🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK280 Sport

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

R171

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact luxury sports convertible roadster

Key Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Nissan 350Z Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette

Vehicle Philosophy:

Combines Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering with a sporty, open-top driving experience, featuring the innovative vario-roof retractable hardtop.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

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 factory owner's manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel, lubrication, cooling, ignition, exhaust

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires

Electrical:

Lighting system, battery, instrument cluster, driver controls, infotainment

Body And Interior:

Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, climate control, interior features

Routine Maintenance:

Engine oil changes, fluid checks and refills, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance

Operating Procedures:

Starting and stopping the engine, operating climate control, using infotainment system, adjusting seats and steering wheel, engaging safety features

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of warning lights and messages, basic diagnostics for common issues

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not include detailed repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Print Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory manual, intended for on-screen viewing or personal printing. Quality dependent on original source and PDF conversion.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272.920

Engine Type:

3.5L V6 SOHC

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 88.3 mm

Displacement:

3498 cc (3.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 2400-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 US quarts (7.5 Liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended)

Air Filter Part Number:

A2720900001 (example, consult manual for exact)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6) with Touchshift

Automatic Transmission Features:

Driver-adaptive programming, manual shifting mode (Touchshift)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

MB Spec 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.5 inches (4077 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1766 mm)

Height:

51.0 inches (1295 mm)

Wheelbase:

94.5 inches (2400 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3131 lbs (1420 kg) for manual, 3186 lbs (1445 kg) for automatic

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4156 lbs (1885 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) for earlier R171 models based on available data

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (for vehicles tested)

Brake System:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, side airbags integrated into seats, pop-up roll bar system

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, integrated seat belt guides

Rollover Protection:

Integrated pop-up roll bars behind the headrests activated in a rollover situation

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, standard audio system with AM/FM/CD, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Navigation:

Available DVD-based navigation system integrated into COMAND unit.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system

Parking Assistance:

Optional front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (THERMATIC or optional THERMOTRONIC)

Roof Operation:

Electrically operated vario-roof (retractable hardtop) with one-touch operation, optional panoramic glass roof panel.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators displayed in the instrument cluster (typically around 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions)

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to specific Service A/B schedule for items like spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid replacement (often at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals).

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved O.E. coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-48 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)

Common Issues 2006 Slk280:

Idling issues due to vacuum leaks or MAF sensor problems, potential for ECU software updates for smoother operation, issues with the vario-roof hydraulic system (though less common on early R171 models compared to R170), 'Service B' due indicator persistent issues, potential for aging plastic intake manifold components.

Oil Filter Part Number:

A2721840025 (example, consult manual for exact)

Cabin Air Filter Part Number:

A2038300418 (example, consult manual for exact)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand, renowned for its engineering excellence, safety, and luxury.

R171 Generation:

The R171 generation of the SLK-Class was produced from 2004 to 2011. The SLK280 was introduced for the 2006 model year, replacing the SLK320, and featured the new M272 V6 engine.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The R171 SLK-Class generally received positive reviews for its styling, performance, and advanced technology, particularly its vario-roof.