2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS engine

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de-
sire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:

Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.


Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.


Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and oc-
cupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents
Introduction......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle.................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
Vehicle data recording ......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices ........................... 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26
Center console ..................................... 28
Upper part ...................................... 28
Lower part ...................................... 29
Overhead control panel ........................ 30
Door control panel................................ 31
Getting started................................... 33
Unlocking ............................................. 34
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 34
Starter switch positions .................. 35
Adjusting .............................................. 37
Seats .............................................. 37
Steering wheel ................................ 40
Mirrors ............................................ 42
Driving .................................................. 44
Fastening the seat belts ................. 44
Starting the engine ......................... 47
Switching on headlamps ................. 52
Turn signals .................................... 52
Windshield wipers ........................... 53
Problems while driving.................... 55
Parking and locking .............................. 56
Parking brake ................................. 56
Switching off headlamps................. 57
Turning off engine ........................... 58

Contents
Automatic transmission* ................... 152
One-touch gearshifting................. 154
Gear ranges ................................. 155
Gear selector lever position ......... 156
Automatic shift program .............. 158
Driving tips ................................... 159
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 160
Manual shift program
SLK 55 AMG................................. 164
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 166
Good visibility .................................... 167
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 167
Rear view mirrors ......................... 167
Sun visors .................................... 170
Rear window defroster ................. 171
Climate control .................................. 172
Switching climate control on/off . 175
Setting the temperature ............... 175
Adjusting air distribution .............. 176
Adjusting air volume .................... 176
Air recirculation mode .................. 176
Air conditioning ............................ 178
Residual engine heat utilization.... 180
Defrosting .................................... 181Automatic climate control* ................ 182
Automatic mode (basic setting) .... 185
Setting the temperature................ 185
Adjusting air volume ..................... 186
Adjusting air distribution............... 186
Air recirculation mode .................. 186
Air conditioning............................. 188
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 189
Defrosting ..................................... 189
Switching off the automatic
climate control system ................. 190
Audio system...................................... 191
Audio and telephone, operation .... 191
Operating safety ........................... 191
Operating and display elements.... 192
Button and soft key operation....... 194
Operation ...................................... 194
Radio operation ............................ 197
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 202
CD mode ....................................... 207
GSM network phones ................... 216
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 223
Emergency calls “911”.................. 229Power windows .................................. 232
Opening and closing the windows 232
Synchronizing power windows ...... 236
Retractable hardtop ........................... 237
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ....................... 237
Wind screen .................................. 243
Driving systems .................................. 244
Cruise control ............................... 244
Loading .............................................. 249
Roof rack ...................................... 249
Useful features ................................... 250
Storage compartments ................. 250
Shelf behind roll bars .................... 252
Cup holder .................................... 252
Ashtray ......................................... 253
Cigarette lighter............................ 254
Electrical outlet............................. 254
Floormat (driver’s side only) ......... 255
Telephone* ................................... 256
Tele Aid* ....................................... 257
Garage door opener* .................... 264
Heated steering wheel*
(SLK 350, Canada only) ................ 270

ContentsOperation......................................... 271
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 272
Driving instructions ............................ 273
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 273
Drinking and driving ..................... 273
Pedals .......................................... 273
Power assistance ......................... 273
Brakes .......................................... 274
Driving off..................................... 276
Parking ......................................... 276
Tires ............................................. 277
Hydroplaning ................................ 277
Tire traction .................................. 278
Tire speed rating .......................... 278
Winter driving instructions ........... 279
Standing water ............................. 280
Passenger compartment .............. 281
Driving abroad .............................. 281
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 281
Catalytic converter ....................... 282
Emission control........................... 282
Coolant temperature .................... 283At the gas station .............................. 284
Refueling ...................................... 284
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 285
Engine compartment ......................... 287
Hood ............................................ 287
Engine oil ..................................... 288
Transmission fluid level* .............. 293
Coolant level ................................ 293
Battery ......................................... 294
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 295
Tires and wheels ................................ 297
Important guidelines .................... 297
Tire care and maintenance ........... 298
Direction of rotation ..................... 300
Loading the vehicle ...................... 300
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 306
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 308
MOExtended system* .................. 312
Tire labeling.................................. 313
Load identification ....................... 317
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 318Maximum tire load ....................... 319
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 320
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 320
Tire ply material ........................... 322
Tire and loading terminology........ 323
Rotating tires ............................... 326
Winter driving .................................... 327
Winter tires .................................. 327
Snow chains................................. 328
Maintenance...................................... 329
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 330
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 330
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 330
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 331
Setting the date for special
works ........................................... 331
Calling up the maintenance
service data information .............. 333
Vehicle care....................................... 334
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 334

Contents
Practical hints................................. 341
What to do if … .................................. 342
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 342
Lamp in center console ................ 347
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 348
Where will I find...? ............................ 369
First aid kit ................................... 369
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack......... 369
Spare wheel with collapsible tire.. 371
Spare wheel bolts ........................ 373
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 374
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 374
Locking the vehicle ...................... 375
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever
(automatic transmission*) ........... 376
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 377
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ...................................... 377
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........... 378
SmartKey ..................................... 379Replacing bulbs .................................. 380
Bulbs ............................................. 380
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 382
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 384
Replacing wiper blades....................... 386
Removing wiper blades ................. 386
Installing wiper blades .................. 387
Flat tire ............................................... 388
Preparing the vehicle .................... 388
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 388
Battery................................................ 396
Disconnecting the battery............. 397
Removing the battery.................... 397
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 397
Reconnecting the battery.............. 398
Jump starting ...................................... 399
Towing the vehicle .............................. 401
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 403
Fuses .................................................. 404
Aids for changing fuses................. 404
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 405
Fuse box in engine compartment.. 406
Technical data.................................. 407
Parts service ...................................... 408
Warranty coverage ............................. 409
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 409
Identification labels ............................ 410
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 411
SLK 350 ........................................ 411
SLK 55 AMG ................................. 411
Engine ................................................ 412
Rims and tires .................................... 413
Same size tires ............................. 414
Mixed size tires ............................. 416
Spare wheel with collapsible tire .. 418
Electrical system ................................ 419
Main Dimensions................................ 420
Weights .............................................. 421

ContentsFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 422
Capacities .................................... 422
Engine oils .................................... 424
Engine oil additives ...................... 424
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 424
Brake fluid .................................... 424
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 425
Fuel requirements ........................ 425
Gasoline additives ........................ 425
Coolants ....................................... 426
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 429
Technical terms............................... 431Index................................................. 439

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that:

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,


unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,


gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our Euro-
pean Delivery Program. For details, consult
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

16 IntroductionOperating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section
(page 407) in this manual


the traffic rules and regulations


the motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modification made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle undercar-
riage or tires/wheels, for example when
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole, may cause serious damage and im-
pair the operating safety or your vehicle. If
you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that dam-
age to your vehicle has occurred, you should
turn on your hazard warning flashers, care-
fully slow down, and drive with caution to an
area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle undercarriage or
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!
G
Various labels are attached to your vehicle.
These warning labels are intended to make
you and others aware of various risks. You
should not remove any of these warning la-
bels unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removal of
any of these labels may cause you and oth-
ers to be unaware of certain risks which may
result in an accident and/or personal injury.