octane MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 2008 R171 Owner's Manual

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
foreign countries, please be aware that:

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,

unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be
available; the use of leaded fuels will
damage the catalysts,

gasoline may have a considerably
lower octane rating, and improper fuel
can cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are
available for delivery in Europe under our
European Delivery Program. For details,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

292 Operation
At the gas station
Close the fuel filler flap.
Check regularly and before a long trip
Engine compartment
(example illustration, SLK 350)
1Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system* reservoir
2Brake fluid reservoir
3Coolant expansion tankWindshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system*
For information on refilling the reservoir,
see “Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 301).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (
page 451).
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap before
locking your vehicle as the flap locking pin
prevents closing after you have locked the
vehicle.
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline with a
minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average
of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can normally be
found on the fuel pump. Please contact gas
station personnel in case labels on the pump
cannot be found.
For more information on gasoline, see “Premium
unleaded gasoline” (
page 454), refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only), or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz-Center.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp to flash and the?malfunction
indicator lamp (USA only) or the
±malfunction indicator lamp (Canada only)
to illuminate.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 351).
iFor opening the hood, see “Hood”
(
page 294).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 350).


441 Technical data
Engine
Engine
ModelSLK 280 (171.454)1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special
equipment.
SLK 350 (171.456)1SLK 55 AMG (171.473)1
Engine272272113
Mode of operation4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection
No. of cylinders668
Bore3.47 in (88.00 mm)3.66 in (92.90 mm)3.82 in (97.00 mm)
Stroke3.23 in (82.10 mm)3.39 in (86.00 mm)3.60 in (92.00 mm)
Total piston displacement182.8 cu in (2 996 cm3)213.5 cu in (3 498 cm3)331.8 cu in (5 439 cm3)
Compression ratio11.3:110.7:111:1
Output according to
SAE J 1349228 hp/6 100 rpm2
(170 kW/6 100 rpm)
268 hp/6 000 rpm2
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
355 hp/5 750 rpm2
(265 kW/5 750 rpm)
Maximum torque according
to SAE J 1349221 lb-ft/2 500 - 5 000 rpm
(300 Nm/2 500 - 5 000 rpm)258 lb-ft/2 400 - 5 000 rpm
(350 Nm/2 400 - 5 000 rpm)376 lb-ft/4 000 rpm
(510 Nm/4 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed6500 rpm6500 rpm6700 rpm
Firing order1-4-3-6-2-51-4-3-6-2-51-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Poly-V-belt2404 mm2404 mm2380 mm

452 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Power steeringAll models1.1 US qt (1.0 l)MB Power Steering Fluid
(Chevron Texaco PSF 9109)
Front wheel hubsAll modelsapprox. 2.1oz (60g) eachHigh temperature roller bearing grease
Brake systemAll models0.5 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemSLK 280approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent
SLK 350approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)
Fuel tankAll modelsapprox. 18.5 US gal (70.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum posted Octane 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON)
including a reserve ofSLK 280, SLK 350
SLK 55 AMGapprox. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant oil
(never R-12)
Hydraulic system for
retractable hardtopAll models0.2 US qt (0.195 l)MB Hydraulic Fluid
Windshield washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system*All models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB Windshield washer concentrate1
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate“MB SummerFit” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 458).

454 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Brake fluid
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
provide you with additional information.Premium unleaded gasoline
Warning!G
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Under extremely strenuous
operating conditions, this moisture content
can lead to the formation of bubbles in the
system, thus reducing the system’s
efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
Warning!G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking mate-
rials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to
your health.
!To maintain the engine’s durability and per-
formance, premium unleaded gasoline must be
used. If premium unleaded gasoline is not avail-
able and low octane fuel is used, follow these
precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially filled with
unleaded regular gasoline and fill up with
premium unleaded gasoline as soon as
possible.

Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.

Do not exceed an engine speed of 3 000 rpm
if the vehicle is loaded with a light load such
as two persons and no luggage.

Do not exceed 2/3of maximum accelerator
pedal position if the vehicle is fully loaded or
operating in mountainous terrain.

455 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded fuel:

The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an
average of both the Research Octane
Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is
also known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA, and TBA can
be used provided the ratio of any one of
these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE not to exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz only recommends
only the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of
carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up, especially on the intake
valves and in the combustion area, leading
to engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power lossIn areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet
(USA only) or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a listing of
approved product(s). Follow directions on
product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary costs and
may be harmful to engine operation.
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel
additives other than those tested and approved
by us for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

466 Index
Manual transmission 153
Driving 53
Gearshift pattern 51
Starting with SmartKey 51
Maximum inflation pressure 332
Maximum load rating 332
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 332
Mechanical key see SmartKey
Memory function* 107
Menus see Control system menus
Messages in the multifunction display see
Multifunction display messages
Mirror lamp* see Sun visors
Mirrors 168
Additional turn signals 401
Adjusting 46
Antiglare position 168
Auto-dimming* 168
Exterior rear view mirrors 46
Interior rear view mirror 46
Mobile phone see Telephone*
MOE tires* see MOExtended system*
MOExtended system* 321, 421
MON 292, 455Motor Octane Number see MON
MP3 210
Multifunction display 121
Multifunction display messages 360
ABS 362
Air bags 365–368
Battery, Vehicle 372
Brake fluid 373
Brakes 373
Bulbs 381–386
Coolant 374–376
Cruise control 362
Doors 371
Engine oil 377–379
ESP
®362, 363
Fuel 379
Hood 371
Low tire pressure 387
Maintenance service indicator 337
Parking brake 372
Passenger front air bag 367
Retractable hardtop 380, 388
Run Flat Indicator* 369
SmartKey 381SRS 364
Symbol messages 371
Telephone* 388
Text messages 362
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 370
Transmission 364
Trunk lid 371
Vehicle status message memory 135
Washer fluid 388
Multifunction steering wheel 28, 122
Heating* 276
N
Navigation system* 135
Neck-level heating see AIRSCARF*
Neutral gear position
Automatic transmission* 155, 157
Manual transmission 154
Night security illumination (Control
system) 144
Normal occupant weight 332
Number, Vehicle Identification (VIN) 438

468 Index
R
RACETIMER see Control system menus,
AMG
Radio
Operation (Audio system) 199
Operation (Control system) 133
Satellite* 134
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 287
Reading lamps 117
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 170
Recommended inflation pressure 332
Recovery services for stolen vehicle (Tele
Aid*) 269
Refrigerant (Air conditioning) 453
Refueling 291
Regular checks 292
Remote control see SmartKey
Remote door unlock with Tele Aid* 269
Reporting, safety defects 18
Research Octane Number see RON
Reset button (Instrument cluster) 27
Residual engine heat utilization see RESTREST
Automatic climate control* 192
Climate control 181
Restraint systems
Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) 79
Seat belts 64, 76
Retractable hardtop 240
Locking after raising/lowering 242
Opening and closing 240
Operating manually 397
Problems when operating 242, 246
Summer opening/convenience
closing* 244
Wind screen* 246
Reverse gear position
Automatic transmission* 155, 157
Manual transmission 154
Rims 332, 442
Roadside Assistance 12, 266
RON 292, 455
Roof rack 252
Rubber parts, cleaning 345
Run Flat Indicator* 315S
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety defects, reporting 18
Safety, occupant 64
Satellite radio* 134
Seat belt force limiter 79
Seat belts 64, 76
Cleaning 346
Fastening 48
Proper use of 50
Release button 49
Safety guidelines 68
Warning lamp 353–354
Seating capacity 308
Seats 104
Adjusting 39
Easy-entry/exit feature* 44
Head restraint height 42
Heating* 104
Power seats* 41