Mercedes-Benz 2003 SL 55 AMG Automobile User Manual


 
73
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
The SBC brake system is automatically ac-
tivated when you:
ț unlock the vehicle with the key or the
KEYLESS-GO* card
ț open the driver’s or passenger door
ț turn the key in the starter switch to
position 1
ț in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*, press
start/stop button on selector lever
once
ț depress the brake pedal
ț release the parking brake
Warning! G
The SBC brake system requires electrical
power to operate.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 253) and
the warning messages (
page 265) light up
while driving. To brake, the driver must then
apply significantly greater brake pedal pres-
sure and depress the pedal much further to
obtain the expected braking effect. If neces-
sary, apply full pressure to the brake pedal.
Brakes are only applied to the front wheels.
Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the SBC brake
system, we recommend that the vehicle be
transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment.
A tow bar must be used if circumstances
do not permit the use of the recommended
towing methods and the vehicle requires
towing with all four wheels on the ground.
Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is only permissible for distances
up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not
to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more in-
formation, refer to “Towing the vehicle”
(
page 325).
i
If the SBC brake system is activated as
the brake pedal is first depressed, you
may feel a reduced pedal resistance
and longer pedal travel than normal.
When releasing the pedal, you may also
feel the brake pedal pulsate and you
may hear a sound which is caused by
the activation of the SBC pump. This is
normal and not an indication of a mal-
function. Pedal travel returns to normal
when you release the brake pedal and
the sound soon ceases.