Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking high-performance, luxury convertible driving experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4 M, Porsche Boxster S, Chevrolet Corvette (depending on specific features and price point).
Performance Focus:
High-output V8 engine, AMG-tuned chassis and suspension for spirited driving.
Convertible Design:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced infotainment for its era, Mercedes-Benz build quality.
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and specifications for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG.
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument cluster, entertainment, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving tips, customer assistance, defect reporting (US), cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel, air filter, parts numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specs, accessories, service info, maintenance.
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to original factory manual; digital format may vary
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster, battery, starter, charging system, fuses, relays, entertainment systems, climate control components.
Body And Interior:
Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, convertible top operation (if applicable to model variant), interior controls.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, jump starting procedures.
Operational Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, operating climate control, using the infotainment system, adjusting seats and mirrors.
Safety Procedures:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child seat installation, emergency procedures.
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typical of a service manual.
NHTSA Rating:
Refer to official NHTSA documentation for specific model year; generally high for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Brake System:
AMG high-performance braking system with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, and integrated head/thorax airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, automatic seat-belt presenters.
Rollover Protection:
Automatically deploying rollover protection bars.
Audio System:
Premium sound system (e.g., Bose or Harmon Kardon) with AM/FM/CD player, potentially with satellite radio preparation.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with a display screen and CD-ROM based navigation maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park assist sensors.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed Bluetooth telephone module with cradle.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact 'Service A' or 'Service B' indications).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for detailed service schedules at 30k, 60k, 90k miles, etc., which may include spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification is critical).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., MB 236.10/236.12).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0).
Common Problems:
Early R171 models can experience issues with the Vario-roof hydraulic system (leaks, pump failure), ignition coil failures, and potential for ABC suspension (if equipped, though less common on SLK55) leaks or pressure issues. Wear items like brake pads/rotors and suspension bushings are common due to the car's performance nature.
Oil Filter Example:
Genuine Mercedes-Benz A 113 180 00 09 or equivalent Mann-Filter HU 719/1 x.
Air Filter Example:
Genuine Mercedes-Benz A 113 094 02 01 or equivalent K&N 33-2256.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of automotive innovation, luxury, and performance dating back to the late 19th century.
R171 Generation:
The R171 SLK-Class was introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the R170. The SLK55 AMG variant, launched for 2005, was the flagship performance model of this generation.
Amg Development:
The SLK55 AMG featured a hand-built AMG V8 engine and a sport-tuned chassis, showcasing AMG's expertise in performance enhancement.
