Segment:
Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops
Competitors:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (986), Audi TT Roadster, Jaguar XK8 Convertible
Variable Roof:
Electrically operated Vario-Roof retractable hardtop
Handling:
Sporty chassis tuning, rear-wheel drive
Design:
Compact, two-seater sports car with classic roadster proportions
Covered Years:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage for all engine variants
Engine Management:
Engine control unit (ECU), fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, driveline
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission control, hydraulics, torque converter
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, brake discs, pads, calipers
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk, convertible roof mechanism (Vario-Roof)
Interior Trim:
Dashboard, seats, door panels, carpeting
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped)
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based repair guidance
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Overhaul Procedures:
Engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems
Torque Specifications:
All critical bolt and fastener torque values
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Mercedes-Benz specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for all electronic and mechanical systems
Engine Code Common:
M111 (2.0L), M112 (2.8L, 3.2L), M271 (2.3L Supercharged)
Displacement Options:
1996cc, 2799cc, 3199cc, 2295cc
Horsepower Range:
136 HP to 218 HP (depending on variant)
Torque Range:
190 Nm to 310 Nm (depending on variant)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Supercharger Availability:
Available on SLK 230 Kompressor (M271 engine variant)
NHTSA Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this era, but built to high Mercedes safety standards
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later models
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) on many models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (optional)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind the headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Audio System:
OEM AM/FM/CD audio system, optional Bose sound system
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (often COMAND 2.0)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park assist sensors on later models
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped, aftermarket solutions available
Telematics:
Early forms of Mercedes-Benz telematics might be present on some models
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first, refer to manual for exact spec)
Major Service Interval:
A/B Service intervals as indicated by the Car's Service Minder System (requires specific diagnostic tool for reset)
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.1, MB 229.3, or MB 229.5 specifications (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on climate and engine)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or MB 331.0 specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF 3403-M115 or Shell 134)
Vario Roof Actuators:
Hydraulic leaks, pump failures, sensor issues affecting roof operation
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idle and performance issues (especially on M111 engines)
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, causing misfires and check engine lights
Window Regulators:
Motor failure or mechanism wear leading to inoperative windows
Oil Cooler Seals:
Can leak engine oil, particularly on M112/M113 engines
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear can lead to clunking noises and degraded handling
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to no-start conditions or stalling
