Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 16

Starting and Turning off the Engine
Before Starting
Ensure that the parking brake is
engaged and that selector lever is in
position "P" or "N". Turn key in
steering lock to position 2. The charge
indicator lamp should come on.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Release key only when the
engine is firing regularly.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will rise slowly after the engine has
stared. Do not speed up the engine
before pressure is registered on the
pressure gauge, If you do not see the
gauge register oil pressure, stop the
engine and have it checked.
The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as soon as the engine has
started.
In areas where temperatures frequently
drop below -4°F (-20°C) we
recommend that an engine block heater
be installed. Your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you
on this subject.
Turning Off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with
your foot off the brake pedal and the
selector lever in position "P".
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