2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS height

133 Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Prior to cleaning the rear window, read and
observe the instructions in the “Operation”
section (
page 159).Closing the retractable hardtop
Retractable hardtop switchBefore pushing on the retractable hardtop
switch, you must ensure

the parking brake is engaged
(page 47)


the luggage cover is closed, see lug-
gage cover


the trunk lid is closed


the ignition is switched on (key in steer-
ing lock position2)

Push the retractable hardtop switch as
indicated by the arrow until the retract-
able hardtop is completely closed and
locked and the indicator lamp in the re-
tractable hardtop switch goes out.
If you continuously push on the retract-
able hardtop switch or release and
push it again within approximately
30 seconds, the door windows will
close.
However, the door windows can also be
closed/opened later on.

Pull on the retractable hardtop switch
twice forward/backward. Pull on the
switch only briefly the first time. The
second time, pull on the switch until
the door windows have reached the de-
sired height.
!Do not manually move corner flaps or
rear shelf. Doing so will result in dam-
age to the retractable hardtop folding
mechanism that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
iFor safety reasons, the retractable
hardtop cannot be closed while driving.

140 Controls in detailUseful featuresCup holder
1Cup holder
2Release button
Opening cup holder

Push release button2.
The cup holder1 opens automatical-
ly.
Closing cup holder

Push cup holder against dashboard
until it engages.Storage compartments
1Storage compartment in center
console
2Storage compartment in armrest
Opening compartment in center console

Slide cover1 rearward.
The compartment contains a cigarette
lighter (
page 143).
Closing compartment in center console

Slide cover1 forward.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. Place only containers that fit into the
cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids on
open containers and do not fill containers to
a height where the contents, especially hot
liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.

174 OperationEngine compartment
Engine compartmentHood
Opening
1Hood release

Pull hood release1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood

Push lever2 on the hood upwards.

Open the hood (do not pull up on the
lever) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.

175 Operation
Engine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1ft (30cm).
The hood will lock audibly.

Make sure the hood is fully closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new


the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled down. If neces-
sary, call the fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running


while starting the engine


if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz will
restrict your warranty entitlement.
More information on this subject is
available at any authorized Mer-
cedes-Benz Center.

216 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking/locking in an emergencyUnlocking the vehicle
Unlocking the driver’s door
If you are unable to unlock the driver’s
door with the remote control, open the
door using the key as follows:
1Unlocking
2Locking
3Driver’s door lock
Remove protective cap3 from driv-
er’s door lock.

Unl ock t he door wi th the ke y. T o do s o,
push key into the lock until it stops and
turn it to the left1.Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.97 ft
(1.82 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
If you are unable to unlock the trunk with
the remote control, open the trunk using
the key.
The lock is located next to the recessed
handle.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Handle
iUnlocking your vehicle with the key will
trigger the anti-theft alarm system. To
cancel the alarm, do one of the follow-
ing:

Press buttonŒor‹on the
remote control.


Insert the key in the steering lock
and turn it to position1.
iUsing the key does not operate the
central locking system.

275 Technical data
Main Dimensions
Main Dimensions
Model
SLK 230 Kompressor, SLK 320
SLK 32 AMG
Overall vehicle length
157.9 in (4010 mm)
157.9 in (4010 mm)
Overall vehicle width
64.4 in (1712 mm)
64.4 in (1712 mm)
Overall vehicle height
50.4 in (1279 mm)
50.4 in (1279 mm)
Wheelbase
94.5 in (2400 mm)
94.5 in (2400 mm)
Track, front
58.6 in (1488 mm)
58.6 in (1488 mm)
Track, rear
58.5 in (1485 mm)
58.2 in (1477 mm)

293 Index
A
ABS 22, 66, 287
Malfunction indicator lamp 201
Warning lamp 201
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 98
Accident
In case of 46
Activating
Air conditioning 107
Air recirculation mode 106
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Climate control 103
ESP 70
Exterior headlamps 43
Hazard warning flasher 86
Headlamps 43
High beams 85
Ignition 29
Immobilizer 71
Rear window defroster 101
Residual heat 107
Seat heater* 82
Tow-away alarm 72
Windshield wipers 44Activating automatic central locking 80
Adding
Coolant 181
Engine oil 179
Additional turn signals 226
Adjusting 30
Air distribution 105
Air volume 105
Backrest tilt 32, 33
Exterior rear view mirror 35
Head restraint height 32
Inside rear view mirror 35
Instrument cluster illumination 89
Manual seat 31
Mirrors 35
Seat cushion tilt 33
Seat fore and aft adjustment 31, 33
Seat height 31, 33
Seats 30
Telescoping steering column* 34
Adjusting headlamp aim
Horizontal headlamp aim 232
Vertical headlamp aim 231
Air conditioning 106Activating 107
Deactivating 107
Air conditioning refrigerant 279
Air distribution
Adjusting 105
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 186
Air recirculation mode 106
Activating 106
Deactivating 106
Air volume
Adjusting 105
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 211
Airbags 53
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 287
BabySmartTM deactivation
system 62
Children 54
Front 56
Passenger 56
Safety guidelines 55
Side impact 57

300 IndexGlobal
Locking 75
Unlocking 75
Global Positioning System (GPS) 288
Glove box 19, 139
Closing 139
Opening 139
Good visibility 99
GPS 288
H
Hands-free microphone 25
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 196
Hazard warning flasher 86
Switching off 86
Switching on 86
Head restraints 81
Installing 81
Manual seats 32
Removing 81
Headlamp cleaning system 184Headlamps
Cleaning 194
Cleaning system 184
Cleaning system* 99
Refilling washer fluid 184
Switching off 48
Switching on 43
Washer fluid 283
Washer system 283
Xenon* 291
Headliner
Cleaning 197
Heated seats* 82
Height adjustment
Head restraints 32
Telescoping steering column* 34
High beam flasher 44, 85
High beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 226, 228
Switching on 85
High mounted brake lamp 227
Hood 174
Closing 175
Opening 174
Hydroplaning 165I
Identification labels 266
Certification label 266
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) 266
Ignition 29
Switching on 40, 41
Immobilizer 71
Activating 71
Deactivating 71
Infant and child restraint systems 60
Information
About service and warranty 8
Button for Tele Aid 149
Inside rear view mirror
Adjusting 35
Installing
Towing eye bolt 259
Wiper blades 234
Instrument cluster 20, 89, 288
Cleaning 196
Coolant temperature gauge 89
Illumination 89
Lamps in 207
Outside temperature indicator 91
Instruments and controls see Cockpit 18