152 Automatic transmission
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Briefly press selector lever in the “D +” direction:
The transmission will shift from the current gear range
to the next higher gear range. If the transmission is
already in gear range “D”, an additional upshift of one
gear is possible.
Press and hold selector lever in the “D +” direction:
The transmission will shift from the current gear range
directly to gear range “D”.Important!
With transmission in gear range “D”, “4” or “3”,
upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed
depending on vehicle speed and engine temperature.
This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift
and increased engine noise might be perceived as a
malfunction. However, neither the engine nor
transmission are negatively affected by this mode of
operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km / h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C).
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPM when
driving uphill gradients or with your vehicle heavily
loaded, the automatic transmission will downshift when
necessary to maintain engine RPM within the best
torque range.
Wa r n i n g !
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your
vehicle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of
control.
173 Driving systems
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over / understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 224), the engine must be shut off (key in steering
lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel
brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
175 Driving systems
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ESP Control switch
ESP control switch located in center console.
1Press to switch ESP off
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer
dial, comes on.
2Press to switch ESP on
ESP warning lampv, located in speedometer
dial, goes out.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off ESP by pressing the upper half (1) of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning lampv, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
A portion of the ESP system remains active, even with
the switch in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds
up to approximately 24 mph (40 km / h), and switches
off at 50 mph (80 km / h).
Wa r n i n g !
When the ESP warning lamp is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
203 Tires, wheels
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data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information on tested and recommended rims and tires
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and purchase.Tire replacement
Tires should be replaced in sets. Rims and tires must be
of the correct size and type. For dimensions, see
page 261.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be
fastened to a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, see page 261.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.
211 Tires, wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Notes:
Before storing the jack, it should be fully collapsed, with
pin and handle folded in.
The removed road wheel can be stored under the
luggage cover in a protective cover supplied with
vehicle. The collapsible spare wheel should be returned
to the wheel well.13. Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly,
following the sequence illustrated, until all bolts are
tight. Observe a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb.
(110 Nm).
14. Ensure proper tire pressure.
Wa r n i n g !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or
rusted.Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired
immediately.Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened
mounting bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the
correct mounting bolts.
260 Technical data
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Te ch n i c a l d a t a
Model SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR (170.449)
1
SLK 320 (170.465)
1
SLK 32 AMG (170.466)
1
Engine111 11 2 11 2
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection
No. of cylinders 4 6 6
Bore 3.58 in (90.90 mm) 3.54 in (89.90 mm) 3.54 in (89.90 mm)
Stroke 3.48 in (88.40 mm) 3.30 in (84.00 mm) 3.30 in (84.00 mm)
Total piston displacement 140.1 cu.in. (2295 cm
3) 195.2 cu.in. (3199 cm
3) 195.2 cu.in. (3199 cm
3)
Compression ratio 8.8:1 10:1 9.0:1
Output acc. to
SAE J 1349192 hp / 5500 rpm
(142 kW / 5300 rpm)215 hp / 5700 rpm
(160 kW / 5700 rpm)349 hp / 6100 rpm
260 kW / 6100 rpm
Maximum torque acc. to
SAE J 1349200 ft.lb / 2500 rpm
(270 Nm / 2500 rpm)229 ft.lb / 3000 rpm
(310 Nm / 3000 rpm)333 ft.lb / 4400 rpm
(450 Nm / 4400 rpm)
Maximum engine speed 5800 rpm 6000 rpm 6200 rpm
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-4-3-6-2-5 1-4-3-6-2-5
Poly-V-belt 1875 mm (routing I)
1355 mm (routing II)2390 mm 2390 mm
1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.
264 Technical data
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data Instruments
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Electrical system
SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR SLK 320 SLK 32 AMG
Generator (alternator) 14 V / 90 A 14 V / 115 A 14 V / 120 A
Starter motor 12V / 1.1 kW 12V / 1.7 kW 12V / 1.7 kW
Battery 12V/74 Ah 12V/74 Ah 12V/74 Ah
Spark plugs
Electrode gap
Tightening torqueBosch F 7 KTCR
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)Bosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
NGK PFR 5-11
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)NGK IFR 6D1O
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)