catalytic converter MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG 2008 R171 Owner's Manual

Contents
Audio system ..................................... 193
Audio and telephone*, operation . 193
Operating safety ........................... 193
Operating and display elements ... 194
Button and soft key operation ...... 196
Operation ..................................... 196
Radio operation ............................ 199
Introduction to satellite radio* ..... 203
CD mode ...................................... 208
GSM network phones ................... 219
TDMA or CDMA network phones.. 226
Emergency calls “911” ................. 233
Power windows .................................. 235
Opening and closing the
windows ....................................... 235
Synchronizing power windows ..... 239
Retractable hardtop ........................... 240
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop ...................... 240
Wind screen* ............................... 246
Driving systems ................................. 248
Cruise control............................... 248
Loading .............................................. 252
Roof rack ...................................... 252Useful features .................................. 253
Storage compartments ................ 253
Shelf behind roll bars ................... 254
Cup holder ................................... 255
Ashtray......................................... 255
Cigarette lighter ........................... 256
Power outlet................................. 257
Floormat (driver’s side only) ......... 258
Telephone* .................................. 259
Tele Aid* ...................................... 262
Garage door opener* ................... 270
Heated steering wheel*
(SLK 280, SLK 350, Canada only) 276
Operation......................................... 277
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ........ 278
Driving instructions ........................... 279
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 279
Drinking and driving ..................... 279
Pedals .......................................... 279
Power assistance ......................... 280
Brakes.......................................... 280
Driving off .................................... 282
Parking......................................... 282
Tires ............................................. 283
Hydroplaning................................ 284
Tire traction ................................. 284
Tire speed rating .......................... 285
Winter driving instructions ........... 286
Standing water............................. 287
Passenger compartment .............. 287
Driving abroad ............................. 287
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 287
Catalytic converter....................... 288
Emission control .......................... 289
Coolant temperature.................... 289

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

54 Getting started
Driving
Manual transmission
Depress the brake pedal.
Fully depress the clutch pedal.
Move gearshift lever to first gear to
drive forward, or to reverse gear to
drive rearward.
Simultaneously release the brake pedal
and slowly the clutch pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.Automatic transmission*
Depress the brake pedal.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionDorR.
Release the brake pedal.
Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
After a cold start, the transmission engag-
es at a higher revolution. This allows the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
iOnce the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
The automatic door lock feature can be deacti-
vated (
page 146).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Warning!G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out ofPorN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
!In order to avoid damage to the transmis-
sion:

Wait for the gear selection process to com-
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.

Place the gear selector lever in
positionPorR only when the vehicle is
stopped.

58 Getting started
Driving
Single wipe
Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow1 (
page 58) to
the resistance point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
Press the combination switch in direc-
tion of arrow1 (
page 58) past the
resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with
washer fluid.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 301).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.

The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.

Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool off.
Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 300).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
Notify local fire and/or police
authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage can be determined on the

Major assemblies

Fuel system

Engine mount
Start the engine in the usual manner.
iTo prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
windshield washer fluid every now and then even
when it is raining.

155 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Automatic transmission*
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Driving off”
(
page 53).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.
Gear selector lever
The gear selector lever is located on the
lower part of the center console.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
PPark position
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the catalytic
converter to heat up more quickly to operating
temperature.
Warning!G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure that the pedals still
have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
iThe current gear selector lever positionP,
R,N orD appears in the multifunction display
(
page 157).

288 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline
in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may reach
the catalytic converter, causing it to overheat
and potentially start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

298 Operation
Engine compartment
If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear:
Engine Oil Level
Reduce Oil Level
Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
For more information on messages in the
display concerning engine oil, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 360).Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (SLK 280, SLK 350 only)
When checking the oil level

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.

with the engine at operating tempera-
ture, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 5 minutes with
the engine turned off.

with the engine not at operating tem-
perature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with
the engine turned off.1Oil dipstick
2Upper (max) mark
3Lower (min) mark
To check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick, do the following:
Open the hood (page 294).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off.
It could cause damage to the engine and
catalytic converter not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

379 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
NEngine Oil Level
Reduce Oil LevelSLK 55 AMG only:
You have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damaging the
engine or the catalytic converter.Have oil siphoned or drained off.
Observe all legal requirements with respect
to its disposal.
Engine Oil Level
Stop, turn engine off.There is no oil in the engine. There
is a danger of engine damage.Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Turn off the engine.
Apply the parking brake (page 59).
Add engine oil (page 299) and check the
engine oil level (
page 296).
AReserve FuelThe fuel level has dropped below
the reserve mark.Refuel at the next gas station (page 291).
4Gas Cap
Is OpenA loss of pressure has been detect-
ed in the fuel system. The fuel cap
may not be closed properly or the
fuel system may be leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 291).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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.

460 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 167
Gearshift pattern 52
Kickdown 159
Kickdown, manual shift
program* 167
Manual shift program* 165
Program mode selector switch 161
Shifting procedure 156
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting* 163
B
Backup lamp
Messages in the multifunction
display 383
Replacing bulbs 402
Bar 331
BAS 86
Batteries (SmartKey)
Replacing 398
Battery (Vehicle) 302, 422
Charging 424
Jump starting 426
Messages in the multifunction
display 372
Bead 331
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 401Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 280
Brake fluid 292, 454
Messages in the multifunction
display 373
SLK 55 AMG 281
Warning lamp 350
Break-in period 278
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 381–386
Replacing 400
C
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid* 268
Capacities and recommended
fuels/lubricants 451
Carpets, cleaning 345
Catalytic converter 288
CD
Changer* 208, 253
Player/Changer*,
operation 134, 208
CD changer* (Audio system) 212Center console
Lamp 358
Lower part 30
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 102, 146
Locking/unlocking from inside 103
SmartKey 62
Certification label 438
CHECK ENGINE indicator lamp 351
Checking tire pressure electronically
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 317
Children in the vehicle
Air bags 79
Infant and child restraint systems 79
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 71
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 74, 358
Chrome-plated exhaust tip*
Cleaning 346
Cigarette lighter 32, 256