Vehicle Segment:
Compact Luxury Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, luxury, and unique design; DIY mechanics and professional service technicians
Primary Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Audi TT (later models)
Highlight Features:
Retractable Vario-Roof (coupe-roadster), supercharged engine, rear-wheel drive, compact sportscar dynamics
Purpose Of Manual:
To provide comprehensive guidance for the maintenance, repair, and diagnosis of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, HVAC, Safety Systems
Page Count:
Over 1000 pages
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, implied by description)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling, intake, exhaust
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), driveshafts, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components, ABS, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, mirrors, seats
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair, convertible top mechanism adjustment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Part Layouts:
Exploded views of components with part identification
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, tolerances, measurements, diagnostic data
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder Supercharged
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2295 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Roots-type)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 Valves
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.8.3)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
90.9 mm x 85.0 mm
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.8 Liters (6.1 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (Synthetic recommended)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters
Engine Id Location:
Stamped on engine block, typically near cylinder head or oil pan
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with TouchShift)
Automatic Features:
Selectable modes (Comfort/Sport), manual override (TouchShift)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 235.10 or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 (check owner's manual for specific)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:
Not rated for this model year specifically, but typically good for era
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Impact Protection, Rollover Protection System (pop-up bars)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player, various speaker configurations
Display Type:
Digital or analog displays for climate control and radio, basic LCD for odometer and trip computer
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (optional 'Thermotronic')
Original Connectivity:
Limited, no integrated Bluetooth or USB from factory
Seat Adjustment:
Manual or optional power-adjustable seats with memory
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (or as indicated by 'Service A/B' system)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (original equipment specification)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 or Pentosin CHF 11 S
Common Problems:
Vario-Roof hydraulic system leaks/failures, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, ignition coil failures, heater control valve leaks, serpentine belt wear, rust on wheel wells and rocker panels
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU718/4x, Bosch 72120 (verify for exact fitment)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C2543, Bosch 7213 (verify for exact fitment)
Spark Plug Part Number Example:
NGK PFR5G-11 (original equipment type, verify)
Award Type Example:
Car and Driver's 10 Best (mentioning the SLK series as a contender/recognition during its era)
Jd Power Initial Quality Ranking:
Generally good to excellent ratings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this period.
Certification Type:
Designed to meet or exceed all relevant safety and emissions certifications for its target markets (e.g., Euro NCAP, EPA).