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.
266 Controls in detail
Useful features
Roadside Assistance button•
The Roadside Assistance button• is
located in the center armrest
storage/telephone* compartment
(
page 253).
1Roadside Assistance button
Open the storage/telephone* com-
partment (
page 253).
Press and hold button 1 (for longer
than 2 seconds).
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance dispatcher will be initiated.
The button will flash while the call is in
progress. The message
Connecting
Call
will appear in the multifunction
display and the audio system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message
Call Connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system
will transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and lo-
cation (subject to availability of cellular
and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants
of the vehicle will be established.
Describe the nature of the need for
assistance.The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to
tow your vehicle to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such
as labor and/or towing, charges may
apply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance
manual for more information.
The following is only available in the USA:
Sign and Drive services: Services such
as jump start, a few gallons of fuel or
the replacement of a flat tire with the
vehicle spare tire are obtainable.
267 Controls in detail
Useful features
Information button¡
The Information button¡ is located in
the center armrest storage/telephone*
compartment (
page 253).
1Information button
Open the storage/telephone* com-
partment (
page 253).
Press and hold button 1 (for longer
than 2 seconds).
A call to the Customer Assistance
Center will be initiated. The button will
flash while the call is in progress. The
message
Connecting Call will appear
in the multifunction display and the
audio system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message
Call Connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system
will transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and lo-
cation (subject to availability of cellular
and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and
the occupants of the vehicle will be estab-
lished. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center or Mercedes-Benz
USA products and services is available to
you.
iThe indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button• remains illuminated in
red for approximately 10 seconds during the
system self-check after switching on ignition
(together with the SOS button and the
Information button¡).
See “System self-check” (
page 263) when the
indicator lamp does not come on in red or stays
on longer than approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance
button• is flashing continuously and there
was no voice connection to the Response Center
established, then the Tele Aid system could not
initiate a Roadside Assistance call (e.g. the rele-
vant cellular phone network was not available).
The message
Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display.
Roadside Assistance calls can be terminated
using the buttont on the multifunction
steering wheel or the respective button for
ending a telephone call on the audio system or
COMAND* head unit.
304 Operation
Tires and wheels
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.Important guidelines
Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.
Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.
Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss or
damage the tire beads.
If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths of less than
1/8in (3 mm).
When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:
The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.
The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and may lead to
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz therefore cannot
assure the operating safety of the vehicle
when such tires are used.
346 Operation
Vehicle care
Seat belts
Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap.
Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a
proper intermediate cover,
contact-discoloration will be prevented.Leather upholstery
Please note that leather upholstery is a
natural product and is therefore subject
to a natural aging process. Leather
upholstery may also react to certain
ambient influences such as high humidity
or high temperature by showing wrinkles
for example.
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp
cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather
Care.Exercise particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside should
not become wet.
Wood trims
Dampen cloth using water and use
damp cloth to clean wood trims in your
vehicle.
Chrome-plated exhaust tip*
Regular cleaning and care of
chrome-plated exhaust tips will help
to maintain their shine and the classy
appearance.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Chrome
Polishing Paste each time the vehicle
has been washed, especially during the
winter.
!The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat
belts at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in
direct sunlight.
Warning!G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Warning!G
Only use seat covers which have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model. Using other seat covers
may interfere with or prevent the deploy-
ment of the head-thorax air bags. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
!Wipe with light pressure, to avoid damage to
the upholstery.
!Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as these
may be abrasive.
!Do not use alkaline cleaners such as wheel
cleaners as they could cause corrision.
442 Technical data
Rims and tires
!Only use tires which have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best
possible performance in conjunction with the
driving safety systems on your vehicle such as
ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially developed for your
vehicle and tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be identified by finding the
following on the tire’s sidewall:
MO = Mercedes-Benz Original equipment
tires
AMG vehicles:
Does not apply to all approved tires on AMG
vehicles. For information on tested and
approved tires for AMG vehicles, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with limited run-flat characteristics)
original equipment tires
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iFor information on driving with MOExtended
tires, see “MOExtended system*” (
page 421).
!Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as
poor handling characteristics
increased noise
increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit
dimensional variations and different tire defor-
mation characteristics that could cause them to
come into contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be
the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. A placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar. Some vehicles may have supplemental
tire inflation pressure information for driving at
high speeds (
page 313) or for vehicle loads
less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition
(
page 313). If such information is provided, it
can be found on the placard located on the in-
side of the fuel filler flap.The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
iThe following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your
vehicles with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory
equipment, but can be purchased from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire config-
uration on your vehicle (Performance Package,
Sport Package etc.), equipping your vehicle with
winter tires approved for your vehicle model may
also require the purchase of two or four wheel
rims of the recommended size for use with these
winter tires. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for more information.
447 Technical data
Rims and tires
Spare wheel
ModelAll models
(except SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package*)
Rim (light alloy)4.5 B x 17 H2
Wheel offset0.47 in (12 mm)
Collapsible tire145/70-17 92P1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
!Please compare the recommended tire
inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire
inflation pressure on the yellow label located on
the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label
on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the
collapsible tire to the recommended tire inflation
pressure given on the yellow label on the spare
wheel rim.iPlease note that the tire inflation pressure of
the collapsible tire differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.
Inflate the collapsible tire to approximately
51 psi (3.5 bar).
iThe SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* does not have a spare wheel. The
SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package* is
equipped with TIREFIT (
page 408).
457 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of
aluminum parts. The use of aluminum
components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be
specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use such anti-
corrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in
a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
ModelApproximate freeze protection
-35°F (-37°C)-49°F (-45°C)
SLK 280, SLK 3505.4 US qt (5.1 l)6.0 US qt (5.6 l)
SLK 55 AMG5.9 US qt (5.5 l)6.4 US qt (6.1 l)