Page 357 of 473

356 Practical hints
What to do if …
Vehicle status messages in the 
multifunction display
Warning and malfunction messages 
appear in the multifunction display located 
in the instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and 
follow the additional instructions given in 
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the vehicle status message 
memory menu in the control system 
(
page 135) displays both cleared and 
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the 
multifunction display in red color.Certain messages of high priority cannot 
be cleared from the multifunction display 
using the reset buttonJ(
page 26) or 
buttonj, k, ·, orè on the 
multifunction steering wheel.
Other high-priority messages and 
messages of less immediate priority 
(regular display colors) can be cleared 
from the multifunction display using the 
reset buttonJ(
page 26) or 
buttonj, k, ·, orè on the 
multifunction steering wheel. They are 
then stored in the vehicle status message 
memory (
page 135). Remember that 
clearing a message will only make the mes-
sage disappear. Clearing a message will 
not correct the condition that caused the 
message to appear.
Warning!G
All categories of messages contain impor-
tant information which should be taken note 
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, ad-
dressed as soon as possible at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause 
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury. 
     
        
        Page 363 of 473

362 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
the 75indicator lamp on the center console 
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the 
OCS (
page 71) has deactivated the passenger front air bag and the 
passenger-side knee bag.
the message Front passenger airbag enabled See Operator’s 
Manual
 or the message Front passenger airbag disabled See 
Operator’s Manual
 should not appear in the multifunction display at 
any time the seat is unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the sys-
tem to complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure neither 
message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the passenger seat again. 
Depending on the passenger classification sensed by the 
OCS (
page 71), the 75indicator lamp will remain 
illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working properly. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
Warning!G
If the 75indicator lamp
remains illuminated with an adult occupant 
on the passenger seat even after performing 
the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the passenger seat until the 
system has been repaired. 
     
        
        Page 365 of 473

364 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
the 75indicator lamp on the center console 
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that the OCS  has 
deactivated the passenger front air bag and the passenger-side knee 
bag.
the message Front passenger airbag enabled See Operator’s 
Manual
 or the message Front passenger airbag disabled See 
Operator’s Manual
 should not appear in the multifunction display at 
any time the seat is unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the sys-
tem to complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure neither 
message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the passenger seat again. 
Depending on the passenger classification sensed by the 
OCS (
page 71), the 75indicator lamp will remain 
illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working properly. Have 
the system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
Warning!G
If the 75indicator lamp
remains illuminated with an adult occupant 
on the passenger seat even after performing 
the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the passenger seat until the 
system has been repaired. 
     
        
        Page 402 of 473

401 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance 
Package* is equipped with a TIREFIT kit.
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle in a safe distance from 
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface 
when possible.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel so that the 
front wheels are in a straight ahead 
position.
Set the parking brake (page 53).
Move the gear selector lever* toP 
(manual transmission to first or reverse 
gear).
Turn off the engine (page 61).
Remove the SmartKey from the starter 
switch.
Have any passenger exit the vehicle at 
a safe distance from the roadway.
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
Small tire punctures, particularly those in 
the tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient tempera-
tures down to -4°F (-20°C).
Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) 
should not be removed from the tire.
Take TIREFIT, the sticker, and the 
electric air pump out of the trunk 
(
page 382).
iOpen door only when conditions are safe to 
do so.
iSLK 55 AMG with Performance Package* 
only.
Warning!G
Keep TIREFIT away from sparks, open flame 
or heat source.
Do not smoke.
Warning!G
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT 
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger 
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire 
damage caused by driving with extremely 
low tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or 
a damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such circum-
stances.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center 
for assistance or call Roadside Assistance.
 
     
        
        Page 433 of 473
432 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
SLK 280, SLK 350
1Idler pulley
2Idler pulley
3Automatic belt tensioner
4Power steering pump
5Air conditioning compressor
6Crankshaft
7Coolant pump
8Generator (alternator)SLK 55 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Power steering pump
3Air conditioning compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley 
     
        
        Page 445 of 473

444 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steeringAll models1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or, 
depending on vehicle production date, Chevron 
Texaco PSF 9109)
1
Front wheel hubsAll modelsapprox. 2.1oz (60g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake systemAll models0.5 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemSLK 280approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent
SLK 350approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)
Fuel tankAll modelsapprox. 18.5 US gal (70.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum posted Octane 91 (average of 
96 RON/86 MON)
including a reserve ofSLK 280, SLK 350
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant oil 
(never R-12)
Hydraulic system for 
retractable hardtopAll models0.19 US qt (0.18 l)MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer 
system and headlamp 
cleaning system*All models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield washer concentrate2
1For detailed information, please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.2Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate“MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” 
and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 450). 
     
        
        Page 446 of 473

445 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for 
their suitability in our engines and durabil-
ity for our service intervals. Therefore, only 
use approved engine oils and oil filters 
required for vehicles with 
Maintenance System. For a listing of ap-
proved engine oils and oil filters, refer to 
the Factory Approved Service Products 
pamphlet (USA only), or contact an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Engine oil additivesAir conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special 
PAG lubricating oil are used in the air con-
ditioning system.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil 
filter at change intervals longer than those called 
for by the Maintenance System will result in 
engine or emission control system damage 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System recommen-
dations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do 
so will result in engine or emission control sys-
tem damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
!Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. 
They may damage the engine. Damage or mal-
functions resulting from blending oil additives 
are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.
!Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based 
lubricating oil, otherwise damage to the system 
will occur. 
     
        
        Page 452 of 473

451 Index
A
ABS 84
Indicator lamp 346, 347
Messages in the multifunction 
display 358
Accelerator position, automatic 
transmission 159
Accessory weight 327
Accident 58
Air bags 66
Children in the vehicle 79
Front 69
Head-thorax 70
Knee bag 70
Occupant Classification System 
(OCS) 71
Passenger 69
Passenger front air bag off indicator 
lamp 74
Safety guidelines 68Air conditioning
Automatic climate control* 191
Climate control 180
Air conditioning refrigerant 445
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
AIRSCARF neck level heating* 105
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt
(Vehicle tool kit) 382, 409
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 449
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems 90
Alarm system 90
Immobilizer 90
Tow-away alarm 91
Ashtray 32, 255
Aspect ratio 327
Audio search function 146Audio system 193
Audio and telephone*, operation 193
CD changer* 212
CD operation 208
Introduction to satellite radio* 
(USA only) 203
MP3 210
Operating and display elements 194
Auto-dimming*, Rear view mirrors 169
Automatic central locking 102
Control system 146
Automatic climate control* 182
Air conditioning refrigerant 444
Air conditioning, Cooling 191
Air recirculation mode 189
Air vents 182, 187
Air volume 188
Automatic mode 186
Control panel 184