Direction of rotation (tires)
..............209
Displays
Digital speedometer ........................97
Maintenance service indicator .......225
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 236
Multifunction display .......................95
Outside temperature ...............97, 104
Symbol messages .......................... 243
Text messages ............................... 237
Trip computer ................................ 109
Vehicle status message memory ...101
Vehicle system settings ................. 102
Door control panel .............................. 30
Doors
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 56
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Opening from inside ......................... 58
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ........... 264
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 217
Drinking and driving .........................221
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 224
Hydroplaning ................................. 224
Instructions ............................. 80, 221
In winter ........................................ 220
Problems ......................................... 82
Safety systems ................................ 47
Systems ......................................... 159
Through standing water .................224
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 79
Driving off .................................... 81, 224
Driving safety systems ....................... 47
ABS .................................................. 48
BAS .................................................. 49
ESP ®
................................................ 49
ETS .................................................. 50
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 159
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ........................................ 87 E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 67, 108
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 20
Power outlet .................................. 177
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 234
Flat tire .......................................... 273
Hazard warning flasher ....................74
Roadside Assistance ................ 19, 180
Towing the vehicle .........................285
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 179
Telephone ...................................... 152
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Retractable hardtop .......................266
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........60
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 225
Information label ............................ 293
System warranties ........................... 18
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............190
Cleaning ......................................... 228
Compartment ................................ 192
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 26, 262
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Number .......................................... 293
Starting ............................................ 80
Turning off ....................................... 84
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 195
Additives ........................................ 303
Checking level ............................... 193 Index
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Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 33
Children and air bags
.......................33
Children in the vehicle .....................45
Fastening the seat belts ................... 42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 45
Introduction ..................................... 32
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 37
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp .......................... 37, 263
Seat belts .................................. 34, 40
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 37
Self-test ........................................... 39
Odometer ............................................. 95
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting .......................89
Operating safety .................................. 20
Ornamental moldings, cleaning .......229
Outside temperature see Displays
Overhead control panel ......................30 P
Paintwork, cleaning ..........................228
Paintwork code ................................. 293
Panic alarm .......................................... 47
Parcel nets ......................................... 174
Parking ................................................. 83
Parking and standing lamp
Replacing bulbs
............................. 269
Parking brake ...................................... 83
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 244
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................ 69
Transmission position ...................... 87
Parts service ...................................... 292
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp Passenger front air bag ......................
35
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 239
Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ....................... 29, 37, 263
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 221
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 230
Power assistance .............................. 222
Power outlet ...................................... 177
Power seats see Seats
Power washer .................................... 228
Power windows ................................... 78
Cleaning ......................................... 229
Door windows .................................. 78
Operation ......................................... 78
Rear side windows ........................... 79
Synchronizing .................................. 79
Practical hints ................................... 234
Problems While driving .................................... 82
With vehicle ..................................... 21
With wipers ...................................... 77
Product information ............................18
Production options weight ...............218
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ..................88
Manual shift program ....................... 90
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 218 R
RACETIMER .......................................... 98
Radio .................................................. 121
Satellite radio
................................ 125
Selecting stations .......................... 100
Radio transmitters ............................224
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 301
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps 12
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SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 220
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 297
Mounting ....................................... 277
Storage location ............................ 235
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 160
Resume function ............................ 161
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ................... 26, 32, 260
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Standing water, driving through ......224
Starter switch positions SmartKey ......................................... 61
Starting difficulties (engine) ..............80
Starting the engine ............................. 80
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control .......89
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ...183
Storage compartments .....................174
Storing tires ....................................... 210
Sun visors .......................................... 176T
Tachometer .......................................... 93
Overspeed range ............................. 93
Tail lamps
Cleaning lenses
............................. 229
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 254
Tar stains ........................................... 228
Technical data Air conditioning refrigerant ............ 303
Brake fluid ..................................... 303
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 300
Coolant .......................................... 304
Engine oil additives ........................303
Engine oils ..................................... 302Fuel requirements .......................... 303
Gasoline additives
.......................... 304
Identification labels .......................292
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........303
Rims and tires ................................ 297
Spare wheel ................................... 300
Vehicle specification SLK 300 .......294
Vehicle specification SLK 350 .......295
Vehicle specification SLK 55 AMG . 296
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 302, 306
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 178
Emergency calls ............................. 179
Information button .........................181
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 180
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Remote door unlock ...................... 182
Roadside Assistance button .......... 180
Search & Send ............................... 182
SOS button .................................... 180
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services .. 183
System self-test ............................. 178
Telephone .................................... 27, 146
Answering/ending a call ................ 110
Call lists ......................................... 156
Emergency calls “911” .................. 152
Hands-free microphone ...................30
Making calls ................................... 156
Menu ............................................. 110
Operation ....................................... 110
Phone book ........................... 111, 153
Redialing ........................................ 111
Temperature
Interior temperature ......................166
Outside .................................... 97, 104
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 281
Time setting ....................................... 10514
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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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Check the following:
R
Engine oil level ( Y page 193)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 201)
R Coolant level ( Y page 196)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 267)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 196)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 197) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening G
Warning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
Warning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the
vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety
precautions. G
Warning!
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades. G
Warning!
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually X
Pull hood lock release lever :.
The hood is unlocked.
! Never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Otherwise the windshield wipers or the
hood could be damaged. 192
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X
Push handle ; under the hood upwards.
X Lift the hood at the front edge.
The hood will be held open at shoulder
height by gas-filled struts automatically.
Closing G
Warning!
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
X Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 8 in (20 cm).
X Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point above
the headlamps, then it is not properly
closed. Open it again and let it drop with
somewhat greater force. Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine consumes will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Increased oil consumption can
occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle
is driven frequently at higher engine speeds. Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
!
Do not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies.
Using special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For further information contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Notes on checking engine oil level When checking the oil level
R
the vehicle must be parked on level ground
R with the engine at operating temperature,
the vehicle must have been stationary for
at least 5 minutes with the engine turned
off
R with the engine not at operating
temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with the
engine turned off
Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick On the SLK 300 and SLK 350 you can check
the engine oil level with the oil dipstick.
X
Open the hood (Y page 192). X
Pull out oil dipstick :.
X Wipe oil dipstick : clean. Engine compartment
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X
Slowly insert oil dipstick : fully into the
dipstick guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between
lower (min) mark = and upper (max)
mark ; of oil dipstick :.
i The filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 250).
Checking engine oil level with the
control system On the SLK 55 AMG you can check the engine
oil level with the control system.
X
Switch on the ignition.
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 96).
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction display: One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the multifunction
display:
R
Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt. (Canada: 1.0 liter)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 1.5 qts. (Canada: 1.5 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
R Add 2.0 qts. (Canada: 2.0 liters)
to reach max. oil level.
i If you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button * or & on
the multifunction steering wheel.
X If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 300).
Other display messages
If the ignition is not switched on, the following
message appears in the multifunction
display:
Turn on ignition
to see engine oil level.
X Switch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe
Waiting Time
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
If you see the message:
Cannot check engine oil level
with engine on.
X Turn off the engine.
X If the engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before checking oil.
X If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil. 194
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