🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK350

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

R171

Engine Code:

M272.963

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium compact roadster, targeting affluent buyers seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology.

Competitors:

BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster.

Design:

Distinctive 'fighter jet' nose, retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof), compact and sporty proportions.

Performance:

Focus on balanced handling, responsive acceleration, and a refined driving experience.

Technology:

Integration of Mercedes-Benz's advanced safety, comfort, and infotainment systems.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Diagnostic Coverage:

Extensive diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures

Body And Trim:

Body panels, interior trim, convertible top system

Electrical Systems:

All electrical components, wiring diagrams, and control modules

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, alignment

Brake System:

Brake system components, ABS, ESP

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system

Estimated Pages:

Over 2,000 pages (typical for comprehensive dealer-level software)

Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely executable or PDF with advanced features)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Automatic:

722.6 NAG2: Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, drive shafts, differential

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, ABS, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure monitoring, lug nut torque

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant pump, thermostat, hoses, fan

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator

Electrical Charging:

Alternator, battery, starter motor

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement

Instrumentation And Controls:

Instrument cluster, switches, controls

Comfort Systems:

Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, convertible roof operation

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt systems

Body And Frame:

Body structure, chassis components, corrosion protection

Convertible Top:

Hydraulic system, sensors, controls, lubrication for the vario-roof

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation

Engine Repair:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, crankshaft seal replacement

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid and filter change, torque converter replacement, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, ABS component replacement

Suspension Repair:

Ball joint replacement, control arm replacement, shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting wiring faults, sensor testing, module programming and coding

HVAC Repair:

AC system evacuation and recharge, compressor replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon faults

Convertible Top Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting hydraulic leaks, sensor malfunctions, and motor failures for the retractable hardtop

Chassis Alignment:

Wheel alignment procedures and specifications

Depth:

Dealer-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including special tool requirements and torque specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems

Component Identification:

Detailed diagrams and descriptions for locating all components

Torque Specifications:

Exact torque values for all fasteners

Diagnostic Charts:

Flowcharts and tables for diagnosing specific issues based on symptoms

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for Mercedes-Benz specific tools

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary Mercedes-Benz Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) and Service Information System (WIS) based software

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital content, allowing for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.5L V6 DOHC 24-valve

Engine Code:

M272.963

Displacement:

3498 cc (3.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Emissions Control:

Two catalytic converters, secondary air injection system, evaporative emission control system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic (722.6 'NAG2')

Gear Ratios:

4.377 / 2.858 / 1.934 / 1.372 / 1.000 / 0.822 / 0.731 (typical for 722.6)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Manual (Rare for SLK350 in the US market)

Automatic Features:

TouchShift paddle shifters, driver-adaptive programming, Sport and Comfort modes

Fluid Type:

MB Approved ATF (e.g., Shell 134 or equivalent)

Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5-8.5 liters (dry fill, varies with torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4103 mm (161.5 in)

Width:

1777 mm (70.0 in)

Height:

1305 mm (51.4 in)

Wheelbase:

2400 mm (94.5 in)

Front Track:

1533 mm (60.4 in)

Rear Track:

1546 mm (60.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1540 kg (3395 lbs) for automatic transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1835 kg (4045 lbs)

Trunk Volume Top Up:

309 Liters (10.9 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

208 Liters (7.3 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5-Star (Likely, based on Mercedes-Benz safety standards for the era)

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (Likely, based on Mercedes-Benz safety standards for the era)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Brake Assist:

Brake Assist (BAS)

Antilock Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, knee airbags (driver)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters, integrated seatbelt extenders

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars behind headrests

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation.

Display:

5.8-inch color LCD display

Audio System:

Standard 8-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.

Parking Assist:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system (front and rear sensors).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling.

Cd Changer:

Optional 6-disc CD changer.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable (based on Assyst system, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year)

Major Service Interval:

Often around 30,000 to 60,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, transmission service, and brake fluid flush.

Engine Oil Type:

MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (with filter)

Coolant Type:

MB Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent, typically a Glysantin G48 or G30 based formula, often blue or yellow)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 PLUS)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Approved Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)

Engine M272 Timing Chain:

M272 engines are known for potential wear on the timing chain tensioners and guide rails, leading to timing deviations and potential engine damage. Early models also had issues with camshaft adjusters. Service bulletins and potential recalls address this.

Transmission 722.6 Mechatronics:

Occasional issues with the electronic transmission control module (TCM) or conductor plate, leading to shifting problems or limp mode.

Convertible Top Hydraulics:

Leaks in hydraulic lines or seals for the Vario-Roof system can cause slow operation or failure to open/close.

Seat Heater Elements:

Heater elements in the seats can fail over time, resulting in no heat from the seat.

Air Mass Sensor:

The Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.

Drive Belt Tensioner:

The serpentine belt tensioner can wear out, leading to noise or belt slippage.

Wipers Stowage Mechanism:

The mechanism that stows the windshield wipers can fail, preventing proper wiper function.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety in the automotive industry, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Generation:

R171 generation, introduced for the 2004 model year, replacing the R170 SLK-Class. The SLK350 was introduced for the 2005 model year.

Key Innovations:

The R171 introduced the Vario-Roof, a fully-automatic retractable hardtop that transformed the car from a coupe to a roadster in under 22 seconds. The SLK350 designation marked the introduction of the new 3.5L M272 V6 engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years:

R171 SLK350 produced from 2005 to 2010 (model year variations).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

The M272 engine family was recognized by Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2006 and 2007, highlighting its refinement and performance.

Automotive Journalism Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engaging driving dynamics, comfortable ride for a sports car, and sophisticated retractable hardtop.