🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

R170

Engine Code Primary:

M111 E20 ML

Engine Code Secondary:

M111 E23 ML

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car

Competitors:

BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT

Feature 1:

Vario-Roof electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop

Feature 2:

Rear-wheel drive platform

Feature 3:

Compact dimensions and sporty handling

Differentiation:

Unique retractable hardtop offered a coupe-like security and convertible experience, luxury appointments, and Mercedes-Benz build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, component overhaul

Estimated Pages:

900+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering

Brakes:

Brake system components, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake fluid, service procedures

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting system, instrument cluster, infotainment, body control modules, CAN bus systems

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, convertible roof system (Vario-Roof), chassis components, HVAC, interior trim

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, diagnostics and repair of specific faults, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic trees, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostic Tools:

References to diagnostic tools like STAR DIAGNOSIS (SDS) and their usage

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printable:

Printable pages, allowing for hard copy creation

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M111 E20 ML (Supercharged)

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Hp:

163 hp @ 5300 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

181 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Induction:

Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 Engine Management System, Roots-type Supercharger

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

M111 E23 ML (Supercharged)

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2295 cc)

Horsepower Hp:

194 hp @ 5300 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

207 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 286)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6 - NAG1)

Automatic Features:

TouchShift manual shifting capability

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MB 235.10 (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2.0)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 (e.g., ATF 3403-M115)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.5 in (4000 mm)

Width:

69.4 in (1763 mm)

Height:

51.2 in (1300 mm)

Wheelbase:

81.5 in (2070 mm)

Front Track:

58.6 in (1488 mm)

Rear Track:

57.8 in (1469 mm)

Curb Weight Est Kg:

1300-1400 kg (depending on specification)

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

8.2 cu ft (hardtop up), 4.5 cu ft (hardtop down)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (Not explicitly rated for this specific model year, but generally reflects robust MB structure)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (Not explicitly rated for this specific model year, but generally reflects robust MB structure)

Traction Control:

ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Brakes:

4-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on market)

Roll Protection:

Integrated roll-over protection bars behind seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose premium sound system

Navigation:

Optional Becker Grand Prix or Alpine navigation system

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Hands Free:

Optional UHI (Universal Hands-free Interface) for mobile phone integration

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), based on Flexible Service System (ASSYST)

Major Service Interval Miles:

Varies (e.g., spark plugs around 60,000 miles, transmission fluid typically lifetime but recommended change around 60,000-80,000 miles)

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic)

Coolant Spec:

MB 325.0 (Antifreeze Protection Fluid)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 (MB specification 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid)

Issue 1:

Vario-Roof hydraulic system leaks or malfunctions (pump, cylinders, hoses)

Issue 2:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues leading to rough idle or poor performance

Issue 3:

Ignition coil failure

Issue 4:

Supercharger belt wear or failure

Issue 5:

Vacuum leaks affecting engine performance

Issue 6:

Seat occupancy sensor issues (dashboard warning lights)

Issue 7:

Window regulator failure

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

A2711840125 (for M111, check VIN for exact fitment)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

A1110940104 (for M111, check VIN for exact fitment)

Spark Plug Part Number Example:

0041591703 (e.g., NGK PFR7B)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz's long history of luxury, engineering innovation, and sports car development (e.g., 300 SL Gullwing, SL series).

Generation Introduction:

The R170 SLK was first introduced in 1996, with significant updates and engine options arriving for the 2001 model year, including the more powerful 2.3L supercharged engine and the 5-speed automatic transmission.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award 1:

Ward's AutoWorld 10 Best Engines (for the M111 supercharged engine in some applications)

Award 2:

Popular Mechanics Car of the Year (1997 - for the R170 generation)