🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SLK-Class Model Code: R170 Year: 2003 Generation Generation: First Generation (R170) Codes Chassis Code: R170 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R170 represented a significant entry into the compact premium roadster segment, blending sports car performance with Mercedes-Benz luxury and innovation, particularly its retractable hardtop. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed directly with models like the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT, often distinguished by its innovative Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop) and refined driving dynamics. Key Features Key Features: Retractable vario-roof, compact roadster design, rear-wheel drive, emphasis on safety and luxury, available supercharged engines. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior, Convertible Top System, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams. Page Count Page Count: Extensive (specific number not provided, described as 'hundreds of pages') Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (printable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed service, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants offered in 2003, including diagnostics, component replacement, and performance tuning. Drivetrain: Coverage includes manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, and rear axle assembly. Repair and replacement procedures are detailed. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), wheel alignment specifications. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor replacement, parking brake. Electrical System: Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams for all systems, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition system, sensors, actuators, fuses, and relays. HVAC: Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant specifications and handling procedures. Bodywork: Exterior body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, bumpers, trim, convertible top mechanism operation and repair, weatherstripping. Interior: Dashboard removal, seat mechanisms, interior trim panels, airbag system components and precautions, seat belts. Convertible Top System: Detailed diagnostics, hydraulic system service, actuator replacement, sensor calibration, and troubleshooting for the Vario-Roof system. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid and filter changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, lubrication points, brake pad replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic charts, common fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various vehicle systems. Repair Rebuild: Step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for major components, including engine assembly, transmission rebuilds, and suspension overhauls. Diagnostics: Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing system checks. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed wiring schematics for engine control, body electronics, lighting, comfort systems, and powertrain. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and convertible top hydraulics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Print Quality: High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine Variant: SLK 200 Kompressor (Supercharged) Engine Code Engine Code: M111 E20 ML (Supercharged) Displacement Displacement: 1998 cc (2.0 Liters) Cylinders Cylinders: Inline 4-cylinder Valvetrain Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower: 163 hp @ 5300 rpm (for SLK 200 Kompressor) Torque: 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 2500-4800 rpm (for SLK 200 Kompressor) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8) Induction Induction: Supercharged (Roots-type or similar) Cooling System Cooling System: Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with electric fan. Ignition System Ignition System: Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 5-speed Automatic Transmission (with TouchShift) Features Transmission Features: Rear-wheel drive, rear axle differential. Fluid Type Transmission Fluid Manual: MB 235.10 (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil) Transmission Fluid Automatic: MB 236.10 (ATF LT 71141 or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in) Width: Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in) Height: Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2075 mm (81.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1340 kg (2954 lbs) for SLK 200 Kompressor Manual Cargo Cargo Volume Trunk: Approx. 145 liters (5.1 cu ft) with roof up, 52 liters (1.8 cu ft) with roof down. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: While specific 2003 NHTSA/IIHS ratings may vary by region, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally emphasized safety through robust chassis design and advanced restraint systems. The R170 typically performed well in impact tests. Active Features Active Safety Features: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) may be standard or optional depending on market and specific trim. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection bars (integrated behind seats), 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Base COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) or Audio 30/50...
The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R170 represented a significant entry into the compact premium roadster segment, blending sports car performance with Mercedes-Benz luxury and innovation, particularly its retractable hardtop.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with models like the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT, often distinguished by its innovative Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop) and refined driving dynamics.
Key Features
Key Features:
Retractable vario-roof, compact roadster design, rear-wheel drive, emphasis on safety and luxury, available supercharged engines.
Extensive (specific number not provided, described as 'hundreds of pages')
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (printable)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed service, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants offered in 2003, including diagnostics, component replacement, and performance tuning.
Drivetrain:
Coverage includes manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, and rear axle assembly. Repair and replacement procedures are detailed.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor replacement, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams for all systems, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition system, sensors, actuators, fuses, and relays.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant specifications and handling procedures.
Bodywork:
Exterior body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, bumpers, trim, convertible top mechanism operation and repair, weatherstripping.
Interior:
Dashboard removal, seat mechanisms, interior trim panels, airbag system components and precautions, seat belts.
Convertible Top System:
Detailed diagnostics, hydraulic system service, actuator replacement, sensor calibration, and troubleshooting for the Vario-Roof system.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid and filter changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, lubrication points, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic charts, common fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various vehicle systems.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for major components, including engine assembly, transmission rebuilds, and suspension overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., STAR DIAGNOSIS), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing system checks.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed wiring schematics for engine control, body electronics, lighting, comfort systems, and powertrain.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and convertible top hydraulics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine Variant:
SLK 200 Kompressor (Supercharged)
Engine Code
Engine Code:
M111 E20 ML (Supercharged)
Displacement
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Cylinders
Cylinders:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with electric fan.
Ignition System
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (with TouchShift)
Features
Transmission Features:
Rear-wheel drive, rear axle differential.
Fluid Type
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MB 235.10 (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.10 (ATF LT 71141 or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3995 mm (157.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2075 mm (81.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1340 kg (2954 lbs) for SLK 200 Kompressor Manual
Cargo
Cargo Volume Trunk:
Approx. 145 liters (5.1 cu ft) with roof up, 52 liters (1.8 cu ft) with roof down.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
While specific 2003 NHTSA/IIHS ratings may vary by region, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally emphasized safety through robust chassis design and advanced restraint systems. The R170 typically performed well in impact tests.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) may be standard or optional depending on market and specific trim.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection bars (integrated behind seats), 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Base COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) or Audio 30/50 APS radio systems, optional CD changer, navigation system.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, ASR, optional ESP, cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Optional integrated cellular phone system (early Bluetooth or analog/digital).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended annually or every 15,000 km (9,300 miles).
Service Intervals Brakes
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting MB-Approval 229.3 or 229.5.
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 / 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, typically a 50/50 mix with deionized water).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (or Pentosin CHF 11S for specific systems).
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts) with filter change for 2.0L engine.
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Common issues can include problems with the Vario-Roof hydraulic system (leaks, pump failure), mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues leading to rough idle, oil leaks from the crankcase or valve cover gaskets, and occasional issues with the electronic stability program (ESP) sensors.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive engineering and luxury, has a long history of producing high-quality vehicles, including iconic sports cars and roadsters like the 300 SL Gullwing and the SLC models.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution R170:
The R170 generation of the SLK was introduced in 1996, notable for its innovative retractable hardtop (Vario-Roof). The 2003 model year represents a facelifted version with updated styling and powertrain options.
Production
Production Years:
1996-2004
Production Location
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The SLK-Class, particularly its innovative Vario-Roof, received considerable automotive press attention and awards for its engineering and design upon introduction. Specific awards for the 2003 model year would reflect updates and refinements.