🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK350 Sport

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

R171

Vin Prefix:

WDB

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Sports Roadster

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster

Distinctive Feature:

Retractable Hardtop (Vario-Roof)

Brand Philosophy:

Emphasis on safety, engineering excellence, and sophisticated design

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Maintenance, Features, Specifications

Secondary Coverage:

Safety Systems, Climate Control, Entertainment, Security

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension, Brakes, Steering

Electrical:

Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, Battery

Interior Comfort:

Climate Control, Seating, Restraints, Locks, Security

Infotainment:

Audio System, Navigation (if equipped)

Routine Maintenance:

Fluid checks and refills, Air filter replacement, Wiper blade replacement

Operational:

Driving techniques, Operating controls, Using comfort features

Safety Features:

Seat belt usage, Airbag system explanation, Child seat installation guidance

Troubleshooting:

Warning lamp explanations, Basic diagnostic guidance

Depth:

User-level maintenance, Operation of features, Basic troubleshooting, Specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.); Compatible with all PDF-capable devices.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of factory original.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF - No physical binding)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF - No physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272 DE35

Engine Type:

3.5L V6, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

3498 cc (3.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Layout:

Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive

Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil

Oil Capacity W Filter:

8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Type:

6-Speed Manual (rare for SLK350 Sport in North America)

Automatic Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Manual Control:

TouchShift manual shifting via shift lever

Automatic Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.14

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.3 inches (4071 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

51.1 inches (1298 mm)

Wheelbase:

94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3263 lbs (1480 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for driver and passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Brake System:

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

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags (driver side)

Restraint System:

Front and side-impact seatbelt pretensioners, NECK-PRO active head restraints

Rollover Protection:

Automatic Pop-up Roll Bars

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

COMAND APS (optional), Audio 20 (standard); features include AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 compatibility.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Parking Assist:

Optional Parking Assist System ( PARKTRONIC )

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (THERMATIC) or dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC) on some models.

Seat Features:

Power-adjustable seats with memory, Heated seats (optional), Ventilated seats (optional on some higher trims).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable (based on Active Service System 'ASSYST'), typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year.

Major Service Interval:

Approximately every 30,000-40,000 miles (includes spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc., depending on ASSYST prompts).

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB-Approval 236.3

Common Issue 1:

Vario-Roof hydraulic system leaks or pump failure

Common Issue 2:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (particularly on early M272 engines)

Common Issue 3:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues

Common Issue 4:

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) errors

Oil Filter:

Example: Mahle OX254D1 or Mann-Filter HU718/1 K (verify specific application)

Engine Air Filter:

Example: Mann-Filter C35176/1 or Bosch 0986452031 (verify specific application)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Pioneering automotive safety, luxury, and engineering innovation since the early 20th century.

Previous Generation:

R170 SLK-Class (introduced 1996)

Introduction R171:

Launched in 2004, featuring a more aggressive design and the innovative Vario-Roof system.

Manufacturing Plant:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years R171:

2004-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Common Award:

While specific awards for the 2008 SLK350 Sport are not readily available as a single entity, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era frequently received accolades for safety, build quality, and design from publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and JD Power.

Reliability Rating:

JD Power and Associates reliability ratings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the mid-2000s were generally above average, though specific model year ratings may vary.