Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts seeking premium driving experience, advanced technology, and convertible styling
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Convertible System:
        
        
            Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop)
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment System:
        
        
            COMAND APS (premium navigation, audio, communication)
        
     
    
        
            Interior Design:
        
        
            Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, ergonomic layout
        
     
    
        
            Performance Orientation:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, powerful engine options
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary System:
        
        
            COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) System
        
     
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Radio, CD Player, Audio Settings
        
     
    
        
            Navigation System:
        
        
            Navigation Features, Map Updates, Route Planning
        
     
    
        
            Telephony:
        
        
            Bluetooth Connectivity, Phone Book Management, Making/Receiving Calls
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control Integration:
        
        
            Integration with Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC)
        
     
    
        
            Vehicle Settings:
        
        
            Customization of Vehicle Features via COMAND Interface
        
     
    
        
            Display Operations:
        
        
            Control of central display, menus, and input methods
        
     
    
    
        
            Initial Setup:
        
        
            Initial power-on, language selection, basic configuration
        
     
    
        
            System Operation:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for all COMAND functions
        
     
    
        
            Navigation Operation:
        
        
            Entering destinations, using voice commands for navigation, destination memory
        
     
    
        
            Audio Management:
        
        
            Tuning radio stations, playing CDs, adjusting audio settings (bass, treble, balance)
        
     
    
        
            Phone Pairing:
        
        
            Pairing mobile phones via Bluetooth, managing contacts
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Basic:
        
        
            Common error messages, basic reset procedures
        
     
    
        
            Software Updates:
        
        
            Guidance on potential software updates or CD/DVD updates for navigation
        
     
    
    
        
            Level Of Detail:
        
        
            Comprehensive operator guidance for all user-accessible features
        
     
    
        
            Focus:
        
        
            User interface, functionality, and everyday operation of the COMAND APS system
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Coverage:
        
        
            Limited; focuses on user-facing error messages and basic solutions, not in-depth repair diagnostics
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code Example:
        
        
            M271 (for SLK200 Kompressor) or M111 (earlier versions) or M272 (for SLK350)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration Common:
        
        
            Inline-4 Supercharged (Kompressor) or V6 Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Common Slk200:
        
        
            1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement Common Slk350:
        
        
            3.7 Liters (3724 cc)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Slk200 Kompressor:
        
        
            163 hp @ 5500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Slk200 Kompressor:
        
        
            240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 3000-4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Slk350:
        
        
            268 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Slk350:
        
        
            350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3750-4500 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic or similar)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control:
        
        
            Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Common:
        
        
            6-speed Manual Transmission (for some variants)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6 '5G-TRONIC' or similar) with Touchshift
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Modes:
        
        
            Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
        
     
    
        
            Torque Converter Lockup:
        
        
            Yes, for improved efficiency
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approximately 4088 mm (160.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approximately 1777 mm (69.9 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approximately 1301 mm (51.2 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approximately 2430 mm (95.7 in)
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume Top Up:
        
        
            Approximately 330 Liters (11.6 cu ft)
        
     
    
        
            Trunk Volume Top Down:
        
        
            Approximately 208 Liters (7.3 cu ft)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Example Slk200:
        
        
            Approximately 1375 kg (3031 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Varies by model, typically around 1800 kg
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            Not specifically rated for this model year in this configuration, but Mercedes-Benz generally achieves high safety standards.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Not specifically rated for this model year in this configuration.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Esp:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Program (also known as ESP)
        
     
    
    
        
            Asr:
        
        
            Acceleration Skid Control
        
     
    
        
            Tire Pressure Monitoring:
        
        
            Optional on some models
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Integrated Side Airbags (thorax)
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Automatically Deploying Roll Bars (integrated behind headrests)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point Inertia Reel Seat Belts with Belt Tensioners and Force Limiters
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Infotainment System Name:
        
        
            COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment System)
        
     
    
        
            Display Type:
        
        
            Central color display screen (typically 6.5-inch)
        
     
    
        
            Input Methods:
        
        
            Rotary knob and buttons on center console, steering wheel controls
        
     
    
        
            Navigation Media:
        
        
            DVD-based navigation system
        
     
    
        
            Audio Sources:
        
        
            AM/FM Radio, CD Player (single disc), optional CD Changer
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Assistance:
        
        
            Optional PARKTRONIC system (audible and visual parking sensors)
        
     
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control with speed limiter
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth Integration:
        
        
            Standard for hands-free calling, some models with phone cradle/adapter
        
     
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Optional, often via glovebox or center console
        
     
    
    
        
            Instrument Cluster Integration:
        
        
            COMAND information displayed in the main instrument cluster (e.g., navigation prompts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' on the dashboard)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Check at 20,000 miles, replace as needed. Inspect annually.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Check annually, replace as needed (recommend every 10,000-15,000 miles).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Refer to specific interval for engine variant (e.g., M271: ~60,000 miles; M272: ~100,000 miles)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz originally stated 'lifetime' for the 5G-TRONIC, but recommended change every 40,000-60,000 miles by independent specialists to prevent premature wear.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 approved synthetic oil (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 0W-30, 5W-30 depending on temperature and specific engine).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Specification:
        
        
            MB-Approval 325.0 or 325.5 (Ethylene Glycol based, pink/red color, 50/50 mix with distilled water).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Specification:
        
        
            DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Automatic:
        
        
            MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF 134)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            MB-Approval 236.3 (ATF Dexron III or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Bottleneck 5G:
        
        
            Potential for 'limp mode' or hard shifting due to conductor plate failure or solenoid wear in the 5G-TRONIC transmission, often exacerbated by infrequent fluid changes.
        
     
    
        
            Air Matic Suspension Issues:
        
        
            While not standard on all SLK models, air suspension components (struts, compressor) can be a failure point on higher-spec models or if fitted.
        
     
    
        
            Vario Roof Mechanism:
        
        
            Hydraulic leaks, pump failures, or sensor issues with the retractable hardtop can occur over time, often due to low hydraulic fluid or seal degradation.
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Modules:
        
        
            Intermittent electrical faults or module failures (e.g., ECU, SAM units) can occur, often related to water ingress or aging wiring harnesses.
        
     
    
        
            Engine M271 Kompressor:
        
        
            Balance shaft chain guide wear, timing chain tensioner issues, and oil leaks from the supercharger or valve cover gasket are commonly reported.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer Reputation:
        
        
            Long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and safety innovations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Previous Generation:
        
        
            R170 SLK-Class (1996-2004)
        
     
    
        
            Current Generation Start:
        
        
            R171 SLK-Class (2004-2011)
        
     
    
        
            Introduction Year R171:
        
        
            2004
        
     
    
        
            2005 Model Year Changes:
        
        
            Generally part of the initial R171 rollout; minor equipment package adjustments may have occurred.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Bremen, Germany
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
        
        
            The 3.7L V6 (M272) featured in the SLK350 received Wards' 10 Best Engines award in 2005 for its performance and refinement.
        
     
    
        
            Euro Car Of The Year:
        
        
            While the SLK-Class itself wasn't awarded, Mercedes-Benz has a consistent history of accolades for various models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Safety Awards General:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically score well in safety tests, though specific ratings for the 2005 R171 SLK are often absent from consumer databases.