🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Chassis Code:

R170

Model Years Covered:

1996-2004

Engine Codes Common:

M111 (2.0L Kompressor), M112 (3.2L V6), M113 (5.4L V8 - SLK32 AMG)

Transmission Codes Common:

717.4 (5-speed Manual), 722.6 (5-speed Automatic)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Luxury Sports Roadster

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking detailed DIY repair and maintenance knowledge for their R170 SLK

Competitors:

BMW Z3/Z4, Porsche Boxster (986), Audi TT Roadster

Key Differentiation:

Integrated Vario-Roof retractable hardtop offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom

Manual Value Proposition:

Unrestricted, lifelong access to factory-level repair information, saving on dealership service costs.

Manual Usability:

Compatible across multiple devices and operating systems (Windows/MAC), facilitating use in the garage or workshop.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Vehicle Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Convertible Top Mechanism

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (as per product description, typical for such manuals can range from 1000-2500+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor readings, fuel delivery control, emissions control, torque converter lock-up clutch control

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift linkage, lubrication

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission assembly, valve body, hydraulic system, torque converter, electronic control unit (ETC)

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, differential, drive shafts, CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rod ends

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, central locking

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant service

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion protection

Convertible Top:

Vario-roof mechanism, hydraulic cylinders, actuators, sensors, locks, weatherstripping, top operation troubleshooting

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush

Repair Tasks:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component repair, convertible top actuator replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), guided diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagrams And Photos:

Hundreds of detailed photos, exploded diagrams, and schematics

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring schematics for all systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if digitally native, providing efficient information retrieval

Printability:

Printable (single pages or entire manual)

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper Simulation:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder Kompressor (Supercharged)

Slk230 Engine Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2295 cc)

Slk230 Engine Power:

194 hp @ 5500 rpm (later models 197 hp)

Slk230 Engine Torque:

201 lb-ft @ 2500-4800 rpm (later models 207 lb-ft)

Slk320 Engine Type:

V6 SOHC

Slk320 Engine Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Slk320 Engine Power:

215 hp @ 5700 rpm

Slk320 Engine Torque:

229 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm

Slk32 Amg Engine Type:

Supercharged V6 SOHC

Slk32 Amg Engine Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Slk32 Amg Engine Power:

354 hp @ 6100 rpm

Slk32 Amg Engine Torque:

332 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed Manual (standard on early models and some later variants)

Automatic Transmission:

5-speed Automatic with TouchShift (optional on most models, standard on SLK320 and SLK32 AMG)

Automatic Features:

TouchShift manual selection capability

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.10 or MB Spec 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134, Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1295 mm (51.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1450 kg (2866-3197 lbs) depending on engine and equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Refer to NHTSA/IIHS data for specific year and testing body. Generally received good ratings for its time, especially with optional safety features.

Active Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags, rollover protection bars (integrated behind seats), front crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with optional Bose sound system. Later models may feature optional CD changer and improved head units.

Optional Features:

Parktronic parking assist system, optional navigation system (on later models).

Early Connectivity:

Limited by era; may include cellular phone integration (often requiring a separate cradle and module).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator on the instrument cluster.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to 'Service B' for items like brake fluid replacement (every 2 years), coolant replacement (initially at 15 years, then every 3 years), spark plug replacement (typically 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type).

Engine Oil Specification:

MB Spec 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 5W-40). Consult owner's manual for exact viscosity and spec based on engine.

Coolant Specification:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB Part No. Q1030000 or Q1030001), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Approved types are usually blue or green silicate-free.

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 343.0 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Common Wear Items:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, ignition coils, spark plug wires (on older models), O2 sensors, convertible top hydraulic lines/cylinders, front suspension bushings, wheel bearings, evaporator core (leading to AC leaks).

Convertible Top Issues:

Leaks due to worn seals, malfunctioning hydraulic cylinders, issues with the rollover bar sensors or actuators, pump failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Heritage:

Renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive innovations since its inception.

R170 Introduction:

Introduced in 1996 as a compact roadster, featuring the innovative Vario-Roof retractable hardtop.

R170 Facelift:

Facelifted in 2000, introducing updated styling, new engine options (e.g., SLK320, SLK32 AMG), and interior revisions.

Successor Model:

R171 SLK-Class (introduced in 2004)

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

Received positive reviews for its innovative Vario-Roof and sporty character, winning 'Convertible of the Year' from some publications upon release.