2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK500 maintenance

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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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
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Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear window defroster ..................... 170
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 198, 218
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 303
Refueling ............................................ 190
Regular checks .................................. 191
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .........182
Replacing
Key .................................................. 58
Replacing bulbs ................................. 267
Reporting safety defects .................... 21
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 251
Warning lamp ........................... 26, 261
Reset button .................................. 27, 92
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Retractable hardtop ..........................170
Locking .......................................... 172
Luggage cover ............................... 173
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 246
Operating manually ........................ 266
Wind screen ................................... 173
Rims ........................................... 218, 297
Roadside Assistance ...................19, 180
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 303
Roof see Retractable hardtop
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 230 S
Safety Driving safety systems ..................... 47
Occupant safety ...............................

32
Reporting defects ............................ 21
Safety belts
see Seat belts Satellite radio ....................................
125
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 43
Seat belts ............................................. 40
Children in the vehicle .....................45
Cleaning .........................................

231
Fastening ......................................... 42
Proper use of ................................... 41
Safety guidelines ............................. 34
Safety notes ..................................... 40
Telltale ..................................... 26, 259
Seat heating ......................................... 65
Seating capacity ................................ 206
Seats ..................................................... 62 Adjustment ...................................... 62
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................67
Heating ............................................ 65
Memory function .............................. 70
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 39
Tele Aid .......................................... 178
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 292
Service and warranty information .....18
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 210
Settings Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............57
Memory function .............................. 70
Menu ............................................. 102
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............57
Shelf behind roll bars ........................ 175
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 252
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 219
Side windows see Power windows Index
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TIN (Tire Identification Number) ......
219
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 205
Tire and loading terminology ...........217
TIREFIT ............................................... 273
Tire Identification Number see TIN

Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 201
Important notes on ........................ 199
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 200
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar ..... 205
Tire labeling ....................................... 212
Tire load rating .................................. 218
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 219
Tire repair kit see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 197, 297
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 201
Air pressure ................................... 198
Care and maintenance ................... 209
Cleaning ......................................... 210
Direction of rotation, spinning .......209
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 199
Inflation pressure .................. 200, 201
Information placard ....................... 205
Inspection ...................................... 209
Labeling ......................................... 212
Load index ............................. 213, 218
Load rating .................................... 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 241, 255
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 219
Problems under-/overinflation ...... 200
Retreads ........................................ 197
Rims and tires (technical data) ...... 297
Rotation ......................................... 212
Service life ..................................... 210
Sizes .............................................. 297
Snow chains .................................. 220
Speed rating .......................... 214, 219
Storing ........................................... 210Temperature
.......................... 199, 211
Terminology ................................... 217
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ................... 273
Tire Identification Number ............. 219
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale .................. 26, 262
Traction ................................. 211, 219
Tread ............................................. 219
Tread depth ........................... 210, 219
Treadwear
...................................... 211
Treadwear indicators ............. 210, 219
Vehicle maximum load on ..............219
Wear pattern .................................. 212
Winter tires ............................ 219, 297
Tire speed rating .......................214, 219
Total load limit ................................... 219
Tow-away alarm .................................. 52
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 286
Vehicle ........................................... 285
Towing eye bolt ................................. 286
Traction ...................................... 211, 219
Transmission see Automatic transmission or
Manual transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 195
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions ....................... 87
Traveling abroad ............................... 224
Tread (tires) ....................................... 219
Tread depth (tires) ....................210, 219
Treadwear .......................................... 211
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 210, 219
Trip computer menu .........................109
Trip odometer, resetting ..................... 93
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 60
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Opening ........................................... 60
Trunk lid emergency release ............ 60
Unlocking manually .......................265
Valet locking .................................... 61
Turning off the engine ........................84
Turn signals ......................................... 73
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229 Index
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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
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Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws) Important notice for California retail
buyers
and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or

malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or malfunction
of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified us in writing of the need for its
repair, or
(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair
of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Written notification should not be sent to a
dealer, it should be addressed to Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350 Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you. Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help

in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)
(in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) in your vehicle literature portfolio. Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send
in the “Change of Address Notice” found in
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)

, or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in Introduction
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contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature
with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service

facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9 Operating safety
G
Warning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause

them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving. G
Warning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive

with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs. 20
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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
93
Controls in detail
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