Vehicle Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, performance-oriented, open-top driving experience with premium brand appeal
Key Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000
Design Philosophy:
Compact dimensions, elegant styling, focus on driving dynamics, signature 'hardtop convertible' Vario-roof
Powertrain Highlight:
Supercharged inline-4 engine offering a balance of performance and efficiency for its class
Infotainment Systems:
Radio, CD player, Navigation (if equipped), Speaker system
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control operation, air conditioning, heating
Lighting:
Headlights (including automatic), fog lights, interior lighting, brake lights, turn signals
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel functions, pedals, gear selector, parking brake, cruise control
Locks Security:
Central locking, remote keyless entry, alarm system, immobilizer
Seating Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seat belt operation, airbag system, child seat installation (ISOFIX)
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights, indicator symbols, trip computer
Engine Compartment:
Identification of major components, fluid level checks, basic visual inspections
Maintenance Specifications:
Fluid types, capacities, filter part numbers, lubricant specifications
Customer Assistance:
Contact information, warranty details, roadside assistance
Cleaning Care:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, material care
Reporting Safety Defects:
Information specific to U.S. market for reporting safety issues
Basic Operations:
Starting the engine, operating the transmission, using convertible top mechanism, adjusting mirrors
Maintenance Tasks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (accessible bulbs)
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpretation of warning lights, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues
Driving Techniques:
Advice on optimal driving, winter driving, towing (if applicable)
Accessory Operation:
Operation of factory-installed accessories
Depth Level:
Owner-level maintenance and operation, not a comprehensive service/repair manual
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder Supercharged (Kompressor)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
90.9 mm x 86.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (SAE Net)
0-60 Mph Estimate:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with supercharger
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.9 Gallons)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (with caveats for older rating systems)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (with caveats for older rating systems)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models tested)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated, rear solid), ABS, EBD
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (thorax)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars integrated behind headrests
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
Head Unit Options:
Various Becker or factory Mercedes-Benz radio/CD players with optional navigation modules
Speaker System:
Factory-installed 4-speaker or optional premium sound system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Lighting Automation:
Automatic headlight activation (light sensor), dusk-sensing headlights
Bluetooth Support:
Not typically standard, often requires dealer-installed accessory kit or aftermarket integration
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil), as per Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (ASSYST)
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to ASSYST indicators or manual for specific mileages (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant)
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (SAE J1704)
Common Problems:
Vario-roof hydraulic system leaks (seals, pump), mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, ignition coil failure, blower motor resistor failure, rust on fenders/wheel wells, OVP relay issues
Supercharger Maintenance:
Supercharger belt tensioner and idler pulley wear, supercharger clutch (if applicable) potential issues
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mercedes-Benz: A111 180 00 09 (or equivalent MANN-FILTER HU 718/1x)
Air Filter Part Number:
Mercedes-Benz: A111 094 02 02 (or equivalent MANN-FILTER C 24 980)
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Longstanding reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance
Slk Introduction:
Introduced in 1996 as the 'Sportlich, Leicht und Kompakt' (Sporty, Light, and Compact) roadster
R170 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2000 model year, including updated styling, improved interior, and more powerful engines
2004 Model Year Context:
Represents the final year of the R170 generation, offering refined features and the well-established supercharged powertrain
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
