Vehicle Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, style, and Mercedes-Benz engineering
Key Competitors:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT (later models)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Integrated Supercharger for enhanced performance, VARIO-ROOF electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring proper care
Engine:
2.3L Supercharged Inline-4 (M111 Engine Family)
Engine Management:
Engine Control Module (ECM) diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition system
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front: Independent MacPherson Strut, Rear: Multi-link Independent
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Solid Disc (ABS equipped)
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
12V System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, convertible top mechanism (VARIO-ROOF), doors, hood, trunk
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, climate control, audio system
Safety Systems:
Airbags (Driver, Passenger), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, convertible top mechanism repair
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors, brake pads/rotors, shock absorbers
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical diagrams for all vehicle systems
Part Layouts:
Detailed exploded views of components and assemblies
Part Numbers:
Identification of genuine Mercedes-Benz part numbers for ordering
Depth:
Comprehensive (suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced, including use of diagnostic tools and interpretation of fault codes
Quality:
High-resolution, printable sections
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF sections
Printability:
Designed for printing specific pages as needed
Binding:
Digital (Printable PDF Sections)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Product)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged
Displacement:
2295 cc (2.3 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
90.9 mm x 88.4 mm
Horsepower:
194 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
201 lb-ft @ 2500-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.0)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Supercharger:
Lysholm-type Twin-Screw Supercharger, Intercooled
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Limited Availability for SLK230)
Automatic Modes:
Comfort and Sport modes
Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.10 Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mobil ATF 220 or equivalent)
Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (17.9 Pints) for full drain and fill
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) - Based on similar period vehicles, specific 1998 SLK230 ratings may vary.
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Standard Driver and Passenger Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated Roll Bar structure behind seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD Player, optional Bose sound system
Display:
Central digital display for climate control, radio, and system warnings
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control Asr:
Optional Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) - use long-life iridium plugs if applicable, or check manual for specific recommendations for original plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic, MB Approval 229.5
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 236.3 Power Steering Fluid
Vario Roof Hydraulic Leaks:
Common issue: leaks in the hydraulic system for the retractable hardtop, leading to slow operation or failure.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Potential failure leading to rough idling, poor performance, and check engine lights.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can cause intermittent stalling or failure to start.
Supercharger Belt:
Wear and tear can affect boost pressure; regular inspection is recommended.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, impacting performance.
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz is a global automotive manufacturer renowned for luxury, engineering, and innovation since its inception in 1926.
Slk Introduction:
The SLK-Class (R170) was introduced in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's compact roadster, featuring the innovative VARIO-ROOF retractable hardtop.
Slk230 Positioning:
The SLK230 Kompressor (supercharged) variant offered a balance of performance and efficiency within the SLK lineup.
Production Years R170:
1996-2004
Manufacturing Plant:
Bremen, Germany
