towing MERCEDES-BENZ SLK500 2011 R170 Owner's Manual

Direction of rotation (tires)
..............209
Displays
Digital speedometer ........................97
Maintenance service indicator .......225
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 236
Multifunction display .......................95
Outside temperature ...............97, 104
Symbol messages .......................... 243
Text messages ............................... 237
Trip computer ................................ 109
Vehicle status message memory ...101
Vehicle system settings ................. 102
Door control panel .............................. 30
Doors
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 56
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Opening from inside ......................... 58
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ........... 264
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 217
Drinking and driving .........................221
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 224
Hydroplaning ................................. 224
Instructions ............................. 80, 221
In winter ........................................ 220
Problems ......................................... 82
Safety systems ................................ 47
Systems ......................................... 159
Through standing water .................224
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 79
Driving off .................................... 81, 224
Driving safety systems ....................... 47
ABS .................................................. 48
BAS .................................................. 49
ESP ®
................................................ 49
ETS .................................................. 50
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 159
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ........................................ 87 E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 67, 108
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 20
Power outlet .................................. 177
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification

Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 234
Flat tire .......................................... 273
Hazard warning flasher ....................74
Roadside Assistance ................ 19, 180
Towing the vehicle .........................285
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 179
Telephone ...................................... 152
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 182
Retractable hardtop .......................266
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........60
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 225
Information label ............................ 293
System warranties ........................... 18
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............190
Cleaning ......................................... 228
Compartment ................................ 192
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 26, 262
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Number .......................................... 293
Starting ............................................ 80
Turning off ....................................... 84
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 195
Additives ........................................ 303
Checking level ............................... 193 Index
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TIN (Tire Identification Number) ......
219
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 205
Tire and loading terminology ...........217
TIREFIT ............................................... 273
Tire Identification Number see TIN

Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 201
Important notes on ........................ 199
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 200
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar ..... 205
Tire labeling ....................................... 212
Tire load rating .................................. 218
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 219
Tire repair kit see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 197, 297
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 201
Air pressure ................................... 198
Care and maintenance ................... 209
Cleaning ......................................... 210
Direction of rotation, spinning .......209
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 199
Inflation pressure .................. 200, 201
Information placard ....................... 205
Inspection ...................................... 209
Labeling ......................................... 212
Load index ............................. 213, 218
Load rating .................................... 218
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 241, 255
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 219
Problems under-/overinflation ...... 200
Retreads ........................................ 197
Rims and tires (technical data) ...... 297
Rotation ......................................... 212
Service life ..................................... 210
Sizes .............................................. 297
Snow chains .................................. 220
Speed rating .......................... 214, 219
Storing ........................................... 210Temperature
.......................... 199, 211
Terminology ................................... 217
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ................... 273
Tire Identification Number ............. 219
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale .................. 26, 262
Traction ................................. 211, 219
Tread ............................................. 219
Tread depth ........................... 210, 219
Treadwear
...................................... 211
Treadwear indicators ............. 210, 219
Vehicle maximum load on ..............219
Wear pattern .................................. 212
Winter tires ............................ 219, 297
Tire speed rating .......................214, 219
Total load limit ................................... 219
Tow-away alarm .................................. 52
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 286
Vehicle ........................................... 285
Towing eye bolt ................................. 286
Traction ...................................... 211, 219
Transmission see Automatic transmission or
Manual transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 195
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions ....................... 87
Traveling abroad ............................... 224
Tread (tires) ....................................... 219
Tread depth (tires) ....................210, 219
Treadwear .......................................... 211
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 210, 219
Trip computer menu .........................109
Trip odometer, resetting ..................... 93
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 60
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 245
Opening ........................................... 60
Trunk lid emergency release ............ 60
Unlocking manually .......................265
Valet locking .................................... 61
Turning off the engine ........................84
Turn signals ......................................... 73
Cleaning lenses ............................. 229 Index
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Indicator lamps ................................
26
Messages in the multifunction
display
........................................... 255U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 210, 219
Units Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 104
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 303
Unlocking the vehicle
Manually

........................................ 264
SmartKey ......................................... 56
Upholstery, cleaning .........................231
USB devices (media interface) .........139
Useful features .................................. 176V
Valet locking ........................................ 61
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 282
Care ............................................... 227
Control system ................................ 93
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 292
Locking/unlocking

........................... 56
Lowering (wheel change) ...............281
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 20
Towing ........................................... 285
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 264
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 292
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 70
Vehicle loading
Load limit ....................................... 206
Terminology ................................... 217
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 219
Vehicle specification
SLK 300 ......................................... 294
SLK 350 ......................................... 295
SLK 55 AMG .................................. 296Vehicle status message memory ....
101
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 234
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care


Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification W
Warning sounds Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt

.....42
Parking brake ................................ 244
Seat belt telltale ............................ 259
Warranty coverage ............................ 292
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 306
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 247
Mixing ratio .................................... 306
Refilling .......................................... 196
Washing the vehicle .......................... 227
Wear pattern (tires) ..........................212
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 273
Removing ....................................... 278
Spare ............................................. 273
Tightening torque ........................... 281
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 297
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 197
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................229
Wind screen ....................................... 173
Windshield Cleaning wiper blades .................... 229
Defogging ...................................... 169
Washer fluid ................................... 306
Wipers ............................................. 76
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades .................. 271
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 220
Snow chains .................................. 220
Tires ............................................... 219
Winter tires ................................ 219, 297 16
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Exterior view
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual. Function Page
:
Trunk:
Locking and unlocking 56
Opening and closing 59
Valet locking 61
;
Rear window defroster 170
=
Fuel filler flap 190
?
Doors:
Locking and unlocking 56,
264 A
Exterior rear view mirrors 68
B
Retractable hardtop 170
C
Windshield:
Wiping with washer fluid 77 Function Page
Cleaning 229
D
Wipers 76
Wiper blades, replacing 271
Wiper blades, cleaning 229
E
Hood 192
F
Front lamps 267
G
Front towing eye 286
H
Headlamp cleaning system 74
I
Tires and wheels 197
Rims and tires 297
J
Rear lamps 267
K
Rear towing eye 28624
Exterior viewAt a glance
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X
Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.
X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
i Unless you open a door or the trunk within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R The vehicle will be locked again.
R The anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed. Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 53). i
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Customer
Assistance Center is initiated automatically
by the Tele Aid system provided that you
have subscribed to the Tele Aid service and
that it has been activated properly, and that
the necessary mobile phone, power supply
and GPS coverage are available.
X Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm is armed after about
30 seconds automatically.
X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until
you lock the vehicle again.
Disabling tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
disable the tow-away alarm feature before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry
or auto train.
X
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
X Press tow-away alarm switch ;.
Indicator lamp : comes on briefly.
X Exit and lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm remains disabled until
you lock the vehicle again. 52
Anti-theft systemsSafety and security
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system. Spoken commands are not
available.
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants of
the vehicle will be established.
X Describe the nature of the need for
assistance.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such as
labor and/or towing, charges may apply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for
more information.
Sign and Drive services (USA only):
Services such as a jump start, a few gallons
of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire with
the vehicle spare wheel are obtainable at no
charge.
i If the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button : is flashing
continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Customer Assistance
Center established, then the Tele Aid
system could not initiate a Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular
phone network is not available). The
message Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display.
X Terminating calls: Press button ~ on
the multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Press the respective button for ending a
telephone call on the audio system or the
COMAND system.
Information button X
Open the storage compartment under the
armrest (Y page 175). X
Press and hold Information button : for
longer than 2 seconds.
A call to the Customer Assistance Center
will be initiated. The indicator lamp in
Information button : will flash while the
call is in progress. The message
Connecting Call will appear in the
multifunction display and the COMAND
system is muted.
When the connection is established, the
message Call Connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will
transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and
location (subject to availability of cellular and
GPS signals).
i The audio system or COMAND system
display indicates that a Tele Aid call is in
progress. While the call is connected you
can change to the navigation menu by
pressing the NAVI button on the COMAND
system. Spoken commands are not
available.
A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and the
occupants of the vehicle will be established.
Information regarding the operation of your
vehicle, the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or Mercedes-Benz USA products
and services is available to you.
For more details concerning the Tele Aid
system, please visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only), log in to “Owner’s Online” and visit the
“My Tele Aid” section to learn more. Useful features
181Controls in detail
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The Tire and Loading Information placard
showing load limit information
: is located
on the driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 205).
X Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.”
on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
The combined weight of all occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if
applicable) should never exceed the weight
referenced in that statement.
Seating capacity i
Data shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Seating capacity
data are specific to each vehicle and may
vary from data shown in the following
illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading
Information placard on vehicle for actual
data specific to your vehicle. The seating capacity gives you important
information on the number of occupants that can be in the vehicle. The Tire and Loading
Information placard showing seating
capacity
: is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar ( Y page 205).
Steps for determining correct load limit The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
X
Step 1: Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.”
on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1 400 lbs and there will be five
150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs
(1 400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
X Step 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will
be towing a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 208).
The following table shows examples on how
to calculate total and cargo load capacities
with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. The following 206
Tires and wheelsOperation
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Example 1 Example 2
Step 1 Combined weight limit of
occupants and cargo from
Tire and Loading Information
placard
1 500 lbs 1 500 lbs
Step 2 Number of occupants (driver
and passengers)
1 2
Occupants weight
Occupant 1: 175 lbs Occupant 1: 175 lbs
Occupant 2: 195 lbs
Combined weight of all
occupants
175 lbs 370 lbs
Step 3 Available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (total
load limit from Tire and
Loading Information placard
minus
combined weight of all
occupants) 1 500 lbs - 175 lbs =
1 325 lbs 1 500 lbs - 370 lbs =
1 130 lbs
The higher the weight of all occupants, the
less cargo and luggage load capacity is
available.
For more information, see “Trailer tongue
load”

(Y page 208).
Certification label Even after careful determination of the
combined

weight of all occupants, cargo and
the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
(Y page 208) as to not exceed the
permissible load limit, you must make sure
your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
GAWR from the certification label. The
certification label can be found on the driver’s
door B-pillar, see the “Technical data” section
(Y page 292).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all
cargo, and the trailer tongue load (if
applicable) must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total
allowable weight that can be carried by a
single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible weight limits
(GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle),
have the loaded vehicle (including driver,
passengers and all cargo and, if applicable,
trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable
commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important
weight

to measure because it affects the load
you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is
towed, the tongue load must be added to the
weight of all occupants riding and any cargo
you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue
load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and
everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their cargo.
Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer
towing with your vehicle. 208
Tires and wheels
Operation
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Vehicle equipment ............................
234
Where will I find ...? .......................... 234
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display ....................... 236
What to do if … .................................. 256
Unlocking/locking manually ...........264
Opening/closing manually ..............266
Replacing SmartKey batteries ......... 266
Replacing bulbs ................................. 267
Replacing wiper blades ....................271
Flat tire .............................................. 273
Battery ............................................... 282
Jump starting .................................... 283
Towing the vehicle ............................285
Fuses .................................................. 288 233Practical hints
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Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual. Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
i Check expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
The first aid kit is located in a parcel net
behind the driver’s seat. Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
i Vehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle.
X Removing: Open the trunk (Y page 59).
X Lift the trunk floor.
X Remove the spare wheel (if so equipped)
(Y page 235). Vehicles with spare wheel :
Collapsible wheel chock
; Jack
= Protective wrap
? Alignment bolt
A Towing eye bolt
B Wheel wrench
C Valve extractor
D Electric air pump
Vehicles with TIREFIT :
TIREFIT kit
; Towing eye bolt
= Valve extractor
? Electric air pump
Collapsible wheel chock The collapsible wheel chock serves to secure
the vehicle, e.g. while changing a wheel.
X
Take the collapsible wheel chock from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 234). 234
Where will I find ...?Practical hints
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