tow MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280 2008 R171 Owner's Guide

396 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Insert mechanical key 2 into the
driver’s door lock until it stops.
Turn mechanical key 2 clockwise to
position1.
The driver’s door is locked.
Turn back mechanical key 2 and
remove it from driver’s door lock.Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever (automatic transmission*)
In case of power failure, the gear selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow
the vehicle.
1Gear selector lever cover
2Release
Insert flat, blunt object (e.g. screw-
driver) into the left edge of cover1 at
the position indicated by the arrows.
Loosen cover1 using this object.
Using your hands, pull cover1 out
and remove.
Push down and hold release2 in
direction of arrow.
Simultaneously move gear selector
lever out of positionP.
The gear selector lever is unlocked
now.1Locking
2Mechanical key
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-theft
alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel filler flap
and the storage compartments.
iThe gear selector lever is locked again as
soon as you place it in positionP again.


407 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades
Fold the wiper arms forward until they
engage.
1Wiper blade
2Tabs
3Attachment
4Cover
Press tabs2 together and tilt wiper
blade1 in direction of arrow.
Tabs2 on both recesses of
attachment3 are detached.
Maintaining its tilted position, remove
wiper blade1 out of attachment3.
Installing wiper blades
1Cover
2Guide tab
3Attachment
4Tabs
Maintaining a tilted position of the
wiper blade, place cover1 onto
attachment3 so that guide tab2 is
under cover1.
Tilt the wiper blade in direction of the
arrow towards the wiper arm.
Simultaneously press tabs4 together
and let the wiper blade engage into
both recesses of attachment3.
Check if the wiper blade is securely
fastened.
Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper arm
when folding it back.
!Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts. They
could tear.
!Make sure the wiper blades are properly
installed. Improperly installed wiper blades may
cause windshield damage.

426 Practical hints
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.

Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.

Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump start-
ing with a higher voltage battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.

Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, as you could otherwise be
injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
Do not tow-start vehicle.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it checked
at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the
catalytic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still at-
tached to a battery.

428 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission*: Do
not tow-start vehicle.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with the SmartKey in the starter switch in
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Use the towing eyes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (
page 91) and
the automatic central locking (
page 102).
Warning!G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run

there is a malfunction in the brake
system

there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the gear selector lever* must be in
positionN (manual transmission: gear shift lever
in neutral position) and the engine must be shut
off (SmartKey in starter switch position0or1).
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the gear selector lever* must be in
positionN (manual transmission: gear shift lever
in neutral position) and the SmartKey must be in
starter switch position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or the front axle raised, the vehicle
may be towed only for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).

429 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the ve-
hicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor (
page 389).
The towing eyes are located on the passen-
ger side in the front and rear bumper.
Take vehicle tool kit out of trunk
(
page 389).
Front cover
1Cover in front bumper
!Towing of the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing eye bolt.
Never attach a tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to
the vehicle chassis, frame or suspension parts.
iWhen towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the SmartKey in starter switch position2, the
vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well
as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 102).
iTo signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use, switch on ignition
and activate the combination switch for the left
or right turn signal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warn-
ing flasher will operate again.
iThe gear selector lever* will remain locked
in positionP (vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion*) and the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch if the battery is disconnected or
discharged. For more information, see “Battery”
(
page 422) or “Jump starting” (page 426).
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
For information on manual unlocking of gear
selector lever, see (
page 396).

430 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Removing
Press mark on cover1.
Cover1 springs open at the top right
corner.
Pull at the protruding part of cover1
and fold cover down to reveal the
threaded hole for the towing eye bolt.
Do not disconnect cover1 from its
check strap.
Screw towing eye bolt in to its end stop
and tighten with wheel wrench.Installing
Unscrew the towing eye bolt using the
wheel wrench.
To reinstall cover1, tilt the marked
lower left corner towards the opening.
Maintaining its tilted position, insert
cover1 by applying the latches at the
top left and lower right corner into the
opening.
To close cover1, press on the diago-
nal opposite side of the marked corner
until it fully engages.Rear coverExample illustration (AMG vehicles and
vehicles with Sport Package* have a square
cover)
1Cover in rear bumperiMake sure the cover’s check strap does not
get caught when closing.

431 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Removing
Press mark on cover1.
Cover1 springs open at the top.
Pull at the protruding part of cover1
and fold cover down to reveal the
threaded hole for the towing eye bolt.
Do not disconnect cover1 from its
check strap.
Screw towing eye bolt in to its end stop
and tighten with wheel wrench.Installing
Unscrew the towing eye bolt using the
wheel wrench.
To reinstall cover1, tilt the marked
lower edge towards the opening.
Maintaining its tilted position, insert
cover1 by applying the latches at the
marked lower edge into the opening.
To close cover1, press on the un-
marked top until it fully engages.
iMake sure the cover’s check strap does not
get caught when closing.

459 Index
A
ABS 84
Indicator lamp 348, 349
Messages in the multifunction
display 362
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 159
Accessory weight 331
Accident 58
Air bags 66
Children in the vehicle 79
Front 69
Head-thorax 70
Knee bag 70
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 71
Passenger 69
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 74
Safety guidelines 68
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control* 191
Climate control 180
Air conditioning refrigerant 453
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
AIRSCARF neck level heating* 105Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt
(Vehicle tool kit) 389, 416
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 457
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems 90
Alarm system 90
Immobilizer 90
Tow-away alarm 91
Ashtray 32, 255
Aspect ratio 331
Audio search function 146
Audio system 193
Audio and telephone*, operation 193
CD changer* 212
CD operation 208
Introduction to satellite radio* 203
MP3 210
Operating and display elements 194
Auto-dimming*, Rear view mirrors 168
Automatic central locking 102
Control system 146
Automatic climate control* 182
Air conditioning refrigerant 452
Air conditioning, Cooling 191
Air recirculation mode 190Air vents 182, 188
Air volume 188
Automatic mode 186
Control panel 184
Deactivating 185
Defrosting 170, 189
Residual heat utilization 192
Sun sensor 25
Temperature 186
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission*
Accelerator position 159
Automatic shift program 161
Automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) 300
Driving 53
Emergency operation
(limp-home mode) 167
Fluid level 300
Gear ranges 160
Gear selector lever 155
Gear selector lever
(Unlocking manually) 396
Gear selector lever control one-touch
gearshifting 162
Gear selector lever positions 157

467 Index
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS
Occupant distribution 332
Occupant safety 64
OCS 71
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 74
Seat belts 48, 68
SRS 64
OCS 71
Self-test 75
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting
Gear selector lever 162
Steering wheel gearshift
control* 163
Operating safety 16, 193
Operating vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings see Vehicle care
Outside temperature indicator 119, 128
Outside temperature/speed 140
Overhead control panel 31
Overspeed range 119P
Paintwork code 438
Paintwork see Vehicle care
Panic alarm 83
Parcel net (Storage compartment) 254
Parking 59, 282
Parking brake 53, 59
Parking lamps 109, 401
Parts service 436
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Pas-
senger front air bag off indicator lamp
Passenger air bag see Air bags
Passenger compartment 287
Passenger front air bag
Messages in the multifunction
display 365–368
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 74, 358
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Phone book see Telephone*
Plastic parts, cleaning 345
Poly-V-belt drive 440
Potential problems associated with under-
inflated and overinflated tires 320
Power outlet 257
Power seat* see SeatsPower washer see Vehicle care
Power windows 235
Operating rear side windows 237
Operating with retractable hardtop
switch 237
Summer opening/convenience
closing* 238
Synchronizing 239
Practical hints
Fuses 432
Lamps in instrument cluster 348
Spare wheel bolts 393
Towing vehicle 428
Vehicle jack 390
What to do if... 348
Premium unleaded gasoline 454
Problems
While driving 58
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Production options weight 332
Program mode see Automatic transmis-
sion, Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program 161
PSI 332

471 Index
Tire ply composition and material
used 333
Tire speed rating 323, 333
Tire terminology 331
TIREFIT*
Instructions for use 408
Vehicle tool kit 389, 390
Tires 304, 442
Cleaning 306
Direction of rotation 307
Driving instructions 283
Flat tire 408
Important guidelines 304
Inflating with air pump 418
Low tire pressure telltale 356
MOExtended* 442
Mounting wheel 416
Removing wheel 416
Retreads 304
Rims and tires 442
Rotating 334
Run Flat Indicator* 315
Service life 305Sizes 442
Snow chains 336
Spare wheel 392, 447
Speed rating 285
Storing 306
Temperature 330
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)*, (USA only) 317
TPMS malfunction telltale 356
Traction 284
Tread depth 306, 335
Treadwear indicators (TWI) 283
Wear pattern 334
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 389
Winter 335
Tools see Vehicle tool kit
Tow-away alarm see Anti-theft systems
Towing (Vehicle) 428
TPMS (USA only) 317
Traction 88, 333
Transmission
Messages in the multifunction
display 364
Transmission see Automatic transmis-
sion* or Manual Transmission
Transporting the vehicle 92Traveling abroad 287
Tread 333
Tread depth 306, 335
Treadwear indicators 283, 333
Trip computer menu (Control
system) 148
Trunk 99
Lighting 116
Luggage cover 241
Trunk lid emergency release 102
Trunk lid lock 395
Valet locking 101
Turn signals 55, 401
Additional in mirrors 401
TWI see Treadwear indicators
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 333
Unlocking 36
Centrally from inside 103
In an emergency 269
With SmartKey 36
Upholstery
Cleaning 346