2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280 Control functions

259 Controls in detail
Useful features
Telephone*
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit, should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
The external antenna must be approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa-
tion on the installation of an approved
external antenna. Refer to the radio trans-
mitter operation instructions regarding use
of an external antenna.When the mobile phone is inserted in the
cradle, you can operate the telephone
using the following devices:

mobile phone keypad

COMAND* (see separate operating in-
structions)

buttonss andt on the multi-
function steering wheel (
page 149)

audio system (page 219)
Warning!G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Warning!G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be
his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we rec-
ommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a tele-
phone call.
If you choose to use the telephone
1 while
driving, please use the hands-free device
and only use the telephone when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the audio system or
COMAND*
1 if road, weather and traffic con-
ditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just
30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), your
vehicle is covering a distance of
44 feet (approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
iVarious mobile phone cradles can be in-
stalled in the center armrest, see separate in-
stallation instructions for the mobile phone
cradle. These mobile phone cradles can be
obtained from an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The functions and services available to you while
using the mobile phone depend on your service
provider and the type of mobile phone you are
using. See also separate operating manual for
instructions on how to use your mobile phone.

260 Controls in detail
Useful features
Please note that these functions are only
available with Mercedes-Benz approved
mobile phones. Please contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for informa-
tion on features available for your mobile
phone of choice.
The cradle is located in the front center
armrest storage/telephone*
compartment (
page 253).
Open the storage/telephone* com-
partment (
page 253).Inserting mobile phone in mobile phone
cradle
Once the mobile phone has been inserted
in the mobile phone cradle, you have to
use the hands-free device to respond
during phone calls.If applicable, remove the cover for the
external antenna connection from the
back of the mobile phone and store it in
a s a f e p l a c e . B e s u r e t o c o m p l y w i t h t h e
mobile phone’s operating instructions
as well.Example illustration
1Insert the mobile phone
2Connector contact
3Mobile phone cradle
Slide the lower end of the mobile phone
into connector contact 2 on mobile
phone cradle3.
Push the top of the mobile phone in di-
rection of arrow 1, until the lug on the
mobile phone release button engages.
The mobile phone is connected to the
network via the external antenna.
!Do not try to remove the mobile phone along
with the cradle. You could otherwise damage the
mobile phone cradle.

261 Controls in detail
Useful features
The mobile phone is linked to the
hands-free device and the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
The battery is charged depending on its
charge status and the position of the
SmartKey in the starter switch. The
charge procedure will be indicated in
the mobile phone’s display.
You can place or receive phone calls. You
can control other functions of the mobile
phone via the control system
(
page 149), audio system (page 219),
or COMAND* (see separate operating in-
structions). Removing mobile phone from mobile
phone cradleExample illustration
1Release catch for mobile phone
2Mobile phone cradle
Press release catch in direction of
arrow1 and take mobile phone out of
mobile phone cradle2.Changing mobile phone cradle
If you require a different cradle for your
mobile phone, remove the present cradle
before installing a new one.
Removing an existing mobile phone
cradle
Example illustration
1To release the mobile phone cradle
2To remove the mobile phone cradle
3Mobile phone cradle
Press release button in direction of
arrow1 and take mobile phone
cradle3 out in direction of arrow2.
iWhen you take the SmartKey out of the
starter switch, the mobile phone remains
switched on for approximately 10 minutes. If
you place or receive a call during this time, the
mobile phone switches off 10 minutes after the
call has been completed.iWhen using a flip-style mobile phone, open
flip top before removing from the cradle while a
call is connected. Otherwise, the call will be dis-
connected.

263 Controls in detail
Useful features
To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button• or
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.System self-check
Initially, after switching on ignition, mal-
functions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button•, and the
Information button¡ stay on longer
than 10 seconds or do not come on). The
message
Tele Aid Inoperative appears
for approximately 10 seconds in the multi-
function display.
iThe SOS button is located in the overhead
control panel.
The Roadside Assistance button•
(
page 266) and the Information button¡
(
page 267) are located in the center armrest
storage/telephone* compartment.
!The Tele Aid system utilizes the cellular net-
work for communication and the GPS (Global
Positioning System) satellites for vehicle loca-
tion. If either of these signals are unavailable,
the Tele Aid system may not function and if this
occurs, assistance must be summoned by other
means.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the
audio system or COMAND* system audio is mut-
ed and the selected mode (radio, tape or CD)
pauses. The optional cellular phone* (if installed)
and inserted in cradle switches off. If you must
use this phone, we recommend that you use it
only with the vehicle at a standstill in a safe loca-
tion. Remove the phone from the cradle and
place the call. The COMAND* navigation system
(if engaged) will continue to run. The display in
the instrument cluster is available for use, and
spoken commands are only available by pressing
the RPT button on the COMAND* unit. A pop-up
window will appear in the COMAND* display to
indicate that a Tele Aid call is in progress. After
the Tele Aid call has ended, the optional cellular
phone switches on again. A PIN entry might be
necessary.

300 Operation
Engine compartment
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 451) and
(
page 453).
Transmission fluid level*
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level,

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground

the coolant temperature must be
below 158°F (70°C)
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and
emission control system not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
In order to avoid any potentially serious
burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.

Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.

Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately 1/2turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out
under pressure.

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes into
contact with hot engine parts.

351 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
USA only:
?
Canada only:
±
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There is a malfunction in:

The fuel injection system

The ignition system

The emission control system

Systems which effect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in
excessive emissions values and may
switch the engine to its limp-home
(emergency operation) mode.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is used
by the service station to link the vehicle to
the shop diagnostics system. It allows the
accurate identification of system malfunc-
tions through the readout of diagnostic
trouble codes. It is located in the front left
area of the footwell near the hood release.
iSome states may by law require you to visit
a workshop as soon as the engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on. Check local require-
ments.

453 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
system 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.

460 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 167
Gearshift pattern 52
Kickdown 159
Kickdown, manual shift
program* 167
Manual shift program* 165
Program mode selector switch 161
Shifting procedure 156
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting* 163
B
Backup lamp
Messages in the multifunction
display 383
Replacing bulbs 402
Bar 331
BAS 86
Batteries (SmartKey)
Replacing 398
Battery (Vehicle) 302, 422
Charging 424
Jump starting 426
Messages in the multifunction
display 372
Bead 331
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 401Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 280
Brake fluid 292, 454
Messages in the multifunction
display 373
SLK 55 AMG 281
Warning lamp 350
Break-in period 278
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 381–386
Replacing 400
C
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid* 268
Capacities and recommended
fuels/lubricants 451
Carpets, cleaning 345
Catalytic converter 288
CD
Changer* 208, 253
Player/Changer*,
operation 134, 208
CD changer* (Audio system) 212Center console
Lamp 358
Lower part 30
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 102, 146
Locking/unlocking from inside 103
SmartKey 62
Certification label 438
CHECK ENGINE indicator lamp 351
Checking tire pressure electronically
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 317
Children in the vehicle
Air bags 79
Infant and child restraint systems 79
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 71
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 74, 358
Chrome-plated exhaust tip*
Cleaning 346
Cigarette lighter 32, 256