Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Competitors:
BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster (entry-level models), Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)
Highlights:
Retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF), rear-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury, sporty handling.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model/era)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid types, basic maintenance procedures, fuel system, air intake, exhaust system overview, battery maintenance.
Chassis:
Brake system operation, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, power windows, locks, mirrors, infotainment system operation, climate control system operation.
Safety Features:
Airbag system, seatbelt operation and adjustment, child seat installation, electronic stability program (ESP) overview, traction control system (TCS).
Maintenance:
Regularly scheduled maintenance items, fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using the convertible hardtop (VARIO-ROOF), operating the climate control, using the audio and navigation systems, parking procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures typically found in a factory service manual.
Engine Type:
V6, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 3000-5000 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Oil Filter Oem:
A2721840125 (Cartridge Style)
Air Filter Oem:
A2710900301 (for M271 engine, but M272 uses different part, typically A2720940201 or similar, check specific VIN)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (RWD)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission with TouchShift (RWD)
Automatic Features:
TouchShift manual shifting mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 235.10 or MB 235.4 (GL-4/GL-5 specification, check specific manual)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for similar models/years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for similar models/years)
IIHS Front Offset Small Overlap:
Good (for similar models/years, though testing methodology evolved)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
TCS:
Standard Traction Control System
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags (often integrated into A-pillar cover), knee airbags (driver side)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover hoops (deploy automatically or manually)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners, force limiters, height adjustment
Audio System:
Optional Audio 20 or COMAND APS Navigation system. Standard system includes AM/FM radio, CD player, and speaker system.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, Media Interface for external music players.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors
Climate Control:
Standard automatic climate control with pollen filter.
Vario Roof:
Electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop. Operation details, maintenance, and troubleshooting covered in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions and oil type, consult manual)
Major Service Interval:
Mercedes-Benz Service A/B schedule, typically around 10,000 miles for A and 20,000 miles for B, with specific items inspected/replaced at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000, 50,000, 100,000 miles). Consult manual for exact schedule.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 (Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended, check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Engine Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a pink or blue silicate-free formulation, mixed 50/50 with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (check manual)
Common Wear Items:
Front lower ball joints/control arms, mass airflow sensor (MAF), ignition coils, spark plugs, O2 sensors, VARIO-ROOF hydraulic system components (leaks, pump issues).
M272 Engine Specific Concerns:
Potential for timing chain balance shaft gear wear (on earlier M272 engines, though 2007 models may have updated components, still worth noting). Check service bulletins.
