5 IntroductionProduct information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other
agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.
26 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Locking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking:
Press transmit button Œ. All turn signal lamps blink
once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.
The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of
unlocking modes (see below):
Selective unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Œ once to unlock driver’s door,
storage compartment in armrest, and fuel filler flap.
Press transmit button Œ twice to unlock both doors,
storage compartment in armrest, fuel filler flap, and
trunk.
Global unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Œ once to unlock both doors,
storage compartment in armrest, fuel filler flap, and
trunk.
Notes:
The presently active unlocking mode (selective or
global) can only be determined by unlocking the vehicle
with the remote control (see below for changing mode).If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted
in the steering lock, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
Locking:
Press transmit button ‹ once. All turn signal lamps
blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked.
If the turn signal lamps do not blink, a door or trunk is
not closed properly.
Note:
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote control (if ok, battery check
lamp in transmitter will light briefly when transmitting)
or to synchronize the remote control, see page 224
and 225.
Choosing global or selective mode on remote control
Press and hold transmit buttons ‹ and Œ
simultaneously for five seconds to reprogram the
remote control. Battery check lamp will blink two times
indicating the completed mode change.
55 Restraint systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The following system components are monitored or
undergo a selfcheck: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition
circuits, seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning
retractors, seat sensor.
Initially, when the key is turned from steering lock
position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash-
sensor are detected and indicated (the “SRS” indicator
lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds or does not come
on). In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp
has gone out following the initial check, interruptions or
short circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the
driver and passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, and
low voltage in the entire system are detected and
indicated.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfu nction of th e “SRS” is indic ated
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be
operational. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately to have the system
checked; otherwise the “SRS” may not be activated
when needed in an accident, which could result in
serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessary which could also
result in injury.
63 Restraint systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexUSA Models only:
Since 1986 all U.S. child restraints comply with U.S.
regulations without the use of a tether strap.
Wa r n i n g !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in
this vehicle, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart
TM compatible child seat, which operates
with the BabySmart
TM system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the passenger front airbag
when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will
be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash.
If this happens, serious or fatal injury can result.
Infants and small children must be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system, which
is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt,
fully in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.Infants and small children should never share a
seat belt with another occupant. During an
accident, they could be crushed between the
occupant and seat belt.
Children too big for child restraint systems should
use regular seat belts. Position the shoulder belt
across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A
booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper
belt positioning for children from 41 lbs. to the
point where a lap / shoulder belt fits properly
without one.When the child restraint is not in use, remove it
from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to
prevent the child restraint from becoming a
projectile in the event of an accident.
76 Flexible service system
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1.Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
2.Within 4 seconds press button (1) twice.
3.The present status for days or distance is displayed.
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering lock to
position 0.
4.Press and hold button (1), while turning key in
steering lock to position 2 again. The present status
for days or distance is displayed once more.
Continue to hold button (1).
After approximately 10 seconds a signal sounds, and
the display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km)
for approximately 10 seconds.
5.Release button (1).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.Note:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more
days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such
days not counted by FSS can be added by your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
The interval between services is determined by the kind
of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and
cold starts combined with short distance driving in
which the engine does not reach normal operating
temperature, reduce the interval between services.
Model SLK 230 Kompressor
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 16 000 miles
(Canada: 25 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between
services.
Model SLK 320
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles
(Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles
(Canada: 30 000 km), or from 365 to 730 days between
services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
77 Checking engine oil level
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Checking engine oil level
(model SLK 320)
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and
wait until the symbols : and I appear in the
odometer display field.
Within 1 second press left button on the instrument
cluster twice.The following messages are available:
“OK”
“-1.0 Q” (Canada: -1.0 L)
“-1.5 Q” (Canada: -1.5 L)
“-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message “-2.0 Q” (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a
signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the
dipstick.
“HI”
The message “HI” blinks and a signal sounds.
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could
cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol I f la sh es in th e od ome ter display f ield if
a proper oil level check cannot be performed.
The oil level check can be repeated after a short time.
Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot
be compl eted via t he od ometer display f iel d. In t his case
we recommend that you have the system checked at a
Mercedes-Benz Center.
85 Climate control
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Temperature selector, left side passenger
compartment
2Temperature selector, right side passenger
compartment
3Air volume control switch
4Air distribution control switch
5Rear window defroster
6Economy mode
7Air recirculation, Residual engine heat utilization
8Air volume control for center air outlets, turn wheel
up to open.
9Air volume control for side air outlet and side
window defroster outlet, turn wheel up to open.
10Center air outlets, adjustable
11Side air outlet, adjustable
12Windshield air outlet
13Side window defroster outlet, adjustableThe system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
The climate control only operates with the engine
running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not h eat or cool a ny quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The climate control removes considerable moisture from
the air during operation in the cooling mode. It is
normal for water to drip on the ground through ducts in
the underbody.
87 Climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Special settings (use only for short duration)
Defrosting
Set temperature selectors and switches for air volume
and air distribution to position P.
Close center air outlets.
Close left and right side air outlets.
Turn defroster outlets for side windows to the detent
position.Defogging windows
Windows fogged up on inside.
Switch off economy mode S. Indicator lamp goes out.
Switch off air recirculation O. Indicator lamp goes
out.
Set air distribution control switch to position c.
Increase air volume with control switch.
Close center and right side air outlets i.
Turn defroster outlets for side windows to the detent
position.