190 Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Air recirculation mode
Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e.g. before driving
through a tunnel). This setting cuts off the
intake of outside air and recirculates the
air in the interior.
Activating
Press button, (page 184).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.Deactivating
Press button, (page 184) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.Air recirculation mode with
convenience closing or opening featureWarning!G
Fogged windows impair visibility, endanger-
ing you and others. If the windows begin to
fog on the inside, switching off the air
recirculation mode immediately should clear
interior window fogging. If interior window
fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning (
page 180) is activated, or
press buttonP.
iThe air recirculation mode activates auto-
matically at high outside temperatures.
The indicator lamp on button, is not lit when
the air recirculation mode is automatically
switched on.
A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.
iThe air recirculation mode is deactivated
automatically:
after 5 minutes if the outside temperature is
below approximately 41°F (5°C)
after 5 minutes if the air conditioning is
turned off (
page 191)
after 30 minutes if the outside temperature
is above approximately 41°F (5°C)
Warning!G
Never operate the side windows if there is
the possibility of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.
When using the air recirculation mode with
convenience closing feature, should the up-
ward movement of a window be blocked by
some obstruction including but not limited
to arms, hands, fingers, etc., the automatic
reversal feature will not operate.
In the event that the closing procedure
causes potential danger, the closing of the
door windows can be immediately halted by
releasing the, button or by pressing the
respective power window switch.
The closing of the rear side windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the
,button.
191 Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Convenience closing
Press and hold button, until the
windows are closed or have reached
the desired position.
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on. The air recirculation mode is
activated.Convenience openingPress and hold button, until the
windows are opened or have reached
the desired position.
The indicator lamp on the button
goes out. The air recirculation mode
is deactivated.
Air conditioning
The cooling function, only operational
when the engine is running, cools the
vehicle interior down to the selected
temperature. The cooling function also
dehumidifies the air in the vehicle interior,
thus preventing the windows from
fogging up.
The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs
which are harmful to the ozone layer.
iThe closing of the windows can be immedi-
ately halted by releasing button,.iThe opening of the windows can be immedi-
ately halted by releasing button,.
A window will only return to its previous position
if it has not been moved to another position us-
ing the respective window switch after it was
closed with button,.
A window that has been moved will remain in its
current position if button, is used to reopen
the remaining windows.
Warning!G
If you turn off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog
up more quickly. Window fogging may
impair visibility and endanger you and
others.
iCondensation may drip from underneath the
vehicle. This is normal and not an indication of a
malfunction.
192 Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Deactivating
It is possible to deactivate the air condi-
tioning (cooling) function of the automatic
climate control system. The air in the
vehicle will then no longer be cooled or
dehumidified.
Press buttonœ (page 184).
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.
Activating
Moist air can fog up the windows. You
can dehumidify the air with the air
conditioning.
Press buttonœ (page 184).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.
Residual heat and ventilation
With the engine switched off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior
for up to 30 minutes. This feature makes
use of the residual heat produced by the
engine.Activating
Switch off the ignition (page 37).
Press buttonT (page 184).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on. The display in the automatic
climate control panel remains switched
off.
Deactivating
Press buttonT (page 184) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.
iHow long the system will provide heating
depends on
the coolant temperature
the temperature set by the operator
The blower will run at speed setting1 regardless
of the air volume control setting.
iThe residual heat is automatically turned off:
when the ignition is switched on (page 37)
after about 30 minutes
if the battery voltage drops
331 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa), or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
440 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
452 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steeringAll models1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid
(Chevron Texaco PSF 9109)
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 models0.2 US qt (0.195 l)MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system*All models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield washer concentrate1
1Use 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 458).
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.
459 Index
A
ABS 84
Indicator lamp 348, 349
Messages in the multifunction
display 362
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 159
Accessory weight 331
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 68
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control* 191
Climate control 180
Air conditioning refrigerant 453
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
AIRSCARF neck level heating* 105Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt
(Vehicle tool kit) 389, 416
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 457
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems 90
Alarm system 90
Immobilizer 90
Tow-away alarm 91
Ashtray 32, 255
Aspect ratio 331
Audio search function 146
Audio system 193
Audio and telephone*, operation 193
CD changer* 212
CD operation 208
Introduction to satellite radio* 203
MP3 210
Operating and display elements 194
Auto-dimming*, Rear view mirrors 168
Automatic central locking 102
Control system 146
Automatic climate control* 182
Air conditioning refrigerant 452
Air conditioning, Cooling 191
Air recirculation mode 190Air vents 182, 188
Air volume 188
Automatic mode 186
Control panel 184
Deactivating 185
Defrosting 170, 189
Residual heat utilization 192
Sun sensor 25
Temperature 186
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission*
Accelerator position 159
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) 300
Driving 53
Emergency operation
(limp-home mode) 167
Fluid level 300
Gear ranges 160
Gear selector lever 155
Gear selector lever
(Unlocking manually) 396
Gear selector lever control one-touch
gearshifting 162
Gear selector lever positions 157