🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Code:

R171

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R171

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Luxury Sports Roadster / Convertible

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims).

Vario Roof:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom.

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, responsive handling, premium ride quality.

Design Philosophy:

Sporty, elegant, driver-focused roadster design.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Coverage:

All R171 SLK models manufactured in 2008, including all engine variants and trim levels.

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as highly detailed).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on product description and industry standard).

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical systems (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling), fuel system (injection, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, emissions control systems, engine electricals.

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual transmissions (gearbox assembly, torque converter, shift mechanisms, internal components, service, repair, fluid specifications).

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, axles, differential, wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars), wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, steering column, linkages), steering angle sensor.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, hydraulic lines, ABS, ESP, parking brake), brake bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Full vehicle electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, control modules (ECU, TCU, etc.).

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, convertible top mechanism (vario-roof system), mirrors, glass, seals.

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, dashboard, climate control system, audio system, instrumentation, interior lighting.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant, lines), heating system, blower motor, control panel.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, ESP, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs, brake fluid flush, coolant change), lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault codes and their meanings.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor mechanical and electrical components.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including how to use diagnostic tools and interpret data.

Replacement:

Component replacement procedures (e.g., brake pads, filters, belts, battery, sensors, control modules).

Rebuild:

Engine and transmission rebuild procedures (if applicable within the scope of a service manual).

Body Repair:

Minor body panel repair, alignment, and replacement procedures.

Convertible Top:

Detailed procedures for service, repair, and adjustment of the Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) system.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls.

Detail Level:

Hundreds of pages with detailed photos, diagrams, and exploded views for clarity.

Target Audience:

Professional mechanics, technicians, and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Assumed searchable text content within PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Printable:

Yes, single pages or entire manual can be printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Multi Device Compatibility:

Yes, usable on multiple computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Licensing:

Lifetime use, no expiry dates, no renewal fees.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2008:

Likely includes SLK280 (3.0L V6), SLK350 (3.5L V6), and potentially SLK55 AMG (5.4L V8) depending on market availability.

Engine Code Examples:

M272 (3.0L/3.5L V6), M113 (5.4L V8 for SLK55 AMG).

Horsepower Slk280:

Approx. 228 hp (170 kW)

Torque Slk280:

Approx. 221 lb-ft (300 Nm)

Horsepower Slk350:

Approx. 268 hp (200 kW)

Torque Slk350:

Approx. 258 lb-ft (350 Nm)

Horsepower Slk55 Amg:

Approx. 355 hp (265 kW)

Torque Slk55 Amg:

Approx. 391 lb-ft (530 Nm)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Injection System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) depending on specific engine variant/market.

ECU:

ME 9.7 or similar Bosch Motronic series electronic engine control unit.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Likely 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard or widely available across models.

Manual Transmission:

A 6-speed manual transmission may have been an option on certain models (e.g., SLK280).

Automatic Features:

TouchShift manual shifting mode, Comfort/Sport modes.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1, Mobil ATF 134).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 160.5 inches (4077 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.1 inches (1298 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 94.7 inches (2403 mm)

Curb Weight Slk280:

Approx. 3,086 lbs (1400 kg)

Curb Weight Slk350:

Approx. 3,131 lbs (1420 kg)

Trunk Volume Roof Up:

Approx. 10.2 cu ft (288 L)

Trunk Volume Roof Down:

Approx. 6.5 cu ft (183 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (typical for this era and class, though specific year data varies by market).

IIHS Side Impact:

Likely 'Good' (typical for this era and class).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) / Traction Control.

Tpms:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), rollover protection bars (pop-up behind headrests).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Command System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with GPS navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, and optional Bluetooth connectivity.

Audio System:

Standard premium audio system, with optional Harman Kardon surround sound.

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system with front and rear sensors.

Lighting:

Standard automatic headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system.

Airscarf:

Optional AIRSCARF system that blows warm air around the occupants' necks for comfortable open-top driving in cooler weather.

Heated Seats:

Standard or optional heated front seats.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions, as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

First change typically at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter (using Mercedes-specific coolant).

Engine Oil Spec:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 - 8.5 quarts (6.2 - 8.0 liters), depending on engine (e.g., SLK350 V6 is around 8.5 quarts).

Coolant Spec:

MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue or Green).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S).

Vario Roof Hydraulics:

Leaking hydraulic cylinders or lines for the retractable hardtop; low fluid levels can cause malfunctions.

Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Failure of the MAF sensor can lead to rough idling, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.

Evaporative Emissions System:

Faults in the EVAP system, such as leaky gas caps or faulty purge valves, can trigger check engine lights.

Drive Belt Tensioner:

The serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulleys can wear out, leading to noise or belt failure.

Window Regulators:

Window regulators can fail, causing windows to not operate properly.

Suspension Components:

Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to steering looseness and premature tire wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury, performance, and innovative vehicles, including iconic roadsters like the 300SL and SL series.

R171 Generation:

Second generation SLK-Class, introduced for the 2005 model year, replacing the R170. The 2008 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh or continued production of the updated R171.

R171 Facelift 2008:

The 2008 model year typically features updates that may include revised bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, interior trim, and potentially powertrain enhancements. (Specific 2008 facelift details should be confirmed against Mercedes-Benz official documentation).

Production Plant:

Bremen, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

The SLK-Class R171 generally received positive reviews for its styling, performance, and innovative Vario-roof system, often appearing on 'best of' lists for roadsters in its class.