Page 349 of 474

348 Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on ignition 
(
page 37), have the respective bulb 
checked and replaced if necessary.
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on 
when the engine is running.The ABS has detected a malfunction 
and has switched off. The BAS and 
ESP
® are also switched off (see mes-
sages in the multifunction display).
The brake system is still functioning 
normally but without the systems 
specified above.
If the ABS control unit is malfunction-
ing, other systems such as the naviga-
tion system* or the automatic 
transmission* may also be malfunc-
tioning.
Continue driving with added caution. 
Wheels may lock during hard braking, 
reducing steering capability.
Read and observe messages in the 
multifunction display (
page 360).
Have the system checked at an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as 
soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged suf-
ficiently.When the voltage is above this value 
again, the ABS is operational again an the 
ABS indicator lamp should go out.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out:
Have the generator (alternator) and 
battery checked. 
     
        
        Page 357 of 474

356 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
HUSA only:
Combination low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction 
telltale for the TPMS illuminates 
continuously.The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least 
one tire.Carefully bring the vehicle to a 
halt, avoiding abrupt steering and 
braking maneuvers. Observe the 
traffic situation around you.
Read and observe messages in 
the multifunction display.
If the tire inflation pressure in the 
respective tire(s) has (have) been 
corrected, the combination low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale 
goes out after a few minutes of 
driving.
HUSA only:
Combination low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction 
telltale for the TPMS flashes 
60 seconds and then stays 
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.Read and observe messages in 
the multifunction display.
Have the TPMS checked by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
After the malfunction has been 
remedied, the combination low tire 
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale 
goes out after a few minutes of 
driving. 
     
        
        Page 380 of 474

379 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
NEngine Oil Level
Reduce Oil LevelSLK 55 AMG only:
You have added too much engine 
oil. There is a risk of damaging the 
engine or the catalytic converter.Have oil siphoned or drained off.
Observe all legal requirements with respect 
to its disposal.
Engine Oil Level
Stop, turn engine off.There is no oil in the engine. There 
is a danger of engine damage.Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon 
as it is safe to do so.
Turn off the engine.
Apply the parking brake (page 59).
Add engine oil (page 299) and check the 
engine oil level (
page 296).
AReserve FuelThe fuel level has dropped below 
the reserve mark.Refuel at the next gas station (page 291).
4Gas Cap
Is OpenA loss of pressure has been detect-
ed in the fuel system. The fuel cap 
may not be closed properly or the 
fuel system may be leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 291).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 406 of 474
405 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Fold corresponding trim to side.
Turn the respective bulb socket coun-
terclockwise and remove.
Press gently onto the bulb and turn 
counterclockwise out of its bulb sock-
et.
Press the new bulb gently into its bulb 
socket and turn clockwise.
Reinstall the bulb socket and turn 
clockwise until it engages.
Reinstall trim.License plate lamp
1ScrewsLoosen both screws1.
Remove the license plate lamp.
Replace the bulb.
Reinstall the license plate lamp.
Retighten screws1. 
     
        
        Page 422 of 474

421 Practical hints
Flat tire
MOExtended system*
The MOExtended system allows you to 
continue driving your vehicle even if there 
is a total loss of pressure in one or more 
tires. 
You may only use the MOExtended system 
in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator* 
(Canada vehicles) (
page 315) or TPMS 
(U. S. vehicles) (
page 317).
!The maximum distance in emergency mode 
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 30 miles 
(50 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and 
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded. 
The point at which the maximum driving distance 
begins in emergency mode is when the warning 
message appears in the multifunction display 
indicating that there is a loss of tire inflation 
pressure. 
Do not exceed the maximum speed of 
50 mph (80 km/h). 
Warning!G
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving 
characteristics are diminished in such situa-
tions as:
driving around curves
while braking
while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapt-
ed accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and 
driving maneuvers, as well as driving over 
obstacles (road curbs, potholes, or off-road 
areas). This is especially important if the 
vehicle is heavily loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be 
achieved greatly depends on the demands 
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed, 
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions, 
outside temperature, etc., the distance can 
be significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is 
driven cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode 
if
you notice knocking sounds
the vehicle starts to shake
smoke develops and you smell rubber
ESP® is intervening continuously
you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must 
have the rims inspected by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are 
suitable for further use. The failed tire must 
be replaced in any case.
iWhen replacing individual or all tires on the 
vehicle, make sure only tires marked 
with“MOExtended” are mounted in the size 
specified for your vehicle (
page 442). 
     
        
        Page 437 of 474
436 Technical data
The “Technical data” section provides the 
necessary technical data for your vehicle.
Parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers 
maintain a stock of Genuine 
Mercedes-Benz Parts required for mainte-
nance and repair work. In addition, strate-
gically located parts distribution centers 
provide quick and reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for 
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts are subject-
ed to stringent quality inspections. Each 
part has been specifically developed, 
manufactured or selected for and adapted 
to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts 
should be installed.!The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz 
parts and accessories not authorized by 
Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle, which 
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty, or could compromise the vehicle’s 
durability or safety. 
     
        
        Page 452 of 474

451 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective 
lubricants must match. Therefore, only use 
products tested and approved by 
Mercedes-Benz.
Please refer to the Factory Approved 
Service Products pamphlet (USA only), or 
inquire at an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
Warning!G
Comply with all valid regulations with 
respect to handling, storing and disposing 
of service fluids. Otherwise you could 
endanger persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of 
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent 
service fluids from coming into direct 
contact with you skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a 
physician immediately.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filterAll models8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission*SLK 280, SLK 3509.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
SLK 55 AMG9.2 US qt (8.7 l)
Manual transmissionSLK 280, SLK 3501.6 US qt (1.5 l)MB Manual Transmission Oil
Rear axleSLK 2801.1 US qt (1.0 l)Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
SLK 3501.2 US qt (1.1 l)
SLK 55 AMG1.3 US qt (1.2 l) 
     
        
        Page 460 of 474

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