snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG 2007 R171 Owner's Manual

Contents
DOT, Tire Identification
Number (TIN) ............................... 322
Maximum tire load ....................... 324
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 324
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 325
Tire ply material ........................... 327
Tire and loading terminology ........ 327
Rotating tires ............................... 330
Winter driving .................................... 332
Winter tires .................................. 332
Snow chains................................. 333
Maintenance ...................................... 334
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 334
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator message............ 335
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 335
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 335
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 336
Vehicle care ....................................... 337
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 337
Practical hints.................................. 345
What to do if … ................................... 346
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 346
Lamp in center console................. 354
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 356
Where will I find...? ............................. 382
First aid kit .................................... 382
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack ......... 382
Spare wheel with collapsible tire .. 385
Spare wheel bolts ......................... 386
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 387
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 387
Locking the vehicle ....................... 388
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever
(automatic transmission*) ............ 389
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 390
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ....................................... 390
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 391
SmartKey ...................................... 391Replacing bulbs .................................. 393
Bulbs............................................. 393
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 396
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 397
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 399
Placing wiper arms in vertical
position......................................... 399
Removing wiper blades ................. 400
Installing wiper blades .................. 400
Flat tire............................................... 401
Preparing the vehicle .................... 401
Sealing tires with TIREFIT ............. 401
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 407
MOExtended system* ................... 414
Battery ............................................... 415
Disconnecting the battery ............ 416
Removing the battery ................... 417
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 417
Reconnecting the battery ............. 418
Jump starting...................................... 419
Towing the vehicle.............................. 421
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 422
Fuses.................................................. 425
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 425
Fuse box in engine compartment . 426

84 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns

Wet and slippery road surfaces

Following another vehicle too closely
The driving systems described in this sec-
tion cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP®
is only achieved with winter tires (
page 332)
or snow chains as required.
Warning!G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

88 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Electronic traction system
The electronic traction system is a
component of ESP
®.
The electronic traction system improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
When you switch off the ESP
®, the
electronic traction system is still enabled.Switching off the ESP
®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:

when driving with snow chains

in deep snow

in sand or gravelWhen you switch off the ESP
®

the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle

the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for a better grip

the traction control will still apply the
brakes to a spinning wheel

the ESP® continues to operate when
you are braking

you cannot activate the cruise control

the cruise control switches off if
currently activated
Warning!G
If you are driving too fast, the electronic
traction system cannot reduce the risk of an
accident.
The electronic traction system cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
Warning!G
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Warning!G
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply any-
more. Otherwise the ESP
® will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.

286 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever* to positionN or
declutch in case of manual transmission.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 332).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 333).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter the vehicle interi-
or, resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.
Warning!G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.

315 Operation
Tires and wheels
Run Flat Indicator*
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a re-
stricted manner or with a delay if:

snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle

winter road conditions prevail

you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.
sand or gravel)

you are driving in a very sporty manner
(involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)
Warning!G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Tire pressure Check tires,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
derinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper tire inflation pressure as indicat-
ed on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label. Driving on a sig-
nificantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Un-
derinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Each tire, in-
cluding the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the driver’s door B-pillar (
page 307) or,
if available, on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap (
page 291).
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 Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 307) or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label located on the
inside of the fuel filler flap (
page 291).
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace
regular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in more than
one tire 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.

333 Operation
Winter driving
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not higher
than 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:

Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(
page 434).

Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.

Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.

Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.

Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 439).
Warning!G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.!Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clear-
ance for snow chains. To help avoid serious dam-
age to your vehicle or tires, make sure that the
use of snow chains is permissible as specified in
the “Technical data” section of this Operator’s
Manual, see “Rims and tires” (
page 434).
!If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP® (page 88) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.

436 Technical data
Rims and tires
ModelSLK 280 (Sport Package*)
SLK 350 (Sport Package*)
SLK 55 AMGSLK 55 AMG
SLK 55 AMG (Performance Package*)
Rims (light alloy)7.5 J x 17 H27.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset1.46 in (37 mm)1.46 in (37 mm)
Winter tires1,2,3
1Radial-ply tires2Not available as factory equipment.3For use with snow chains contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
205/50 R17 89H M+S.
or
225/45 R17 91H M+S.225/40 R18 92H XL (Extra Load) M+S.

437 Technical data
Rims and tires
Mixed size tires
ModelSLK 280SLK 280*
SLK 280 (Appearance Package*)
SLK 350
SLK 350 (Appearance Package*)
Front axle:
Rims (light alloy)7Jx16 H27.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset1.34 in (34 mm)1.42 in (36 mm)
Summer tires1205/55 R16 91V225/45 R17 91W
or
225/45 R17 91W MOExtended*
2
Rear axle:
Rims (light alloy)8J x16 H28.5 J x17 H2
Wheel offset1.18 in (30 mm)1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires1,3225/50 R16 92V245/40 R17 91W
or
245/40 R17 91W MOExtended*
2
1Radial-ply tires2Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.3Must not be used with snow chains.

438 Technical data
Rims and tires
ModelSLK 280 (Sport Package*)
SLK 350 (Sport Package*)SLK 55 AMG
SLK 55 AMG (Performance Package*)
Front axle:
AMG rims (light alloy)7.5 J x 17 H27.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset1.46 in (37 mm)1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires1,3
1Radial-ply tires
225/45 ZR17 91Y
or
225/45 R17 91W MOExtended*
2
2Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.
225/40 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)
Rear axle:
AMG rims (light alloy)8.5 J x17 H28.5 J x18 H2
Wheel offset1.18 in (30 mm)1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires1,3
3Must not be used with snow chains.
245/40 ZR17 91Y
or
245/40 R17 91W MOExtended*
2
245/35 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)

439 Technical data
Rims and tires
Spare wheel with collapsible tire
ModelAll models
(except SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package*)
Rim (light alloy)4.5 B x 17 H2
Wheel offset0.47 in (12 mm)
Collapsible tire145/70-17 92P1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
!Please compare the recommended tire
inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire
inflation pressure on the yellow label located on
the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label
on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the
collapsible tire to the recommended tire inflation
pressure given on the yellow label on the spare
wheel rim.iPlease note that the tire inflation pressure of
the collapsible tire differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.
Inflate the collapsible tire to approximately
51 psi (3.5 bar).
iThe SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* does not have a spare wheel. The
SLK 55 AMG with Performance Package* is
equipped with TIREFIT (
page 401).