Vehicle Segment:
Compact luxury sports roadster.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster (early models).
Vario Roof:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof) offering coupe and convertible driving experience.
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, sporty handling.
Owner Profile:
Enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air motoring, with an interest in DIY maintenance.
Engine Mechanical:
Full engine overhauls, component diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery.
Engine Management Electronics:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, ignition system, emission control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, maintenance.
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission control unit, hydraulic system, torque converter, fluid changes, diagnostics, overhaul.
Suspension Steering:
Shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel bearings, steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications.
Braking System:
Brake pad replacement, rotor servicing, hydraulic lines, ABS system diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system, starter motor, fuse box layout, power distribution.
Body Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, dashboard components, convertible roof mechanism.
Climate Control HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling, diagnostics.
Infotainment Electronics:
Audio system, navigation, instrument cluster, control modules.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon faults.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torquing procedures.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for the complete disassembly and reassembly of both manual and automatic transmissions.
Convertible Roof Service:
Hydraulic system, seals, motors, and troubleshooting for the Vario-Roof system.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of circuits, sensors, actuators, and modules using specific diagnostic steps.
Body Panel Alignment:
Procedures for adjusting doors, hood, trunk, and fenders for proper fit and finish.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Information:
Includes OBD-II codes, fault symptom analysis, and guided troubleshooting trees.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Numerous step-by-step photographs and detailed exploded-view diagrams.
Engine Options 2005-2009:
SLK280 (3.0L V6 M272), SLK350 (3.5L V6 M272), SLK55 AMG (5.4L V8 M113).
Horsepower Slk280:
Approx. 228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Slk280:
Approx. 221 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Horsepower Slk350:
Approx. 268 hp @ 6000 rpm (later models up to 302 hp)
Torque Slk350:
Approx. 258 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (later models up to 265 lb-ft)
Horsepower Slk55 Amg:
Approx. 355 hp @ 5750 rpm
Torque Slk55 Amg:
Approx. 376 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Engine Codes:
M272 (V6), M113 (V8).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (often referred to as 'Service A' or 'Service B').
Major Service Intervals:
Includes spark plug replacement (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles), transmission fluid change (intervals vary significantly by model year and driving conditions, consult manual).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE 0W-40).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically silicate-free ethylene glycol).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0).
Common Problems Vario Roof:
Hydraulic leaks, pump failure, worn seals, control module issues affecting the operation of the retractable hardtop.
Common Problems M272 Engine:
Balance shaft wear (leading to timing chain issues), intake manifold flap failures, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, premature wear on wheel bearings.
Oem Part Number Example Oil Filter:
A2721840025 (for M272 engines).