Segment:
Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car
Competitors:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT (later models), Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)
Vario Roof:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) as a signature feature, offering coupe-like security and convertible enjoyment
Styling:
Distinctive, compact styling inspired by the classic 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, and Mercedes-Benz engineering focus on refined performance
Primary Coverage:
Workshop service and repair for Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK-Class
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and technical specifications
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, clutch, exhaust systems
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & parking), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Starting & charging system, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, audio, body electronics, comfort systems (e.g., Vario-roof, climate control)
Body:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, doors, hood, trunk lid, Vario-roof mechanism
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP (if equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks & top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, Vario-roof motor/hydraulic system repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagnosis
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system, specific diagnostic procedures for various modules
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific repairs
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Depth:
Extensive, covering from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced electronic diagnostics
Engine Options:
Inline 4-cylinder (M111), V6 (M112)
Slk230 Kompressor:
2.3L Supercharged Inline-4, ~190-194 hp, ~200-220 lb-ft torque
Slk32 Amg:
3.2L Supercharged V6, ~354 hp, ~332 lb-ft torque
Slk320:
3.2L Naturally Aspirated V6, ~215 hp, ~229 lb-ft torque
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
ECU:
ME 2.x or ME 3.x (depending on model year and engine)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual (early models), 6-speed manual (later models, less common), 5-speed automatic (optional on many, standard on some)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed automatic (e.g., 5G-TRONIC), 6-speed manual
Automatic Features:
TouchShift (manual shift mode on automatic transmissions)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.10 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 7-9 liters (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill procedure)
Length:
Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1500 kg (2866-3307 lbs), varies by engine and options
NHTSA Rating:
Generally good for its era, specific ratings may vary by year and testing methodology; often received 4-star ratings in frontal impacts.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or ADAPTIVE ESP (later models)
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) often included with ESP or as standalone
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on year)
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over bars behind the headrests, automatically deploying in case of a detected rollover incident
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette radio systems, often with optional CD changer and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose)
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation systems available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Optional parking sensors available on later models.
Telematics:
Early systems might have featured basic telematics or communication modules.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (flexible service system 'ASSYST')
Major Service Interval:
Refer to 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators on the instrument cluster; typically includes spark plugs, filters, and brake fluid service every ~30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 specification (e.g., 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic)
Coolant:
MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant) - typically a blue or green ethylene glycol based coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB-Approval 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S)
Vario Roof Hydraulics:
Leaking hydraulic lines, pump issues, micro-switch failures causing intermittent operation or failure to close/open
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Failure of the MAF sensor can lead to rough idling, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.
Ignition Coils:
Coil pack failure can cause misfires and rough running.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to no-start conditions or stalling.
ABS Esp Module:
Corrosion or failure of the ABS/ESP control module can lead to illumination of warning lights and loss of ABS/ESP functionality.
Window Regulators:
Failure of the electric window regulators, especially common with the Vario-roof operation.
Supercharger Clutch:
On Kompressor models, the electromagnetic clutch for the supercharger can fail.
Heritage Context:
Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury, engineering, and innovation, leveraging its sports car heritage (e.g., 300 SL series)
Facelift:
Facelifted in 2000, introducing revised styling (bumpers, lights), updated engines, and interior enhancements
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production End Year:
2004
Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:
Awarded 'Editor's Choice' by Popular Mechanics in 1997.
Wards Auto Worlds 10 Best Engines:
The 3.2L V6 (M112) was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the 10 Best Engines in 2001.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its production years.
