MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2003 Owners Manual

SLK 230 Kompressor
SLK 320
SLK 32 AMG

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demon-
stration of your trust in our company
name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to
own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef-
forts of many skilled engineers and crafts-
men. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passen-
gers, we ask you to make a small invest-
ment of time:

Please read this manual carefully be-
fore putting it aside. Then return it to
your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.


Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are de-
signed to acquaint you with the opera-
tion of your Mercedes-Benz.


Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and oc-
cupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 7
Product information ................................ 7
Operator’s Manual .................................. 8
Service and warranty information ..... 8
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles ............. 9
Maintenance .................................. 10
Roadside Assistance ...................... 10
Change of address or ownership.... 10
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 11
Where to find it .................................... 12
Symbols ............................................... 13
Operating safety .................................. 14
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 14
Problems with your vehicle .................. 15
Reporting safety defects...................... 16
Reporting safety defects ................ 16At a glance......................................... 17
Cockpit ................................................ 18
Instrument cluster ............................... 20
Center console .................................... 23Upper part ...................................... 23
Lower Part ...................................... 24
Overhead control panel ........................ 25
Getting started................................... 27
Unlocking ............................................. 28
Unlocking with the remote control.. 28
Adjusting .............................................. 30
Seats............................................... 30
Telescoping steering column* ........ 34
Mirrors ............................................ 35
Driving .................................................. 37
Fastening the seat belts.................. 37
Starting the engine ......................... 40
Switching on headlamps ................. 43
Turn signals and high beam ............ 43
Windshield wipers ........................... 44
Problems while driving .................... 45
Parking and locking .............................. 47
Parking brake.................................. 47
Switching off headlamps................. 48
Turning off engine ........................... 48
Safety and Security........................... 51
Occupant safety ................................... 52
Airbags ........................................... 53
Seat belts ....................................... 57
Children in the vehicle .................... 60
Panic alarm .......................................... 65
Activating........................................ 65
Deactivating.................................... 65
Driving safety systems ......................... 66
ABS ................................................. 66
BAS ................................................. 68
ESP ................................................. 68
Anti-theft systems ................................ 71
Immobilizer ..................................... 71
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 71
Tow-away alarm .............................. 72Controls in detail................................ 73
Locking and unlocking.......................... 74
Keys ................................................ 74
Opening the trunk ........................... 77
Closing the trunk ............................ 77
Opening the doors from the inside . 78
Trunk lid emergency release ........... 78

Contents
Automatic central locking .............. 78
Locking and unlocking
from the inside ............................... 80
Seats.................................................... 81
Heated seats* ................................ 81
Head restraints............................... 82
Lighting ................................................ 83
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 83
Combination switch........................ 84
Hazard warning flasher................... 85
Interior lighting ............................... 86
Instrument cluster ............................... 88
Instrument cluster illumination....... 88
Coolant temperature gauge............ 88
Trip odometer................................. 89
Tachometer .................................... 89
Outside temperature indicator ....... 90
Setting clock .................................. 90
Manual transmission ............................ 91
Shifting into reverse ....................... 92
Automatic transmission* ..................... 93
One-touch gearshifting ................... 94
Gear ranges .................................... 95
Gear selector lever position ........... 96
Program mode selector switch ....... 97
Accelerator position ....................... 98Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ........................ 98
Good visibility ...................................... 99
Rear view mirror............................. 99
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 100
Sun visors .................................... 101
Climate control .................................. 102
Setting the temperature ............... 104
Adjusting air volume .................... 104
Adjusting air distribution .............. 104
Air recirculation mode .................. 105
Rear window defroster ................. 105
Air conditioning ............................ 106
Residual heat ............................... 107
Basic settings ............................... 108
Special settings............................ 108
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 110
Audio system ..................................... 111
Audio and telephone, operation ... 111
Operating safety........................... 111
Operating and display elements ... 112
Anti-theft system.......................... 114
Button and soft key operation ...... 115
Operation ..................................... 115
Radio mode .................................. 116Cassette mode............................. 118
CD mode ...................................... 120
Telephone* operation .................. 123
Power windows.................................. 127
Opening and closing
the side windows ......................... 127
Retractable hardtop........................... 129
Opening and closing
the retractable hardtop ................ 129
Wind screen ................................. 134
Driving systems ................................. 136
Cruise control .............................. 136
Useful features .................................. 139
Interior storage spaces ................ 139
Ashtray ........................................ 142
Cigarette lighter ........................... 143
Telephone* .................................. 143
Tele Aid ........................................ 144
Garage door opener ..................... 152
Operation......................................... 157
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 158
Driving instructions ........................... 159
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 159
Drinking and driving ..................... 159

Contents
Pedals .......................................... 159
Power assistance ......................... 160
Brakes .......................................... 160
Driving off .................................... 161
Parking ......................................... 161
Tires ............................................. 162
Hydroplaning................................ 163
Tire traction ................................. 163
Tire speed rating .......................... 163
Winter driving instructions ........... 164
Standing water ............................. 165
Passenger compartment .............. 165
Driving abroad.............................. 165
Control and operation
of radio transmitter ...................... 166
Catalytic converter....................... 166
Emission control .......................... 167
Coolant temperature .................... 167
At the gas station .............................. 169
Check regularly and before
a long trip..................................... 170
Engine compartment ......................... 171
Hood ............................................ 171
Engine oil ..................................... 172
Transmission fluid level ................ 176
Coolant ........................................ 176Battery .......................................... 178
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*.......... 179
Tires and wheels................................. 180
Important guidelines ..................... 180
Life of tire ..................................... 181
Direction of rotation...................... 181
Checking tire inflation pressure .... 181
Rotating wheels ............................ 182
Winter driving ..................................... 183
Winter tires ................................... 183
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 184
Snow chains.................................. 184
Maintenance....................................... 185
Clearing the service indicator ....... 185
Service term exceeded ................. 186
Calling up the service indicator..... 186
Resetting the service indicator ..... 186
Vehicle care........................................ 187
Cleaning and care of vehicle ......... 187
Practical hints.................................. 193
What to do if ...................................... 194
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 194Additional indicators in the
speedometer display .................... 204
Lamp in center console ................ 205
Where will I find ...? ............................ 206
First aid kit.................................... 206
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 206
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 210
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 210
Locking the vehicle ....................... 211
Changing batteries
in remote control .......................... 212
Synchronizing remote control ....... 213
Fuel filler flap ................................ 213
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever ........... 214
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 215
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ....................................... 215
Replacing bulbs .................................. 221
Bulbs............................................. 221
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 223
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 225
Adjusting headlamp aim
(Halogen headlamps only) ............ 226
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 228
Removing ...................................... 228

Contents
Installing....................................... 228
Flat tire .............................................. 229
Preparing the vehicle.................... 229
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 1 ..... 229
Sealing tires with TIREFIT kit 2 ..... 234
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 238
Battery ............................................... 245
Disconnecting the battery ............ 246
Removing the battery ................... 246
Charging and reinstalling battery . 246
Reconnecting the battery ............. 246
Jump starting ..................................... 247
Towing the vehicle ............................. 249
Towing eye ................................... 251
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 252
Fuses ................................................. 253
Main fuse box ............................... 253
Auxiliary fuse box ......................... 254
Technical data.................................. 255
Spare parts service ............................ 256
Warranty coverage ............................. 257
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 257
Identification labels............................ 258Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 259
SLK 230 Kompressor ................... 259
SLK 320 ....................................... 259
SLK 32 AMG................................. 259
Engine................................................ 260
Rims and Tires ................................... 261
Same size tires ............................. 262
Mixed size tires ............................ 263
Spare wheel with collapsible tire.. 265
Electrical system ............................... 266
Main Dimensions ............................... 267
Weights.............................................. 268
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 269
Capacities .................................... 269
Engine oils.................................... 271
Engine oil additives ...................... 271
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 271
Brake fluid .................................... 271
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 272
Fuel requirements ........................ 272
Gasoline additives ........................ 272
Coolants....................................... 273
Windshield and headlamp*
washer system ............................. 275
Consumer information ....................... 276
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 276
Technical terms............................... 279Index................................................. 285

7
Product information
Introduction
Product informationPlease observe the following in your own
best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz orig-
inal parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine
their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be
held responsible for them, even if in indi-
vidual cases an official approval or authori-
zation by governmental or other agencies
should exist. Use of such parts and acces-
sories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle.
Please do not use them.Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories ap-
proved by us are available at your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will
receive comprehensive information, also
on permissible technical modifications,
and where proper installation will be per-
formed.

8 IntroductionOperator’s Manual
Operator’s ManualThis Operator’s Manual contains a great
deal of useful information. We urge you to
read it carefully and familiarize yourself
with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life
of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in-
structions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in dam-
age to the vehicle or personal injury to you
or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail-
ure to follow instructions is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
the operation of any equipment, your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to demonstrate the proper proce-
dures.We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in design and equipment. Therefore, infor-
mation, illustrations and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from
your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in
this manual, including operating instruc-
tions wherever necessary. Since they are
special-order items, the descriptions and
illustrations herein may vary slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are
not shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz
C e n t e r w i l l b e g l a d t o i n f o r m y o u o f c o r r e c t
care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Service Book-
let are important documents and should be
kept with the vehicle
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:

New Car Limited Warranty,


Emission System Warranty,


Emission Performance Warranty,


California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control System
Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont only),


State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws).

9 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to
a replacement of your vehicle or a refund
of the purchase price or lease price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and / or its au-
thorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or mal-
functions in the vehicle that are covered by
its express warranty after a reasonable
number of repair attempts. During the pe-
riod of 18 months from original delivery of
the vehicle or the accumulation of
18 000 miles (approx. 29 000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair at-
tempts is presumed for a retail buyer or
lessee if one or more of the following
occurs: (1) the same substantial defect or mal-
function results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that de-
fect or malfunction has been subject to
repair two or more times, and you have
directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or mal-
function of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have direct-
ly notified us in writing of the need for
its repair, or(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason
of repair of the same or different sub-
stantial defects or malfunctions for a
cumulative total of more than
30 calender days. Written notification
should be sent to us, not a dealer, at
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer
Assistance Center, One Mercedes
Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.

10 IntroductionOperator’s ManualMaintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the nec-
essary maintenance work which should be
performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you
when you take the vehicle to your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
The service advisor will record each ser-
vice in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to
the toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Cus-
tomer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram brochure in your glove box.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser-
vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in
your own interest that we can contact you
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it avail-
able to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Car” found in the Service and Warranty In-
formation Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,
or Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.