tires MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR 2002 R170 Owner's Manual

2 Contents
Interior lighting ............................. 112
Night security illumination ......... 112
Sun visors with Vanity Mirror ......113
Interior .............................................113
Cup holder and glove box ..............114
Storage compartments ...................115
Ashtrays ...........................................116
Coin Holder ......................................116
Lighter ..............................................117
Parcel net in passenger footwell ..118
Shelf behind roll bars .....................118
Cellular telephone ..........................118
Garage door opener ........................119
Retractable hardtop ....................... 122
Wind screen .................................... 127
Luggage cover ................................. 128
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 130
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 131
Maintenance ................................... 131Tele Aid ............................................132
Catalytic converter ........................ 140
Emission control ............................. 141
Steering lock .................................. 142
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 144
Manual transmission .................... 145
Automatic transmission ............... 147
Parking brake .................................156
Driving instructions .......................157
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........157
Drinking and driving .................157
Pedals ...........................................157
Power assistance .........................158
Brakes ...........................................158
Driving off ....................................159
Parking .........................................159
Tires ..............................................160
Snow chains ................................163
Winter driving instructions ......163
Block heater .................................165
Deep water ...................................165
Passenger compartment ............165
Traveling abroad .........................165Cruise control ................................. 166
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 169
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 171
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 173
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 177
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 179
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 182
On-board diagnostic system ..... 182
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 182
Brake warning lamp .................. 183
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp ............................. 184
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................. 184

129 Contents - Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 130
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 131
Maintenance ................................... 131
Tele Aid ........................................... 132
Catalytic converter ........................ 140
Emission control ............................ 141
Steering lock ................................... 142
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 144
Manual transmission .................... 145
Automatic transmission ............... 147
Parking brake ................................. 156Driving instructions .......................157
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel ........157
Drinking and driving .................157
Pedals ...........................................157
Power assistance .........................158
Brakes ...........................................158
Driving off ....................................159
Parking .........................................159
Tires ..............................................160
Snow chains ................................163
Winter driving instructions ......163
Block heater .................................165
Deep water ...................................165
Passenger compartment ............165
Traveling abroad .........................165Cruise control ................................. 166
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 169
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 171
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 173
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 177
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 179

157 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving
habits and operating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
•keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
•remove unnecessary loads,
•allow engine to warm up under low load use,
•avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
•have all maintenance work performed at regular
intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold
weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly
country.Drinking and driving
Ped al s
Wa r n i n g !
Drinking or taking drugs and driving can be a very
dangerous combination. Even a small amount of
alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement.The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink or take drugs
and drive.Please don‘t drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive after drinking or taking drugs.Wa r n i n g !
Keep driver‘s foot area clear at all times. Objects
stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

160 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever
parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move
selector lever to position “P” (manual transmission:
first or reverse gear).
When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately
1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.

161 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSpecified tire pressures must be maintained. This
applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high
loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road,
aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in
the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As
tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road surface
(conditions), the tire traction varies widely.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat
tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

162 Driving instructions
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is
always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the condition of
the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to
the freezing point.
We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter
season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can
reduce your stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is not snow or
ice covered.Tire speed rating
Vehicles without Sport Package:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “V”-rated tires,
which have a speed rating of 149 mph (240 km / h).
Vehicles with Sport Package only:
Your vehicle is factory equipped with “Z”-rated tires,
which are permissible for speeds over 149 mph
(240 km/h).
Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be
obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.
Wa r n i n g !
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be
substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme
caution.
Wa r n i n g !
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed
rating of the tires.Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury
and possible death.

164 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity,
see page 266.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration.•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing
temperatures, see page 199.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-
ply tires and the legal speed limit.
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
antilock brake system (ABS) or electronic stability
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
O t h e rw i s e , d e a d ly c a r b o n m on ox i d e ( CO ) ga s e s m ay
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.

169 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

172 Driving systems
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ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 186.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If the malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, have
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

174 Driving systems
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and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
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Notes:
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined
with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with
the engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.