Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Key Competitors 2009:
BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (C6), Jaguar XK Roadster
Highlight:
Retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF), powerful V6 engine, luxury interior, Mercedes-Benz build quality and safety.
Demographics:
Affluent individuals seeking a stylish, engaging, and luxurious two-seat convertible.
Primary Focus:
Owner's Operation and Basic Maintenance
Systems Overview:
Instrument Cluster, Entertainment, Climate, Lighting, Driver Controls, Locks, Security, Seating, Safety Restraints, Driving Assistance, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filters, Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specs, Accessories, Service Information, Maintenance Information
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 300-400
Type:
Factory Owner's Manual
Instrumentation:
Detailed explanation of all gauges, warning lamps, and multi-function display indicators.
Infotainment:
Operation of the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, including radio, CD/DVD player, navigation, and Bluetooth integration.
Climate Control:
Operation of the THERMATIC (manual) or THERMATIC (automatic) climate control system, including A/C, heating, and air recirculation.
Lighting:
Operation of exterior and interior lighting, including automatic headlamps, fog lamps, and ambient lighting.
Driver Controls:
Explanation of steering wheel controls, cruise control, seat adjustments, and other primary driver interfaces.
Locks Security:
Operation of central locking, keyless-go functionality (if equipped), alarm system, and immobilizer.
Seating Safety:
Detailed information on airbag systems (front, side, head), seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and seat adjustment procedures.
Driving Assistance:
Explanation of systems like ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and potential electronic driving aids.
Basic Maintenance:
Guidance on checking and topping up essential fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), checking tire pressure, and replacing wiper blades.
Fluid Checks:
Specific locations and methods for checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels.
Tire Maintenance:
Recommendations for tire pressure based on load, and information on tire rotation.
Cleaning Care:
Instructions for interior and exterior cleaning, including care for leather surfaces and the convertible roof.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on common warning lights and indicators and their potential causes.
Accessory Installation Guidance:
Information on approved accessories and proper installation methods.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level understanding, covering operation, features, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typical of a service manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.9 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Designation:
Front Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (FR)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB 229.5 Specification)
Air Filter Part Number Range:
Refer to manual for specific part numbers, typically two filters.
Battery Type:
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery
Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Type:
6-speed Manual (Less Common for SLK350)
Paddle Shifters:
Yes, typically integrated with steering wheel or column stalks for manual gear selection.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., ATF LT 71141)
Length:
4103 mm (161.5 in)
Width W Mirrors:
1788 mm (70.4 in)
Height:
1296 mm (51.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2430 mm (95.7 in)
Front Track:
1493 mm (58.8 in)
Rear Track:
1511 mm (59.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1430 kg (3153 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1730 kg (3814 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Not Specified
Trunk Volume Roof Up:
Approx. 208 Liters (7.3 cu ft)
Trunk Volume Roof Down:
Approx. 145 Liters (5.1 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Likely, refer to official NHTSA for specific 2009 model year rating)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Likely, refer to official IIHS for specific 2009 model year rating)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Brake Assist:
Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, head airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars activated by sensors in case of a rollover.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.
Comand System:
COMAND APS (with navigation, CD/DVD changer, radio, possibly Bluetooth).
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (often optional).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC (Optional feature, explained in manual if equipped).
Bluetooth Interface:
Hands-free communication system for compatible mobile phones.
Keyless Go:
Keyless entry and engine start/stop system (Optional).
Heated Seats:
Standard or optional, with multiple temperature settings.
Ventilated Seats:
Optional, often found on higher-spec models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).
Major Service A:
Refer to Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (FSS) for specific A service items.
Major Service B:
Refer to Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (FSS) for specific B service items.
Coolant Type:
MB Specification 325.0 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Premium Coolant/Antifreeze - Blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (MB Specification 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual, typically a synthetic hydraulic fluid conforming to MB Specification 343.0.
M272 Engine Balance Shaft Issue:
While less prevalent in later M272 versions, earlier models had issues with premature wear of the balance shaft timing chain sprockets. This manual would not detail the repair, but is a known concern for the engine family.
Vario Roof Mechanism:
The electro-hydraulic Vario-Roof system can develop issues with pumps, cylinders, or seals over time, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Regular replacement is recommended for optimal HVAC performance. Manual will detail location and procedure.
Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing innovative and luxurious roadsters dating back to the iconic 300 SL.
R171 Generation:
The R171 generation SLK was introduced in 2004 and received a significant facelift for the 2009 model year, including updated styling and technology.
Slk350 Engine Update 2009:
The 2009 SLK350 received the updated M272 engine, offering improved performance and efficiency over earlier versions.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany