Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car/Roadster
Key Competitors Era:
Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z (though larger), BMW Z4
Vehicle Design Origin:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK platform, joint venture with DaimlerChrysler
Body Styles:
Coupe, Roadster
Manual Benefit:
Provides comprehensive information for repair, maintenance, and restoration, mimicking factory technician resources.
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control Systems, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) / Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) (specify based on model), Drive Shafts, Differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment
Brake Systems:
Front Brakes, Rear Brakes, Parking Brake, ABS System
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM)
Body Chassis:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Body Sealing
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seat Belt Systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine Maintenance Checks, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Belt Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Component Repair/Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnostics and Repair, Body Panel Repair, HVAC Component Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Electrical System Diagnostics, Powertrain Diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive Wiring Diagrams for all Electrical Systems
Repair Detail Level:
Detailed sub-steps, critical notes, cautions, and warnings for each procedure
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos for all procedures, including enlarged inset views
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Do-It-Yourself Mechanics
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Displacement:
3.2 L (3199 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (for SRT-6 variants, standard on some later models)
Bore X Stroke:
89.6 mm x 84.0 mm
Horsepower Std:
215 hp @ 6000 rpm (non-supercharged)
Torque Std:
220 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (non-supercharged)
Horsepower Srt6:
320 hp @ 5800 rpm (supercharged)
Torque Srt6:
330 lb-ft @ 3000-4200 rpm (supercharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended, especially for SRT-6)
Engine Control Unit:
Refer to specific wiring diagrams in manual for ECM/PCM identification.
Transmission Type Std:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed Automatic (with AutoStick) (W5A580)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up, AutoStick manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity (likely SAE 75W-85 or similar GL-4/GL-5 gear oil).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specifications specified in the manual)
Length:
Approx. 160.4 inches (4074 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.1 inches (1349 mm) (Coupe), Approx. 52.8 inches (1341 mm) (Roadster)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.7 inches (2482 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle identification plate or manual.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Refer to NHTSA records for the specific year, likely 4-star based on platform lineage.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Refer to IIHS records for the specific year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver, Passenger, Side-Curtain (Coupe), Side Impact (Roadster) Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or per manual recommendation (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or per manual recommendation (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual. Likely around 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Refer to manual. Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for viscosity grade. Likely 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic. Check API service classification.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mercedes-Benz approved OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar HOAT or similar).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 as specified in the manual.
Common Problem 1:
Water intrusion into the passenger compartment (especially around windshield seals and door seals).
Common Problem 2:
Early versions of the convertible top mechanism could be prone to issues, although improvements were made.
Common Problem 3:
Potential for early wear on suspension components, particularly bushings and ball joints, given its performance orientation.
Common Problem 4:
Heater control valve failures leading to inconsistent cabin temperatures.
Common Problem 5:
Power steering fluid leaks, often from the pump or steering rack seals.
Parent Company Era:
DaimlerChrysler era, leveraging Mercedes-Benz engineering and components.
Introduction Year:
2003 (first model year)
Key Platform:
Shared platform with the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK.
Engine Updates:
Introduction of the supercharged SRT-6 variant for increased performance.
Production Plant:
Karmann factory in Osnabrรผck, Germany.
Production Years:
2003-2008