Segment:
Compact Premium Sports Car (Roadster)
Key Appeal:
Stylish design, spirited performance, premium brand cachet, retractable hardtop.
Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, Chevrolet Corvette C5.
Manual Advantage:
Officially licensed, providing factory-accurate information for accurate and efficient servicing.
Vehicle Advantage:
The SLK320 offers a blend of comfort, everyday usability, and sporty roadster experience with its V6 engine and Vario-Roof.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Wiring Diagrams
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Component Testing, Specifications, Body & Chassis
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Clarity:
Technical, precise language suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Format:
Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, allowing quick access to specific topics.
Powertrain:
Engine (M112 E32), Transmission (5G-TRONIC automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, Infotainment, Power Accessories, HVAC Control, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System (Vario-Roof), Doors, Hood, Trunk
Comfort Systems:
Climate Control (HVAC), Power Seats, Power Windows, Central Locking, Remote Keyless Entry, Convertible Top (Vario-Roof) Operation & Diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replenishment, Spark Plug Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair, Convertible Top Mechanism Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Fault Code Diagnosis, Live Data Stream Analysis, Component Testing Procedures, Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Calibration:
Steering angle sensor calibration, throttle body adaptation, idle speed control adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations, wiring diagrams for fault tracing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostic Tools:
Procedures often require Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., Star SDS), but the manual will outline common procedures and sensor data interpretations.
Configuration:
3.2L (3199 cc) V6 SOHC (24 valves)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3000-4250 rpm
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Timing:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust).
Type:
5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type:
No manual transmission option available for SLK320 in 2001.
Torque Converter Lock-Up:
Yes
Shifting Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags (mounted in seats)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (optional), COMAND (optional navigation and entertainment system).
Connectivity:
CD player, Cassette player (early models), optional CD changer, optional voice control (with COMAND).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights, fog lights.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific SFG codes and conditions).
Major Service A:
Service A (e.g., oil filter, air filter, cabin filter, fluid checks) based on variable service indicator (ASSYST).
Major Service B:
Service B (includes Service A items plus spark plugs, brake fluid flush, etc.) based on variable service indicator (ASSYST).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30/5W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved G05 or G48 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S, Febi Bilstein 06161)
Rear Axle Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for specific MB approval if applicable, though less common for differentials on this chassis).
Common Problems:
MAF sensor failure, O2 sensor issues, minor oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, cam seals), ABS/ESP sensor faults, Vario-Roof hydraulic leaks/pump issues, interior plastic trim degradation, window regulator issues.
Brand Focus:
Luxury, Performance, Innovation
Generation:
First Generation (R170)
Introduction Year:
1997 (as SLK230 Kompressor)
Model Year Introduction:
2001 (SLK320 introduced, replacing SLK32 AMG for some markets initially, before the supercharged 32 AMG arrived later in the R170 generation).
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years:
1996-2004 (R170 chassis)
