2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG warning

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
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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
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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
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Spare wheel
! Compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim.
If
the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure
given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
i Please note that the tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.
i The SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package does not have a spare wheel. The SLK 55 AMG
with Performance Package is equipped with TIREFIT ( Y page 273). All models
(except SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package)
Rim
4.5 B x 17 H2
Wheel offset
0.47 in (12 mm)
Collapsible tire
33 145/70-17 92P
Recommended tire inflation
pressure
51 psi (3.5 bar)
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only). G
Warning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service

fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.
33 Must not be used with snow chains. 300
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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Engine oil additives
! Do
not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating

oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur. Brake fluid
G
Warning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly.

Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information. Premium unleaded gasoline
G
Warning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury. Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with

unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain. Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane

number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
G
Warning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
X Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit”.
X Mix with water for temperatures above
freezing point.
X Mix with commercially available premixed
washer solvent/antifreeze for
temperatures below freezing point.
Washer fluid mixing ratio For temperatures above the freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] water)
For temperatures below freezing point:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 1 gal
[4.0 l] solvent)306
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
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Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has
trained technicians and Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts to service your vehicle properly.
For
expert advice and quality service, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service
literature for your vehicle, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We consider this the best way for you to
obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the
Mercedes-Benz web site www.mbusa.com
(USA only) or www.mercedes-benz.ca
(Canada only). G
Warning!
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely
careful when performing any service work or
repairs.

Improper or incomplete service or the
use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or
materials may damage the vehicle or its
equipment, which may in turn result in
personal injury.
If you have any questions about carrying out
any type of service, turn to the advice of an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of
excerpts, is not permitted without our prior
authorization in writing.
Press time May 13, 2009
GSP/OIS
Printed in U. S. A.
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