Page 335 of 474

334 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles 
with tires of the same dimension all 
around. If your vehicle is equipped with 
tires of the same dimension all around, 
tires can be rotated, observing a 
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will 
maintain the intended rotation (spinning) 
direction of the tire (
page 307).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle 
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different 
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation 
is not possible.If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to 
the tire manufacturer’s recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty 
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature 
portfolio. If none is available, tires should 
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles 
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear. 
The same rotation (spinning) direction 
must be maintained (
page 307). 
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire 
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder 
wear on front tires and tread center wear 
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of 
wheels and brake discs, i.e. the inner side 
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation. 
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation 
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the 
“Practical hints” section (
page 392) and 
(
page 408).
Warning!G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires 
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size 
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. 
rear), tire rotation is not possible.
Warning!G
Have the tightening torque checked after 
changing a wheel. Wheels could become 
loose if not tightened with a torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel 
bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims. 
     
        
        Page 421 of 474

420 Practical hints
Flat tire
Lowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning the crank 
counterclockwise until vehicle is 
resting fully on its own weight.
Remove the jack.
1-5 Wheel bolts
Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly in 
the direction of the arrow, following the 
diagonal sequence illustrated 
(1to5), until all bolts are tight. 
Observe a tightening torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Fully collapse the jack.
Place the vehicle tool kit, electric air 
pump, and the jack back in the storage 
compartment underneath the trunk 
floor.
Wrap the damaged wheel in the protec-
tive sheet provided with the vehicle 
tool kit and put the wheel in the trunk.
For information on storing the spare wheel 
in the trunk after it has been replaced by a 
regular road wheel, see “Storing the spare 
wheel with collapsible tire” (
page 392).
Warning!G
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric 
pump (
page 418) before lowering the 
vehicle.
Warning!G
Have the tightening torque checked after 
changing a wheel. The wheels could come 
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
iThe flat tire may be transported in the trunk 
when the retractable hardtop is closed. 
     
        
        Page 442 of 474

441 Technical data
Engine
Engine
ModelSLK 280 (171.454)1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special 
equipment.
SLK 350 (171.456)1SLK 55 AMG (171.473)1
Engine272272113
Mode of operation4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline 
injection
No. of cylinders668
Bore3.47 in (88.00 mm)3.66 in (92.90 mm)3.82 in (97.00 mm)
Stroke3.23 in (82.10 mm)3.39 in (86.00 mm)3.60 in (92.00 mm)
Total piston displacement182.8 cu in (2 996 cm3)213.5 cu in (3 498 cm3)331.8 cu in (5 439 cm3)
Compression ratio11.3:110.7:111:1
Output according to 
SAE J 1349228 hp/6 100 rpm2
(170 kW/6 100 rpm)
268 hp/6 000 rpm2
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
355 hp/5 750 rpm2
(265 kW/5 750 rpm)
Maximum torque according 
to SAE J 1349221 lb-ft/2 500 - 5 000 rpm
(300 Nm/2 500 - 5 000 rpm)258 lb-ft/2 400 - 5 000 rpm
(350 Nm/2 400 - 5 000 rpm)376 lb-ft/4 000 rpm
(510 Nm/4 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed6500 rpm6500 rpm6700 rpm
Firing order1-4-3-6-2-51-4-3-6-2-51-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Poly-V-belt2404 mm2404 mm2380 mm 
     
        
        Page 449 of 474
448 Technical data
Electrical system
ModelSLK 280SLK 350SLK 55 AMG
Generator (alternator)14 V/150 A14 V/150 A14 V/150 A
Starter motor12 V/1.4 kW12 V/1.4 kW12 V/1.7 kW
Battery12 V/74 Ah12 V/74 Ah12 V/74 Ah
Spark plugsNGK PLKR 6ABosch Platin Y 7 MPP33
NGK PLKR 6ANGK IFR6D10
Electrode gap0.031 in (0.8 mm)0.031 in (0.8 mm)0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Tightening torque15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)18 – 22 lb-ft (25 – 30 Nm) 
     
        
        Page 471 of 474

470 Index
Storage compartments 32, 253
Armrest 32, 253
Between seat backrests 32, 254
Cup holder 32, 255
Door pockets 32
Glove box 32, 253
Parcel net 32, 254
Storage tray 32
Telephone* 253
Telephone* compartment 32
Trunk 32
Storing tires 306
Summer opening*
Power windows 238
Retractable hardtop 244
Sun visors 169
Symbols in display 371
T
Tachometer 119
Tail lamps 402
Tar stains see Vehicle care
TDMA or CDMA network phones 
(Telephone*) 226Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant 453
Brake fluid 454
Coolants 456
Electrical system 448
Engine 441
Engine oil 453
Fuel additives 455
Fuel requirements 455
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 451
Headlamp cleaning system* 458
Main dimensions 449
Parts service 436
Premium unleaded gasoline 454
Rims and tires 442
Weights 450
Windshield washer system 458
Tele Aid system* 262
Call priority 268
Initiating an emergency call 265
Remote door unlock 269
Requirements 262
Roadside Assistance 266
Stolen Vehicle Recovery 
services 269
System self-check 263Telephone* 259
Changing mobile phone cradle 261
GSM network phones 219
Inserting in cradle 260
Installing a different mobile phone 
cradle 262
Operation 149, 193
Removing from cradle 261
Tightening torque
Wheel bolts 420
Time and date synchronization with head 
unit* (Control system) 141
TIN 333
Tire and Loading Information 308
Tire and loading terminology 331
Tire care and maintenance 305
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure 411
Air pressure 331
Checking 311, 313
Checking tire pressure electronically, 
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 
(TPMS), (USA only) 317
Tire inspection 305
Tire load rating 333 
     
        
        Page 473 of 474

472 Index
Useful features
Ashtray 255
Cigarette lighter 256
Cup holder 255
Floormat (Driver’s side only) 258
Garage door opener* 270
Heated steering wheel* 276
Parcel net 254
Power outlet 257
Storage compartments, interior 253
Tele Aid* 262
V
Vehicle
Battery 302, 422
Bulbs 400
Fuses 432
Individual settings (Control 
system) 136
Jump starting 426
Lifting with jack 414
Locking 62
Proper use of 16
Towing 428
Unlocking/locking in an 
emergency 394Vehicle capacity weight 333
Vehicle care 340
Chrome-plated exhaust tip 346
Vehicle Identification Number see VIN
Vehicle jack 390
Vehicle loading terminology 331
Vehicle status message memory menu 
(Control system) 135
Vehicle tool kit 32, 389
Collapsible wheel chock 391
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
VIN 439
W
Warning sounds
Anti-theft alarm system 90
Exterior lighting 62, 98, 109
Maintenance service indicator 338
Panic alarm 83
Parking brake 53, 350
Seat belts 78, 353, 354
Tow-away alarm 91
Warranty coverage 437
Washing the vehicle see Vehicle care
Wear pattern (Tires) 334
Weights 450
Wheel bolts 393Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 389
Wheel wrench (Vehicle tool kit) 389
Wheels
Tightening torque 420
Wheels see Tires
Where will I find...? 389
Wind screen* 246
Windows see Power windows
Windshield
Washer fluid reservoir 301
Washer system 458
Windshield wipers 56
Replacing wiper blades 406
Wiper blades, cleaning 343
Winter driving 335
Instructions 286
Snow chains 336
Tires 335
Winter tires 335
Wood trims
Cleaning 346