Production Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Platform:
R170 (first generation Mercedes-Benz SLK)
Design Origin:
Designed by Chrysler, engineered and manufactured by Karmann GmbH in Osnabrück, Germany
Niche:
Sporty two-seater roadster/coupe targeting buyers seeking a stylish, performance-oriented vehicle with European engineering roots.
Competitors:
Primary competitors included the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Porsche Boxster, and BMW Z4, positioned as a more accessible European-styled alternative.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired styling with a long hood, short deck, and aggressive stance, leveraging the Mercedes-Benz R170 platform for shared components and engineering.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep of their unique vehicle.
Professional Equivalent:
Identical in scope and detail to manuals used by professional automotive technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
General Coverage:
All models, all repairs A-Z
Specific Systems:
Engine, clutch, transmissions, cooling systems, fuel and exhaust, ignition and electrical, brakes, wheels and tires, steering and suspension, frame and bodywork, wiring diagrams, fault finding/troubleshooting.
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but described as 'full & complete' and 'great detail')
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, clutch operation, manual and automatic transmission service, fluid specifications, cooling system components (radiator, pump, thermostat), fuel delivery (pump, injectors, lines), exhaust system (catalytic converter, mufflers), ignition system (spark plugs, coils, sensors).
Chassis And Body:
Comprehensive sections on brake systems (ABS, calipers, rotors, lines), wheel alignment, tire specifications, steering system (rack and pinion, power assist), suspension components (struts, shocks, bushings), frame diagnosis and repair, body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior lighting.
Electrical And Diagnostics:
Extensive wiring diagrams by circuit and component, troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, diagnostic procedures for engine control modules (ECU), body control modules (BCM), and other electronic systems, starter, alternator, battery service.
Maintenance And Routine Service:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation and balancing.
Major Repairs And Rebuilds:
Engine rebuilding procedures, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component renewal, brake system bleeding and repair, bodywork and collision repair guidelines.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding procedures, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical system troubleshooting using diagrams.
Depth:
Professional-level detail suitable for mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF (standard for professional manuals)
Image Quality:
High quality pictures and diagrams
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Operating Systems:
All operating systems including Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP, Vista, Windows 7, and MAC.
Engine Code:
112 E32 ML (for Crossfire Base/Limited)
Engine Type:
3.2L SOHC V6 (M112 Mercedes-Benz engine)
Displacement:
3199 cc (195.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm (3.54 in x 3.31 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
215 hp (160 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3000 rpm
Engine Code Srt6:
112 E32 ML (Supercharged)
Engine Type Srt6:
3.2L Supercharged SOHC V6 (M112 Mercedes-Benz engine)
Horsepower Srt6:
320 hp (239 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque Srt6:
310 lb-ft (420 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Quarts (7.6 Liters) - check manual for exact spec
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze or equivalent (e.g., Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SM or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change - check manual for exact spec
Transmission Type Base:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag G260 variant)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC variant)
Transmission Type Srt6:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC variant, performance tuned)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 approved ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Febi Bilstein ATF fluid)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Length:
160.4 in (4074 mm)
Height:
52.5 in (1333 mm)
Wheelbase:
96.7 in (2456 mm)
Curb Weight:
3,077 - 3,165 lbs (1396 - 1436 kg) depending on model and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,900 lbs (1769 kg) - check manual for specific trim
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2003 model year)
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side-impact airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars behind headrests.
Audio System:
Available premium Infinity sound system with CD player, AM/FM stereo, and optional navigation system.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with air conditioning.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Auxiliary Input:
Some models may feature an auxiliary audio input jack for external music devices (verify specific trim).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil) - consult manual for specific mileage/time based on driving conditions.
Automatic Transmission Service:
Every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-97,000 km) - fluid and filter change recommended.
Manual Transmission Service:
Inspect fluid level annually; change every 60,000 miles (97,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - use recommended OEM or equivalent spark plugs.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 specified hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (ISO 4925 Class 4) brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (especially in manual transmissions), suspension bushings, convertible top hydraulic lines (if applicable, though Crossfire is fixed roof/coupe), fuel pump failures, ignition coil issues.
Electrical Quirks:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins due to shared components from the older Mercedes platform, especially related to sensor failures or module communication.
Chrysler Positioning:
Chrysler aimed to offer a European-styled, rear-wheel-drive sports car at a more accessible price point than its premium competitors.
Development Basis:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK platform, sharing chassis components, powertrain elements, and interior switchgear.
Design Influence:
Styling cues were influenced by classic American muscle cars and European sports cars, creating a distinctive aesthetic.
Manufacturing Location:
Karmann GmbH factory in Osnabrück, Germany.
Launch Year:
2003 (as a 2003 model year vehicle)
Special Editions:
SRT-6 models (Supercharged) introduced in 2005, offering significantly higher performance.
