coolant MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS 2003 Owner's Manual

273 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending specific
fuel additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion / antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil over-pro-
tection. You should have it replaced every
15 years or 150 000 miles (250 000 km),
whichever comes first. Coolant system de-
sign and coolant used stipulate the re-
placement interval. The above
replacement interval is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see Facto-
ry Approved Service Products pamphlet)
are used to renew the coolant concentra-
tion or bring it back up to the proper level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you
use a solution that is more than 55% anti-
corrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to
approx. -49°F [-45°C]), the engine temper-
ature will increase due to the lower heat
transfer capability of the solution. There-
fore, do not use more than this amount of
anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and MB
Anticorrosion /Antifreeze should be used
to bring it up to the proper level (have cool-
ing system checked for signs of leakage).
Please make sure that the mixture is in ac-
cordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

274 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorro-
sion/antifreeze coolant will result in a
significantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion/Anti-
freeze Agent.Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantityModel
Approx. freeze protection–35°F (–37°C)
–49°F (–45°C)
SLK 230 Kompressor
4.9 US qt (4.7 l)
5.4 US qt (5.1 l)
SLK 320
5.9 US qt (5.6 l)
6.5 US qt (6.1 l)
SLK 32 AMG
7.7 US qt (7.3 l)
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)

275 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Windshield and headlamp* washer system
Both the windshield and headlamp*
washer systems are supplied from the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
The windshield and headlamp* washer
fluid reservoir has a capacity of approxi-
mately 7.4 US qt (7.0 l).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available
premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze, depending on am-
bient temperatures).Windshield and headlamp* washer
fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:


1 part “S” to100 parts water
[40ml“S” to 1gallon (4l) water]
For temperatures below freezing, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent / antifreeze:


1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
[40ml“S” to 1gallon (4l) solvent].
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts because it may burn.
You can be seriously burned.

281 Technical terms
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this
engine speed range, as it may result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


drive shaft


axle shafts/axlesProgram mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
winter operationW.
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.

285 Index
A
ABS 22, 66, 279
ABS control 67
Malfunction indicator lamp 196
Warning lamp 196
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission* 98
Accident
In case of 46
Activating
Air conditioning 107
Air recirculation mode 105
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Climate control 103
ESP 70
Exterior headlamps 43
Hazard warning flasher 85
Headlamps 43
High beams 85
Ignition 29
Immobilizer 71
Rear window defroster 105
Residual heat 107
Seat heater* 81
Tow-away alarm 72
Windshield wipers 44Activating automatic central locking 79
Adding
Coolant 176, 177
Engine oil 175
Additional turn signals 221
Adjusting 30
Air distribution 104
Air volume 104
Backrest tilt 32, 33
Exterior rear view mirror 35
Head restraint height 32
Inside rear view mirror 35
Instrument cluster illumination 88
Manual seat 31
Mirrors 35
Seat cushion tilt 33
Seat fore and aft adjustment 31, 33
Seat height 31, 33
Seats 30
Telescoping steering column* 34
Adjusting headlamp aim
Horizontal headlamp aim 227
Vertical headlamp aim 226
Air conditioning 106
Activating 107
Deactivating 106Air conditioning refrigerant 271
Air distribution
Adjusting 104
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 181
Air recirculation mode 105
Activating 105
Deactivating 105
Air volume
Adjusting 104
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 205
Airbags 53
BabySmart airbag deactivation
system 279
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 62
Children 54
Front 56
Passenger 56
Safety guidelines 55
Side impact 57
Alarm
Audible 65, 71
Canceling 71
Visual 71

287 Index
Battery discharged
Jump starting 247
Battery, vehicle 178, 245
Charging 246
Disconnecting 246
Reconnecting 246
Reinstalling 246
Removing 246
Block heater 184
Bolts
For spare wheel 207
Brake assist system (BAS) 279
Brake fluid 170, 271
Brake lamp bulbs 222
Brake lamp, high mounted 222
Brakes 160
Warning lamp 198
Break-in period 158
Bulbs, replacing 221
Additional turn signals 221
Backup lamps 222
Brake lamps 222
Fog lamps 221
Front lamps 221
High beam 221
High mounted brake lamp 222License plate lamps 222, 226
Low beam 221
Parking lamps 221, 222, 224
Rear fog lamp 222
Rear fog lamps 225
Side marker lamps 221, 225
Standing lamps 221, 222, 224
Tail lamp assemblies 222, 225
Turn signal lamps 221, 222
Xenon* headlamps 223
Button
Audio system 115
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 279
California
Important notice 9
Calling up
Service indicator 186
CAN system 279
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 269
Cargo area see Cargo compartment 77
Cargo compartment
Trunk 77
Casette mode
Playing cassettes 118Catalytic converter 166
CD changer* 120, 209
CD mode 120
Center console 23
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 205
Lower part 24
Storage compartment 140
Upper part 23
Central locking
From inside 80
Unlocking from inside 80
Certification label 258
Changing CDs 120
Charging
Vehicle battery 246
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 199
Checking
Coolant level 170, 176
Oil level 170, 172
Tire inflation pressure 170
Vehicle lighting 170
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator 173
Via oil dipstick 173

288 IndexChild safety 60
Airbags 54
Infant and child restraint systems 57,
60
Cigarette lighter 143
Cleaning
Cloth upholstery 192
Cup holder 191
Gear selector lever 191
Hard plastic trim items 191
Headliner 192
Instrument cluster 191
Leather upholstery 192
Light alloy wheels 191
Plastic and rubber parts 192
Rear window 190
Seat belts 192
Steering wheel 191
Windows 190
Windshield 45
Wiper blades 190
Cleaning*
Headlamps 100
Climate control 102
Adjusting air distribution 104
Adjusting air volume 104Air conditioning 106
Air recirculation mode 105
Deactivating the climate control
system 110
Defogging windshield 109
Defrosting 108
Reactivating the climate control
system 110
Rear window defroster 105
Residual heat utilization 107
Residual ventilation 107
Setting the temperature 104
Clock 21
Setting 90
Closing
Glove box 139
Hood 172
Retractable hardtop 215
Side windows 127
Trunk 77
Windows 127
Closing hardtop
In an emergency 215
Cloth upholstery
Cleaning 192
Cockpit 18, 279Coin holder 142
Collapsible tire 279
Combination switch 84, 85
High beam flasher 44, 85
Turn signals 43
Windshield wipers 44
Consumer information 276
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 166
Coolant 176, 273
Adding 176, 177
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 273
Capacities 269
Checking level 176
Temperature 167
Temperature gauge 88
Coolant level
Checking 170, 176
Cruise control 136, 279
Canceling 137
Driving downhill 137
Driving uphill 137
Fine adjustment 138
Saving current speed 137
Setting speeds 138

291 Index
Fuel 169
Additives 272
Fuel reserve warning lamp 201
Gasoline additives 272
Premium unleaded gasoline 169,
272
Requirements 272
Reserve warning 21
Technical data 269
Fuel additives 272
Fuel filler flap 169
Locking 169
Opening 213
Unlocking 169
Fuel requirements 272
Fuel tank
Capacity 270
Filler flap 169
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 269
Fuse chart 253
Fuse extractor 253
Fuses 253
Auxiliary fuse box 254
Fuse chart 253
Fuse extractor 253Main fuse box 253
Spare fuses 253
G
Garage door opener 25, 152
Erasing in remote control 155
Integrated remote control 153
Rolling code programming 154
Gasoline see Fuel 169
Gasoline additives 272
Gear range 280
Automatic transmission* 95
Limiting 95
Shifting into optimal 94
Gear range limit
Canceling 94
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 191
Position 96
Global
Locking 75
Unlocking 75
Global Positioning System (GPS) 280
Glove box 19, 139
Closing 139
Opening 139
Good visibility 99GPS 280
H
Hand-held transmitter
Programming integrated remote
control 153
Hands-free microphone 25
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 191
Hazard warning flasher 85
Switching off 85
Switching on 85
Head restraints 82
Installing 82
Manual seats 32
Removing 82
Headlamp cleaning system 179
Headlamps
Cleaning 189
Cleaning system 179
Cleaning system* 100
Refilling washer fluid 179
Switching off 48
Switching on 43
Washer fluid 275
Washer system 275
Xenon* 283

292 IndexHeadliner
Cleaning 192
Heated seats* 81
Height adjustment
Head restraints 32
Telescoping steering column* 34
High beam flasher 44, 85
High beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 221, 223
Switching on 85
High mounted brake lamp 222
Hood 171
Closing 172
Opening 171
Hydroplaning 163
I
Identification labels 258
Certification label 258
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) 258
Ignition 29
Switching on 40, 41
Immobilizer 71
Activating 71
Deactivating 71
Infant and child restraint systems 60Information
About service and warranty 8
Button for Tele Aid 149
Inside rear view mirror
Adjusting 35
Installing
Towing eye bolt 252
Wiper blades 228
Instrument cluster 20, 88, 280
Cleaning 191
Coolant temperature gauge 88
Illumination 88
Lamps in 201
Outside temperature indicator 90
Instruments and controls see Cockpit 18
Integrated remote control
Canadian programming 154
Erasing memory 155
Hand-held transmitter 153
Operating 155
Rolling code programming 154
Interior lighting 86
Activating automatic control 86
Automatic control 86
Deactivating automatic control 86
Manual control 87Manual operation 87
Interior storage spaces 139
Cup holder 140
Glove box 139
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 141
Storage compartment in armrest 141
Storage compartment in center
console 140
J
Jack 206
Jump starting 247
K
Key 210
Positions in steering lock 29
Remote control 74
Starting the engine 40, 41
Key positions in steering lock 29
Key, Remote control
Loss of 77
Keys 74
Kickdown 98, 280
L
Labels, identification 258
Lamp bulbs, exterior 221

298 IndexSpare fuses 253
Spare parts service 256
Spare wheel 207
Bolts 207
Mounting 238
Speed
Saving current 137
Speed settings
Cruise control 138
Speedometer 21
SRS 59, 282
Indicator lamp 197
Standing lamps 83
Replacing bulbs 221, 222, 224
Standing water
Driving instructions 165
Starting difficulties 41
Starting position 29
Starting the engine 40
Steering column
Height adjustment 34
Length adjustment 34
Steering lock 19, 29
Positions 29
Steering wheel
Adjustment 34Cleaning 191
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 152
Storage compartments 140
Armrest 141
Center console 140
Glove box 139
Sun visors 101
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) 282
Switching off
Audio system 115
Engine 48
ESP 70
Hazard warning flasher 85
Headlamps 48
Seat heating* 81
Switching on
Audio system 115
ESP 70
Front fog lamps 84
Hazard warning flasher 85
Headlamps 43
High beams 85
Rapid seat heating* 81
Rear fog lamp 84Seat heating* 81
Windshield wipers 44
Synchronizing
Power windows 128
Synchronizing the remote control 213
T
Tachometer 21, 89
Displaying gear range 95
Overspeed range 89
Tail lamps
Cleaning 189
Replacing bulbs 222, 225
Tar stains 188
Technical data 271
Brake fluid 271
Coolant 269
Coolants 273
Electrical system 266
Engine 260
Engine oil 271
Engine oil additives 271
Fuel requirements 272
Fuels 269
Gasoline additives 272
Lubricants 269
Main dimensions 267