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• have all the maintenance jobs specified by us carried out at regular intervals by an autho rized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. Driving in low temperature weather, in stop-and-go city traffic and on short hops, and in hilly country also increases fuel consumption.
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M e rc e d e s -B e n z Owner's Manual ® 380 SL Chassis 107 1985...
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O u r company and staff wish you many hours of enjoy ment 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 is easy to operate.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator this Owner's Manual, your Steering L o c k ......20 Lamp ........51 MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be Lighting Switch ......21 Brake F lu id ....... 51 glad to inform you of correct care Combination S w itc h ....22 ABS-Brake System and operating procedures.
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Contents Vehicle Care Electrical System ....Headlamp Adjustment ... MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance Replacing B u lb s ....System ........58 Vehicle Operation Fuses ....... Spare Parts Service .....59 B a tte ry......Cleaning and Care Spark P lu g s ....
Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages. Switch for heated rear window (page 30) 1 Swivelling side ventilation outlets (page 24) 16 Switch for automatic antenna (page 41) 2 Control lever for side ventilation (page 24) 17 Switch for front dome lamps (page 31) 3 Parking brake release button (page 44) 18 Radio (page 36) 4 Hood release lever (page 44)
Instrument Cluster 1 Economical driving indicator (ECONOMY). 12 0 2-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red): When the indicator lamp comes on, See page 54 the 0 2-Sensor must be replaced 2 Coolant temperature gauge 13 Seat belt warning lamp (red) Up to red marking: Maximum permissible temperature for an anticorrosion/antifreeze- 14 Brake pad wear indicator lamp (yellow): blended fill protecting down to —30°...
Never leave the flat key in the obtained only via an authorized Locking vehicle. MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. For The driver’s door can be locked Master Key - square head - fits all security reasons, obtaining replace only if it is closed and the door ment keys requires considerable locks on the car.
Keys Doors Central Locking System Push the trunk lock button in with it To reverse this, turn trunk lock and lift the lid. Return the key to its counterclockwise back to horizontal The central locking system enables initial position and withdraw it. To position of the tumbler slot with the front passenger door, the fuel lock the lid, close it firmly.
Seats Seat elevation (6 positions): Each Note: 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.
Seats restraint quickly, holding it by the LH head restraint post (viewed in driving direction). Finally pull out head restraint completely with both hands. Warning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Seat Heater The seat heater can be switched on when the steering lock is in position “...
Supplemental Restraint System Warning System: Unfastening: • Push in the red button (3) in the The indicator is illuminated for 4 - 8 belt buckle. seconds after turning the steering lock key to position “2”. If the seat • The retractor should completely belt of the driver’s seat is not rewind the belt and latch plate fastened a warning buzzer sounds...
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Supplemental Restraint System In cases of less severe frontal Notes: impacts, such as roll-overs, side or No seat belt can be used for more rear collisions, or other accidents than one person. Belts are not without severe frontal forces, the intended for children under the age emergency tensioning retractors of six or under the weight of...
This will not cause the supplemen tal restraint system to be activated. However, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer immedia tely to have the system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may not be 9949 activated in a severe frontal acci...
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Do not make any modification that is neither injurious to your health, These instructions are available at could change the effectiveness of nor does it indicate a fire in the every authorized MERCEDES-BENZ the belts. vehicle. dealer. An airbag or tensioning retractor...
Controls Wiper, windshield washer, head Note: 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 key has been left in steering lock...
Controls Lighting Switch Notes: 0 Off-position With the steering lock key removed and the driver’s door or the front Parking lamps (includes side passenger’s door open, a warning marker lamps, tail lamps, license buzzer sounds if the vehicle’s exte plate lamps, instrument panel rior lamps are not switched off lamps) (standing lamps excepted).
Controls 6 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...
Controls released. The speed can be when the key in the steering increased (e. g. for passing) by lock is turned to position “ 1” or using the accelerator. As soon as “ ” . the accelerator is released, the pre Note: viously set speed will be resumed If the engine does not brake the...
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.
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Automatic Climate Control Temperature Selection (° C) Fan Setting The interior temperature can be adjusted by turn Selection for fan settings can be made as § ing the temperature selector wheel. The selected follows: temperature is reached as quickly as possible and maintained.
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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.
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Automatic Climate Control @ Multi-Level This setting is necessary for clearing a fogged wind shield. As soon as possible, reset to ^ In the heating mode, air will be channeled to the windshield, the foot area, the nozzles (3) and to the doors;...
Various Equipment Passenger side: Exterior Mirrors Inside Rear View Mirror Turn key in steering lock to position Driver’s side: The mirror can be tilted to the anti “ 1” or “2”. The exterior mirror can glare night position by means of The exterior mirror (2) can be be adjusted by means of the the lever at its lower edge.
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.
Various Equipment Lighter Interior Lamps Power Windows Turn key in steering lock to The switch for the front dome The power windows can only be position “ 1” or “2”. lamps has 3 positions. operated with the steering lock key in position “2”.
Soft Top 1. Unlock rear bow (2) and com partment cover (3) by rotating lever (1) to position C. Lever will automatically return to position B. If the rear bow cannot be raised in this position, move lever (10) to position E. 2.
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Soft Top 99 04 6. Guide the top into its storage Close top storage compartment their corresponding latching compartment (5). cover, making sure that both holes in the windshield header sides (9) are locked. bar. To avoid curling the edges of the soft top, tuck in the edges 4.
Removal or attachment of the hard the rear. gage the locks in windshield head top is best done at an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer, although er bar and behind the doors (11). Put locking handles back into the this can be carried out by 2 per...
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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 regu lar intervals during the wet and cold seasons.
Radio Fast tape forward locking button E l f i j 16 Cassette eject button [ « ] e s i Cassette door lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll To turn the radio on or off, the steering lock key must be in posi tion “ 1” or “2”. To turn the radio ON Press “ON”...
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Radio A fader control, installed in the center console, allows for balancing the sound level To select AM or FM between the front and rear speakers. Press any of the buttons marked through to tune the radio to To adjust the tone characteristic the FM band.
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Radio Note: The radio is programmed to automatically search the entire band at three sensi tivity levels. During its first sweep, only the most powerful stations received will be All AM stations have allocated frequen selected and locked in. During the next sweep, the less powerful and during the cies ending with a “0”.
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Radio Safety Note Any AM station can be stored similarly Tape Cassette playback on any button marked through To avoid distraction from the vehicle’s It is recommended to use only good operation and the road, it is recom quality cassettes with a playback time Stereo reception mended that the driver NOT perform of not more than 60 to 90 minutes...
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Radio Setting the timer Accordingly, for fast forward of the tape, Example 1: To enter 7:30 AM, press the fast forward button I n M i l . press buttons > > ■ 1. Press button Q When the radio is turned off by press- Example 2: To enter 4:28 PM, 2.
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Radio Automatic Antenna The height of the antenna can be adjusted to any intermediate posi The antenna switch can be actuated tion by actuating the antenna with the radio switched on and the switch: key in steering lock positions “ 1 ” or “2”.
Parking Brake Hood Depress parking brake pedal (1). The engine is equipped with a tran Pull lever below L-H side of instru When the steering lock key is in ment panel to unlock the hood. sistorized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is highly dan position “2", the brake warning The hood opens to the safety catch gerous to touch any components...
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.
Catalytic Converter Cautions As with any vehicle, do not idle, Should any noticeable irregularities Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped in the engine operation occur, park or operate this vehicle in with monolithic catalytic converters, areas where combustible materials an important element in conjunction...
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”...
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 auto = normal acceleration matically dependent upon selector Full throttle = later upshifting lever position, vehicle speed and = maximum acceleration accelerator position.
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Starting and Shifting Gears “N” Neutral. “B” In this position, the engine’s Trailer Operation 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...
Safe Driving Aquaplaning: We recommend M+S radial-ply 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 stopping distance as compared steering are without power assis...
All checks and maintenance work turned to position “2” and it must reservoir is reached, have the on the brake system should be car go out when the engine is system checked (brake lining thick ried out by a MERCEDES-BENZ ness, leaks). dealer.
We recommend that you visit can prevent accidents. The ABS exceeded at least once after start cannot prevent accidents including an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ those resulting from excessive dealer as soon as possible to have At the instant one of the wheels is the system checked.
“ Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”). must be repaired at an authorized accuracy of the displayed tempera During severe operating conditions MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon ture can only be verified by compa and stop-and-go city traffic the as possible. rison to a thermometer located next...
Do not compare fuel consumption therefore, be carried out only by Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It readings between different gears. qualified MERCEDES-BENZ techni is not recommended to brake the The following rule applies: If you cians. The adjustments of the vehicle by manually shifting to a drive at equal speeds, the fuel con...
Have your car winterized at an temperature. A well charged wheels are locked for no more than authorized MERCEDES-BENZ battery ensures that the engine fractions of a second as otherwise dealer before the onset of winter.
Use only tire chains that are tested Abroad, there is a widely-spread and recommended by us. Any Tire chains should only be driven MERCEDES-BENZ service network at your disposal. If you travel into authorized MERCEDES-BENZ deal on snow at speeds not to exceed er will be glad to advise you on this 50 km/h/30 mph.
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System A maintenance booklet is delivered Severe Operating Conditions The coolant should be checked for with your car listing all the mainte sufficient protection before the start In the case of severe operating nance jobs that must be carried out of and during the cold season.
Spare Parts Service Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle All MERCEDES-BENZ dealers main In operation, your vehicle is sub In doing so, do not neglect the tain a stock of original spare parts jected to a great amount of varying underside of the car.
5 liter container of washer sol it is best to seek aid at your autho prevention of soiling) if necessary. vent. rized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. No solvents (fuels, thinners etc.) must be used. The following topics deal with the Plastic Parts, Headliner,...
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Use the appropriate a chrome cleaner. solution. Do not use scouring MERCEDES-BENZ Touch-Up Stick agents. for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage.
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Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle If only parts of the top have been Dry cleaning: Soft Top washed, wet the entire top at the Brush top (always from front to Stow only a completely dry top in end of the proceedings and allow rear) with a soft-bristled brush.
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 The spare wheel (1) is stored in a...
Wheels Tires Changing Wheels Practical Hints Wheels, Tires For tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data”. Replace wheels or tires with the same designation, manufacturer Rotating wheels: and type as shown on the original part. The wheels can be rotated accord ing to the degree of tire wear while See any authorized MERCEDES- retaining the same sense of rota...
Wheels Tires Changing Wheels Should the tire pressure decrease always be vertical as seen from the side, even on inclines. constantly, check whether foreign Jack up the vehicle until the objects have penetrated the tire or wheel is clear off the ground. if the rim or valve allows air to leak.
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...
Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. If a small amount of coolant has to Checking Coolant Level be added (due to evaporation of The coolant reservoir with filler water), plain water can be used. neck is arranged away from the radiator. To add coolant, the car If a larger quantity of coolant has to must be on level ground.
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°...
Electrical System High beam sealed-beam unit Front Lamps Headlamp Adjustment (Sealed-beam/Halogen) type 1: Correct headlamp adjustment is 1 Cover 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...
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Electrical System 8204 Bulb for turn signal, clearance Bulb for fog lamp (H3): Tail Lamp Assembly Loosen securing screws (15) and standing lamps 21/5 W/ 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...
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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 (1) of the lamp, detach lens with replace bulb and press lamp on loose the dome lamp lens by...
Electrical System Glove Compartment Lamp Trunk Lamp (5 W/3 cp) Fuses (5 W festoon lamp) The trunk lamp (1) is easily acces The fuse box (1) is accommodated To replace the bulb, pull out lamp. sible when the trunk lid (2) is in the R-H side floor space.
Electrical System A battery will also produce hydro Battery The service life of the battery is also dependent on its condition of gen gas, which is flammable and The battery is located in the trunk. explosive. Keep flames or sparks charge.
Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle Towing eyes are situated under After attaining a towing speed of Towing the Vehicle neath the R-H front and rear end. 30 km/h/18 mph (with cold trans The vehicle may be towed with all Use a solid towing link such as a mission) or 50 km/h/30 mph (with of the wheels on the ground and towbar.
Unlocking of the Filler Flap Jump Starting If the battery is discharged the Instructions: engine can be started with jumper A discharged battery can freeze at cables (minimum cable cross sec approx. — 10° C /+ 14° F. In all tion is 25 mm2) and the (12 V) bat...
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 1 Certification Tag (left door pillar) Chassis No. Emission Control Tag Body No. and Paintwork No. 2 Identification Tag (left window Catalyst Information Engine No.
Data card No. 1 bears the key number and should never be left in the vehicle. Submit this card to your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer to request a replacement key in case of loss. Data card No. 2 bears no key data and is kept in the Maintenance Booklet.
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 D e sig n......
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Technical Data Main Dimensions Rims - Tires Rims (forged light alloy rims)....6 Vi J x 14 H 2 Overall vehicle len g th....4580 mm/180.3 in Summer tires: Overall vehicle width ....1790 mm/ 70.5 in Radial-ply tires........205/70 R 14 93 H Overall height, Winter tires: R oadster.......
Lubricants etc. Capacities Inquire at your authorized Vehicle components and their Therefore use only brands tested and recommended by us. MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. respective lubricants must match. Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. Recommended engine oil A m bient temp. Total oil capacity in case of engine oil 8.0 1/8.5 US qt...
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Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. Rear axle 1.3 1/1.4 US qt Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90' Accelerator control linkage Hydraulic fluid Automatic transmission fluid for Power steering 1.4 1/1.5 US qt power steering1 High temperature roller Front wheel hubs approx.
10 % . BENZ. used for topping up if the oil level The ratio of Methanol to gasoline Your MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will drops to the dipstick minimum must not exceed 3 %. In both provide you with additional informa...
If the coolant level is low, water and ducts have not been tested for • boiling protection (by increasing MERCEDES-BENZ vehicles. The fol M-B anticorrosion/antifreeze should the boiling point). be used to bring it up to the proper lowing product, however, is recom...
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...
Consumer Information This has been prepared as required Uniform Tire Quality Grading Temperature “A”, “B”, “C” of all manufacturers of passenger Relevant tire grade information on The temperature grades of “A” (the cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. tire flanks. highest).
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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.
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Printed in Germ any We reserve th e rig h t to m o d ify th e te c h n ic a l d e ta ils o f th e veh ic le as given in the data and illu s tra tio n s o f th is O w ner’s M anual (s.e.e.o.).
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What You Should Know at the Gas Station • Fuel: Unleaded gasoline: Average Octane of • Coolant: For normal replenishment, use water Research and Motor 87 (RON of 91). (potable water quality). Fuel tank capacity approx. 85 I/22.5 US gal, For further information (e.
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D aim ler-B enz AG Stuttgart-U ntertuerkheim Z entralkundendienst...
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