🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK230 Kompressor

Year:

2003

Generation:

R170

Generation Years:

1996-2004

Chassis Code:

R170

Engine Code General:

M111

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact premium roadster / sports car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, performance-oriented, yet practical open-top driving experience from a luxury brand.

Key Competitors:

BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (entry-level variants), Audi TT Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims).

Distinguishing Features:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), supercharged engine offering a good balance of power and efficiency, Mercedes-Benz build quality and brand prestige, compact and agile handling.

Model Philosophy:

To offer a more accessible and everyday-usable sports car experience compared to larger or more track-focused models, with the versatility of open-air motoring.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's manual covering all aspects of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor.

Specific Sections:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era Mercedes-Benz owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, ignition system, exhaust system, supercharger operation.

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), instrument cluster, basic electrical component identification.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control system (HVAC), power windows, power locks, central locking, power mirrors, convertible top operation (vario-roof), seating adjustments, seat belts, airbags, infotainment system (radio, CD player), cruise control.

Operation:

Startup and shutdown procedures, gear selection, convertible top operation, climate control usage, lighting controls, dashboard indicator lights.

Maintenance:

Routine checks (oil level, coolant level, tire pressure), fluid top-ups, filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning procedures.

Safety:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, child restraint system installation guidance, reporting safety defects.

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) and compatible on any device capable of reading PDF files.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF if converted from a scanned document with OCR.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original. Quality depends on the source scan.

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, Supercharged

Engine Code:

M111 E23 ML

Displacement:

2.3 Liters (2295 cc)

Horsepower:

194 hp @ 5300 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

201 lb-ft (273 Nm) @ 2500-4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Supercharger Type:

Roots-type supercharger (Lysholm type) with intercooler

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with TouchShift)

Automatic Features:

TouchShift manual shifting mode allowing driver to select gears manually.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 specification (e.g., MB 236.10 ATF or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MB-Approval 235.10 or equivalent (e.g., SAE 75W-85 GL-4/GL-5).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.3 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

50.9 inches (1292 mm)

Wheelbase:

81.5 inches (2070 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,031 lbs (1375 kg) for manual, 3,076 lbs (1395 kg) for automatic.

Trunk Volume Roof Closed:

6.2 cubic feet (175 liters)

Trunk Volume Roof Open:

3.3 cubic feet (95 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for similar models of the era, specific 2003 SLK230 ratings may vary or not be directly available).

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable or Good (for similar models of the era).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats).

Rollover Protection:

Integrated roll-over protection bars (behind seats) with pop-up function in case of a rollover.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional Bose sound system available on some models.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (COMAND) may be present on higher-spec models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.

Phone Integration:

Optional hands-free phone system with Bluetooth or proprietary cradle integration may be available.

Convertible Top Operation:

Electro-hydraulic Vario-Roof retracts and stores the hardtop panels automatically, offering coupe-like security and roadster enjoyment.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to Mercedes-Benz service schedule; typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (check specific plug type).

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic Engine Oil, MB-Approval 229.5 or 229.51 specification (e.g., SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0, 325.2, or 325.3 (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (MB-Approval 331.0 recommended)

Common Wear Items:

MAF sensor issues, ignition coil failures, serpentine belt wear, vacuum leaks, door lock actuator failure, Vario-Roof hydraulic system issues (leaks, pump failure, cylinder seals), head gasket leaks (less common on M111).

Oil Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz: A2711801209 (note: This is a common MB filter, verify for specific M111 application in the manual).

Air Filter Example:

Mercedes-Benz: A1110940104 (note: Verify for specific M111 application in the manual).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing innovative and high-quality automobiles, including pioneering roadsters and sports cars like the 300SL Gullwing and the SL-Class series.

Slk Introduction:

The SLK-Class (R170) was introduced in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's compact roadster, designed to compete in a growing segment.

R170 Facelift:

The R170 received a significant facelift for the 2000 model year, which included revised styling, updated interior, and the introduction of the SLK230 Kompressor with a more powerful engine and the Vario-Roof as standard.

R170 End Of Production:

The R170 generation was produced until 2004, succeeded by the R171 SLK-Class.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Recognition:

The R170 SLK-Class, including the SLK230 Kompressor, was generally well-received for its styling, performance, and innovative Vario-Roof system, contributing to Mercedes-Benz's strong presence in the premium roadster market.