2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER Owners Manual

Have aftermarket radio frequency transmit-
ting equipment installed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
G
WARNING
Incorrect retrofitting of RF transmitters can
lead to increased electromagnetic radiation in
the vehicle interior. Using an exterior aerial
takes into account current scientific discus-
sions relating to the possible health hazards
that may result from electromagnetic fields.
Have aftermarket radio frequency transmit-
ting equipment installed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Deviations with respect to aerial locations,
output and frequencies mus tbe approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The following can be used in the vehicle with-
out restrictions:
R RF transmitters with amaximum transmis-
sion output of up to 100 mW
R mobile phones (GSM/DCS/PCS/UMTS/
LTE)
There is no restriction for aerial positions in
the outer area of the vehicle for the following
wavebands:
R Trunked radio/Tetra
R 70 cm waveband
R GSM/DCS/PCS
R UMTS/LTE
! The operating permit may be invalidated
if the instructions for installatio nand use of
RF transmitters are not observed, e.g.
approved wavebands, maximu moutput
and aerial positions on the vehicle. Identification plates
Vehicle identification plate with vehi-
cle identification number (VIN) and
paint code number
X
Open the right-hand door.
You will see vehicle identification plate :. Example: vehicle identification plate
: Vehicle identification plate
; Vehicle manufacturer (Daimle rAG)
= EU type approval number (only for certain
countries)
? Vehicle identification number (VIN)
A Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weigh t(kg)
B Maximum permissible front axle load (kg)
C Maximum permissible rea raxle load (kg)
D Paint code Vehicle identification number (VIN)
In additio nto being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification 302
Identification platesTechnical data

numbe
r(VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body.
It is located in the centre tunnel on the front-
passenger side. X
Slide the front-passenger seat to its front-
most position.
X Fold trim :upwards.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) ;. Engine number
The engine number is stamped into the crank-
case. More information can be obtained from
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When handling, storing and disposing of any
service products, please observe the relevant
regulations, as you could otherwise endanger
yourself and others.
Keep service products away from children.
To protect yourh ealth, do not allow service
products to come into contact with your eyes
or open wounds. See a doctor immediately if
any service product is swallowed. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner. Service products include the following:
R
fuels (e.g. petrol, diesel)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windscreen washer fluid
R climate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use products tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz .They are listed in this
Mercedes-Ben zOwner's Manual in the appro-
priate section.
You can identify service products approved
by Mercedes-Ben zby the following inscrip-
tions on the container:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations indi-
cate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). The yhave no tnecessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Further information can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre or on the
Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking are therefore prohibited when
handling fuels.
Switch off the engine before refuelling. G
WARNING
Avoid contact with fuels.
It is hazardous to your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuels or you
breathe in fuel vapours. Service products and capacities
303Technical data Z

Tank capacity
Total capacity
60.0 l
Of whic
hreserve Approx-
imately 8.0 l Total capacit
yfor SLK 55
AMG 70.0 l
Of which reserve for SLK
55 AMG
Approx-
imately 9.0 l Petrol (EN 228, E DIN 51626-1)
Fuel grade
!
Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
petrol engine. Even asmall quantity of die-
sel will damage the fuel injection system.
! Only refuel using unleaded, premium-
grade petrol with at least 95 RON/
85 MON that conforms to European stand-
ard EN 228 or E DIN 51626-1 or an equiv-
alent specification.
! Do not use the following:
R E85 (petrol with 85% ethanol)
R E100 (100% ethanol)
R M15 (petrol with 15% methanol)
R M85 (petrol with 85% methanol)
R M100 (100% methanol)
R Petrol with metallic additives
R Diesel
Do not mix fuels such as this with petrol
and do not use any additives. Doing so may
cause engine damage. This does not
include additives for the removal and pre-
vention of residue build-up .Petrol must
only be mixed with additives recommended
by Mercedes-Benz .More information about
recommended additives can be obtained
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Usually you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the petrol pump, ask the filling sta-
tion staff. i
E10 fuel contains up to 10 % bioethanol.
Your vehicle is suitable for use with E10
fuel. You can refuel your vehicle using E10
fuel.
i If the recommended fuel is not available,
but only as a temporary measure, you may
also use unleaded petrol with an octane
rating of 91 RON/82.5 MON. This may
reduce engine performance and increase
fuel consumption. Avoid driving at full
throttle.
The quality of the fuel available in some
countries may not be sufficient .Residue
could build up as a result. In such cases,
and in consultation with aMercedes-Benz
Service Centre, the petrol may be mixed
with the additive recommended by
Mercedes-Benz( part no.
A000989254510). You must observe the
notes and mixing ratios specified on the
container.
Information on refuelling (Y page 142).
AMG vehicles
! Only refuel using super unleaded petrol
with at least 98 RON/88 MON that con-
forms to European standard EN 228 or an
equivalent specification.
You can otherwise impair engine output or
damage the engine.
! Premium-grade unleaded petrol with an
octane rating of 95 RON/85 MON may be
used as a temporary measure if the recom-
mended fuel is not available. This may
reduce engine performance and increase
fuel consumption .As much as possible,
avoid driving at full throttle.
! Regular unleaded petrol with an octane
rating of 91 RON/82.5 MON may also be
used as a temporary measure if the recom-
mended fuel is not available.
Doing so results in noticeably higher fuel
consumption, and the engine power output
is noticeably reduced. Avoid driving at full
throttle. 304
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

If only regular unleaded petrol with an
octane rating of 91 RON/82.5 MON or
loweri s available, you must have the vehi-
cle adapted to this fuel at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i E10 fuel contains up to 10% bioethanol.
Your vehicle is E10-compatible. You can
refuel your vehicle using E10 fuel.
SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY
! Only refuel using premium-grade sulphur-
free unleaded petrol with at least 95 RON/
85 MON that conforms to European stand-
ard EN 228 or an equivalent specification.
You could otherwise impair engine output
or damage the emission control system.
i In some countries, the available petrol
may not be sufficiently low in sulphur. This
fuel can temporarily produce unpleasant
odours, especially on short journeys. As
soon as sulphur-free fuel (sulphur content
<10p pm) is used for refuelling, the odours
are reduced.
Additives
! Do not refuel with low grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that have not been
tested and approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles. Otherwise the fuel system could
malfunction or be damaged.
One of the major problems with low-grade
fuel is the creation of carbon deposits during
the process of burning fuel. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use fuel brands that
have additives.
If you use fuels without these additives for a
longer period of time, there may be a build-up
of carbon deposits. These will form especially
on the inlet valves and in the combustion
chamber.
This could lead to engine running problems,
e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise R
misfiring
R loss of power
In areas where petrol with the required addi-
tives is not available, carbon deposits can
build up. In this case, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends the use of additives that have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles; see
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Consult a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre to
view a list of approved products. Observe the
instructions for use in the product descrip-
tion.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
Diesel (EN 590) Fuel grade
G
WARNING
Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a die-
sel engine. Do not mix diesel with petrol. This
would result in damage to the fuel system and
engine, which could lead to a vehicle fire.
! When refuelling, only use diesel fuel that
conform stothe European standard EN 590
or is of equivalent quality. Fuel that does
not conform to EN 590 can lead to
increased wear as well as damage to the
engine and exhaust system.
! Do not use the following:
R marine diesel
R heating oil
R bio-diesel
R vegetable oil
R petrol
R paraffin
R kerosene
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives. Other-
wise, this can lead to damage to the engine.
This excludes flow improver; see "Low out-
side temperatures". Service products and capacities
305Technical data Z

!
Vehicles with adiesel particle filter: in
countries outside the EU, only refuel with
low-sulphur Euro diesel with a sulphur con-
ten tunde r50p pm; otherwise the emission
control system could be damaged.
! Vehicles without adiesel particle fil-
ter: in countries where only diesel fuel with
a high sulphur conten tis available, you will
need to carry out your vehicle's oil change
at shorter intervals. More information
aboutt he interval for oil change can be
obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop.
Usually you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the petrol pump, ask the filling sta-
tion staff.
Information on refuelling (Y page 142).
Low outside temperatures
In winter months, diesel fuel with an improved
cold flow quality is available. In Europe, the
EN 590 standard defines various climate-
dependent temperature categories. Malfunc-
tions can be avoided by refuelling with diesel
fuel that corresponds to the climatic specifi-
cations outlined in EN 590. At unusually low
outside temperatures, it is possible that the
flow characteristics of the diesel fuel could be
insufficient .Accordingly, diesel fuel from
warmer areas may not be suitable for opera-
tion in colder climati cconditions.
i Further information on country-specific
fuel properties can be obtained from oil
companies, e.g. at filling stations.
Flow improver
To improve the low-temperature resistance of
diesel fuel, a flow improver can be attached.
The effectiveness of a flow improver is not
guaranteed for every fuel.
Only use flow improvers tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. During use, please
observe the information on operation.
Correct dosage and sufficient mixing are deci-
sive in improving low-temperature resistance with the flow improver. Overdosage can
potentially even decrease low-temperature
resistance and must therefore be avoided.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on dos-
age.
Mix the additive into the diesel in good time,
before the flow characteristics of the diesel
become insufficient. Otherwise, malfunctions
can arise through heating the fuel system,
e.g. through parking in a heated garage.
More information about recommended flow
improvers can be obtained from any qualified
specialist workshop.
Notes on fuel consumption
H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which scien-
tists believe to be principally responsible for
global warming (the greenhouse effect). Your
vehicle's CO 2emissions are directly related to
fuel consumption and therefore depend on:
R efficient use of the fuel by the engine
R driving style
R other non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences or road conditions
You can minimise your vehicle's CO 2emis-
sions by driving carefully and having it serv-
iced regularly.
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in urban traffic
R on short journeys
R in mountainous terrain
i Only for certain countries: you can find
the current consumption and emission val-
ues of your vehicle in the COC documents
(EU CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY). These
documents are delivered with your vehicle.
The consumption figures were in each case
based on the currently applicable version: 306
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

R
for vehicles up to and including the EURO
4s tandard, in accordance with EU Direc-
tive 80/1268/ECC
R for vehicles above the EURO 5standard,
in accordance with Regulatio n(EC) No.
715/2007
Deviations fro mthese values may occur
under normal operating conditions. Engine oil
Points to remember The quality of the engine oil is decisive for the
function and service life of an engine. After
extensive tests, Mercedes-Ben
zapproves
engine oils that correspond to the current
technical standard.
Therefore, only Mercedes-Benz approved
engine oils may be used in Mercedes-Benz
engines.
Further information on tested and approved
engine oils can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Mercedes-
Ben zrecommends that you have the oil
change carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Mercedes-Benza pproval is indica-
ted on the oil container by the inscription "MB
Approval" and the corresponding designa-
tion, e.g. MB Approval 229.51.
You can call up an overview of approved
engine oils on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com by enter-
ing the designation, e.g. 229.5.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle. Petrol engines MB Approval
SLK 200
24
SLK 250 24 229.3, 229.5,
229.51
SLK 350
24 229.3, 229.5
SLK 55 AMG
25 229.5
Diesel engines MB Approval
Vehicles with
adiesel particle filter SLK 250 CDI
24 228.51,
229.31, 229.51
i
If the engine oils listed in the table are not
available, you may add the following engine
oils until the nex toil change:
R MB Approval 229.1 26
R ACEA A3 26
This may only be topped up once, and the
quantity must not be greater than 1.0 l.
Capacities The following values refer to an oil change
including the oil filter.
Model Replacement
amount SLK 200
27
SLK 250 27 5.5 l
SLK 350
27
SLK 250 CDI 27 6.5 l
SLK 55 AMG
9.5 l
28 24
BlueEFFICIENCY
25 Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.
26 Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used for AMG vehicles.
27 BlueEFFICIENCY
28 Including external oil cooler. Service products and capacities
307Technical data Z

Additives
!
Do no tuse any additives with the engine
oil. This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity
rating, it flows slowly; the lower the viscosity,
the faster it flows.
Engine oil selection is based on the respective
outside temperatures and in accordance with
the SAE classification (viscosity). The table
shows you which SAE classifications are to be
used. The low-temperature properties of
engine oils can be significantly impaired dur-
ing operation due to, for example, ageing or
soot and fuel accretion. It is therefore
strongly recommended to observe regularo
il
changes using an approved engine oil with the
appropriate SA Eclassification. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture fro mthe air; This lowers its boiling
point.
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapour pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This impairs braking effi-
ciency. You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change inter-
vals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz.I nformation abou tapproved brake fluid
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
i Have the brake fluid regularly checked at
a qualified specialist workshop.
There is usually a notice in the engine com-
partment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Antifreeze is highly flammable. Fire, naked
flames and smoking are prohibited when han-
dling antifreeze.
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any antifreeze on hot
engine parts.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products, MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1, e.g. on the Inter-
net at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Or contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine coolin gsystem is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
! The engine cooling system is filled with
coolant, which mus tbe renewed after 308
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

15 years or after 250,000 kilometres at the
latest.
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the
following tasks:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor is present in
the correct concentration, the boiling point of
the coolant during operatio nwill be around
130 †.
The antifreeze/corrosio ninhibitor concentra-
tio nint he engine cooling system should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
around -37 †.
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -45 †). Otherwise, heat will not be
dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, top it up with
equal amounts of water and antifreeze/cor-
rosion inhibitor. Mercedes-Ben zrecom-
mends an antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor con-
centrate in accordance with MB Specifica-
tions for Service Products 310.1.
The coolant is checked with every mainte-
nance interval at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion. Washer fluid
G
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Avoid spilling windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze on hot engine components as
it can ignite and burn. Severe burns could be
the result. !
Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit .Unsuitabl ewasher fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do no tuse distilled or de-ionised water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
! Only the washer fluids SummerFit and
WinterFit can be mixed. Otherwise, the
spraying nozzles could become blocked.
At temperatures above freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Sum-
merFit.
X Mix 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts
water.
At temperatures below freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Winter-
Fit. Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside
temperatures.
X Down to Ò10 †: mix 1 part MB WinterFit to
2 parts water.
X Down to Ò20 †: mix 1 part MB WinterFit to
1 part water.
X Down to Ò29 †: mix 2 parts MB WinterFit
to 1 part water.
i Add washer fluid concentrate, e.g. MB
SummerFit or MB WinterFit, to the washer
fluid all year round. Service products and capacities
309Technical data Z