SL/R231: some audio help please
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
some audio help please
Newbie here with a new purchase of a 2015 SL550 and have figured out most things, but I haven't been able to find the information regarding how to remove the menu bars (top and bottom) from the radio display once you have selected your preset or regular radio station to have a full screen display of just the simulated radio dial. I'm pretty sure i was able to do it once by accident when i was setting up all my various command preferences, but I thought it would be a timing thing that would clear the screen after a set time. if I'm mistaken please let me know. Many thanks in advance for the help. I have owned several mercedes products over the years, but this is the first one with more advanced technology.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
yes, i have unfortunately without any success. i had thought it might be a timed thing, but it isn't and i'm pretty sure i didn't do anything that i can remember to hold the upper and lower menus on the screen. if it is something that is normal, i would really appreciate someone telling me that. if it something that can be cleared, leaving just the radio "dial" faceplate, i would appreciate the procedure to accomplish it. many thanks in advance for taking the time to assist with this issue.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 158
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
@srs244 very odd. I went out to my SL and fired up the radio without starting the engine. The menu bars would not go away. I swear that they do, but maybe only while driving? Or maybe I just imagined it.
Pushing the knob up and down there are three positions. The top menu, the center screen, and the bottom menu. Pretty sure you have to have the center screen selected.
Pushing the knob up and down there are three positions. The top menu, the center screen, and the bottom menu. Pretty sure you have to have the center screen selected.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
Joe, many thanks for taking a look at your setup. I'll take a look at trying to see if i can center the selection and let you know if it works. I would have thought that the screen could have been enlarge either by selection of a timer, but it doesn't seem to function that way. For sure, mine doesn't disappear when I'm driving. Interestingly, I can eliminate the menu bars easily in the navi screen to get a full screen picture. I'll let you know how I made out when I get a chance to try you r suggestion out.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
Joe, after trying just about everything, i have come to the conclusion that eliminating the top and bottom menus from the radio "dial" display on my 2015 SL550 is not an option. with the radio dial option showing the channel, artist and song title, moving the command "joy stick" on the center console moving it up darkens the radio "dial" display like a nigh time function and moving it downward changes it to a lighter dial screen. i would be curious to know if on your radio just driving without any adjustment causes the menus to disappear.
steve
steve
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 158
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Joe, after trying just about everything, i have come to the conclusion that eliminating the top and bottom menus from the radio "dial" display on my 2015 SL550 is not an option. with the radio dial option showing the channel, artist and song title, moving the command "joy stick" on the center console moving it up darkens the radio "dial" display like a nigh time function and moving it downward changes it to a lighter dial screen. i would be curious to know if on your radio just driving without any adjustment causes the menus to disappear.
steve
steve
I don't use the Nav (use my phone) but I think I do recall the menu bars DO disappear for Nav. They almost have to because of the small screen.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
additionally it appears that the only volume control means is using the +and keys on the right side of the steering wheel. rotating the master control knob on the center console only causes the radio screen to darken or get brighter. kind of a strange set up but I'm getting used to it. thanks for your feedback. it is helpful to know that I didn't apparently miss something in my constant reading and rereading of the manual.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
I wish there was a physical radio knob. if there is one I don't believe I've ever found it. I'll be taking the car out today and have to take a really good looks to insure I'm not overlooking something and let you know. thanks for the suggestion.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 480
Likes: 158
From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Small knob just below the screen labeled ON. That controls volume by turning it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: chattanooga, tn area
R231 SL550
Duh!!! I am today's dumb *** winner. I never realized that was a rotation knob. I just figured it to be decorative for the power button. thanks to all who put up with my stupidity.
