Symbols
Trademarks:
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R ESP ®
is a registered trademark of Daimler.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R iPod ®
and iTunes ®
are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
U.S.A. and other countries.
R Logic 7 ®
is a registered trademark of
Harman International Industries,
Incorporated.
R Microsoft ®
is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and
other countries.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
R Windows media ®
is a registered trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and
other countries.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual: G
Warning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards
that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
X This symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.
X A number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.
Y page This symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic. YY
This continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.
Display Text in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 2
Automatic locking when driving
......108
Automatic shift program ....................88
Automatic transmission ..................... 85
Automatic shift program ..................88
Gear range indicator ........................88
Gear ranges ..................................... 88
Gear selector lever ...........................
86
Kickdown ......................................... 87
Kickdown (manual shift program) .... 92
Manual shift program ....................... 90
One-touch gearshifting ....................89
Program mode indicator ..................89
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ................88
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ....................90
Shifting procedure ........................... 86
Steering wheel gearshift control ...... 89
Transmission position indicator ....... 87
Transmission positions .................... 87
AUX socket ........................................ 145
Axle oils .............................................. 301B
Back button ....................................... 116
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 217
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 49
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................57
Replacing ....................................... 266
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 282
Charging ........................................ 283
Jump starting ................................. 283
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 249
Bead (tire) .......................................... 217
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bluetooth ®
settings .......................... 120
Brake Assist System see BAS Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 197
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 244
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Brakes ................................................ 222
High-performance brake system .... 223
Parking brake ................................... 83
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Break-in period .................................. 190
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ...21
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for .............19
Calls (phone) ..............................
110, 146
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 300
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 231
CD player ............................................ 131
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 59, 108
Locking/unlocking from inside ........ 59
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Central locking/unlocking switch .....59
Certification label .............................. 292
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 33
Indicator lamp, passenger front
air bag off ........................................ 37
Infant and child restraint systems .... 45
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 37
Safety notes ..................................... 45
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 232
Cigarette lighter ................................ 177 Index
5 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 5
Glove box
........................................... 174
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............218
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 218H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning ....231
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 74
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 74
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps ............. 71
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 71
Bi-Xenon .................................. 71, 269
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229
Cleaning system .............................. 74
Daytime running lamp mode ............72
Delayed shut-off ............................ 107
Halogen ......................................... 269
High-beam flasher ............................ 74
High-beam headlamps .....................74
Low-beam headlamps ...................... 71
Replacing bulbs ............................. 267
Switch .............................................. 71
Headliner, cleaning and care of .......231
Head restraints .................................... 62
Adjustment ...................................... 62
Head-thorax air bags ........................... 36
Heated steering wheel ........................67
Height adjustment
Seats ............................................... 62
High-beam flasher ............................... 74
High-beam headlamps ................74, 269
Indicator lamp .................................. 26
High-performance brake system .....223
Hood ................................................... 192
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Horn ...................................................... 25
Hydroplaning ..................................... 224 I
Identification labels ..........................292
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 293
Ignition ........................................... 61, 80
Immobilizer .......................................... 51
Infant and child restraint systems see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Inside door handle ........................30, 58
Instrument cluster ........................26, 92
Illumination ...................................... 93
Lamps ............................................ 256
Multifunction display .......................95
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interfere with radio reception .......... 141
Interior lighting ................................... 75
Delayed shut-off ............................ 107
Emergency lighting .......................... 76
Reading lamps ................................. 75
Interior rear view mirror .....................68
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 69
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping ............................. 76
Rain sensor ...................................... 76
iPod ®
(media interface) ....................139 J
Jack ..................................................... 235
Jump starting ..................................... 283 K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 58
Replacing
......................................... 58 Index
9 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 9
Unlocking/locking manually ..........
264
Valet locking .................................... 61
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp .......................... 57
Checking batteries ........................... 57
Factory setting
................................. 57
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 57
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 57
Locking/unlocking ........................... 56
Loss of ............................................. 58
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 246
Remote control ................................ 56
Replacing ......................................... 58
Replacing batteries ........................ 266
Restoring to factory setting ............. 57
Selective setting .............................. 57
Starter switch positions ................... 61
Kickdown ............................................. 87
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..... 92
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ...........218
Knee bags ............................................ 36L
Labels
Certification ................................... 292
Emission control information
......... 293
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 205
Tire inflation pressure ....................200
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 71
Front .............................................. 269
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Switching on/off .............................. 71
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 26, 257
Brakes ..................................... 27, 257
Engine malfunction .................. 26, 262
ESP ®
........................................ 26, 260
Fog lamps ........................................ 73
Fuel tank reserve ..................... 26, 261
High-beam headlamps ...............26, 74
Instrument cluster ...................26, 256 Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ..................
26, 262
Passenger front air bag
off ...................................... 29, 37, 263
Seat belt telltale ................26, 42, 259
SRS ....................................
26, 32, 260
Turn signals ..................................... 26
Language, selecting ..........................104
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 253
Replacing bulbs ............................. 269
Light alloy wheels, cleaning .............230
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 70
Daytime running lamp mode ............72
Exterior ............................................ 71
Interior ............................................. 75
Limp-home mode ................................. 92
Load index (tires) ......................213, 218
Locator lighting ................................. 106
Locking the vehicle
Manually ........................................ 265
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Loss of
Key .................................................. 58
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 292
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 71
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 71
Switching on .................................... 71
Lubricants .......................................... 300
Luggage cover ................................... 173
Lumbar support ................................... 64 M
Maintenance ........................................ 19
Maintenance System Service indicator display
................226
Service indicator message ............. 225
Service term exceeded ..................226
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 71
Manual shift program .........................90
Manual transmission .......................... 84
Gearshift lever ................................. 8410
Index 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 10
Indicator lamps ................................
26
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 255U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 210, 219
Units Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 104
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 303
Unlocking the vehicle
Manually
........................................ 264
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Upholstery, cleaning .........................231
USB devices (media interface) .........139
Useful features .................................. 176V
Valet locking ........................................ 61
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 282
Care ............................................... 227
Control system ................................ 93
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 292
Locking/unlocking
........................... 56
Lowering (wheel change) ...............281
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 20
Towing ........................................... 285
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 264
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 292
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 70
Vehicle loading
Load limit ....................................... 206
Terminology ................................... 217
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 219
Vehicle specification
SLK 300 ......................................... 294
SLK 350 ......................................... 295
SLK 55 AMG .................................. 296Vehicle status message memory ....
101
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 234
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification W
Warning sounds Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt
.....42
Parking brake ................................ 244
Seat belt telltale ............................ 259
Warranty coverage ............................ 292
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 306
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Mixing ratio .................................... 306
Refilling .......................................... 196
Washing the vehicle .......................... 227
Wear pattern (tires) ..........................212
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 273
Removing ....................................... 278
Spare ............................................. 273
Tightening torque ........................... 281
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 297
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 197
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................229
Wind screen ....................................... 173
Windshield Cleaning wiper blades .................... 229
Defogging ...................................... 169
Washer fluid ................................... 306
Wipers ............................................. 76
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades .................. 271
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 220
Snow chains .................................. 220
Tires ............................................... 219
Winter tires ................................ 219, 297 16
Index 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 16
Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations. Operator’s Manual
Notes
This
Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this
Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle. Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle. Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the
warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, 18
Introduction 171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 18
Children in the vehicle
Safety notes If an infant or child is traveling with you in the
vehicle:
X
Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint
appropriate to the age and size of
the child.
X Make sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is in
motion. G
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts. G
Warning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment unless they are
firmly secured in place. Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R
strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Infant and child restraint systems G
Observe Safety notes, see page 45.
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
The passenger lap/shoulder belt has a
special seat belt retractor for secure
fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting.
To activate the special seat belt retractor:
X Pull the shoulder belt out completely and
let it retract.
During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting
sound can be heard to indicate that the
special seat belt retractor is activated.
The seat belt is now locked.
X Push down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate the special seat belt retractor:
X Release the seat belt buckle and let the
seat belt retract completely.
The
seat belt can then again be used in the
usual manner. G
Warning!
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle
is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces. Occupant safety
45
Safety and security
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 45 Z
i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the
natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 48. G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the
brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely
braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. 48
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 48