2009 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 206

Operation Engine compartment erwise come loose while the vehicle is in motion and injure you and/or others. X X For further information contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Let the hood drop from a height of approximately 1 ft (30 cm). Check to make sure the hood is fully closed. If you can raise the hood at a point above the headlamps, then it is not properly closed. Open it again and let it drop with somewhat greater force. Notes on checking engine oil level When checking the oil level Rthe vehicle must be parked on level ground Rwith 2 Handle for opening the hood X X the engine at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned off the engine not at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 30 minutes with the engine turned off Push handle 2 under the hood upwards. Pull up on the hood and then release it. The hood will be automatically held open at shoulder height by gas-filled struts. Rwith Engine oil The amount of oil your engine needs will depend on a number of factors, including driving style. Increased oil consumption can occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle is driven frequently at higher engine speeds. Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the vehicle break-in period. Closing G Warning! When closing the hood, use extreme caution not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that you do not close the hood on anyone. Make sure the hood is securely engaged before driving off. Do not continue driving if the hood can no longer engage after an accident, for example. The hood could oth- Checking engine oil level with the oil dipstick On the SL 550 and SL 63 AMG, you can check the engine oil level with the oil dipstick. ! Do not use any special lubricant additives, as these may damage the drive assemblies. Using special additives not approved by Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. i In vehicles without an oil dipstick, the engine oil level is measured via the control system (Y page 205). 204