🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SLK-Class

Model Variant:

SLK 200

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

R171

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Premium Sports Car / Roadster

Key Selling Points:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), agile handling, premium interior, Mercedes-Benz engineering and brand prestige

Main Competitors:

BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)

Design:

Iconic 'silver arrow' inspired styling, compact roadster proportions

Roof System:

Electrically operated vario-roof system providing coupe-like rigidity and open-air driving experience

Performance Focus:

Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, driver-oriented cockpit

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Bodywork, Convertible Roof Mechanism

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Detailed diagnostics, component testing, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control

Powertrain:

Engine removal/installation, overhaul procedures, automatic and manual transmission repair, clutch replacement, driveshaft, differential

Chassis:

Suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms), steering system diagnostics and repair, wheel bearing replacement

Braking System:

Brake fluid replacement, caliper and rotor service, ABS system diagnostics and bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing (alternator, starter, battery), lighting, power windows, central locking

Body And Interior:

Panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, convertible hardtop operation and repair

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step fault finding, symptom-based diagnostics, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis)

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing all major and minor components

Rebuilding Procedures:

Engine and transmission overhaul, sub-assembly rebuilding

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized Mercedes-Benz tools

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - commonly used for service manuals, allowing for searchability and printing

Printable Pages:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding For Print:

N/A (Digital download; buyer would arrange binding if printed)

Paper Type For Print:

N/A (Digital download; buyer would select paper type if printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M271.940

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, Supercharged (Kompressor)

Displacement:

1796 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (Camtronic)

Horsepower:

163 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 3000-4000 rpm

Induction:

Supercharged (Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger) with intercooler

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (RON 95 / 98 recommended)

Oil Spec:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol EDGE 0W-40)

Oil Capacity:

5.0 Liters (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6, 'NAG') with TouchShift

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shifting, lock-up torque converter

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

Capacity:

Approx. 1.8 Liters

Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (total fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4088 mm (161.0 in)

Width:

1741 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1296 mm (51.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2430 mm (95.7 in)

Front Track:

1493 mm (58.8 in)

Rear Track:

1479 mm (58.2 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1395 kg (3075 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1410 kg (3108 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1770 kg (3902 lbs)

Weight Distribution:

Near 50/50 front/rear

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated, but expected high standards for its class

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated, but expected high standards for its class

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)

Brake Assist:

Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, rollover protection system (pop-up hoops)

Seatbelts:

Pretensioners and force limiters

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional Audio 20 CD or COMAND APS (with navigation) systems

Connectivity:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter.

Parking Sensors:

Optional front and rear parking sensors.

Climate Control:

Standard manual or optional THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control.

Seats:

Optional heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable seats with memory.

🔧 Maintenance

Service A:

Approximately every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (indicated by 'Service A' on the dashboard)

Service B:

Approximately every 20,000-30,000 miles or 2 years (indicated by 'Service B' on the dashboard)

Major Services:

Includes spark plug replacement (typically around 60,000 miles), coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change.

Coolant:

MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 (Approved Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, e.g., Mercedes-Benz Blue Antifreeze)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (MB specification 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid, e.g., Pentosin CHF 11 S)

Airflow Sensor:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idle or performance issues.

Supercharger Belt:

The serpentine belt driving the supercharger and accessories can wear and break.

Vario Roof Hydraulics:

Leaking hydraulic lines or pump failure in the convertible roof system can prevent proper operation.

Ignition Coils:

Misfires can occur due to failing ignition coils.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can lead to no-start conditions or intermittent stalling.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Mercedes-Benz, a German automotive manufacturer with a long history of luxury, performance, and innovation since its founding in 1926.

R170 Predecessor:

The R171 SLK-Class succeeded the R170 SLK, which was introduced in 1996.

R171 Introduction:

The second-generation SLK-Class (R171) debuted in 2004, featuring a more aggressive design and the innovative 'Magic Sky Control' (later renamed) electrochromic panoramic vario-roof option.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years:

2004-2011 (for R171 generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year might be varied, the SLK-Class consistently received praise for its innovative Vario-roof and sporty styling, contributing to its strong sales and market presence.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally considered reliable, but like many German luxury cars of the era, maintenance costs can be higher, and specific electronic components can be prone to failure. The manual is crucial for proper care.