
Activatingordeactivating
XTo act ivate:press th e¿ orÁ but-
ton.
The indicator lamp in th e¿ orÁ
butto nlights up.
XTo deacti vate:press th e¿ orÁ
button.
The indicator lamp in th e¿ orÁ
butto ngoes out .The "Cooling wit hair dehu-
midification "function has adelayed switch -
off feature.
128Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

Problems with the "Cooling with air dehumidification" function
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The indicator lamp in
the¿ orÁ but-
ton flashes three times
or remains off. The
"Cooling with air dehu-
midification" function
cannot be switched on.Cooling with air dehumidification has been deactivated due to a
malfunction.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
General notes
Automatic mode is only available with dual-
zone automatic air conditioning.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the tem-
perature of the dispensed air, the airflow and
the air distribution.
The automatic mode functions optimally
when the "Cooling with air dehumidification"
function is activated. If necessary, cooling
with air dehumidification can be deactivated.
If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-dehu-
midification" function, the air inside the vehi-
cle will not be cooled. The air inside the vehi-
cle will also not be dehumidified. The win-
dows can fog up more quickly. Therefore,
deactivate the cooling with air-dehumidifica-
tion function only briefly.
Automatic control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 139).
XSet the desired temperature.
XTo activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
XTo switch to manual mode: press the
_ button.
or
XPress the IorK button.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton goes
out.
Setting the temperature
Air-conditioning system
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 139).
XTo increase or reduce: turn control:
clockwise or counter-clockwise
(
Ypage 123).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
iIf you turn control :counter-clockwise
to the lowest temperature setting, air-recir-
culation mode may activate automatically,
depending on the outside temperature.
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 139).
XTo increase or decrease: turn control:
or B clockwise or counter-clockwise
(
Ypage 125).
Operating the climate control systems129
Climate control

side is not adopted for the front-passenger
side.
XTo switch off:press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton goes
out. The temperature setting for the driv-
er's side is adopted for the front-passenger
side.
Defrosting the windshield
General notes
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to defrost the inside of the wind-
shield and the side windows.
Switch off the "Windshield defrosting" func-
tion as soon as the windshield is clear again.
Switching the "windshield defrosting"
function on or off
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 139).
XTo switch on: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
Rhigh airflow
Rhigh temperature
Rair distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
XTo switch off: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
or
XDual-zone automatic climate control: press
the à button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in
vehicles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the
engine is running.
XTo activate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.
XTo deactivate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
The previously selected settings are
restored.
When you activate MAX COOL, climate con-
trol switches to the following functions:
Rmaximum cooling
Rmaximum airflow
Rair-recirculation mode on
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the ¿orÁ cooling with air
dehumidification function.
XDual-zone automatic air conditioning: acti-
vate the Ãmode button.
XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the ¬ "Windshield defrosting" function.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XActivate the windshield wipers.
XAir-conditioning system: press the Por
O button.
XDual-zone automatic air conditioning:
press the _button until the Por
O symbol appears in the display.
iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Operating the climate control systems131
Climate control

Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The indicator lamp on
the¤ button
flashes. The rear win-
dow defroster has
deactivated prema-
turely or cannot be acti-
vated.The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical con-
sumers are switched on.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading
lamps, interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window
defroster can be activated again.
The roof is open.
XClose the roof.
When the roof is closed, the rear window defroster can be acti-
vated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the
windows can fog up more quickly, in particu-
lar at low temperatures. Only use air-recircu-
lation mode briefly to prevent the windows
from fogging up.
Activating or deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 139).
XTo activate: press thegbutton.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton lights
up.
iAir-recirculation mode is automatically
activated at high levels of pollution (dual-
zone automatic climate control only) or at
high outside temperatures. When air-recir-
culation mode is activated automatically,
the indicator lamp in the gbutton is not
lit. Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press thegbutton.
The indicator lamp in the gbutton goes
out.
iAir-recirculation mode deactivates auto-
matically:
Rafter approximately five minutes at out-
side temperatures below approximately
41 ‡ (5 †)
Rafter approximately five minutes if cool-
ing with air dehumidification is deactiva-
ted
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at out-
side temperatures above approximately
41 ‡ (5 †) if the "Cooling with air dehu-
midification" function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes
The residual heat function is only available on
vehicles for Canada.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the station-
ary vehicle for up to 30 minutesafter the
engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the set interior temperature.
Operating the climate control systems133
Climate control

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning.The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may
be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunc-
tioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 160).
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (
Ypage 279).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XDo not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The air-
flow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may
be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 160).
250Warning and indicator lamps
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
XLeave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XCheck the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes (
Ypage 279).
XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the engine cooling
system checked.
XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion.
A warning tone also
sounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.
XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Observe the additional information on DISTRONIC PLUS
(
Ypage 170).
Observe the additional information on COLLISION PREVENTION
ASSIST PLUS (
Ypage 203).
Warning and indicator lamps251
On-board computer and displays
Z

temperatures. The table shows you which
SAE classifications are to be used. The low-
temperature characteristics of engine oils
can deteriorate significantly, e.g. as a result
of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It is therefore
strongly recommended that you carry out reg-
ular oil changes using an approved engine oil
with the appropriate SAE classification.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
When handling brake fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products
(
Ypage 347).
The brake fluid change intervals can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz in accordance with MB-Freigabe or MB-
Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
iHave the brake fluid regularly replaced at
a qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Coolant
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
!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 BeVo 310.1, e.g.
on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop.
!Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
iHave the coolant regularly replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop and the
replacement confirmed in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Comply with the important safety precautions
for service products when handling coolant
(
Ypage 347).
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the
following tasks:
Rcorrosion protection
Rantifreeze protection
Rraising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡(-37 †), the boiling point of the cool-
350Service products and filling capacities
Technical data

ant during operation is approximately 266 ‡
(130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra-
tion in the engine cooling system should:
Rbe at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
Rnot exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor.
Mercedes-Benz recommends an antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor concentrate in accord-
ance with MB Specifications for Service Prod-
ucts 310.1.
iWhen the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion.
iThe coolant is checked with every main-
tenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Filling capacities
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
ModelCapacity
SLK 300Approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5l)
SLK 350Approx. 11.0 US qt
(10.4l)
Mercedes‑AMG
SLK 55
Windshield washer system
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
!Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
!Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
!Only MB SummerFit and MB WinterFit
washer fluid should be mixed together. The spray nozzles may otherwise become
blocked.
When handling washer fluid, observe the
important safety notes on service products
(
Ypage 347).
At temperatures above freezing:
XFill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of water and windshield washer fluid, e.g.
MB SummerFit.
XAdd 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts
water.
At temperatures below freezing:
XFill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Winter-
Fit.
For the correct mixing ratio refer to the
information on the antifreeze reservoir.
iAdd windshield washer fluid, e.g. MB
SummerFit or MB WinterFit, to the washer
fluid all year round.
Service products and filling capacities351
Technical data
Z