttons and fan control buttons should be operated indivi­ dually. The indicator lamps in the individual buttons light up when pressed with the lighting switch in position 1 or 2.
  • Page 24 Automatic Climate Control Fan Setting Temperature Selection (° C) Selection for fan settings can be made as The interior temperature can be adjusted by turn­ ing the temperature selector wheel. The selected follows: > temperature is reached as quickly as possible Push upper button for maximum fan speed and maintained.
  • Page 25 Automatic Climate Control EC (ECONOMY) = Economical setting; the air conditioning compressor stays off. In any other settings, the air conditioning compressor comes on with ambient temperatures above +2° C/ +36° F. We recommend this setting to be used with cool outside temperatures so that the air conditioning compressor stays off in order to save fuel.
  • Page 26 Automatic Climate Control @ Multi-Level This setting is necessary for clearing a fogged wind­ shield. As soon as possible, reset to 0 or ^ In the heating mode, air will be channeled to the windshield, the foot area, the nozzles (3) and to the doors;...
  • Page 27 Automatic Climate Control Defrosting Independent of the position of the temperature selector wheel and the fan speed setting, maximum heated air will be channeled to the windshield and nozzles (3), for side window defrosting. Note: The air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation.

  • Page 28: Various Equipment

    Various Equipment > Inside Rear View Mirror Exterior Mirrors Passenger side: Turn key in steering lock to position The mirror can be tilted to the Driver’s side: " ” Qr „ " The exterior mirror can anti-glare night position by means of The exterior mirror (2) can be be adjusted by means of the the lever at its lower edge.

  • Page 29: Sun Visors

    Various Equipment A heavy load is imposed on the battery due to the high power requirement. For this reason, switch off the heated rear window as soon as it is demisted or defrosted. It is shut off automatically after a maxi­ mum of 20 minutes.

  • Page 30: Lighter

    Various Equipment ► Power Windows Lighter Interior Lamps Turn key in steering lock to The switch for the front dome The power windows can only be lamps has 3 positions. operated with the steering lock in position “ 1” or “2”. position “2”.

  • Page 31: Soft Top

    Soft Top 1. Unlock rear bow (2) and compartment cover (3) by rotat­ ing lever (1) to position C. Lever < will automatically return to posi­ tion B. If the rear bow cannot be raised in this position, move lever (10) to position E. 2.
  • Page 32 Soft Top > 6. Close top storage compartment While pulling top down tighten 5. Fold back soft top into its cover, making sure that both framework by turning locks (4) storage compartment (5). outwards. Remove locking sides (9) are locked. To avoid curling the edges of handles.

  • Page 33: Hardtop

    Hardtop Removal of hardtop: 1. Disconnect plug and socket of the heated rear window in the < R-H rear compartment. 2. Place lever (1) in position B, lever (10) in position E. 3. Turn side locks (11) rearwards to the stop with locking handles. 4.
  • Page 34 Hardtop The soft top may become moldy if it is kept enclosed in the storage compartment for an extended period. Unfold and air it thoroughly (do not expose to the sun) at regular intervals during the wet and cold seasons. 3.

  • Page 35: Radio

    Radio Cassette eject button Cassette door To turn the radio on or off, the ignition switch must be in position “ 1” or “2". To turn the radio ON Press “ON” side of M A .u a switch. The radio will begin operating on the last station tuned to and the last volume and tone setting stored Electronic Radio...
  • Page 36 Radio the bar in the respective To tune to a station To adjust the tone characteristic direction. In order to arrive at a To set the radio to a “flat” Stations can be tuned in by using desired station faster, the bar has frequency response, briefly press automatic search, direct frequency to be held down in the desired...
  • Page 37 Radio Direct frequency dialing Unless the automatic station seeker bar IQ Q 2 & B is activated within 8 In order to select a station with a known frequency, select the wave band, seconds after pressing the function press the function button □ and then enter the frequency by pressing control button the manual...
  • Page 38 Radio Accordingly, for fast forward Showing the “old” setting first Tape Cassette playback allows for reconsideration of the transport of the tape, press the fast It is recommended to use only forward button i n ■ ! . decision to store. If it is desirable to good quality cassettes with a leave the “old”...
  • Page 39 Radio Note: To display time Setting the timer This is a 24 hour clock and time Briefly press the call button D Press button Q and key the de­ must be entered in all four digits. The time will be displayed for a few sired turn-on time into the timer as A 24 hour clock counts time from seconds.
  • Page 40 Radio Automatic Antenna The height of the antenna can be adjusted to any intermediate height The antenna switch can be actuated by actuating the antenna switch: with the radio switched on and the key in steering lock positions “ 1” or •...
  • Page 41 Driving...

  • Page 42: Hood

    Parking Brake Hood 7928 The engine is equipped with a tran­ Depress parking brake pedal (1). Pull lever below L-H side of instru­ sistorized ignition system. Because When the steering lock key is in ment panel to unlock the hood. The hood opens to the safety catch of the high voltage it is highly position “2”, the brake warning...

  • Page 43: Regular Inspections

    Have the following items checked regularly and prior to any long trip 1 Fuel Supply Use unleaded gasoline, for octane rating see “Capacities” and last page. 2 Tire Pressure For tire pressure table refer to fuel filler flap or last page. Check at least every other week.

  • Page 44: Catalytic Converter Cautions

    Catalytic Converter Cautions Continued operation of your vehicle As with any vehicle, do not idle, Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped can result in damage to the con­ park or operate this vehicle in with monolithic catalytic converters, verter. areas where combustible materials an important element in conjunc­...

  • Page 45: Starting And Turning Off The Engine

    Starting and Turning off the Engine Engage parking brake and move Turning off Do not speed up the engine before the gear selector lever in either “P” pressure is registered on the pres­ Turn the key in the steering lock to or “N”...

  • Page 46: Starting And Shifting Gears

    Starting and Shifting Gears Accelerator position The automatic transmission simpli­ fies the handling of the vehicle. The Partial throttle = early upshifting individual gears are shifted automa­ = normal acceleration tically dependent upon selector Full throttle = later upshifting lever position, vehicle speed and = maximum acceleration accelerator position.
  • Page 47 Starting and Shifting Gears Trailer Operation Neutral. “B” In this position, the engine’s No power is transmitted from braking effect is utilized while When proceeding on a hill, do not the engine to the rear axle. descending steep or lengthy allow the engine RPM to drop off When the brakes are released, downgrades, especially with a...

  • Page 48: Safe Driving

    Safe Driving We recommend M + S radial-ply Aquaplaning: Power assistance: tires for the cold season. On When the engine is not running, Depending on the depth of the packed snow, they can reduce your both the service brake and the water layer on the road, aquaplan­...

  • Page 49: Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

    ”, and will go out after the engine on the brake system should be Have brake system checked in a is running. carried out by a MERCEDES-BENZ MERCEDES-BENZ service station dealer. If the parking brake is If the warning lamp stays on after as soon as possible.

  • Page 50: Oil Pressure Gauge

    257° F with an anti-corrosion/anti­ be carried out regularly according freeze-blended coolant fill protect­ to MERCEDES-BENZ servicing re­ ing down to — 30° C/— 22° F (see quirements. For details refer to the also “Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, Maintenance Booklet.

  • Page 51: The First 1500 Km/1000 Miles

    (ECONOMY) Have your car winterized in a the more satisfied you will be with The gauge for economical driving MERCEDES-BENZ service station its performance later on. Therefore, indicates the fuel consumption ten­ before the onset of winter. drive your vehicle during the first...

  • Page 52: Hints For Driving

    Any fractions of a second as otherwise battery ensures that the engine MERCEDES-BENZ sen/ice station the steerability of the vehicle is lost. can always be started, even at will be glad to advise you on this low ambient temperatures.

  • Page 53: Vehicle Care

    Vehicle Care...

  • Page 54: Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System

    MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System A maintenance booklet is delivered Severe Operating Conditions Special Maintenance Measures with your car listing all the mainte­ Brake fluid should be renewed In the case of severe operating nance jobs that must be carried out annually, preferably in spring.

  • Page 55: Spare Parts Service

    Frequent washing, however, re­ patibility between materials used in ted to MERCEDES-BENZ vehicles. duces and/or eliminates the the production process and others aggressiveness and potency of the applied later.

  • Page 56: Jobs Related To Care

    (for improved recommended here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your prevention of soiling) if necessary. parts. MERCEDES-BENZ service station. No solvents (fuels, thinners etc.) Seat Belts must be used. The following topics deal with the...
  • Page 57 Use the appropriate tely. The organic acid damages the the unfolded and tightened top to MERCEDES-BENZ Touch-Up Stick material and causes the top to leak. air-dry. Wipe the rear window with a for quick and provisional repairs of...

  • Page 59: Practical Hints

    Practical Hints...

  • Page 60: Ash Tray

    Such supports may lead to marring of the paint or even denting of the roof if excessive weight is placed on the rack. Your MERCEDES-BENZ dealer can give further advice. Spare Wheel, Jack, Vehicle Tool Kit Ash tray...

  • Page 61: Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels

    The wheels can be rotated according to the degree of tire See any MERCEDES-BENZ service wear while retaining the same station for information on tested and sense of rotation. Rotating, how­...

  • Page 62: Changing Wheels

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels on inclines. Jack up the vehicle Should the tire pressure decrease constantly, check whether foreign until the wheel is clear off the objects have penetrated the tire or ground. if the rim or valve allows air to leak. 7.

  • Page 63: Tire Inflation Pressure

    Wheels Tires Changing Wheels Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Tire Inflation Pressure The vehicle should be parked on level ground A table (see fuel filler flap or last and the oil level must be page) lists the tire inflation pres­ somewhere between the sures specified for summer and lower and the upper mark...

  • Page 64: Checking Coolant Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Checking Coolant Level If a small amount of coolant has to be added (due to evaporation of The coolant reservoir with filler water), plain water can be used. neck is arranged away from the If a larger quantity of coolant has to radiator.

  • Page 65: Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

    Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Check transmission fluid level with applicable references only if the the engine idling, parking brake transmission fluid has reached its engaged and selector lever in posi­ normal operating temperature of tion “P”. The vehicle must be 80°...

  • Page 66: Electrical System

    Electrical System High beam sealed-beam unit Headlamp Adjustment Front Lamps (Sealed-beam/Halogen) type 1: 1 Cover Correct headlamp adjustment is Loosen clamping screws (9), extremely important. Check and 2 Securing screws for cover remove retaining ring and unit, readjust headlamps at regular inter­ disconnect plug and socket on 3 Horizontal adjusting screws vals and invariably when a lamp...
  • Page 67 Electrical System 13 Bulb for turn signal, clearance 14 Bulb for fog lamp (H3): Tail Lamp Assembly and standing lamps 21/5 W/ Loosen securing screws (15) Remove both knurled nuts in the 32/3 cp: and remove housing. trunk and pull off lens assembly. Detach holding spring (16), The lamps are located below To replace the bulbs, depress, turn...
  • Page 68 Electrical System License Plate Lamps Footwell Lamps Dome Lamps (5 W festoon lamp) (10 W festoon lamp) (5 W festoon lamp) Loosen both the securing screws Press off lamp (1) at the nose (2), To replace the bulb, carefully pry ) of the lamp, detach lens with replace bulb and press lamp on loose the dome lamp lens by...
  • Page 69 Electrical System Glove Compartment Lamp Trunk Lamp (5 W/3 cp) (5 W festoon lamp) The trun^ |amp (-j) js eaSj|y To replace the bulb, pull out lamp. accessible when the trunk lid (2) is opened. To replace the bulb, depress, turn counterclockwise and take it out.

  • Page 70: Fuses

    Electrical System Battery Only tow vehicle with the battery connected. The battery is located in the trunk. Only charge battery with a battery Check fluid level in each cell charger when it is disconnected approximately every four weeks, from the vehicle electrical circuit. and more frequently during the Caution: summer and in hot climates.

  • Page 71: Tow-Starting And Towing The Vehicle

    Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle Towing eyes are situated under­ Move selector lever to position “N”. Towing the Vehicle neath the R-H front and rear end. Turn key in steering lock to position The vehicle may be towed with all Use a solid towing link such as a “...

  • Page 72: Jump Starting

    Unlocking of the Filler Rap Jump Starting If the battery is discharged the Instructions: \*£& 'Cn engine can be started with jumper A discharged battery can freeze at cables (minimum cable cross sec­ approx. -10° C/ +14° F. In all cases tion is 35 mm2) and the (12 V) it must be thawed out before jum­...

  • Page 73: Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants Etc

    Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

  • Page 74: Identification Plates

    Identification Plates When ordering spare parts, please quote chassis and engine numbers. Information Tag California version Vacuum line routing for emission control system Emission Control Tag Certification Tag (left door pillar) 3 Chassis No. Emission Control Tag Identification Tag (left window 4 Body No.

  • Page 75: Vehicle Data Cards

    Data card No. 1 bears the key number and should never be left in the vehicle. Submit this card to your MERCEDES-BENZ service station to request a replacement key in case of loss. Data card No. 2 bears no key data and is kept in the Maintenance Booklet.

  • Page 76: Technical Data

    Technical Data V-belts: Chassis.......... 380 SL (107 045) Water pump - fan - power steering pump 2 V-belts ..........9.5 x 1100 mm Alternator ..........9.5 x 990 mm Air conditioning 12.5x 920 mm Air p u m p ..........9.5 x 750 mm Transmission Design ......Automatic four-speed Engine...
  • Page 77 Technical Data Main Dimensions Rims - Tires Overall vehicle length . 4580 mm/180.3 in Rims (forged light alloy rim s) J x 14 H 2 Overall vehicle width 1790 mm/ 70.5 in Summer tires: Radial-ply tires 205/70 R 14 93 H Overall height, Winter tires: R oadster....

  • Page 78: Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, El

    Initial fill: 8.6 1/9.1 US qt automatic transmission2 Fluid change: 7.7 1/8.1 US qt Automatic transmission 2 Any MERCEDES-BENZ service station will advise \/rw i r>n r o r n m m o n H o H h r a n H c...
  • Page 79 85 I/22.5 US gal Octane of Research and Motor 87 including a reserve of approximately 11.5 I/3.0 US gal (RON of 91) Cooling system 12.5 1/13.2 US qt Coolant' 1 Any MERCEDES-BENZ service station will advise you on recommended brands.

  • Page 80: Engine Oils

    A recommended engine oil may be on recommended brands is avail­ moisture from the atmosphere. used for topping up if the oil level able at any MERCEDES-BENZ ser­ drops to the dipstick minimum Under extremely hard operating vice station. conditions, this moisture content...

  • Page 81: Coolants

    The coolant remains in the cooling antifreeze concentration is carried done only in emergency situations. system all year long and must be out only at each MERCEDES-BENZ Add anti-corrosion/antifreeze as renewed after 3 years at the latest. maintenance service. soon as possible.

  • Page 82: Service Literature

    Customers who are interested in ordering service lite­ rature for their vehicles are advised to contact our subsidiaries in the U.S. or Canada at the following addresses. for U.S.A.: Mercedes-Benz of N.A. Inc. One Mercedes Drive P. O. Box 350 Montvale, New Jersey 07645 Att: Technical Publications...

  • Page 83: Consumer Information

    Consumer Information Uniform Tire Quality Grading Temperature “A”, “B”, “C” This has been prepared as required of all manufacturers of passenger Relevant tire grade information on The temperature grades of “A” (the cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. highest). “B" and “C” representing tire flanks.
  • Page 84 Consumer Information Vehicle Stopping Distance This figure indicates braking performance that can be met or exceeded by the vehicles to which it applies, under different conditions of loading and with partial failures of the braking system. The information presented repre­ sents results obtainable by skilled drivers under controlled road and vehicle conditions, and the information may not be correct under other conditions.
  • Page 86 P rin te d in G e r m a n y We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Owner’s Manual (s.e.e.o.). Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted w ithout our prior authorization in writing.
  • Page 87 Daimler-Benz AG Stuttgart-Untertuerkheim Zentralkundendienst...
  • Page 88 What You Should Know at the Gas Station • Coolant: For normal replenishment, use water • Fuel: Unleaded gasoline: Average Octane of (potable water quality). Research and Motor 87 (RON of 91). For further information (e.g. anti-corrosion/ Fuel tank capacity approx. 85 I/22.5 US gal, this antifreeze), refer to page 79.

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