Vehicle Segment:
Compact luxury roadster/coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a sporty, stylish, and premium convertible experience.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Nissan 350Z Roadster.
Variable Displacement Engine:
Optional, for improved fuel economy.
Vario Roof System:
Electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop, a signature Mercedes-Benz feature.
Agile Handling:
Designed for spirited driving dynamics.
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials and sophisticated design.
Engine:
Details on V6 engine, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control.
Transmission:
Operation and maintenance of the automatic transmission.
Brakes:
ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) operation.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, fuses, battery.
Chassis:
Suspension and steering system operation.
Interior:
Climate control, seating, interior appointments, convertible roof operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, rollover protection, child seat installation.
Infotainment:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), COMAND system basic operation.
Driving Operations:
Starting, stopping, parking, convertible top operation.
Instrumentation:
Understanding dashboard indicators and warning lights.
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid levels.
Tire Maintenance:
Tire pressure checks, recommended tire sizes.
Basic Maintenance:
Wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Guidance for common warning messages and system malfunctions.
Depth Level:
Owner-level diagnostics and basic maintenance.
Diagnostics:
Interpretation of warning lights and fault messages.
Repair Scope:
Excludes in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures (typically found in service manuals).
Engine Code:
M272 DE30 (for 3.0L V6)
Configuration:
3.0L V6 (SOHC, 24-valve)
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multiport injection.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (if applicable).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Comand System:
Optional COMAND APS navigation and entertainment system with integrated radio, CD player, and optional voice control.
Audio System:
Standard premium audio system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Aid:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (often through a cradle).
Climate Control:
Standard THERMATIC automatic climate control, optional THERMOTRONIC dual-zone climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators via the Assyst system (typically every 10,000 miles or annually).
Major Service:
Scheduled around 30,000 miles (Service B), including spark plug replacement, cabin air filter, and brake fluid flush.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent synthetic)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB-Approval 325.0, typically a blue/green silicate-free antifreeze/coolant).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB-Approval 331.0)
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (for 7G-TRONIC)
Airflow Meter:
Potential failure leading to rough idle or engine performance issues.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Similar to airflow meter, can cause performance degradation.
Cabin Filter Housing:
Water ingress issues can occur if not properly sealed, potentially leading to electrical component damage.
Vario Roof Hydraulics:
Leaks or pump failures can affect convertible top operation (maintenance is key).
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing innovative and luxurious sports cars, including iconic models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing' and the SL series.
R171 Generation:
The R171 generation of the SLK-Class was introduced in 2004 and received a facelift in 2008. The 2006 model represents the early phase of this generation.
Slk280 Positioning:
The SLK280 served as the entry-level model for the R171 generation, offering a blend of performance and Mercedes-Benz luxury at a more accessible price point than the V6 or V8 variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years R171:
2004-2011
Model Popularity:
The SLK-Class is generally well-regarded for its blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features like the Vario-Roof.
Reliability Reputation:
While generally good, certain components may require attention as per known issues. Refer to consumer reports and owner forums for detailed long-term reliability.
Emissions Standards:
Meets prevailing emissions standards for its model year.
