2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300 engine

i
To avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting, the automatic transmission
will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s
maximum speed would be exceeded.
Extending gear range X
Briefly press the gear selector lever to the
right in the D+ direction.
or
X Briefly pull right gearshift control ;.
The automatic transmission will shift into
the next higher gear as permitted by the
shift program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the automatic
transmission.
i If you press on the accelerator pedal
when the engine has reached the
revolution limit of the current gear range,
the automatic transmission will upshift
beyond any gear range limit selected.
Canceling gear range limit X
Press and hold the gear selector lever to
the right in the D+ direction until D
reappears in the multifunction display.
or
X Pull and hold right gearshift control ; until
D reappears in the multifunction display.
The automatic transmission will shift from
the current gear range directly into drive
position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range X
Press and hold the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.
or
X Pull and hold left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears. Manual shift program
The manual shift program is available on
vehicles with AMG Sport Package and on
SLK 55 AMG only.
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program mode
S.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
upshifting or downshifting using the gear
selector lever or the steering wheel gearshift
control. Program mode selector switch on vehicles with
AMG Sport Package and SLK 55 AMG
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving
M Manual For manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (
Y page 89).
For information on automatic program mode
(C or S), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 88) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 89). 90
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Activating manual shift program
X
Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission switches to
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range is
not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
i Manual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode C when the
engine is restarted.
Upshifting !
In manual program mode M, the
automatic transmission will not upshift,
even if the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Shift up into the next
gear before the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Make absolutely certain
that the engine speed does not reach the
red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
X Briefly press the gear selector lever to the
right in the D+ direction.
or
X Briefly pull right gearshift control ;
(Y page 89).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next higher gear. Upshift indicator In manual program mode
M, upshift
indicator ; in the multifunction display
advises you to upshift before the engine
reaches the overspeed range. In addition,
symbol ^ may appear instead of manual
program mode symbol M in the multifunction
display. Thus you can drive at the maximum
engine speed for each gear without
overrevving the engine.
X Shift the automatic transmission from
current gear : into the next higher gear.
The fuel supply will otherwise be
interrupted to prevent the engine from
overrevving.
Downshifting G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
X Briefly press the gear selector lever to the
left in the D- direction.
or
X Briefly pull left gearshift control :
(Y page 89).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next lower gear.
i For maximum acceleration, press and
hold the gear selector lever to the left in the
D- direction or pull and hold the left
gearshift control. Depending on the engine
speed the automatic transmission selects Automatic transmission
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the optimal gear for maximum
acceleration.
i When you brake or stop, the automatic
transmission shifts down into a gear from
which you can easily accelerate or take off.
Kickdown Using the kickdown while driving in manual
program mode
M is not possible.
Deactivating manual shift program X
Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until C or S appears in the
multifunction display.
or
X Restart the engine.
The automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode C.
Manual program mode M is not stored.Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
X Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Turn off the engine.
X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting.
X Restart the engine.
X Shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R.
X Have the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible. Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 26). G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible. :
To brighten instrument cluster
illumination (knob +)
; To dim instrument cluster illumination
(knob -)
= Reset button .
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 103). 92
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Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
R open the driver’s door
R switch on the ignition
R press reset button .
R switch on the exterior lamps
i Opening the driver’s door or pressing the
reset button . without switching on the
ignition or the exterior lamps activates the
instrument cluster illumination only for
30 seconds. Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
X To brighten illumination: Press knob :
briefly.
X To dim illumination: Press knob ;
briefly.
The illumination brightness for the instrument
cluster changes each time you press
knob :

or ;. Several settings are possible.
i The instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
You can only adjust the brightness of the
instrument cluster illumination when it is
dark outside.
i With the exterior lighting switched on, the
brightness of the switches in the center
console will also be adjusted when using
knob : or ;. Resetting trip odometer
X Make sure you are viewing the standard
display

(Y page 96) in the multifunction
display.
X Press and hold reset button .
until the trip
odometer is reset. Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
(Y

page 26) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking. Clock
In vehicles with the audio system, the clock
can be set via the control system
(Y page 105).
For setting the time with the COMAND
system, see separate COMAND system
operating instructions. Control system
Introduction
The
control system is activated as soon as the
starter switch is in position 1.
The control system enables you to call up
information about your vehicle and to change
vehicle settings.
For example, you can use the control system
to find out when your vehicle is next due for
maintenance service, to set the language for
messages in the instrument cluster display,
and much more. G
Warning!
A driver’s attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver

when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely. Control system
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The following functions are available:
R
Checking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 201) (USA only)
R Checking coolant temperature
(Y page 97)
R Calling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature ( Y page 97)
R Calling up maintenance service indicator
display ( Y page 226)
R Checking engine oil level (SLK 55 AMG
only) ( Y page 194)
Checking coolant temperature G
Warning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the coolant temperature appears in the
multifunction display. During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†).
!
Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display. The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature You can select whether the digital
speedometer or the outside temperature
appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 104).
G
Warning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the digital speedometer or the outside
temperature appears in the multifunction
display. Digital speedometer
AMG menu
This function is only available in AMG
vehicles.
X Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display. Control system
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The main screen of the
AMG menu shows you
the gear currently engaged : as well as the
engine oil temperature ;.
The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
80†. During this time, avoid driving at full
engine speed.
If the engine reaches the overspeed range in
the manual shift program, the menu will be
shown in red. In addition, you will see UP next
to gear indicator : as a reminder to upshift.
Use buttons & or * to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
R Vehicle supply voltage ( Y page 98)
R RACETIMER (Y page 98)
R Overall analysis ( Y page 99)
R Lap analysis (Y page 99)
Vehicle supply voltage X
Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button & repeatedly until the
vehicle supply voltage appears in the
multifunction display. :
Gear indicator
; Vehicle supply voltage indicator RACETIMER G
Warning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
X Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button & repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display. :
Gear indicator
; RACETIMER
= Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 61).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
X Starting: Press button W.
X Displaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
X Stopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 61), the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you switch the ignition back on or 98
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restart the engine and then press button
W.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to nine laps.
X
Press button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.
X Press button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.
The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap.
The new lap begins to be timed as soon as
the intermediate time is called up. :
Gear indicator
; RACETIMER
= Best lap time
? Lap number
Resetting current lap
X Press button W while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
X Press button X.
The lap time is reset to “0”.
Deleting all laps
It is not possible to delete a single saved lap.
When you turn off the engine, the RACETIMER
will be reset to “0” after 30 seconds. All laps
are deleted. X
Press button W while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
X Press reset button . twice (Y page 92).
X Press button W.
The timer starts. The saved laps are
deleted.
Overall analysis This function is only available if you have
saved at least one lap and have stopped the
RACETIMER.
X
Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button & repeatedly until the
overall analysis appears in the
multifunction display. :
Overall analysis of RACETIMER
; Overall driving time
= Maximum speed
? Overall distance driven
A Average speed
Lap analysis This function is only available if you have
saved at least two laps and have stopped the
RACETIMER.
X
Press button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button & repeatedly until the lap
analysis appears in the multifunction
display. Control system
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The following functions are available:
R
Switching daytime running lamp mode on
or off (USA only) (Y page 106)
R Switching locator lighting on or off
(Y page 106)
R Switching night security illumination
(Headlamps delayed shut-off feature) on or
off (Y page 107)
R Switching interior lighting delayed shut-off
on or off ( Y page 107)
Switching daytime running lamp mode on
or off (USA only)
X Press button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button &.
X Move the selection marker with button
W or X to the Lighting submenu.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the message Headlamp Mode appears in
the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting. X
Press button W or X to select
manual operation ( Manual) or daytime
running lamp mode ( Constant).
With daytime running lamp mode switched on
and the exterior lamp switch in
position $ or Ã, the low-beam
headlamps are switched on when the engine
is running.
In low ambient light conditions the following
lamps will come on additionally:
R Parking lamps
R Tail lamps R
License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
For more information on the daytime running
lamp mode, see ( Y page 72).
For safety reasons, resetting all the functions
of all submenus to the factory settings while
driving ( Y page 102) will not deactivate the
daytime running lamp mode.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Lighting Cannot be completely reset
to factory settings while driving.
Switching locator lighting on or off
With the locator lighting feature activated and
the exterior lamp switch in position Ã, the
following lamps will come on during darkness
when the vehicle is unlocked using button
% on the SmartKey:
R Parking lamps
R Tail lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
R Front fog lamps
The locator lighting goes out when the driver’s
door is opened.
If you do not open the driver’s door after
unlocking the vehicle with the SmartKey, the
lamps will go out automatically after
approximately 40 seconds.
X Press button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button &.
X Move the selection marker with button
W or X to the Lighting submenu.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the message Surround Lighting
Function appears in the multifunction
display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting. 106
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