MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55AMG 2011 R170 Owner's Manual

Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic
car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
X To protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using button g on
the climate control panel.
! Do
not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting 0. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running
the vehicle through an automatic car wash
to prevent damage to the mirrors.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
X When taking the vehicle through an
automatic conveyor-type car wash:
Make sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N.
When leaving the automatic car wash, make
sure the mirrors are folded out.
After running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the
windshield and the wiper blade inserts. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise
which can be caused by residual wax on the
windshield.
Ornamental moldings X
For regular cleaning and care of ornamental
moldings, use a damp cloth. !
Do
not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings
may have chrome appearance, they could
be made of anodized aluminum that will be
damaged when cleaned with chrome
cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean
those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of
which you are sure are chrome-plated, use
a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps,
side markers, turn signal lenses X
Use a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
! Only use window cleaning solutions that
are suitable for plastic lamp lenses.
Window cleaning solutions which are not
suitable may damage the plastic lamp
lenses

of the headlamps. Therefore, do not
use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that
contain solvents.
Cleaning the windows and the wiper
blades !
The windshield wipers must be in a
vertical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could otherwise
damage the hood.
Never

open the hood when the wiper arms
are folded forward.
X Make sure the hood is fully closed.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn combination switch to wiper setting
II (Y page 76).
X With wiper arms in vertical position, switch
off the ignition. Vehicle care
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G
Warning!
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield and/or the wiper
blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor could
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
X Fold the wiper arms forward until they snap
into place.
X Clean the windshield and the wiper blade
inserts with a clean cloth and mild
detergent solution.
X Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild window
cleaning solution on all outside and inside
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey
in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
! To clean the window interior, do not use
a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners
containing solvents. Do not touch the
inside of the windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
Rear window cleaning
Clean the rear window with the hardtop fully
raised and closed. G
Warning!
Do not clean the rear window with the hardtop
in a position other than the fully raised and
closed position. Otherwise, the hardtop may
move unexpectedly which may result in
personal injury to you or others. X
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild window
cleaning solution on all outside and inside
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
Light alloy wheels If possible, clean wheels once a week.
X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it

has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber parts X
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent

for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.
X Wipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The

surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry. 230
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G
Warning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
X Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on

a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
Audio or COMAND display !
You must switch off the audio or
COMAND display and allow it to cool prior
to cleaning.
! Do

not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
audio or COMAND display screen.
X Use a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gearshift/gear
selector lever X
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Carpets X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet and
Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.
Headliner X
Use a soft bristle brush or a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt. Seat belts X
Only use clear, lukewarm water and soap.
! The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the
seat belts at temperatures above

176‡
(80†) or in direct sunlight. G
Warning!
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Upholstery Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause the
upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate

cover, contact-discoloration will
be prevented. G
Warning!
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the head-thorax air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
Leather upholstery
Please note that leather upholstery is a
natural product and is therefore subject to a
natural aging process. Leather upholstery
may also react to certain ambient influences
such

as high humidity or high temperature by
showing wrinkles for example.
X Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth
and

dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-
Benz approved Leather Care.
! To avoid damage to leather upholstery:
R Wipe with light pressure only.
R Do not clean with abrasive cleaning
agents

such as scouring milk or powder. Vehicle care
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R
Do not soak the leather upholstery.
As leather is a natural product, it could
otherwise harden or become porous.
R Exercise particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside
should not become wet.
Wood trims X
Only use water and a damp cloth to clean
wood trims in your vehicle.
! Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as
these may be abrasive.
Chrome-plated exhaust tip Regular cleaning and care of chrome-plated
exhaust tips will help to maintain their shine
and the classy appearance.
X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Chrome
Polishing Paste each time the vehicle has
been
washed, especially during the winter.
! Do not use alkaline cleaners such as
wheel cleaners as they could cause
corrosion. 232
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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
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X
Setting up: Tilt both plates upward :.
X Fold the lower plate outward ;.
X Guide the tabs of the lower plate all the way
into the openings of base plate =.
For information on where to place wheel
chocks when changing a wheel, see “Lifting
the vehicle” ( Y page 277).
Jack G
Warning!
Only use the jack supplied with your vehicle
to lift the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. If
you use the jack for any other purpose, you or
others could be injured, as the jack is
designed only for the purpose of changing a
wheel.
When using the jack, observe the safety notes
in the “Mounting the spare wheel” section and
the notes on the jack.
X Take the jack from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 234). Storage position X
Turn the crank handle in the direction of
arrow as far as it will go. Operational position
X
Turn the crank handle clockwise.
Before placing the jack back into the vehicle
tool kit:
X Fully collapse the jack.
X Fold in the crank handle (storage position). Spare wheel
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 273.
The spare wheel is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
X Removing: Open the trunk (Y page 59).
X Lift the trunk floor. X
Remove retaining screw ; by turning it
counterclockwise.
X Remove spare wheel :. Where will I find ...?
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The spare wheel bolts are located under a
plastic cover on the outside of the spare
wheel rim.
X
Take off the spare wheel bolts.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” ( Y page 273).
Storing the spare wheel after use If you wish to store the spare wheel after use,
carry out the following steps. Otherwise, the
spare wheel may not fit into the spare wheel
well.
!
Make sure the spare wheel is dry before
storing it.
X Take the valve extractor from the vehicle
tool kit ( Y page 234).
X Unscrew the valve cap from the valve of the
collapsible tire.
X Use the valve extractor to unscrew the
valve insert from the valve.
X Allow the air to escape.
i It may take a few minutes for the
collapsible tire to deflate completely.
X Use the valve extractor to screw the valve
insert back into the valve.
X Screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
X Place the valve extractor back into the
vehicle tool kit.
X Take the protective wrap from the vehicle
tool kit.
X Pull the protective wrap over the spare
wheel.
X Place the spare wheel into the spare wheel
well.
X Pierce the protective wrap with retaining
screw ;.
X Secure the spare wheel by turning retaining
screw ; clockwise. Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the Vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(Y page 101) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button . (Y page 92) or button
&, *, U or V on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button . or button &, *,
U or V on the multifunction steering
wheel. They are then stored in the Vehicle
status message memory menu
(Y page 101). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message
disappear. Clearing a message will not
correct the condition that caused the
message to appear. G
Warning!
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause

damage not covered by the Mercedes- 236
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury.
G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps R
malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If
you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may appear.
For your convenience the messages are
divided into text messages ( Y page 237) and
symbol messages ( Y page 243). Text messages
Safety systems Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsABS ABS, ESP
Inoperativ
e
See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction,

the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are unavailable.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. ESP ESP
Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction the ESP
®
is unavailable.
The BAS may not be operational.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
237
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsESP ESP
Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply the ESP
®
is unavailable.
The BAS may not be operational.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the
ESP ®
is operational again and the message in the
multifunction display should disappear.
If the message in the multifunction display does not
disappear:
X Have the alternator and the battery checked.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible. ESP ESP
Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual
The ESP
®
is temporarily not available.
The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The BAS may not be operational.
The
brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
X Drive a short distance with added caution at a vehicle speed
of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
When

the message disappears, the ESP ®
is available again.
If the message does not disappear:
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. 238
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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