2004 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 199

Controls in detail Driving systems Distronic displays in the speedometer dial If Distronic detects a vehicle directly ahead, the DTR indicator lamp E in the speedometer dial comes on white. If the distance to the vehicle ahead is too small for the DTR to be able to maintain the preset distance, the DTR warning lamp E in the speedometer comes on red. If Distronic calculates that there is a danger of collision the DTR warning lamp E in the speedometer comes on red an intermittent warning sounds Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid a collision. Under no circumstances should the driver await the intermittent warning sound before braking. See the following warning note. 1 Red DTR warning lamp E The intermittent warning sound ceases and the red DTR warning lamp E goes out when the necessary distance to the vehicle ahead is again established. Warning! G An intermittent warning sounds and the DTR warning lamp (red) E in the speedometer dial is illuminated if the Distronic system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that Distronic will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision. Immediately brake the vehicle to increase the distance to the vehicle in front of you. The warning sound is intended as a final caution that you have not interceded with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the operation of the warning signal to intercede with your own braking, as that will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided. Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. 198