2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300 engine

X
Simultaneously press tabs ? together and
let the wiper blade engage into both
recesses of attachment =.
X Check if the wiper blade is securely
fastened.
X Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper arm
when folding it back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly.

Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage. Flat tire
Safety notes
Your vehicle may be equipped with a TIREFIT
kit or a spare wheel with collapsible tire.
Vehicles

with a TIREFIT kit do not have a spare
wheel.
For information on your vehicle’s equipment,
see “Rims and tires” ( Y page 297).G
Warning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never

operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted. Preparing the vehicle
X Whenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe

distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
X Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
X Turn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P (manual transmission to 1st or
reverse gear R).
X Turn off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
X Have any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so. Sealing tires with TIREFIT
This section applies to SLK 55 AMG with
Performance Package only.
Small

tire punctures, particularly those in the
tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient temperatures
down to -4‡ (-20†). G
Warning!
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage

caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call Roadside
Assistance. Flat tire
273
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 273 Z

Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction X
Prepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 273).
X Take the following out of the vehicle:
R
spare wheel
R jack
R wheel wrench
R collapsible wheel chock
R wheel bolts for spare wheel
R alignment bolt
R electric air pump
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
(Y page 234) and ( Y page 235).
i Vehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped
with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Lifting the vehicle G
Warning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The

jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built
into both sides of the vehicle. Make sure the
jack arm is fully seated in the jack take-up
bracket. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity

jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always engage the parking brake firmly and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the vehicle
with the jack. Do not disengage the parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking

wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects.
When your vehicle is equipped with a wheel
chock, it is included with the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 234). For information on setting up
the collapsible wheel chock, see
(Y page 234).
When changing a wheel on a level surface:
X Place a wheel chock or other sizeable
object

in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed. Flat tire
277
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 277 Z

G
Warning!
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.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! 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 at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information. i
After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Set the clock

(Y page 105).
R Synchronize the power windows
(Y page 79). Charging the battery
G
Warning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may

result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.
X Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer. Jump starting
G
Warning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and Jump starting
283
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 283 Z

can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never
lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
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.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the automatic
transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery. If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R
Access
to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.
R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment on the passenger side.
X Make sure the two vehicles do not touch.
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (manual transmission to
Neutral).
X Open the hood (Y page 192). 284
Jump starting
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 284

Position
B represents the charged battery of
another vehicle or an equivalent starter pack.
X Flip up cover : of positive terminal =.
! Never invert the terminal connections!
X Connect positive terminal ; of charged
battery B with positive terminal = with a
jumper cable. Clamp the cable to positive
terminal ; of charged battery B first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with charged
battery B and run at idle speed.
X Connect negative terminal ? of charged
battery B with negative terminal A with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal ? of charged battery
B first.
X Start engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.
X Remove the jumper cables from negative
terminals ? and A first. X
Remove the jumper cables from positive
terminals ; and =.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Close cover : of positive terminal =.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or one axle raised only so far as necessary to
have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods
can be employed. Towing the vehicle
285Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 285 Z

X
Switch off the tow-away alarm before
towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or one axle raised ( Y page 52).
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts. G
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R Vehicles with automatic transmission:
the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 282) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 283).
Vehicles with automatic transmission: For
information on manually unlocking the gear
selector lever, see (
Y page 266). Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor (Y page 234).
X Take the vehicle tool kit out of the trunk.
Removing cover in front bumper X
Press mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
X Lift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Removing cover in rear bumper G
Warning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot. 286
Towing the vehiclePractical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 286

X
Press mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
X Lift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Fixing towing eye bolt Example illustration front bumper
X
Take the towing eye bolt and, if so
equipped, the wheel wrench from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 234).
X Screw towing eye bolt ; clockwise into
threaded hole to its stop.
X Insert wheel wrench into towing eye and
tighten towing eye bolt ; by turning it
clockwise.
or
X If your vehicle is not equipped with a wheel
wrench, use a suitable object to turn the
towing eye bolt. Removing towing eye bolt X
Loosen towing eye bolt ; by turning it
counterclockwise.
X Unscrew towing eye bolt ;.
X Reinstalling cover: Fit cover :
(Y page 286) and snap it into place.
X Store the towing eye bolt ; and wheel
wrench back into the vehicle tool kit. Towing with front axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Vehicles with manual transmission: Shift
the manual transmission into the neutral
position (no gear selected).
or
X Vehicles with automatic transmission: Shift
the automatic transmission into neutral
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Switch off the automatic central locking
(Y page 108).
X Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
X Switch on the hazard warning flasher
(Y page 74).
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Towing the vehicle
287Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 287 Z

Towing with all wheels on the ground
G
Warning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert. G
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Vehicles with manual transmission: Shift
the manual transmission into the neutral
position (no gear selected).
or
X Vehicles with automatic transmission: Shift
the automatic transmission into neutral
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged, release the parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning flasher
(Y page 74). !
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning

flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again. Fuses
Introduction
The electrical fuses in your vehicle serve to
switch off malfunctioning power circuits.
If a fuse is blown, the components and
systems secured by that fuse will stop
operating. G
Warning!
Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with
the specified amperage for the system in
question and do not attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse. Using other than
approved fuses or using repaired or bridged
fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire,
and/or cause damage to electrical
components and/or systems. Have the cause
determined and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
A blown fuse must be replaced by an
appropriate spare fuse (recognizable by its
color or the fuse rating given on the fuse) of
the amperage recommended in the fuse
chart. Any Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to advise you on this subject.
i In case of a blown fuse contact Roadside
Assistance or an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If a newly inserted fuse blows again, have the
cause determined and rectified by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The fuse chart is located in the fuse box in the
passenger compartment. The fuse chart 288
Fuses
Practical hints
171_AKB; 3; 60, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-11T16:00:23+02:00 - Seite 288