🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK350

Year:

2008

Generation Designation:

R171

Generation Years:

2004-2011

Chassis Code:

R171

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Luxury Sports Roadster / Convertible

Target Audience:

Discerning drivers seeking a premium convertible experience with a blend of performance and luxury.

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette

Defining Attribute:

Vario-Roof retractable hardtop for coupe-like security and open-air driving.

Performance Orientation:

Sporty handling characteristics and a potent V6 engine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Manual

Specific Topics:

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:

Refer to original factory manual (typically 300-400 pages)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

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

Chassis:

Brake system (implied by driving section), steering (implied by driving section), suspension (implied by driving section)

Electrical:

Instrument cluster, lighting, battery, infotainment systems (entertainment systems)

Body And Interior:

Climate controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, interior controls

Basic Maintenance:

Engine oil checks and top-offs, battery care, air filter replacement guidance, fuel information, cleaning procedures

Operation:

Driving instructions, operation of climate controls, lights, infotainment, driver controls, locks, and security features

Safety:

Safety restraints, operation of safety features, reporting safety defects

Customer Interaction:

Customer assistance information, contact points

Depth Level:

Owner-level operational and basic maintenance

Diagnostic Capabilities:

None (this is an owner's manual, not a service manual)

Repair Information:

None (this is an owner's manual, not a repair manual)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Readability:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Acrobat Reader, Foxit)

Device Compatibility:

Any device capable of reading PDF files

Quality Description:

Digital reproduction of factory original

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272 E35

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.6 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 18.5 gallons (70 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC)

Manual Transmission Option:

Not typically offered for the SLK350 in North America for this model year.

Shift Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Manual Mode:

TouchShift paddle shifters on the steering wheel

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 157.5 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

Approximately 70.5 inches (1790 mm)

Height:

Approximately 51.0 inches (1295 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3190 lbs (1447 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle VIN plate

Trunk Volume Roof Up:

Approximately 10.2 cubic feet (288 liters)

Trunk Volume Roof Down:

Approximately 6.0 cubic feet (170 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for models with optional side airbags)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

Braking:

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

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, knee airbag (driver side)

Rollover Protection:

Automatically deploying roll bars (behind headrests)

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Audio 20 or optional COMAND APS (CD-based navigation)

Audio Features:

AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary input (optional iPod integration).

Navigation:

Optional COMAND APS with DVD-based navigation maps.

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators via the Assyst Plus system. Generally every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.

Major Service Intervals:

Spark plugs typically at 70,000-100,000 miles. Transmission fluid service recommended around 40,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

Fully Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0 specification)

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 specification (e.g., Shell ATF 134)

Differential Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific MB approval, typically a synthetic gear oil.

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints), Vario-Roof hydraulic cylinders/pumps, ignition coils, mass airflow sensor.

Engine Specific:

M272 engine can be prone to intake manifold flap runner failures and balance shaft sprocket wear; check for service bulletins/recalls.

Electrical Issues:

Various electronic module failures can occur, often requiring specialized Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools (STAR/XENTRY).

Oil Filter Example:

Hengst E835H D70, Mann-Filter HU 719/7 x

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C 35 145/1, K&N 33-2430

Cabin Filter Example:

Mann-Filter CUK 2725

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz)

Heritage Focus:

Long history of producing luxury vehicles, sports cars, and innovative roadsters.

R171 Introduction:

Introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the R170 SLK-Class.

Facelift Impact:

The 2008 model year benefited from the 2008 facelift, which included updated styling (particularly front and rear fascia), revised suspension tuning, and powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

Kelley Blue Book's 'Best Resale Value Award' (for the SLK-Class line, specific year recognition may vary).

IIHS Rating Summary:

Generally received Good ratings in front-offset crash tests.

Certification Type:

Certified as meeting stringent Mercedes-Benz quality and safety standards.