Page 8 of 481

Contents
Practical hints.................................  361
What to do if … ..................................  362
Lamps in instrument cluster ........  362
Lamp in center console................  367
Vehicle status messages in the 
multifunction display ....................  368
Where will I find...? ............................  388
First aid kit ...................................  388
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack.........  388
Spare wheel with collapsible tire..  391
Spare wheel bolts ........................  392
Unlocking/locking in an emergency ..  394
Unlocking the vehicle ...................  394
Locking the vehicle ......................  395
Manually unlocking the gear 
selector lever 
(automatic transmission*) ...........  396
Opening/closing in an emergency.....  397
Raising retractable hardtop 
manually ......................................  397
Replacing SmartKey batteries ...........  398
SmartKey .....................................  399Replacing bulbs .................................. 400
Bulbs ............................................. 401
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 403
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 405
Replacing wiper blades....................... 406
Removing wiper blades ................. 406
Installing wiper blades .................. 407
Flat tire ............................................... 408
Preparing the vehicle .................... 408
Sealing tires with TIREFIT.............. 408
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 412
Battery................................................ 421
Disconnecting the battery............. 422
Removing the battery.................... 422
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 423
Reconnecting the battery.............. 423
Jump starting ...................................... 424
Towing the vehicle .............................. 426
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 428
Fuses .................................................. 430
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 430
Main fuse box in passenger 
compartment ................................ 431
Fuse box in engine compartment.. 432
Technical data..................................  433
Parts service ......................................  434
Warranty coverage ............................. 435
Loss of Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet ......................  435
Identification labels ............................ 436
Layout of poly-V-belt drive..................  437
SLK 280, SLK 350 ........................ 437
SLK 55 AMG ................................. 437
Engine ................................................  438
Rims and tires ....................................  439
Same size tires ............................. 441
Mixed size tires ............................. 443
Spare wheel with collapsible tire ..  445
Electrical system ................................  446
Main Dimensions................................  447
Weights .............................................. 448 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 15 of 481

14 IntroductionWhere to find itThis Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-
vide comprehensive support information 
for you, the vehicle operator. Each section 
has its own reference color.At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the 
controls that can be operated from the 
driver’s seat.Getting started
Here you will find all the information you 
need for your first drive. You should read 
this section first if this is your first 
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-
ing or borrowing this vehicle.Safety and Security
Here you will find descriptions of the safety 
and security features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information 
about the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle. This section expands on the “Getting 
started” section and also describes techni-
cal innovations. If you are already familiar 
with the basic functions of your vehicle, 
this section will be of particular interest to 
you.Operation
Here you will find all the information you 
need for the proper operation of your vehi-
cle.Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for 
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehi-
cle can be found in this section.Indexes
The glossary provides explanations of the 
most important technical terms.
The table of contents and the index are de-
signed to help you find information quickly 
and easily.
The following publications are part of your 
vehicle documentation:
this Operator’s Manual
the Maintenance Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be 
provided as required depending on the 
equipment options installed in your vehi-
cle. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 17 of 481

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 433) 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.  
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 313 of 481

312 OperationEngine compartmentAdding engine oil
Only use approved engine oils and oil fil-
ters required for vehicles with 
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or 
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles). For a listing 
of approved engine oils and oil filters, refer 
to the Factory Approved Service Products 
pamphlet in your vehicle literature 
portfolio, or contact an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required 
for the Maintenance System (U.S. vehi-
cles) or FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles), or 
changing of oil and oil filter at change inter-
vals longer than those called for by the 
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or 
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) will result in 
engine damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
SLK 350 (example)1Filler capSLK 55 AMG1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required.
Be careful not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding. 
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil 
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see 
“Technical data” (
page 449) and 
(
page 451).!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained 
off. It could cause damage to the 
engine and catalytic converter not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 434 of 481
433 Technical data
Parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and tires
Electrical system
Main Dimensions
Weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 435 of 481
434 Technical dataThe “Technical data” section provides the 
necessary technical data for your vehicle.Parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers 
maintain a stock of genuine 
Mercedes-Benz parts required for mainte-
nance and repair work. In addition, strate-
gically located parts distribution centers 
provide quick and reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for 
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subject-
ed to stringent quality inspections. Each 
part has been specifically developed, man-
ufactured or selected for and adapted to 
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts 
should be installed.
!The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz 
parts and accessories not authorized 
by Mercedes-Benz could damage the 
vehicle, which is not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or 
could compromise the vehicle’s dura-
bility or safety. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 436 of 481
435 Technical data
Warranty coverage
Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of 
the warranties printed in the Service and 
Warranty Information booklet. Your 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will ex-
change or repair any defective parts origi-
nally installed in the vehicle in accordance 
with the terms of the following warranties:
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Emission System Warranty
Emission Performance Warranty
California, Maine, Massachusetts, and 
Vermont Emission Control Systems 
WarrantyReplacement parts and accessories are 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and 
Accessories warranties, copies of which 
are available at any authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.Loss of Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty 
Information booklet, have an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a re-
placement. It will be mailed to you. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 437 of 481
436 Technical dataIdentification labels1Certification label (includes paintwork 
code)2Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), 
located behind the passenger seat 
under the floor cover3Engine number (engraved on engine)
4VIN, visible (lower edge of windshield)
5Vacuum line routing diagram label
6Emission control information label, 
includes both federal and California 
certification exhaust emission 
standards
iWhen ordering parts, please specify 
vehicle identification and engine num-
bers.