Mercedes-Benz 2003 SL-Class Automobile User Manual


 
216
Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistance Brakes
Warning! G
The brake system requires electrical energy
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system In such a case, the red
brake warning lamp (
page 253) and warn-
ing messages (
page 265) in the instru-
ment cluster light up while driving. To brake,
the driver must then apply significantly
greater brake pedal pressure and depress
the pedal much further to obtain the expect-
ed braking effect. If necessary, apply full
pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes are only
applied to the front wheels. Stopping dis-
tance 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 ap-
propriate 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 infor-
mation, refer to "Towing the vehicle"
(
page 325).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to steer the vehicle.
Warning! G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.