🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SLK-Class Model Variant: SLK350 Sport Year: 2008 Generation Generation Code: R171 Codes Vin Prefix: WDB 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium Compact Sports Roadster Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Porsche Boxster Key Features Distinctive Feature: Retractable Hardtop (Vario-Roof) Brand Philosophy: Emphasis on safety, engineering excellence, and sophisticated design 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Operation, Maintenance, Features, Specifications Secondary Coverage: Safety Systems, Climate Control, Entertainment, Security Page Count Estimated Page Count: N/A (Digital PDF) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System Chassis: Suspension, Brakes, Steering Electrical: Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, Battery Interior Comfort: Climate Control, Seating, Restraints, Locks, Security Infotainment: Audio System, Navigation (if equipped) Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Fluid checks and refills, Air filter replacement, Wiper blade replacement Operational: Driving techniques, Operating controls, Using comfort features Safety Features: Seat belt usage, Airbag system explanation, Child seat installation guidance Troubleshooting: Warning lamp explanations, Basic diagnostic guidance Technical Depth Depth: User-level maintenance, Operation of features, Basic troubleshooting, Specifications 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Requires PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.); Compatible with all PDF-capable devices. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital reproduction of factory original. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF - No physical binding) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital PDF - No physical paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M272 DE35 Engine Type: 3.5L V6, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 3498 cc (3.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher) Engine Compartment Layout: Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive Maintenance Oil Type: Synthetic Engine Oil Oil Capacity W Filter: 8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Optional Type: 6-Speed Manual (rare for SLK350 Sport in North America) Features Automatic Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Manual Control: TouchShift manual shifting via shift lever Fluid Specifications Automatic Fluid Type: MB-Approval 236.14 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 160.3 inches (4071 mm) Width: 70.2 inches (1783 mm) Height: 51.1 inches (1298 mm) Wheelbase: 94.5 inches (2400 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3263 lbs (1480 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger) IIHS Side Impact: Good Active Features Brake System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS) Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Dual-stage front airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags (driver side) Restraint System: Front and side-impact seatbelt pretensioners, NECK-PRO active head restraints Rollover Protection: Automatic Pop-up Roll Bars 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: COMAND APS (optional), Audio 20 (standard); features include AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 compatibility. Navigation: Optional factory-installed navigation system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control with speed limiter. Parking Assist: Optional Parking Assist System ( PARKTRONIC ) Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. Comfort Features Climate Control: Automatic climate control (THERMATIC) or dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC) on some models. Seat Features: Power-adjustable seats with memory, Heated seats (optional), Ventilated seats (optional on some higher trims). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable (based on Active Service System 'ASSYST'), typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year. Major Service Interval: Approximately every 30,000-40,000 miles (includes spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc., depending on ASSYST prompts). Fluid Specifications Coolant Type: MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0) Power Steering Fluid: MB-Approval 236.3 Known Issues Common Issue 1: Vario-Roof hydraulic system leaks or pump failure Common Issue 2: Cracked exhaust manifolds (particularly on early M272 engines) Common Issue 3: Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues Common Issue 4: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) errors Filter Part Numbers Oil Filter: Example: Mahle OX254D1 or Mann-Filter HU718/1 K (verify specific application) Engine Air Filter: Example: Mann-Filter C35176/1 or Bosch 0986452031 (verify specific application) 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Brand Focus: Pioneering automotive safety, luxury, and engineering innovation since the early 20th century. Model Evolution Previous Generation: R170 SLK-Class (introduced 1996) Introduction R171: Launched in 2004, featuring a more aggressive design and the innovative Vario-Roof system. Production Manufacturing Plant: Bremen, Germany Production Years R171: 2004-2011 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Common Award: While specific awards for the 2008 SLK350 Sport are not readily available as a single entity, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era frequently received accolades for safety, build quality, and design from publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and JD Power. Ratings Reliability Rating: JD Power and Associates reliability ratings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the mid-2000s were generally...