🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Code:

R171

Year:

2009

Trim:

SLK300

Market:

North America (U.S. reference for safety defects)

Generation Code:

R171 (Second Generation)

Generation Years:

2004-2011

Engine Code Associated:

M272 (for SLK300)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact luxury sports convertible roadster.

Positioning:

Positioned as a stylish, accessible entry into the Mercedes-Benz roadster lineup, offering a blend of performance and open-air driving experience.

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster (though often positioned slightly above).

Defining Feature:

Retractable hardtop (vario-roof) offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom.

Design Philosophy:

Combines sporty aesthetics with Mercedes-Benz's hallmark build quality and comfort.

Demographics:

Individuals seeking a premium, engaging driving experience with the versatility of a convertible.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety features, and basic specifications for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300.

Specific Sections Listed:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely between 300-500 pages (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era and complexity).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, fuel information, air filter(s), refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Electrical And Lighting:

Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, battery information.

Climate Control:

Operation of climate control systems.

Infotainment And Convenience:

Entertainment systems, driver controls, locks and security, seating, accessories.

Safety Systems:

Seating and safety restraints, reporting safety defects (U.S. only).

Basic Maintenance:

Engine oil checks, fuel filling, air filter replacement guidance, battery care, cleaning procedures.

Operation And Controls:

Detailed explanation of driver controls, lights, locks, security, and climate controls.

Customer Interaction:

Customer assistance information, reporting safety defects.

Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not delve into in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible with any device that can read PDF files.

Searchability:

Generally searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original; quality is dependent on source scan but typically high for official Mercedes-Benz documentation.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Engine Code:

M272.963

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

88.0 mm x 82.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multiport fuel injectors.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Placement:

Front-mid engine, longitudinal orientation.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission

Optional Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (less common in the U.S. for SLK300).

Automatic Features:

TouchShift paddle shifters, Comfort (C) and Sport (S) driving modes.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF 7G)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.3 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

50.7 inches (1288 mm)

Wheelbase:

94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Front Track:

59.7 inches (1517 mm)

Rear Track:

60.2 inches (1530 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3296 lbs (1495 kg) for automatic transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified in product info, but typically around 4000 lbs.

Trunk Volume Closed Roof:

Approx. 11.3 cu ft (320 L)

Trunk Volume Open Roof:

Approx. 6.5 cu ft (185 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not readily available for specific model year/trim from product description, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically perform well in safety tests.

IIHS Rating:

Not readily available for specific model year/trim from product description.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BAS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, knee airbags (driver).

Rollover Protection:

Integrated rollover protection system (automatically deploying roll bars).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

AUDIO 20 or optional COMAND APS navigation system.

Audio Features:

AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary audio input (in glove box), optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Navigation:

Optional COMAND APS with satellite navigation, DVD player.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, optional PARKTRONIC parking assist.

Connectivity Options:

Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling (often via cradle in glove box).

Varioroof Operation:

Electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop with integrated glass rear window, operated via a button on the center console.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).

Major Service A:

Scheduled at 10,000 miles or 1 year, includes synthetic oil and filter change, tire rotation, comprehensive inspection of various systems.

Major Service B:

Scheduled at 20,000 miles or 2 years, includes everything in Service A plus cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid change (initially at 2 years, then every 2 years thereafter), and more thorough inspections.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Specification:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically blue).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB-Approval 343.0 (Automatic transmission fluid, typically ATF Dexron III compatible if approved).

Common Slk R171 Issues:

Air-matic suspension issues (if equipped), SBC brake system component failures (less common on later models), varioroof hydraulic leaks or mechanism malfunctions, MAF sensor issues, ignition coil failures, oil cooler leaks (M272 engine).

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mercedes-Benz A2711801109 or equivalent Mann-Filter HU718/5y.

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mercedes-Benz A2710900201 or equivalent Mann-Filter C26006.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing history of producing high-quality luxury vehicles, including sports cars and convertibles dating back to early automotive pioneers.

Slk Origin:

The SLK-Class (Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz - Sporty, Light, Short) was introduced in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's compact roadster. The R171 generation, launched in 2004, offered significant upgrades in styling, technology, and performance.

R171 Updates:

The R171 received a facelift for the 2009 model year, which included updated styling (particularly the front fascia), revised suspension tuning, and the introduction of the SLK300 model (replacing the SLK280) with the more powerful M272 engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany.

Production Years R171:

2004-2011.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Recognition:

The SLK-Class, in general, has been recognized for its design, driving dynamics, and innovative features like the varioroof. Specific awards for the 2009 SLK300 may vary but it consistently received praise within the compact luxury sports car segment.