🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK320

Year:

2004

Body Style:

Roadster (2-door convertible)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact premium sports roadster

Key Competitors 2004:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (entry-level trims)

Defining Features:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), refined interior, comfortable ride for a sports car, strong brand prestige

Target Demographic:

Discerning buyers seeking a stylish, well-engineered convertible for spirited driving and comfortable cruising

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK320 Sport

Secondary Coverage:

General SLK-Class (R171 generation) owner information applicable to related trims

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era, actual PDF may vary)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Controls And Instruments:

Instrument cluster overview, warning lamps, steering wheel controls, driver's seat controls, pedal placement

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control system (manual/automatic), COMAND infotainment system (audio, navigation, optional phone), power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, alarm system, interior lighting

Lighting:

Headlights (operation, automatic control), fog lights, interior lighting, auxiliary lighting

Seating And Restraints:

Power seat adjustments, seat memory, head restraints, seat belts (operation, pre-tensioners), SRS airbag system (locations, limitations)

Driving Operations:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selector operation, parking brake, cruise control, windshield wipers and washers, convertible top operation (vario-roof)

Safety And Security:

Anti-theft alarm, central locking, child safety locks, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Maintenance And Care:

Customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S. only), cleaning recommendations (interior, exterior, convertible top), fluid level checks (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid)

Technical Specifications:

Engine compartment overview, battery maintenance, fuel information (octane rating), air filter replacement, part numbers for common consumables, refill capacities (oil, coolant, etc.), lubricant specifications (engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid)

Accessories:

Information on factory-installed or approved accessories

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire inflation, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, basic cleaning and care procedures

Operational Procedures:

Correct operation of convertible top, climate control, infotainment, lighting, and driver assistance systems

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding warning lamps and indicators, basic troubleshooting of common issues (e.g., battery not charging, wipers not working)

Security And Locking:

Operation of central locking, remote key fob, and anti-theft alarm system

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive owner-level information, covering operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Not a full service or repair manual, but provides essential data for ownership.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Digital Quality:

Compiled from factory original, implying high-quality diagrams and text. PDF format allows for scaling.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M112 E32

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

89.9 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

215 hp (160 kW) @ 5750 rpm

Torque:

229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3150 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch ME 2.8)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Engine Layout:

Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Type:

6-speed Manual (less common for SLK320 in North America, often paired with SLK230)

Automatic Features:

TouchShift (driver-selectable manual shifting), Comfort/Sport modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

159.5 inches (4051 mm)

Width:

69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

50.7 inches (1288 mm)

Wheelbase:

81.3 inches (2065 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,131 lbs (1420 kg)

Trunk Volume Top Up:

6.2 cubic feet (175 Liters)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

3.2 cubic feet (90 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not specifically rated for 2004 R171 generation by NHTSA in all categories, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles generally perform well.

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Good (in categories tested for similar models of the era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program

Traction Control:

Standard (integrated with ESP)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), rollover protection (pop-up bars)

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Integrated rollover protection system with automatically deploying hoops behind the headrests

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically with CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation. Other audio upgrades may exist.

Display Type:

Central color display screen in dashboard

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Parking Assistance:

Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-installed phone system with various cradle/connection options. Limited Bluetooth integration compared to modern vehicles.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically based on Flexible Service System (ASSYST) monitoring. Generally, every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, with appropriate oil specification.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for scheduled maintenance intervals (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid) which may be at 30,000, 60,000, or 100,000-mile service points depending on the item.

Engine Oil Type:

MB-Approval 229.3 or 229.5 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic) - refer to manual for exact specification for ambient temperatures.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or similar silicate-free blue/green type)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid or a mixture of water and windshield washer solvent.

Common R170 Slk320 Issues:

MAF sensor issues, O2 sensor failures, vacuum leaks (affecting idle and performance), biodegradable wiring insulation (on some components), trunk partition switch failure (affecting vario-roof operation), SBC hydraulic brake system (if equipped on later R170 models, though less common on SLK320), suspension bushings, and blower motor resistor failures.

Engine Oil Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A 112 180 00 09 (example, always verify with VIN)

Air Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A 111 094 02 04 (example, always verify with VIN)

Cabin Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz Part Number: A 170 830 01 18 (example, always verify with VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology.

R171 Generation Introduction:

The R171 generation of the SLK-Class was introduced for the 2005 model year, with the 2004 model year belonging to the R170 generation. The product name might be slightly misaligned if the manual is indeed for the R171. Assuming the product name reflects the target vehicle, the 2004 SLK320 is R170 generation.

Slk320 Engine History:

The 3.2L V6 engine was introduced to the SLK-Class in the R170 generation as a more powerful option, replacing earlier 4-cylinder engines in higher trims.

R170 Production Years:

1996-2004

R170 Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

The SLK-Class (R170) was frequently listed on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run for its design and driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports:

Typically rated well for performance and luxury, with some noted reliability concerns common to German luxury cars of the era.

Design Awards:

The R171 SLK, which succeeded the R170, won the prestigious 'red dot design award' in 2005, highlighting the brand's commitment to aesthetic appeal.