
167 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined 
with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is 
possible that now only partial engine output will be 
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will 
require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake 
system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
BA S  is  op erational .
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 

169 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is 
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a 
m a l f u n c t i on  a n d  h a s  sw i tch e d  o f f . I n  t h is  c a s e ,  t h e  b ra ke  
system functions in the usual manner, but without 
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 182.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.I f  t h e  m a lf u n c t i on  i n d i c a to r  la mp  st ays il lu m in a t e d ,  h ave  
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible. 
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others. 

171 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
Th e m alf unction indicator l amp for t he ESP is combined  
with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning 
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the 
key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with 
the engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in 
the usual manner, but without BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched 
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the 
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP 
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer 
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the 
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test 
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, 
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the 
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended 
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery 
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction 
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine 
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to 
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp 
should go out. 

174 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
What you should know at the gas station
Fuel supply
Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap 
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in 
tank has been released, then remove cap. Failure to 
remove slowly could result in personal injury.See page 232 for notes on fuel filler flap, manual 
release.
Fuel
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully 
insert filler nozzle unit.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out — 
do not top up or overfill.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can 
cause the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp to illuminate.
Fuel tank capacity approximately 15.8 US gal (60.0 l).
This includes approximately 2.1 US gal (8.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane 
Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Wa r n i n g !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It 
burns violently and can cause serious injury. 
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling 
fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking 
materials. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking 
materials near gasoline!
P88.60-2028-21
Wa r n i n g !
Overfilling of fuel tank may result in creating 
pressure in the system which could cause a gas 
discharge such as the gas spraying back out upon 
removing the filler nozzle which could cause 
personal injury. 

175 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oil
Engine oil level check, see page 193.
Fil l qua ntity between u pper a nd  l owe r dipstick  ma rking  
level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service 
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water 
quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion / antifreeze), 
see page 256.
Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, see page 251.
Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the 
fuel filler flap.Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, see 
page 252.
Bulbs
High and low beams (Halogen): H7 (55 W),
fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
turn signal lamps, parking and standing lamps, front: 
2357 NA (28.5 / 8.3 W / 30 / 2.2 cp),
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp
stop lamps: 1154 21 W / 32 cp,
backup lamps: 1154 21 W / 32 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: 1156 NA 21 W / 24cp,
tail, parking and standing lamps: 67 5 W / 4cp,
rear fog lamp, driver´s side: 1155 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 67 5 W / 4 cp
Xenon bulb for low beam: D2R (35W)
Wa r n i n g !
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is 
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp 
and its components. We recommend that you have 
such work done by a qualified technician. 

176 Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip
SLK 230 Kompressor shown1Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir, see page 195.
2Coolant level
See “Adding coolant” on page 194.
3Engine oil level
See “Checking engine oil level” on page 193 and 
“Engine oil level indicator” on page 77.
4Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page 254.
Opening hood, see page 190.
Ve h i c l e   l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For 
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on 
page 218.
Exterior lamp switch, see page 79. 

177 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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  .............................. 180Supplemental 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  .............................182
Telescoping steering
column warning lamp  ................182
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp  ..............................183Low windshield and 
headlamp washer system
fluid 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 

178 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up 
during the bulb self-check when turning the key in 
steering lock to position 2, have it checked and replaced 
if necessary.
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the 
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator 
lamp comes on when the engine is running, 
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management 
system, emission control system, systems which impact 
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the 
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated 
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you 
may still drive the vehicle, however, in all cases, we 
recommend that you have the system checked at your 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp comes on continuously 
and / or the vehicle is not driving normally, serious 
damage can occur to the emission system. Please 
contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center 
immediately.
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control 
module monitors emission control components that 
either provide input signals to or receive output signals 
from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from 
interruptions or failure of any of these components are 
indicated by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are 
simultaneously stored in the SFI control module.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp 
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With some exceptions, the control module switches off 
the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp if the 
condition, causing the lamp to come on, no longer exists 
during three consecutive cycles. See also page 181 for 
fuel cap placement warning.