Page 201 of 280

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
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Page 214 of 280

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIIAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid
recommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 223 of 280
Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 5 Amp
BeigeGarage Door Opening Signal,
TPM and Seat Heater
2 5 Amp
BeigeOccupant Restraint Controller
Passenger Airbag Off
3 5 Amp
BeigeIndicator, Safety Restraint System
and Indicator, Passenger Airbag
Off
4 7.5 Amp
BrownHeated Mirror
5 15 Amp
BlueRadio (Coupe)
5 25 Amp
WhiteRoof Control Module (Roadster)
6 5 Amp
BeigeExterior Mirror Adjustment, Left
And Right (Coupe)
6 40 Amp
OrangeRoof Hydraulic Unit (Roadster)
7 5 Amp
BeigeElectronic Transmission Control
(Park/Reversing Lock) and BCM
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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Page 234 of 280

Performance Specifications (approximate)
Maximum Speed 158 mph (255 km/h)
Acceleration 0–60 mph
(0-96 km/h)5.3 seconds
0-100 mph-0 (0-161 km/
h-0)< 16 seconds
Gear Ratios - 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
First 3.595
Second 2.186
Third 1.405
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.831
Reverse 3.16/1.93
Body Specifications
Overall Length 159.8 in. (4058 mm)
Maximum Width 69.5 in. (1766 mm)
Maximum Width With
Mirrors76.9 in. (1954 mm)
Overall Height
Coupe: 51.5 in. (1307 mm)
Roadster: 51.8 in. (1315 mm)
Front Track 58.8 in. (1493 mm)
Rear Track 59.1 in. (1502 mm)
Wheelbase 94.5 in. (2400 mm)
Front Overhang 32.4 in. (822 mm)
Rear Overhang 32.9 in. (836 mm)
Front Ground Clearance 5.0 in. (127 mm)
Rear Ground Clearance 5.8 in. (147 mm)
Turning Radius 32.2 ft. (9.8 m)
Weight
Coupe: 3240 lbs. (1469 kg)
Roadster: 3328 lbs. (1509 kg)
Maximum Vehicle Load 415 lbs. (188 kg)
Luggage Capacity
Coupe: 7.6 cu. ft. (215 l)
Roadster: 6.5 cu. ft. (190 l) - Top Up
3.6 cu. ft. (104 l) - Top
Down
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 235 of 280
FLUID CAPACITIES
Metric U.S.
Fuel (Approximate)60.0 Liters 15.8 Gallons
Fuel Tank Reserve8.0 Liters 2.1 Gallons
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Cooling System *
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 14.5 Liters 15.3 Qts.
Automatic Transmission8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Rear Axle1.3 Liters 1.4 Qts.
Power Steering Reservoir1.0 Liters 1.1 Qts.
Brake Reservoir.5 Liters .5 Qts.
Windshield Washer Reservoir7.0 Liters 7.4 Qts.
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
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Page 237 of 280
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission Only use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12. Synthetic Dexron III
Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Brake Master Cylinder Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake fluid with: mini-
mum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F (260°C), minimum wet boiling point
(WERBP) 356°F (180°C), maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to
FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925.
Power Steering Reservoir No fluid service required. Filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S.
Steering noise and reduced component life may result if an unapproved
fluid is used.
Rear Axle Fluid Only use synthetic SAE 75W-85 axle lubricant that meets MB 231.1. Re-
duced axle durability may result if an unapproved product is used.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door frame.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
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Page 246 of 280

REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on a
regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled).
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. See the procedure de-
scribed in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under
Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section.
Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
•Inspect wiper blade condition.
•Check operation of lighting systems.
•Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
•Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
•
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
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Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
Every 2 years:
•Inspect body for paint damage.
•Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4
years:
•Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
•Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4
years:
•Replace fuel filter.
•Replace air cleaner filter element.At approximately 80,000 miles (129,000 km):
•Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life.
At approximately every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5
years:
•Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5 years:
•Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
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