🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK280

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R171

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)

Body Style:

Two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF).

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers seeking a premium convertible experience with Mercedes-Benz engineering and refinement.

📋 Manual Details

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:

250-350 (Typical for this model year and comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Factory Owners Manual (Digital)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine oil, fuel system, air filter, battery, refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster, lights, entertainment systems, battery.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate controls, locks and security, driver controls, seating, accessories.

Safety Restraints:

Seating and Safety Restraints, airbags, seatbelts.

Basic Maintenance:

Engine oil checking and replenishment, battery maintenance, air filter inspection and replacement, fluid refill capacities, lubrication specifications.

Operation:

Driver controls, lights, climate controls, entertainment systems, locks and security, driving procedures.

Customer Assistance:

Customer assistance information, reporting safety defects (U.S. only).

Depth:

Owner-level operational, maintenance, and basic care information. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures found in a factory service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (e.g., PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone) with a PDF reader installed (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.).

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual.

Type:

Digital (N/A for print)

Type:

Digital (N/A for print)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272 (for the SLK280)

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Layout:

Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC) with TOUCHSHIFT

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shifting, sport and comfort modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.5 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

50.5 inches (1283 mm)

Wheelbase:

94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,197 - 3,318 lbs (1450 - 1505 kg) depending on transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,156 lbs (1885 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (2008 Model Year Standards)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (2008 Model Year Standards)

IIHS Side Impact Driver:

Good (2008 Model Year Standards)

IIHS Side Impact Passenger:

Good (2008 Model Year Standards)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Stability Control:

Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seats, rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) APS system with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Standard systems include audio controls on the steering wheel.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth hands-free communication, optional auxiliary audio input.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parktronic parking sensors.

Vario Roof:

Electrically operated retractable hardtop with a push-button control, offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Flexible, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder on the instrument cluster, usually every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, or based on driving conditions.

Major Service Interval:

Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' schedules which include inspections of various systems, fluid changes, and filter replacements. Often around 20,000 - 40,000 miles for specific items.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.14 (e.g., ATF 7-G Tronic Fluid).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB Specification 331.0).

Common Problems:

Issues with the retractable vario-roof mechanism (hydraulic leaks, sensor faults), mass airflow sensor failures, and potential for timing chain wear on some M272 engines if not properly maintained with quality oil.

Maintenance Recommendations:

Regularly check and maintain the hydraulic fluid for the vario-roof. Adhere strictly to synthetic oil change intervals with MB-approved lubricants. Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and engineering innovation in sports cars, dating back to models like the 300SL Gullwing and the earlier SL roadsters.

R171 Generation:

The R171 SLK-Class was introduced in 2004 as the successor to the R170. The SLK280 was a new model designation for the 2005 model year (introduced in some markets in late 2004), offering a balance of performance and efficiency within the SLK range. The 2008 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the R171 generation, with minor styling updates and feature enhancements.

Production Years:

R171 SLK-Class: 2004-2011. SLK280 specific: 2005-2008.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editor Choice:

Often lauded by automotive publications for its handling and convertible prowess, though specific awards for the 2008 SLK280 might vary.

Jd Power Dependability:

Mercedes-Benz models generally receive good ratings in initial quality and dependability surveys, although specific model year ratings can fluctuate.