🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK Class

Chassis Code:

R170

Model Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car

Competitors:

BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT (first generation).

V Rocco Design:

Distinctive styling with a compact, sporty silhouette and the innovative Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop).

Brand Reputation:

Represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact roadster segment with emphasis on driving dynamics and premium features.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Format:

Downloadable

Delivery Method:

Instant Email Delivery

Printability:

Printable (individual pages, chapters, or entire manual)

Device Compatibility:

All PC & MAC Computers, Tablets, Smartphones

Required Software:

Adobe Reader (free download if not pre-installed)

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (all variants), engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including electronic control), clutch system, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials).

Braking Systems:

Brake system components (calipers, rotors, lines), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), SBC (Sensors, Brake Control) if applicable.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

Body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), lighting systems, power windows, power seats, climate control electronics, infotainment system, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), wiring diagrams.

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (Vario-Roof), interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), scheduled maintenance, inspections, lubrication.

Repair Procedures:

Engine repair (top end, bottom end, rebuilds), transmission service and repair, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repairs, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair, convertible top mechanism repair.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical component specifications, engine data, dimension specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive A-Z coverage, from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Searchability:

Assumed to be text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

High Quality

Illustrations:

Includes pictures and diagrams for clear instruction.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M111 (Supercharged Inline-4)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Aspirated Induction:

Supercharged (Kompressor)

Horsepower:

Approx. 163 hp (varies slightly by year/market)

Torque:

Approx. 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) (varies slightly by year/market)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

M111 (Supercharged Inline-4 - EVO)

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2295 cc)

Aspirated Induction:

Supercharged (Kompressor)

Horsepower:

Approx. 193 hp (varies slightly by year/market)

Torque:

Approx. 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) (varies slightly by year/market)

Engine Code:

M112 (V6)

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Aspirated Induction:

Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower:

Approx. 215 hp (varies slightly by year/market)

Torque:

Approx. 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) (varies slightly by year/market)

Amg Variant:

SLK32 AMG (covered under 'All Models')

Amg Engine Code:

M112 E32 ML (Supercharged V6)

Amg Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3199 cc)

Amg Horsepower:

Approx. 354 hp

Amg Torque:

Approx. 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (with TouchShift)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (with TouchShift)

Type:

6-Speed Manual (on some later models, particularly for AMG)

Touchshift:

Driver-selectable manual gear shifting via steering wheel buttons or shifter.

Type:

5-Speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT Automatic

📐 Dimensions

Value Mm:

Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in)

Value Mm:

Approx. 1701 mm (66.9 in)

Value Mm:

Approx. 1293 mm (50.9 in)

Value Mm:

Approx. 2070 mm (81.5 in)

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1320-1450 kg (varies by engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Typically good for its era, but specific official ratings can vary by market and year. Focus on structural integrity and passive safety features.

Esp:

Standard or optional Electronic Stability Program.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Integrated roll-bar protection system behind the seats, automatically deploying in critical situations.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Original Mercedes-Benz COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) or Audio APS systems, depending on trim and options.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio:

High-quality sound systems, often with premium speaker options.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Parktronic parking assist system.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (often requiring a specific cradle/module).

Keyless Go:

Optional keyless entry and ignition system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Service:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on model year and oil used (check manual for specific recommendations like ASSYST).

Major Service:

Refer to ASSYST system or model-specific service schedules (e.g., spark plug replacement around 60,000-100,000 miles, transmission fluid service around 40,000-60,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic) or MB 229.3 for older specs. Check specific engine requirements in manual.

Coolant:

MB-approved antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Pentofrost Plus or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., ATF 4G/5G).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Vario Roof Hydraulics:

Potential for hydraulic leaks, pump failures, or sensor issues affecting the retractable hardtop operation.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling and poor performance (common on M111 engines).

Blower Motor Resistor:

Failure can lead to the HVAC fan only working on the highest setting.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankcase seals can degrade over time.

Suspension Components:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings, particularly on higher-mileage vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Continuation of Mercedes-Benz's legacy in sporty, luxurious, and innovative vehicles.

Introduction Year:

1996 (globally), 1997 (North America).

Facelift:

Significant facelift in 2000, introducing updated styling, improved engines, and enhanced features (often referred to as the R170 Series 2).

Production Period:

1996-2004.

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety:

Often praised for its safety features relative to other roadsters of its time, including the integrated roll-bar system.

Design:

Received acclaim for its styling and the innovative Vario-Roof technology.