2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG roof

252 Controls in detail
Loading
Roof rack
!This vehicle is not designed to carry items
on its roof. Roof rails and any roof-mounted
devices, unless expressly approved by
Mercedes-Benz for use on this vehicle model,
must not be used as they will damage the vehicle
and retractable hardtop.
At time of printing, Mercedes-Benz does not
offer any roof racks or any other roof-mounted
devices for use on this vehicle.
!This vehicle is not designed to carry any
items on its trunk lid or accommodate any type
of trunk lid rack or device. Using such devices
may damage the vehicle and retractable hardtop
mechanism.

332 Operation
Tires and wheels
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure
for normal driving conditions is listed on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on the driver’s door B-pillar and
provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort. If so equipped, supplemen-
tal information pertaining to special driving
situations can be found on the tire inflation
pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler
flap.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

340 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of vehicle
Regular and proper care will help to main-
tain the value of your vehicle. The best way
to protect your vehicle from harmful envi-
ronmental influences is to wash it and use
protective treatments regularly.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
undercarriage and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic conditions,
but also by:

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar

Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:

Grease and oil

Fuel

Coolant

Brake fluid

Bird droppings

Insects

Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:

near the ocean

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a
thorough check is a washing of the under-
body followed by a thorough inspection.
Damaged areas need to be
re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the
factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the
body cavities which will last for the lifetime
of the vehicle. Post-production treatment
is neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
Warning!G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

380 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
KRetractable Roof Operation
Please WaitThe on-board voltage is too low.Start the engine.
The hardtop drive system was
shut down for safety reasons after
multiple, consecutive attempts to
raise or lower the hardtop.After about 10 minutes you can open or
close the retractable hardtop.
Switch on the ignition (page 37).
Repeat the opening or closing
procedure.
Retractable Roof
LoweringThe retractable hardtop is not
completely opened or closed. The
roof hydraulics will start to lose
pressure.Make sure the retractable hardtop is
completely opened or closed
(
page 240).
Retractable Roof
Operation Only At StandstillYou have attempted to open the
retractable hardtop while driving.Stop the vehicle in a safe location and try
to open the hardtop again.
Retractable Roof Not
Opened/Closed CompletelyYou are driving with the retract-
able hardtop not properly locked.Stop the vehicle in a safe location. Ob-
serve the traffic situation around you.
Push the retractable hardtop switch for-
ward or rearward until the retractable
hardtop is completely closed or open
(
page 240).

397 Practical hints
Opening/closing in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Raising retractable hardtop manually
Warning!G
If the retractable hardtop does not com-
pletely open or close, the roof hydraulics will
lose pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered

after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on

after approximately 15 seconds when
the ignition is switched off
Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction dis-
play you will seeK and the message
Retractable roof Lowering.

Properly lock retractable hardtop before
continuing to drive (
page 240).
Warning!G
Manually closing the retractable hardtop is a
complicated and technically demanding pro-
cedure and should only be performed by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or quali-
fied technician. Attempting to manually
close the retractable hardtop may cause
damage to the retractable hardtop and/or
personal injury.
Warning!G
To prevent possible accidents, drive the
vehicle only with the retractable hardtop
either completely closed and locked, or fully
lowered into its storage compartment.

422 Practical hints
Battery
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment on the right-hand side below the
water tray (
page 423).
1Battery
2Positive terminal
3Negative terminal
Warning!G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(
page 302).
Never lean over batteries while connecting
them, as you could otherwise be injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come into contact with
eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, imme-
diately flush affected area with water and
seek medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Warning!G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the
risk of acid burns in the event of an
accident.
!Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch. Otherwise the
alternator and other electronic components
could be severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for maintenance
intervals or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information.

450 Technical data
Weights
ModelSLK 280
SLK 350SLK 55 AMG
Maximum roof load110 lb (50 kg)110lb (50kg)
Maximum trunk load220 lb (100 kg)220 lb (100 kg)
!This vehicle is not designed to carry items
on its roof. Roof rails and any roof-mounted de-
vices, unless expressly approved by
Mercedes-Benz for use on this vehicle model,
must not be used as they will damage the vehicle
and retractable hardtop.
At time of printing, Mercedes-Benz does not
offer any roof racks or any other roof-mounted
devices for use on this vehicle.!This vehicle is not designed to carry any
items on its trunk lid or accommodate any type
of trunk lid rack or device. Using such devices
may damage the vehicle and retractable hardtop
mechanism.

468 Index
R
RACETIMER see Control system menus,
AMG
Radio
Operation (Audio system) 199
Operation (Control system) 133
Satellite* 134
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 287
Reading lamps 117
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 170
Recommended inflation pressure 332
Recovery services for stolen vehicle (Tele
Aid*) 269
Refrigerant (Air conditioning) 453
Refueling 291
Regular checks 292
Remote control see SmartKey
Remote door unlock with Tele Aid* 269
Reporting, safety defects 18
Research Octane Number see RON
Reset button (Instrument cluster) 27
Residual engine heat utilization see RESTREST
Automatic climate control* 192
Climate control 181
Restraint systems
Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) 79
Seat belts 64, 76
Retractable hardtop 240
Locking after raising/lowering 242
Opening and closing 240
Operating manually 397
Problems when operating 242, 246
Summer opening/convenience
closing* 244
Wind screen* 246
Reverse gear position
Automatic transmission* 155, 157
Manual transmission 154
Rims 332, 442
Roadside Assistance 12, 266
RON 292, 455
Roof rack 252
Rubber parts, cleaning 345
Run Flat Indicator* 315S
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety defects, reporting 18
Safety, occupant 64
Satellite radio* 134
Seat belt force limiter 79
Seat belts 64, 76
Cleaning 346
Fastening 48
Proper use of 50
Release button 49
Safety guidelines 68
Warning lamp 353–354
Seating capacity 308
Seats 104
Adjusting 39
Easy-entry/exit feature* 44
Head restraint height 42
Heating* 104
Power seats* 41