1. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Q+A

2. General Questions Where is the SLR produced?
The SLR is produced in Woking, England by our partner McLaren at the brand new McLaren Technology Center (MTC).
Why wasn’t the car produced in Germany?
Due to McLaren’s extensive experience with carbon fiber construction it was determined that they were in the best position to build a low volume super sports car with carbon fiber construction.
How many SLRs will be produced?
The plan is to build 3,500 worldwide over a 7 year life cycle.
How long does production take?
The SLR is produced completely by hand.
It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to produce a SLR.
The painting process can take 2-3 weeks.
After production takes place there is extensive road testing which can result in 100 or more testing miles being put on the odometer.

3. General Questions Does DaimlerChrysler own a share of McLaren?
Yes, DC owns a 40% of the McLaren. Ron Dennis and Monsour Ojjeh each own a 30% share.
Does McLaren also build our Formula One race car?
Yes, McLaren builds the McLaren Mercedes-Benz F1 race car at the McLaren Technology Center (MTC).
Did McLaren build the famous McLaren F1 roadcar?
Yes, they built 103 units and it is interesting to note that this car holds the world record for the fastest production car at 241mph.
Can a customer tour the McLaren factory?
Yes, a down-payment SLR customer can tour the SLR Experience Center (SEC).
The price of a one-day tour, test drive, meals, one night hotel and transfer are included in the price of the vehicle.
How can a customer make a reservation to visit the SEC?
The customer can either contact his dealer or call the SLR assistance Center (SAC) at option 5.

4. General Questions Where else can the customer go for a SLR test drive?
The Center of Excellence (CoE) is available for customer visits and test drives. Please forward any requests to a SLR or Maybach Liaison.
There are ongoing world-wide driving events. Please forward any requests to a SLR or Maybach Liaison.
Can a customer visit AMG as well?
We can attempt to make arrangements for a visit to AMG
AMG will charge each MPC a small fee
Can the customer go to a Formula One race?
We can attempt to assist a customer in getting tickets
Due to the tickets high costs (up to $5,000) the customer will be charged

5. Technical Is there a manual fuel filler flap release?
What type of battery system does the SLR use?
The battery system is the same as the R230 (new SL) with a starter battery and system battery. Both batteries are located in the trunk and should never be jump started.
Does the car come with a battery charger?
Yes, the SLR has a trickle charger as standard equipment. There is a 12V socket located on the left side of the trunk that the trickle charger must be connected to.
Can the battery be jump started?
No. Jump starting will cause severe damage to the electrical system.
Is there a manual fuel filler flap release?
Yes, in the RR trunk. The first aid kit must be removed and the two screws that hold the compartment in place. The release is behind this compartment and is very similar to the manual release on the C/CLK class.

6. Technical Is there a jump starting procedure? No, do not jump start
Use the metal key to open the trunk when the central locking is not working
Go to the upper left corner of the trunk to find a small plastic knob near the fire wall. Pull the knob to unlock the doors, once inside attempt to start the vehicle.
With the smart key out of the ignition, hook up the factory supplied trickle charger to the 12v outlet on the left side of the trunk. It might take a few hours to fully charge the battery.
With the smart key out of the ignition, hook jumper cables up to the battery leads for a few minutes, voltage has a tendency to travel to the least point of resistance. Remove the cable and attempt to start or move the gear selector to NEUTRAL(set parking brake) for towing.
Tow the vehicle (using the tow guidelines) to the nearest SLR trained dealer

7. Technical Is there a manual fuel filler flap release?
Yes, in the right rear trunk. The first aid kit must be removed along with the two allen head screws that hold the compartment in place. The release is behind this compartment and is very similar to the manual release on the C/CLK class.

8. Sales How much does the SLR cost? Are there any chargeable options?
MSRP $450,000
Gas Guzzler Tax $3,000
Transportation fee $2,750
Are there any chargeable options?
Yes, Silver Arrow leather for $9,900
How many SLRs will each dealer receive?
It depends on the allocation table. Typically, larger dealers will be getting more SLRs earlier on than the smaller dealers.
When will more colors be offered?
Beginning in early 2006 additional paint and leather colors will be offered. In addition an individualization program similar to Maybach will also be introduced.
How many SLR retails were there in 2004?
MBUSA retailed less than 50 cars.
When is the model year changeover?
MY 06 begins with June production which translates to about September delivery time frame.

9. Service Can every dealer service the SLR?
-Yes, but they must be SLR compliant. Special tools, equipment and training are required. The dealer screen in fastracc shows which dealers are SLR compliant.
What about collision or body repair?
-Please contact a SLR liaison or Bob Sherry when a SLR has this type of damage.
What is the warranty?
-4 years unlimited miles.
Is service covered?
-No. Like all MB models, service is not included under the warranty.
Is there an extended warranty?
-No. There are no plans to offer an extended warranty.
What else is covered under the warranty period?
-The service welcome and first diagnostic check plus Q&A (1000 to 3000 miles). During a actual roadside assistance call, washer fluid and wiper blades will be provided free of charge upon request.
What about towing?
-Covered for warranty items pick-up and delivery.
What about Alternate Transportation?
-This is handled under the current Alternate Transportation policy.
What are the service intervals?
-First Visit between 1000 and 3000 miles.
-Tire Inspection before 6500 miles.
-Every year or every 10,000 miles

10. Various Topics What can be done to improve the ride comfort?
We offer 18 inch wheels and tires which will offer a slightly better ride characteristic due to the increased sidewall height.
The tires pressures can be lowered slightly (running change)
What can be done to decrease brake noise?
Due to the nature of ceramic brake rotors they tend to be noisy especially when cold. A customer can brake hard two or three times to stop the noise temporarily.
Why can’t the A/C be turned off?
If the fuel temperature is higher than 30c, the the fuel system is being cooled by the A/C. This is indicated by a flashing light in the A/C switch on the dashboard. The A/C cannot be turned off during this scenario.
What is the break in period?
For the first 1000 miles limit the RPM to about 4500RPM and keep vehicle speed below 150MPH. The oil level should be checked regularly during this period.
Is it possible to raise the vehicle to gain extra ground clearance?
No, the ride height must remain at the factory specification or the aerodynamics could be compromised.

11. Various Topics Why is there high oil consumption? Will snow tires fit?
This is a high performance engine with over 600hp. Up to a quart of oil can used in a 750 mile period. Please check the oil level regularly with the engine running and at operating temperatures.
Will snow tires fit?
Yes, but only on the front 18 inch wheels. They must also be used on the rear. Snow chains will also fit the 18 inch wheels. No special suspension setup is required.
Why are the brake pads wearing quickly while on a racetrack?
When used under extreme conditions (i.e. race driving) the brake pads can wear out completely in only a few hundred miles.
In an emergency, how do I open the gullwing doors?
There is an emergency release in the left side of the trunk.