🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK 230

Year:

1998-1999

Chassis Code:

R170

Engine Code:

M111 E23ML

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 (R170) was positioned as a compact, premium roadster, offering a balance of sporty performance, luxury, and the innovative Vario-roof retractable hardtop system.

Competitors:

Competed with the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT (later models), though its emphasis on comfort and luxury set it slightly apart.

Key Features:

The R170 generation is renowned for its groundbreaking Vario-roof (electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop), compact size, comfortable interior for its class, and the characteristic Mercedes-Benz build quality.

Value Proposition:

This manual provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information, essential for owners who wish to maintain their vehicle's performance and longevity, or for independent mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Specific count not provided, described as 'hundreds of pages')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Implied by product description and target market)

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system, engine electrical system, engine management system (ECU), supercharger system

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission (including shifting mechanisms, torque converter, hydraulics, electronics, removal and installation)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, rear axle, propeller shaft, universal joints, CV joints

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (multi-link, shocks, springs), alignment procedures

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system (pump, lines, fluid), steering column, alignment

Brakes:

Front and rear brakes (discs), brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors), ABS system, brake fluid

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking

Body:

Body exterior (panels, doors, hood, trunk), interior trim, convertible top system (vario-roof), body sealing, anti-corrosion protection

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, ventilation

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS system diagnostics

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, testing procedures for sensors and actuators

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component rebuilding, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon problems across all systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical system resistance values, diagnostic specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork

Detail Level:

Highly detailed with step-by-step instructions, hundreds of detailed photos, and exploded diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within PDF (common for factory manuals)

Printability:

Printable (single pages or entire manual)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Usage Rights:

Unlimited use on multiple devices, no expiry dates, no renewal fees

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Supercharged Inline-4

Engine Code:

M111 E23ML

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2295 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

90.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

192 hp @ 5300 rpm (SAE net)

Torque:

201 lb-ft (273 Nm) @ 2500-4000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Supercharger Type:

Roots-type positive displacement supercharger

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME 2.0 (or similar, depending on specific market/year)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Type:

5-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shifting programs

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 235.10 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-85)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 157.2 inches (3993 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.0 inches (1295 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 87.7 inches (2229 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3100 lbs (1360-1406 kg) depending on transmission and equipment

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 5.3 cu ft (150 L) with Vario-roof up; significantly less with Vario-roof down.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

While specific ratings for the 1998-1999 model years might be scarce, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well in crash tests, emphasizing occupant protection.

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Skid Control)

Stability Control:

Not standard on these early models, though later R170 variants introduced ESP (Electronic Stability Program).

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on market)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and belt force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the headrests (activate in case of rollover detection)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Bose).

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Phone Integration:

Optional dealer-installed phone kits or aftermarket Bluetooth adapters might be available, but not natively integrated in the modern sense.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Filter Replacement:

Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and cabin filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles. Fuel filter every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Platinum or Iridium spark plugs usually rated for 100,000 miles. Check manual for specific type and gap.

Transmission Service:

Automatic: fluid and filter service typically every 50,000-70,000 miles. Manual: fluid check as per manual, replacement less frequent.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SM/SL/SJ or ACEA A3/B4, MB Approval 229.5 or 229.3)

Coolant:

MB Spec 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (MB Spec 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 236.3 (or Pentosin CHF 11S, or equivalent)

Common Issues:

Vario-roof hydraulic system leaks or actuator failures, MAF sensor issues, ignition coil failures, crank position sensor failures, O2 sensor failures, vacuum leaks leading to rough idle, rust in wheel wells and rocker panels.

Maintenance Considerations:

Regular maintenance of the Vario-roof hydraulic fluid and system is crucial. Attention to the supercharger belt and intake system is also important for performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury and performance vehicles, including iconic roadsters like the 190SL and 300SL. The SLK line continued this legacy.

R170 Introduction:

The R170 SLK-Class was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. The SLK 230 Kompressor was a core model from its inception, focusing on a blend of performance and compact luxury.

Updates 1998 1999:

The 1998 and 1999 model years represent the early production phase of the R170. Minor updates may have occurred during this period, but significant redesigns were later for subsequent model years.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Award:

The SLK's innovative Vario-roof design was highly praised and contributed to its appeal, though specific 'awards' for this feature aren't always documented separately from general model reviews.

Model Reviews:

Generally received positive reviews for its unique concept, sporty handling (for a roadster), and luxury appointments.

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998-1999 model are not highlighted, Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically meet or exceed safety standards of their time.