Page 290 of 358

Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIItAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 291 of 358

Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km). The fluid is then filled
for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is seated properly.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
7
Page 316 of 358
Gear Ratios - 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
First 3.95
Second 2.423
Third 1.486
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.833
Reverse 3.147/1.93
Body Specifications
Overall Length 159.8 in (4058 mm)
Maximum Width 69.5 in (1766 mm)
Maximum Width With
Mirrors76.9 in (1954 mm)
Overall Height
Coupe: 51.5 in (1307 mm)
Roadster: 51.8 in (1315 mm)
Front Track 58.8 in (1493 mm)
Rear Track 59.1 in (1502 mm)
Wheelbase 94.5 in (2400 mm)
Front Overhang 32.4 in (822 mm)
Rear Overhang 32.9 in (836 mm)
Front Ground Clearance 5.0 in (127 mm)
Rear Ground Clearance 5.8 in (147 mm)
Turning Radius 32.2 ft (9.8 m)
Weight
Coupe: 3010 lbs (1365 kg)
Roadster: 3097 lbs (1405 kg)
Maximum Vehicle Load 415 lbs (188 kg)
Luggage Capacity
Coupe: 7.7 cu ft (215 l)
Roadster: 6.5 cu ft (190 l) - Top Up
3.6 cu ft (104 l) - Top
Down
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 317 of 358
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15.8 Gal 60.0 L
Fuel Tank Reserve2 Gal 7.5 L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Engine 8.5 Qt 8.0 L
Cooling System *
3.2 L Engine 11.8 Qt 11.2 L
Manual Transmission1.9 Qt 1.8 L
Automatic Transmission8.5 Qt 8.0 L
Rear Axle1.4 Qt 1.3 L
Power Steering Reservoir1.1 Qt 1.0 L
Brake Reservoir.5 Qt .5 L
Windshield Washer Reservoir(MAX fill when empty) 7.4 Qt 7.0 L
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7
Page 319 of 358

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission Only use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12. Synthetic Dexron IIItTransmis-
sion Fluid may be substituted.
Brake Master Cylinder Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake fluid with: minimum dry
boiling point (ERBP) 500ÉF (260ÉC), minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356ÉF
(180ÉC), maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925.
Clutch Fluid Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake fluid with: minimum dry
boiling point (ERBP) 500ÉF (260ÉC), minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356ÉF
(180ÉC), maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925.
Manual Transmission Fluid No fluid service required. Only use fluid approved to MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine
oil, meeting API SL or GF-3, may be substituted.
Power Steering Reservoir No fluid service required. Filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S. Steering
noise and reduced component life may result if an unapproved fluid is used.
Rear Axle Fluid Only use synthetic SAE 75W-85 axle lubricant that meets MB 231.1. Reduced axle
durability may result if an unapproved product is used.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver's door frame.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
7
Page 330 of 358
Every 2 years:
²Inspect body for paint damage.
²Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 mi (80 000 km) or 4 years:
²Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
²Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 mi (96 000 km) or 4 years:
²Replace fuel filter.
²Replace air cleaner filter element.At approximately 80,000 mi (128 000 km):
²Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life. The manual
transmission comes filled for life from the factory.
At approximately every 100,000 mi (160 000 km) or 5
years:
²Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 mi (160 000 km) or 5 years:
²Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
328 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 344 of 358

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 134
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 282
Adding Fuel........................... 225
Aiming Headlights....................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 269
Air Conditioning.....................155,273
Air Conditioning Filter.................... 329
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 273
Air Conditioning System.................. 273
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 208
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................... 40
Airbag Light.........................38,140
Airbag Maintenance....................... 50
Airbag On/Off Switch...................47,53
Alignment and Balance................... 214
Antenna.............................. 154
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 315
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 134Appearance Care........................ 290
Ashtrays and Lighter...................... 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Transmission................174,288
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 289
Fluid Level Check...................... 288
Fluid Type........................... 288
Special Additives...................... 290
Autostick............................. 178
Ball Joints............................. 275
Battery............................135,271
Saving Feature (Protection)................ 95
Belts, Drive............................ 268
Belts, Seat.............................. 26
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 276
B-Pillar Location........................ 203
Brake Assist System...................... 108
Brake, Parking.......................... 185
342 INDEX
Page 353 of 358

High Speed.......................... 210
Inflation Pressures..................... 208
Life of Tires.......................... 212
Load Capacity.....................203,204
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 214
Quality Grading....................... 339
Radial.............................. 210
Replacement......................... 213
Rotation............................. 221
Safety............................63,198
Sizes............................... 199
Snow Tires........................... 220
Spinning............................ 211
Tread Wear Indicators................... 211
Tow-Away Alarm......................21,248
Towing............................... 245
Disabled Vehicle....................... 245
Trailering............................ 229
Towing Eyes........................... 247Traction.............................. 182
Trailer Towing.......................... 229
Transmission
Automatic........................174,288
Fluid............................... 288
Manual..........................171,289
Shifting..........................171,172
Transporting Pets........................ 60
Tread Wear Indicators..................... 211
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 22
Turn Signals............................ 99
Umbrella Hook......................... 123
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 339
Universal Transmitter.................. 118,122
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 284
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................204,227
INDEX 351
10