Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, performance-oriented, and relatively compact convertible from a premium European manufacturer.
Key Competitors:
BMW Z3/Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (entry-level variants).
Unique Selling Proposition:
Integrated supercharger for enhanced power delivery, retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof) for coupe-like security and convertible freedom, Mercedes-Benz build quality and brand prestige.
Model Identity:
The SLK230 Kompressor represents a more accessible entry into the Mercedes-Benz roadster segment, combining performance with everyday usability.
General Coverage:
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 250-350 pages (based on typical Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals for this era).
Powertrain Controls:
Engine operation, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system (brief overview), supercharger operation.
Chassis Controls:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system (general operation).
Electrical Systems:
Lighting controls, instrument cluster indicators, basic entertainment system operation, climate control system.
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), anti-theft system.
Body And Interior:
Door locks, seat adjustments, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific model configuration), interior lighting, climate control.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, basic cleaning procedures.
Basic Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators.
Driver Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (automatic transmission), operating lights, wipers, infotainment, and climate control.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic flowcharts typically found in a workshop manual.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchable Text:
Likely searchable text, enabling quick keyword searches for specific information.
Quality:
Digital compilation from factory original, implies clear text and legible diagrams/illustrations.
Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, Supercharged
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Engine Code Identifier:
M111 E23 ML
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500-4800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Supercharger Type:
Lysholm-type Twin-Screw Supercharger
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.8 Liters (6.1 US Quarts) with filter change (typical for M111 engine).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) with Vario-Roof system.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (less common)
Automatic Features:
TouchShift manual gear selection capability.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.14 specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., ATF 3403-M 115 or ATF 71344).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) for a complete fluid change including torque converter.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not readily available for specific 2004 R170 SLK230 model; Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well in frontal impacts.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not readily available for specific 2004 R170 SLK230 model.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (ASR)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (often standard).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the seats, deployed automatically in a rollover situation.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
Mercedes-Benz Audio 10 or Audio 20 CD/Cassette systems, often with optional navigation (APS 30).
Speaker System:
Typically 6 or 8 speaker system, with optional Bose sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional or standard THERMATIC automatic climate control.
Phone Integration:
Optional UHI (Universal Hands-free Interface) preparation for Bluetooth or cradle-based mobile phone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to the manual for specific service indicator reset procedures.
Major Service Interval:
Major service (e.g., A, B, C, D services) typically at 15,000-30,000 mile intervals, involving more extensive checks and replacements (e.g., spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant, air filters).
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.3 or MB 229.5 specification synthetic engine oil (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30).
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 specification or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant (blue color).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4) specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 specification hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
Common Wear Items:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, ignition coil failures, wheel speed sensor failures, Vario-Roof hydraulic cylinder leaks or pump issues, blower motor resistor failure, OVP relay failures (older models).
Supercharger Belt:
Periodic inspection and replacement of the supercharger drive belt is recommended.
Engine Oil Filter:
A0001803309 (Example, specific to M111 engine, always verify with VIN).
Air Filter:
A1110940204 (Example, specific to M111 engine, always verify with VIN).
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz, a marque renowned for its luxury, engineering, and pioneering automotive innovations since the late 19th century.
R170 Introduction:
The R170 generation SLK was introduced in 1996 as the brand's compact roadster, notable for its innovative Vario-Roof retractable hardtop.
R170 Facelift:
The R170 received a significant facelift for the 2000 model year, including updated styling, improved engines, and enhanced features, which carried into the 2004 model year.
Production Period:
1996-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Ward S Auto:
The R170 SLK platform, particularly its innovative Vario-Roof, was recognized in automotive industry awards for its engineering and design innovation upon its debut.
Reliability Ratings:
Consumer reliability ratings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era were generally average to good, though specific issues could arise with complex systems like the Vario-Roof.
