Market Position:
Premium compact roadster segment, targeting enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT. Offered a sophisticated retractable hardtop ('Vario-roof') as a distinguishing feature.
Key Features:
Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), rear-wheel drive, powerful inline-six engines (SLK 320), supercharged four-cylinder engine (SLK 230), luxurious interior appointments, advanced safety features for its time.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive for SLK 230 and SLK 320 models
Page Count:
Not specified, but described as 'very large'
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual / Service / Repair / Workshop Manual (as per description)
Format:
PDF Download (potentially ZIP or RAR archives)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Bodywork, Interior, Convertible Top Operation, Safety Systems, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Component Repair, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical System Schematics, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Servicing, Body Panel Repair, Convertible Top System Maintenance, Fluid Level Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Brake System Overhaul
Technical Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, suitable for professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts, covering repair, service, restoration, rebuilding, and diagnosis.
Engine Type Slk230:
Supercharged Inline-4
Displacement Slk230:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Engine Code Slk230:
M111 E23 ML
Horsepower Slk230:
192 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque Slk230:
200 lb-ft (270 Nm) @ 2500 rpm
Engine Type Slk320:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement Slk320:
3.2 Liters (3199 cc)
Engine Code Slk320:
M112 E32
Horsepower Slk320:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque Slk320:
229 lb-ft (310 Nm) @ 3000-4250 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Transmission Type Slk230:
5-speed Manual (optional, standard was likely automatic)
Transmission Type Slk320:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Transmission Type Slk230 Optional:
5-speed Automatic (722.6 '5G-TRONIC')
Transmission Features:
TouchShift manual shifting capability on automatic transmission
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically around 3.46:1 (Varies slightly based on transmission)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF 3.0 (MB Specification 236.10 for 5G-TRONIC)
Exterior Length:
157.2 inches (3993 mm)
Exterior Width:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Exterior Height:
51.1 inches (1298 mm)
Wheelbase:
81.5 inches (2071 mm)
Curb Weight Slk230:
Approx. 3055 lbs (1386 kg)
Curb Weight Slk320:
Approx. 3130 lbs (1420 kg)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 4.7 cu ft (133 L) with Vario-roof stowed
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16 (Front), 225/50R16 (Rear) - Varies by trim and options
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x112
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for this specific model year from NHTSA's searchable database, but Mercedes-Benz has a strong safety reputation.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) - likely ESP (Electronic Stability Program) as an option or standard on higher trims.
Passive Features:
Driver and Passenger front airbags, Side-impact airbags, Roll-over protection system (pop-up bars), 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Convertible Top Safety:
Integrated roll-over protection system with automatically deploying hoops.
Infotainment Features:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device) audio and navigation system, AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player, premium sound system options (e.g., Bose).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional parking sensors (early systems), optional Xenon headlamps with automatic leveling.
Climate Control Features:
Manual air conditioning or optional automatic climate control (THERMATIC).
Service Intervals General
Service Intervals General:
Flexible service intervals indicated by the 'Service' indicator in the instrument cluster (based on driving conditions, typically around 10,000 miles or 1 year). Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.1 or MB 229.3 compliant synthetic oil. Viscosity: 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended for most climates.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Spec:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Known Issues Slk230:
Supercharger pulley bearing wear, MAF sensor issues, oil cooler seals leaking, ignition coil failures, E.P.S. (Electronic Stability Program) module issues.
Known Issues Slk320:
Vacuum leak issues (intake manifold seals), E.P.S. module issues, camshaft position sensor failures, minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
Known Issues General:
Vario-roof hydraulic system leaks or pump failures, window regulator issues, interior trim wear, rust on certain body panels (especially around wheel wells).
Spark Plugs Slk230:
Champion RC10PYPB4 (or equivalent NGK/Bosch spec)
Spark Plugs Slk320:
NGK PFR5G-11 (or equivalent Bosch spec)
Air Filter Part Number Slk230
Air Filter Part Number Slk230:
A 111 094 01 04 (e.g., Mann-Filter C2422)
Air Filter Part Number Slk320
Air Filter Part Number Slk320:
A 112 094 06 02 (e.g., Mann-Filter C30160)
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is a globally recognized manufacturer of luxury and premium vehicles, renowned for engineering excellence, innovation, and safety.
Model Evolution:
The R170 SLK generation was introduced in 1996. The 2001 model year represents a facelift (introduced in late 2000) that included updated styling, revised engines, and improved features compared to the pre-facelift models.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
