brakes MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 2005 R171 User Guide

297 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommend-
ed rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice con-
cerning tire service and purchase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz therefore cannot
assure the operating safety of the vehicle
when such tires are used.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss or
damage the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as re-
quired.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and may lead to
an accident.

309 Operation
Tires and wheels
Warning!
G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Low pressure mode Check
tires max. Speed 50 mph
, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper tire inflation pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s tire information placard. Driv-
ing on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended tire inflation pressure as
specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s
manual.
iThe recommended tire inflation pres-
sures for your vehicle can be found on
the tire placard located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (
page 301). The tire in-
flation pressures are not listed in the
owner’s manual.
Warning!
G
The Run Flat Indicator does not indicate a
warning for wrongly selected tire inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres-
sure according to the placard on the driver’s
door B-pillar or fuel filler flap.
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace reg-
ular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected by the Run Flat
Indicator.
The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a
warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of
tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout
caused by a foreign object). In this case
bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply-
ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

323 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than one mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

324 OperationTires and wheelsGVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to one psi; another metric unit for
air pressure is bars. There are
100 kilopascals (kPa) to one bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight and production
options weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

373 Practical hints
Where will I find...?
In the case of a flat tire, you may
temporarily use the spare wheel with col-
lapsible tire when observing the following
restrictions:

Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).


Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
to have the flat tire repaired or
replaced as appropriate.


Do not operate vehicle with more than
one spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted.
For more information, see “Rims and tires”
(
page 413).
Spare wheel bolts
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for spare wheel with
collapsible tire (located in trunk with
vehicle tool kit)
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the spare wheel with
collapsible tire. The use of any wheel
bolts other than wheel bolts2 for the
spare wheel with collapsible tire will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes. Warning!
G
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.

391 Practical hints
Flat tire
Removing the wheel
4Alignment bolt
Unscrew the upper-most wheel bolt
and remove.

Replace this wheel bolt with alignment
bolt4 supplied in the vehicle tool kit.

Remove the remaining bolts.

Remove the wheel.Mounting the spare wheel
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for spare wheel with
collapsible tire (located in trunk with
spare wheel)

Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.
!Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the bolt
and wheel hub threads.
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the spare wheel with
collapsible tire. The use of any wheel
bolts other than wheel bolts2 for the
spare wheel with collapsible tire will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes. !To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while in-
stalling first wheel bolt.

401 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
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 equip-
ment 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.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 86) and the automatic central
locking (
page 97).
!To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission, however,
we recommend the drive shaft be dis-
connected at the rear axle drive flange
for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch
position0or1). Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever*
must be in positionN (manual trans-
mission: gear shift lever in neutral posi-
tion) and the SmartKey must be in
starter switch position1.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for dis-
tances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

441 Index
Bi-Xenon
Description 431
Headlamps 381
Bolts
For spare wheel 373
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 274
Brake fluid 286, 424
Display message 356
Salty roads 274
SLK 55 AMG 275
Warning lamp 343
Break-in period 272
Bulbs
Front/rear lamps 380
Replacing 380
Buttons (Audio system) 194C
CAC 431
California, important notice 11
CAN system, description 432
Capacities
(Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.) 422
Catalytic converter 282
CD
Changer 250
Player/changer, operation 125
CD changer (Audio system) 207, 209
CD operation (Audio system) 207
Center console
Lamp 347
Overview 28
Central locking
Automatic (Control system) 141
Automatic (When driving) 97
From outside (SmartKey) 59
Locking/unlocking from inside 97
Central locking/unlocking switches 98
Certification label 410
CHECK ENGINE indicator lamp 344Child safety
Air bags 64
Children in the vehicle 73
Cigarette lighter 254
Cleaning tires 299
Climate control 172
Air conditioning 178
Air distribution 176
Air recirculation mode 176
Air volume 176
Control panel, overview 175
Defrosting 181
Maximum cooling 179
Rear window defroster 171
Switching on/off 175
Temperature 175
Clock 116
Cockpit
Description 432
Overview 22
Cold tire inflation pressure 323
Collapsible tire, description 432
Collapsible wheel chock 371

443 Index
Coolant 293
Adding water 286
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 427
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 426
Technical data 422
Temperature 283
Temperature, checking
(Control system) 122
Cornering fog lamps (Lighting) 111
Cruise control 244
Canceling 246
Cruise control lever 244
Description 432
Display message 351
Driving uphill/downhill 246
Fine adjustment 248
Saving current speed 245
Set to last stored speed 248
Setting higher/lower speed 247
Cup holder 252
Cleaning 339
Curb weight 323
Customer Assistance Center see CACD
Date (Control system)
Day 136
Month 135
Year 136
Daytime running lamp mode 108
Control system 137
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting see Automatic climate control
Defrosting see Climate control
Department of Transportation see DOT
Differential, driving after
replacement 272
Difficulties with starting 49
Direction of rotation (Tires) 300
Display elements (Audio system) 192
Display text see Messages in display
Door
Control panel, overview 31
Entry lamps 114
Doors
Locking from outside 92
Opening from inside 94
Unlocking from outside 92
Unlocking with Tele Aid 263DOT 323
Downshifting
Automatic transmission 154
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 273
Driver’s air bag see Air bags
Driver’s door
Locking in an emergency 375
Unlocking in an emergency 374
Driving 50
And drinking 273
Automatic transmission 50
Brakes 274
Catalytic converter 282
Coolant temperature 283
Driving off 276
Emission control 282
Fuel saving 273
General instructions 44, 273
Hydroplaning 277
In winter 279
Manual transmission 50
On salty roads 274
Parking 276
Pedals 273

448 IndexK
Key 197
Key-dependency (Control system) 143
Kickdown 159
Description 433
Kilometers/miles in speedometer
(Control system) 131
Kilopascal 324
Kneebag see Air bagsL
Labels
Certification 410
Emission control 410
Engine number 410
Identification 410
Vacuum line routing diagram 410
VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) 410
Lamp in center console 347
Lamps in instrument cluster 342
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 342
Battery (SmartKey) 92
Brakes 343
CHECK ENGINE 344
ESP 82, 84, 345
Fuel reserve 345, 346
Passenger front air bag off 347
Seat belts 346
SRS 62, 63, 346
Language in multifunction display
(Control system) 132
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 411
License plate lamps 381Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 339
Technical data 414, 415
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 106
Combination switch 110
Cornering fog lamps 111
Daytime running lamp mode 108
Door entry lamps 114
Exterior lamp switch 106
Exterior lamps, cleaning 337
Fog lamps 109
Hazard warning flasher 112
Headlamp mode,
automatic/manual 107
High beam 110
High beam flasher 110
Individual settings
(Control system) 137
Instrument cluster illumination 115
Interior delayed shut-off
(Control system) 140
Interior lighting 113
Locator lighting (Control system) 138
Low beam headlamps 106