2000 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS warning

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our prod uct is a de monstration of you r tru st in our company na me. Fu rt her, it exemplif ies you r desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 5
Operator’s manual ............................. 6
Where to find it ................................ 11
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 13Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 16
Center console .............................. 18
Overhead control panel ............... 19OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Remote control with
folding master key ...................... 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Remote control ............................. 25
Panic button .................................. 27
Doors .................................................. 28Central locking switch .................... 30
Automatic central locking ...............31
Emergency unlocking in
case of accident .......................... 32
Trunk ................................................. 33
Emergency release
for trunk lid ................................. 35
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm ............................... 37
Seats .................................................. 38
Seat heater ........................................ 42
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 44
Seat belts .......................................... 44
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 45
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 50
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child
seat installed .................................51
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................51
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 52Airbags .............................................. 52
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 59
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 61
Adjusting telescoping
steering column .......................... 63
Rear view mirrors ............................ 64
Instrument cluster ........................... 68
Flexible service
system (FSS) ................................ 75
Checking engine oil level ............... 77
Engine oil consumption .................. 78
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 79
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 80
Combination switch ........................ 81
Hazard warning flasher
switch ............................................ 83
Climate control ................................. 84
Rear window defroster .................... 88
Audio and telephone,
operation ...................................... 91

3 Contents
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster ......................................... 178
On-board diagnostic system ..... 178
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 178
Brake warning lamp .................. 179
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................. 180
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................. 180
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp ............................. 180
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning .................... 181
Electronic stability
program (ESP) —
warning lamp .............................. 181
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 181
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 182Telescoping steering
column warning lamp ................182
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp ..............................183
Low windshield and
headlamp washer system
f luid level warning lamp ...........183
Low engine oil level
warning lamp ..............................184
Charge indicator lamp ...............184
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp .............................185
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) ..........185
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console .......185
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................185
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ......................................188
Stowing things
in the vehicle .............................188Fuses ................................................ 188
Hood ................................................. 190
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 192
Checking engine oil level ............. 193
Coolant level ................................... 194
Adding coolant ........................... 194
Windshield and
headlamp washer system ........ 195
Air pump, spare wheel,
vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................ 196
Vehicle jack ..................................... 197
Wheels ............................................. 198
Tire replacement ........................ 198
Rotating wheels .......................... 199
Spare wheel ....................................200
Spare wheel bolts ....................... 201
Changing wheels ...........................202
Inflating the collapsible
spare tire .....................................207
Storing spare wheel in
wheel well ...................................208
Tire inflation pressure ..................209

6 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

11 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

17 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Side defroster outlet, adjustable
2Cruise control switch, see page 163
3Side air outlet, adjustable
4Combination switch, see page 81
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 79
6Hood lock release, see page 190
7Instrument cluster, see page 68
8Horn (with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
9Airbag
10Steering wheel adjustment handle, see page 64
11Steering lock with ignition / starter switch,
see page 140
12Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
13Cup holder, see page 112
14Center air outlets, adjustable15Air volume control for center air outlets
16Climate control, see page 84
Rear window defroster switch
17Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 1 or 2), see page 112
18Audio system, see page 91
19Hazard warning f lasher switch, see page 83
20Central locking switch, see page 30
21Left seat heater switch, see page 42
22Headlamp washer switch, see page 80
23ESP control switch, see page 172
24Tow-away alarm switch, see page 37
25Right seat heater switch, see page 42
26Ashtray, coin holder, see page 114
27Storage compartment

20 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 22
Remote control
with folding master key ............. 22
Start lock-out .................................... 24
General notes on
the central locking system ........ 24
Central locking system ................... 25
Remote control ............................. 25
Panic button .................................. 27
Doors .................................................. 28
Central locking switch .................... 30
Automatic central locking .............. 31
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 32
Trunk ................................................. 33Emergency release for trunk lid ... 35
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm ............................... 37
Seats .................................................. 38
Seat heater ........................................ 42
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 44
Seat belts .......................................... 44
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 45
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system .......................................... 50
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ..........51
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) ..............................................51
Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) ............................................. 52Airbags .............................................. 52
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 59
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 61
Adjusting telescoping steering
column .......................................... 63
Rear view mirrors ............................ 64
Instrument cluster ........................... 68
Flexible service system (FSS) ........ 75
Checking engine
oil level ......................................... 77
Engine oil consumption .................. 78
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 79
Headlamp cleaning system ............ 80
Combination switch ........................ 81

21 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switch ..... 83
Climate control ................................. 84
Rear window defroster .................... 88
Audio and telephone, operation .... 91
Power windows ............................... 109
Interior lighting ..............................110
Night security illumination ..........110
Sun visors with Vanity Mirror ......111Interior ............................................. 111
Cup holder and glove box ............. 112
Storage compartments ................... 113
Ashtrays ........................................... 114
Coin Holder ..................................... 114
Lighter .............................................. 115Parcel net in
passenger footwell .....................116
Shelf behind roll bars .....................116
Cellular telephone ..........................116
Garage door opener ........................117
Retractable hardtop ....................... 120
Wind screen .................................... 125
Luggage cover ................................. 126