Vehicle Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a premium two-seater convertible with a focus on driving dynamics and brand prestige
Competitors:
BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000
Convertible Top:
Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) providing coupe-like security and convertible freedom
Engine Options:
Inline-4 supercharged (SLK230) and V6 naturally aspirated (SLK320)
Handling:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, independent suspension for agile handling
Engine Mechanics:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control
Transmission System:
Automatic transmission (722.6xx) diagnosis, repair, fluid service, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, linkages, column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant, components
Comfort And Convenience:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, climate control
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS system
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Component Replacement:
Replacement of all major components (e.g., alternator, water pump, starter)
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, sensor calibration, system adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major repairs and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
References to Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment (e.g., STAR Diagnosis) and procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners
Special Tools:
Listing and explanation of any specialized tools required for specific procedures
Model Slk230 Engine:
2.3L M111.973 Supercharged Inline-4
Model Slk320 Engine:
3.2L M112.943 Naturally Aspirated V6
Slk230 Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
Slk230 Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500-4000 rpm
Slk320 Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5700 rpm
Slk320 Torque:
229 lb-ft @ 3000-4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Oil Capacity Slk230:
7.4 quarts (7.0 Liters) with filter (Refer to manual for exact capacity and oil type like Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity Slk320:
8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter (Refer to manual for exact capacity and oil type like Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent)
Transmission Type Slk230:
5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (722.6xx)
Transmission Type Slk320:
5-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (722.6xx)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Not typically offered for the 2004 R170 in North America; check specific market documentation
Transmission Control:
TouchShift (driver-selectable manual gear shifting)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.12 ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specifically rated for 2004 model year; typically performed well in contemporary tests.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags (standard)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind headrests (deploy automatically or manually)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specific interval based on ASSYST service indicator)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) or as indicated by the service interval system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Slk230:
Typically every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement Slk320:
Typically every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Coolant Type:
MB-Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (e.g., ZEREX G-05 or equivalent), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 PLUS)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling or power loss.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Leaking hydraulic lines or failing pump for the Vario-roof are known issues that can require significant repair.
Ignition Coils:
Can fail, causing misfires and rough running, especially on the V6 models.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to intermittent starting issues or stalling.
Blower Motor Resistor:
Can fail, resulting in the HVAC fan only working on the highest setting.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Over a century of automotive innovation and engineering excellence, renowned for luxury, safety, and performance.
R170 Introduction:
Introduced in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's first compact roadster, designed to compete with smaller sports cars.
R170 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing updated styling, new engines (including the 3.2L V6), and improved interior features.
2004 Model Year:
Represents a late-stage model of the R170 generation, benefiting from accumulated refinements and updates.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years:
1996 - 2004