Page 284 of 464

284 OperationAt the gas stationRefuelingThe fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle with the
remote control automatically locks and un-
locks the fuel filler flap.
1To open fuel filler flap
2To insert fuel filler cap
3Supplemental tire inflation pressure
informationWarning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious inju-
ry. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Failure to remove the fuel cap slowly could
result in personal injury.
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(page 425) or the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet.
Page 285 of 464

285 Operation
At the gas station
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Open fuel filler flap by pushing at point
indicated by arrow1.
The fuel filler flap springs open.
Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise
and hold on to it until possible pressure
is released.
Take off fuel filler cap and set it in di-
rection of arrow2 in the recess on the
inside of fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or over-
fill.
Replace the fuel filler cap by turning it
clockwise until it engages audibly.
Close the fuel filler flap.
Check regularly and before a long tripEngine compartment (SLK 350, example)1Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system* reservoir
2Brake fluid reservoir
3Coolant expansion tank
Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and
the ? malfunction indicator lamp
(USA only) or the ± malfunction in-
dicator lamp (Canada only) to illumi-
nate.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 344).
iFor opening the hood, see “Hood”
(page 287).
Page 394 of 464

394 Practical hintsFlat tire
PressI on electric air pump switch2.
The electric air pump switches on and
inflates the collapsible tire.
Inflate the collapsible tire to approxi-
mately 51 psi (3.5 bar).
This takes about five minutes for the
collapsible tire. Air hose4 and union
nut5 can become hot during infla-
tion. Exercise proper caution to avoid
burning yourself when using the equip-
ment.
Press0 on electric air pump switch2.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0.
The electric air pump should now be
switched off.
If the tire inflation pressure is above
51 psi (3.5 bar), release excess tire in-
flation pressure using the vent screw
on air hose4.
Detach the electric air pump.
Reinstall collapsible tire valve cap.
Store electrical plug3 and air
hose4 behind flap 1 and place the
electric air pump back in the trunk.
!Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than six minutes without inter-
ruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the electric air pump
again after it has cooled off.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and / or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being over-
heated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.
Page 425 of 464

425 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded fuel:
The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an average
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M) / 2). This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA, and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE not to exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz only recommends the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to
engine performance problems such as:
Warm-up hesitation
Unstable idle
Knocking/pinging
Misfire
Power loss
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:
Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.
Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two per-
sons and no luggage.
Do not exceed
2/3of maximum ac-
celerator pedal position if the vehi-
cle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Page 456 of 464

456 IndexTire
Vehicle maximum load on 325
Tire and Loading Information 301
Tire and loading terminology 323
Tire care and maintenance 298
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure 323
Checking 306, 308
Tire inflation pressure see the placard
on the fuel filler flap
Tire inspection 298
Tire load rating 325
Tire ply composition and material
used 325
Tire speed rating 315, 325
Tire terminology 323
Tires 297, 413
Cleaning 299
Collapsible (Spare wheel) 432
Direction of rotation 300
Driving instructions 277
Flat tire 388
Important guidelines 297
Inflating with air pump 393MOExtended system 312
Mounting wheel 391
Removing wheel 391
Retreads 297
Rims and tires 413
Rotating 326
Run Flat Indicator 308
Service life 298
Sizes 413
Snow chains 328
Spare wheel 371
Speed rating 278
Storing 299
Supplemental tire inflation pressure
information 284
Temperature 307, 322
Traction 278
Tread depth 299, 327
Treadwear indicators (TWI) 277
Wear pattern 326
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 369
Winter 327
Tools see Vehicle tool kit
Tow-away alarm see Anti-theft systems
Towing (Vehicle) 401Towing eye bolt (Vehicle tool kit) 369
Traction 158, 325
Transmission, display message 353
Transporting the vehicle see Anti-theft
systems
Traveling abroad 281
Tread 325
Tread depth 299
Tread depth (Tires) 327
Treadwear indicators 325
Treadwear indicators (TWI) 277
Trip computer menu
(Control system) 144
Trip odometer (Control system) 116
Trunk 95
Lighting 113
Luggage cover 238
Trunk lid emergency release 96
Trunk lid lock 375
Unlocking in an emergency 375
Unlocking with SmartKey 93
Turn signals 52, 381
Additional in mirrors 381
TWI see Treadwear indicators