2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class page 73

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 23).Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the 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/o rothers. G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away fro mthe vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To avoid 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 30seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. 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 G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 276
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever 0003on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle 0004up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood approximately 15 inches
(40 cm), the hood is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood 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
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8inche s(20cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt
(0.8l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1000km). The oil
consumption may be highe rthan this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
AMG vehicles: before operation on race
tracks, check the oil level and (Y page 278)
add oil if necessary (Y page 278). Race track
operation is only permitted with a maximum
engine oil level.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement. Engine compartment
277Maintenance and care Z

Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Example
X
Pull oil dipstick 0003out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick 0003.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick 0003into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark 0024and
MAX mark 0004, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
0024 or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do no tspill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. Alist of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Ben
zCenter.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacemen tinterval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. Thi scan lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example
:engine oil cap
X Turn cap 0003counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap 0003on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level agai nwith the oil
dipstick (Y page 278).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 350). 278
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolan tlevel G
WARNING
In orde rto avoid potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of vapor or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant tank if the coolant temperature is
above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant tank contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.
R using a cloth, slowly turn the cap
approximately 0001turn to relieve excess
pressure. If you open the cap immediately,
pressurized scalding hot fluid and vapor will
be blown out.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. Example
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock (Y page 135). On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y
page 136).
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 135) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap 0004half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0004further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
0024 in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0003.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar 0024in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank 0003.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap 0004and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 351).
Windshield washer system and
headlam pcleaning system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engin eparts, because it may
ignite and burn .You could be seriously
burned. Engine compartment
279Maintenance and care Z

Example
X
To open: pull cap0003upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washe rfluid.
X To close: press cap 0003onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
For further information on the windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system, see (Y page 352). ASSYST PLUS
Service messages
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the nex tservice due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
i The ASSYST PLUS servic einterval display
does not show any informatio nonthe
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 277).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Next Service A Due in .. Days Service A Due
Service A Exceeded by ... Days The letter
A or
B , possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A stands for a minor service and
B for
a major service.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into accoun tany periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunctio ndisplay before
disconnecting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods fro mthe
service date shown on the display. Hiding
aservice message
X Press the 0007or000B button on the
steering wheel. Displaying service messages
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press the 000Aor0016 button on the
steering wheel to selec tthe Service menu.
X Press 0008or0009 to select the ASSYST PLUS submenu and press
000Bto confirm.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display. Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display !
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
display has been inadvertently reset, this 280
ASSYST PLUSMaintenance and care

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 23).Where will I find...?
Warning triangle
Removing the warning triangle Warning triangle
0004is secured on the inside
of the trunk lid.
X Open the trun klid.
X Turn catch 0003in the direction of the arrow.
X Remove warning triangle 0004.Setting up the warning triangle X
Fold feet 0024down and out to the side.
X Pull side reflectors 0004upwards to form a
triangle and lock the matthe top using
upper press-stud 0003. First-aid kit
First-aid kit
0003is located in the trunk under
the trunk floor.
X Open the trunk lid.
X Lift the trunk floor upwards (Y page 258).
X Remove first-aid kit 0003.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace the
contents if necessary, and replace missing
items. 290
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguishe
ris located underneath
the front of the driver's seat.
X Pull tab 0004upwards.
X Remove fire extinguisher 0003.
i Have fire extinguisher 0003refilled after
each use and checked every one to two
years. It may otherwise fail in an
emergency.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned. Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit can be found in the
stowage well under the trunk floor.
i Apart from certain country-specific
variations, vehicles are not equipped with
a tire-change tool kit. Some tools for
changing a wheel are specific to the
vehicle. For more information on which
tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult a qualified
specialist workshop.
Necessary wheel-changing tools can
include, for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Lug wrench
R Ratchet wrench
R Alignment bolt Vehicles with
acollapsible spare wheel 0003
Folding wheel chock
0004 Fuse allocatio nchart
0024 Jack
0023 Sheet for faulty wheel
0021 Alignment bolt
0022 Lug wrench
0015 Towing eye
0016 Valve extractor
0017 Tire inflation compressor
X Lift the trunk floor up.
X Remove the collapsible spare wheel
(Y page 340).
X AMG vehicles: loosen the central screw of
the bracket counter-clockwise and remove
it together with the bracket. Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(Y page 329).
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
characteristics) (Y page 292)
R an emergency spare wheel(Y page 339) Flat tire
291Breakdown assistance

X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 155).
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: openthe
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 136).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door. MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when
cornering, accelerating quickly and when
braking. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneuvers,
and driving over obstacles (curbs, potholes,
off-road). This applies in particular to a laden
vehicle. Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R
you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
defective tire must be replaced in every case.
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor.
The maximum driving distance is
approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the
vehicle is partially laden, and approximately
18 miles (30 km) when the vehicle is fully
laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
R Speed
R Road condition
R Outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
i When changing or replacing one or all of
the tires, note the label "MOExtended".
Take note also of the size specified for the
vehicle. 292
Flat tireBreakdown assistance