Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Key Competitors:
BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster
Design:
Two-seater convertible with retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF).
Powertrain Highlight:
Engaging V6 engine, sophisticated 7-speed automatic transmission.
Brand Philosophy:
Emphasizes luxury, performance, and advanced technology synonymous with Mercedes-Benz.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Features
Secondary Coverage:
Instrument Cluster, Climate Controls, Entertainment, Locks, Security, Seating, Restraints, Driving Aids, Cleaning, Engine Compartment, Fluids, Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Pages:
300-400 (typical for a full Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine basics, lubrication, fuel, cooling system fundamentals, air filter.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
Electrical:
Battery, lighting system, instrument cluster indicators, fuses (general location/purpose).
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control operation, infotainment system basics, power locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, seat adjustment, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific sub-model).
Active Safety:
ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) operation, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) function.
Passive Safety:
Airbag system, seat belts, child seat anchoring (ISOFIX/LATCH).
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Driving Operations:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using cruise control, operating vehicle controls.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic security system operation.
Customer Assistance:
Contacting customer support, reporting safety defects (US specific).
Depth:
Focuses on driver information, operation, and basic owner maintenance. Does not contain detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or schematics typically found in a Service Manual or Repair Manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.9 mm x 88.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Air Filter Part Number:
A 272 094 00 04 (typical, verify with VIN)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approximately 8.2 US quarts (7.8 liters) with correct antifreeze mix.
Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., Shell ATF 134)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.6 US quarts (7.2 liters) for dry fill, less for refill.
Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Manual Mode:
Includes manual shifting via steering wheel paddle shifters or selector lever.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable models/years, subject to specific testing)
IIHS Front Small Overlap:
Not rated (tests not commonly performed on this class/era vehicles)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard
Airbags:
Driver, Passenger, Side (thorax), and Head airbags; Roll-over protection bars.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchorage:
ISOFIX/LATCH system (typically for passenger seat, check manual for specifics).
Oil Change Interval:
Variable based on 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicators, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the manual for 'Service B' which includes more comprehensive checks, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid flush (typically every 2 years), and spark plug replacement (around 100,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
MB Specification 331.0 (DOT 4 PLUS)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., ANTIFREEZE SILICATE-FREE G48 or equivalent, typically a blue coolant).
Common Issues Prevalent In Era:
Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid issues, potential oil leaks from camshaft seals or valve cover gaskets, O2 sensor failures, and some minor electronic glitches are sometimes reported for this generation, though generally robust.
Hard Top Mechanism Maintenance:
Refer to manual for lubrication points and care of the Vario-Roof system to ensure smooth operation.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and pioneering automotive technology since its inception.
R171 Generation:
Introduced in 2004 as the second generation of the SLK-Class, replacing the R170. The R171 featured a more aggressive styling and significant technological advancements.
2007 Updates:
For 2007, the SLK350 received the updated 3.5L V6 engine (M272) with a bump in horsepower, and the availability of the 7G-TRONIC transmission became more widespread or standard on certain trims.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
