Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a stylish, performance-oriented, open-top driving experience with premium amenities.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette.
Signature Features:
Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop), compact size, agile handling, Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury.
Trim Focus:
The SLK280 represents an entry-level or mid-range offering within the SLK-Class lineup for 2006, focusing on a balance of performance and luxury.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, maintenance, and basic specifications for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK280.
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, driving assistance, customer assistance, reporting safety defects (U.S. only), cleaning, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, service information and specifications, maintenance information and specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to original factory manual for exact count. Digital format allows for variable display.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, basic engine compartment components.
Chassis Systems:
Braking system overview, steering system operation, suspension system basics.
Electrical Systems:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, basic electrical features, battery maintenance.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, power locks and windows, seating adjustments, convertible roof operation (if applicable to trim).
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system operation, seat belt usage and adjustment.
Basic Operation:
Starting the engine, driving controls, using the transmission, operating climate control and audio systems.
Maintenance Checks:
Checking engine oil level, checking coolant level, checking windshield washer fluid, checking tire pressure.
Security Features:
Using the remote key fob, understanding the anti-theft system.
Cleaning And Care:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations.
Depth:
Covers owner-level information, daily checks, and basic operational procedures. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Reader Requirement:
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for keyword searches.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original; quality dependent on original source and digitization.
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Code:
M272.961 (V6)
Configuration:
3.0L (2996 cc) V6, 24-valve, DOHC
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2400-4000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Mobil 1 Formula M 0W-40 or equivalent (refer to manual for specific MB-Approval 229.5 spec).
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Air Filter Part Number:
Likely A271 090 02 49 or similar (verify with VIN).
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (RWD)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6) with TouchShift (RWD)
Automatic Features:
Selectable drive modes (Comfort/Sport).
Automatic Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134 or equivalent).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for similar models and year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for similar models and year)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags integrated into seats, knee airbag for driver (standard).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars behind headrests.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system with integrated navigation and CD changer available.
Display:
Central monochrome or optional color LCD display for audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system.
Telephony:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free telephony interface.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder system. Generally around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to the manual for specific triggers.
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, brake fluid flush, coolant service typically recommended around 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Consult the manual or a Mercedes-Benz dealer for precise intervals based on the service indicator system.
Engine Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05, G48, or 325.0 specification) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB 331.0 specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual, typically a CHF 11S or similar approved fluid for hydraulic systems.
Common Wear Items:
Sagging headliner in convertible models, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, ignition coil failure, oil cooler leaks (M272 engine), SBC hydraulic unit failure (though less common in later R171 models compared to earlier W211/W220 chassis, still a potential issue). Check for VIN-specific recalls.
Front Tire Size Standard:
205/55 R16
Rear Tire Size Standard:
225/50 R16
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is renowned for its engineering, luxury, and safety innovations in the automotive industry.
Model Line:
The SLK-Class (R170 generation) was introduced in 1996. The R171 generation, including the 2006 SLK280, debuted in 2004, featuring a more aggressive design and enhanced technology.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Safety Awards:
While specific awards for the 2006 SLK280 might not be widely publicized, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally received high safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA.
Consumer Reports:
Historically, the SLK-Class has received mixed ratings for reliability from consumer organizations, often attributed to complex electronic systems and the convertible roof mechanism. Specific ratings vary by year and model.
