Page 332 of 473

331 Operation
Tires and wheels
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to 
the tire manufacturer’s recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty 
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature 
portfolio. If none is available, tires should 
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles 
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear. 
The same rotation (spinning) direction 
must be maintained (
page 307). 
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire 
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder 
wear on front tires and tread center wear 
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of 
wheels and brake discs, i.e. the inner side 
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation. 
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation 
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the 
“Practical hints” section (
page 385) and 
(
page 401).
Warning!G
Have the tightening torque checked after 
changing a wheel. Wheels could become 
loose if not tightened with a torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel 
bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims. 
     
        
        Page 414 of 473

413 Practical hints
Flat tire
Lowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning the crank 
counterclockwise until vehicle is 
resting fully on its own weight.
Remove the jack.
1-5 Wheel bolts
Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly in 
the direction of the arrow, following the 
diagonal sequence illustrated 
(1to5), until all bolts are tight. 
Observe a tightening torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Fully collapse the jack.
Place the vehicle tool kit, electric air 
pump, and the jack back in the storage 
compartment underneath the trunk 
floor.
Wrap the damaged wheel in the protec-
tive sheet provided with the vehicle 
tool kit and put the wheel in the trunk.
For information on storing the spare wheel 
in the trunk after it has been replaced by a 
regular road wheel, see “Storing the spare 
wheel with collapsible tire” (
page 385).
Warning!G
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric 
pump (
page 411) before lowering the 
vehicle.
Warning!G
Have the tightening torque checked after 
changing a wheel. The wheels could come 
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
iThe flat tire may be transported in the trunk 
when the retractable hardtop is closed. 
     
        
        Page 434 of 473

433 Technical data
Engine
Engine
ModelSLK 280 (171.454)1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special 
equipment.
SLK 350 (171.456)1SLK 55 AMG (171.473)1
Engine272272113
Mode of operation4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection
No. of cylinders668
Bore3.47 in (88.00 mm)3.66 in (92.90 mm)3.82 in (97.00 mm)
Stroke3.23 in (82.20 mm)3.39 in (86.00 mm)3.60 in (92.00 mm)
Total piston displacement182.8 cu in (2 996 cm3)213.5 cu in (3 498 cm3)331.8 cu in (5 439 cm3)
Compression ratio11.3:110.7:111:1
Output according to 
SAE J 1349228 hp/6 100 rpm2
(170 kW/6 100 rpm)
268 hp/6 000 rpm2
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
355 hp/5 750 rpm2
(265 kW/5 750 rpm)
Maximum torque according 
to SAE J 1349221 lb-ft/2 500 - 5 000 rpm
(300 Nm/2 500 - 5 000 rpm)258 lb-ft/2 400 - 5 000 rpm
(350 Nm/2 400 - 5 000 rpm)376 lb-ft/4 000 rpm
(510 Nm/4 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed6500 rpm6500 rpm6700 rpm
Firing order1-4-3-6-2-51-4-3-6-2-51-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Poly-V-belt2404 mm2404 mm2380 mm 
     
        
        Page 441 of 473
440 Technical data
Electrical system
ModelSLK 280SLK 350SLK 55 AMG
Generator (alternator)14 V/150 A14 V/150 A14 V/150 A
Starter motor12 V/1.4 kW12 V/1.4 kW12 V/1.7 kW
Battery12 V/74 Ah12 V/74 Ah12 V/74 Ah
Spark plugsNGK PLKR 6ABosch Platin Y 7 MPP33
NGK PLKR 6ANGK IFR6D10
Electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)0.031 in (0.8 mm)0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Tightening torque15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)18 – 22 lb-ft (25 – 30 Nm) 
     
        
        Page 466 of 473

465 Index
Steering wheel gearshift control one-touch 
gearshifting
Automatic transmission* 163
Stolen vehicle, Recovery services 
(Tele Aid*) 269
Storage compartments 32, 252
Armrest 32, 252
Between seat backrests 32, 253
Cup holder 32, 254
Door pockets 32
Glove box 32, 252
Parcel net 32, 253
Storage tray 32
Telephone* compartment 32, 252
Trunk 32
Storing tires 306
Summer opening*
Power windows 238
Retractable hardtop 244
Sun visors 170
Symbols in display 366T
Tachometer 119
Tail lamps 395
Tar stains see Vehicle care
TDMA or CDMA network phones 
(Telephone*) 226
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant 445
Brake fluid 446
Coolants 448
Electrical system 440
Engine 433
Engine oil 445
Fuel additives 447
Fuel requirements 447
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 443
Headlamp cleaning system* 450
Main dimensions 441
Parts service 428
Premium unleaded gasoline 446
Rims and tires 434
Weights 442
Windshield washer system 450Tele Aid system*  261
Call priority 268
Initiating an emergency call 264
Remote door unlock 269
Requirements 262
Roadside Assistance 265
Stolen Vehicle Recovery 
services 269
System self-check 263
Telephone* 258
Changing mobile phone cradle 261
Compartment 33, 252
GSM network phones 219
Inserting in cradle 259
Installing a different mobile phone 
cradle 261
Operation 149, 193
Removing from cradle 260
Tightening torque
Wheel bolts 413 
     
        
        Page 469 of 473
468 Index
Vehicle loading terminology 327
Vehicle status message memory menu 
(Control system) 135
Vehicle tool kit 32, 382
Collapsible wheel chock 384
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
VIN 431
W
Warning sounds
Anti-theft alarm system 90
Exterior lighting 62, 99, 109
Maintenance service indicator 335
Panic alarm 83
Parking brake 53, 348
Seat belts 78, 351, 352
Tow-away alarm 91
Warranty coverage 429Washing the vehicle see Vehicle care
Wear pattern (Tires) 331
Weights 442
Wheel bolts 386
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 382
Wheel wrench (Vehicle tool kit) 382
Wheels
Tightening torque 413
Wheels see Tires
Where will I find...? 382
Wind screen* 246
Windows see Power windows
Windshield
Washer fluid reservoir 302
Washer system 450
Windshield wipers 56
Replacing wiper blades 399
Wiper blades, cleaning 340Winter driving 332
Instructions 286
Snow chains 333
Tires 332
Winter tires 332
Wood trims
Cleaning 343