Positioning:
A high-performance, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe/roadster with distinctive styling, positioned as a premium offering in its segment.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims), and Mazda RX-8 during its production run.
Design Origin:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK platform, sharing significant mechanical components and development with DaimlerChrysler's previous collaboration.
Performance Focus:
Emphasized sporty handling, powerful engines, and a driver-centric experience.
Diy Savings:
Enables owners to perform routine maintenance and repairs, potentially saving significant costs on dealership service.
Authenticity:
Contains the exact same information used by authorized Chrysler technicians and dealerships.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair.
Engine Electrical:
Wiring schematics, component testing, diagnostic procedures for electrical systems.
Emission Control:
Information on emissions systems, diagnosis, and repair.
Fuel System:
Components, operation, diagnosis, and repair of the fuel delivery system.
Clutch System:
Clutch operation, adjustment, and replacement procedures.
Manual Transaxle:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for manual gearboxes.
Automatic Transaxle:
Comprehensive repair and diagnostic information for automatic transmissions.
Driveshaft Axle:
Service and repair of driveshafts, CV joints, and axles.
Suspension System:
Diagnosis, repair, and component replacement for front and rear suspension.
Steering System:
Repair and service for the steering rack, power steering system, and components.
Restraint System:
Information on airbags, seatbelts, and associated safety systems.
Brake System:
Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of ABS, disc/drum brakes.
Body Interior Exterior:
Repair and adjustment procedures for body panels, trim, and interior components.
Body Electrical:
Wiring diagrams and repair for body-related electrical functions (lights, power accessories).
HVAC:
Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults using specialized tools and techniques.
Installation:
Instructions for installing replacement parts and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, independent repair shops, and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
3.2L V6 Supercharged (M112 E32 ML)
Displacement:
3199 cc (3.2 Liters)
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm (non-SRT6), 350 hp @ 6200 rpm (SRT6)
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (non-SRT6), 339 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SRT6)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Roots-type supercharger)
Bore X Stroke:
89.9 mm x 84.0 mm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Block Material:
Aluminum alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum alloy
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshafts (SOHC) per bank, 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG3)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual (sourced from Mercedes-Benz)
Automatic Features:
TouchShift manual shifting capability
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Shell ATF 3403)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 235.10 (e.g., Pentosin MTF-LT-2 or equivalent)
Length:
4060 mm (159.8 in)
Height:
1330 mm (52.4 in)
Wheelbase:
2400 mm (94.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1475 kg (3252 lbs) for Coupe, 1500 kg (3307 lbs) for Roadster
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly provided, but typically around 1800-1900 kg
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 8.0 cu ft (Coupe), 3.5 cu ft (Roadster)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard side-impact airbags
Rollover Protection:
Deployable roll bars (Roadster)
Audio System:
Optional premium audio systems (e.g., Boston Acoustics) available, featuring CD player, AM/FM radio, and sometimes navigation.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors available on some models.
Bluetooth:
Not standard on most models; may have been an aftermarket or dealer-installed option.
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights with available Xenon HID headlights on higher trims or as an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (iridium type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN or similar)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.4 quarts (7.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (G-05 equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (specific to shared Mercedes-Benz system)
Supercharger Coupler:
Some owners report wear or failure of the supercharger decoupler, leading to reduced boost or noise. Covered in manual for diagnosis and replacement.
Interior Rattles:
As with many sports cars, interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time. Manual provides guidance on interior panel removal and reassembly.
Water Pump Leak:
Potential for water pump seal leaks, requiring replacement. Manual details the procedure.
Wiring Harness Issues:
Corrosion or damage to wiring harnesses, particularly in the engine bay or around the battery, can cause electrical gremlins. Manual's wiring diagrams are critical for troubleshooting.
Heritage Connection:
Chrysler's foray into a rear-wheel-drive, German-engineered sports car, leveraging the DaimlerChrysler alliance.
Development Basis:
Developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, utilizing the platform and many components from the SLK32 AMG.
Variants:
Available as a Coupe and a Roadster. An SRT-6 version (supercharged) was introduced in 2005.
Production Period:
2003-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria (by Magna Steyr)
Design Awards:
Praised for its distinctive styling and European-inspired design, although critical reception on overall execution was mixed.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings, typical for vehicles with complex German engineering shared with a different brand. Manual is crucial for maintenance.
