🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SLK Year: 1996 Codes Chassis Code: R170 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact premium sports roadster Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking a stylish, compact, and agile two-seater convertible Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (later models), Audi TT (later models) Key Features Convertible Top: Vario-roof (retractable hardtop) introduced on later models, but early R170 had a soft-top with integrated roll-over protection. Handling: Nimble handling, rear-wheel drive platform, balanced chassis Design: Distinctive 'Silver Arrows' inspired front-end styling, compact dimensions 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Coverage: 2.0L (M111.940) & 2.3L Supercharged (M111.973) Transmission Coverage: 5-speed Automatic (722.604) Electrical System Coverage: Detailed wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures Body And Chassis Coverage: Body repair, structural analysis, suspension, steering, braking systems Page Count Total Pages: Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implied comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling, timing Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnosis Transmission Mechanical: Automatic transmission assembly, valve body, torque converter, internal components Transmission Control: Electronic transmission control unit (ETC) diagnosis, shift solenoids Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), brake caliper service, rotor replacement Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components and service Body And Trim: Exterior body panel removal/installation, interior trim, convertible top mechanism Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, fault code interpretation Component Rebuilds: Detailed instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and major components Torque Specifications: Critical torque values for all fasteners Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information Diagnostic Tools: References to necessary diagnostic tools and equipment 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Quality: Printable to full factory specifications Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: M111.940 Engine Type 1: Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Displacement 1: 1998 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke 1: 89.9 mm x 78.7 mm Compression Ratio 1: 10.3:1 Performance Horsepower 1: 136 PS (134 hp; 100 kW) at 5500 rpm Torque 1: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm Engine Code 2 Engine Code 2: M111.973 (Supercharged) Engine Type 2 Engine Type 2: Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Supercharged Displacement 2 Displacement 2: 2295 cc (2.3 Liters) Bore X Stroke 2 Bore X Stroke 2: 90.9 mm x 88.4 mm Compression Ratio 2 Compression Ratio 2: 8.8:1 Performance 2 Horsepower 2: 193 PS (190 hp; 142 kW) at 5300 rpm Torque 2: 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm Fuel System Injection System: Bosch Motronic M4.1 / M5.2 electronic fuel injection Fuel Requirements Octane Rating: Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 5-Speed Automatic (722.604) Optional Transmission Type Opt: 5-Speed Manual (Introduced later in R170 lifecycle, but not for initial 1996 models as per standard documentation) Features Automatic Features: Electronic control, Lock-up torque converter, Selectable drive modes (Standard/Comfort) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 220) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4050 mm (159.4 in) Width: 1715 mm (67.5 in) Height: 1292 mm (50.9 in) Wheelbase: 2400 mm (94.5 in) Weights Curb Weight Slk200: Approx. 1320 kg (2910 lbs) Curb Weight Slk230: Approx. 1390 kg (3064 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: N/A (Specific ratings for 1996 models may be limited, but generally designed to meet European safety standards of the era) Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Asr: Optional (Acceleration Slip Regulation) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags Rollover Protection: Integrated roll-over bar behind the seats 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette or CD player with optional premium sound system. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control (Thermatic/Thermotronic). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional depending on trim level. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited by 1996 standards; typically features for external audio input (e.g., CD changer prep) rather than integrated Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications) Major Service Interval: Refer to manual for 'Service A' and 'Service B' intervals which include more comprehensive checks and replacements (e.g., coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic) - consult manual for exact viscosity Coolant Specification: MB-Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate, blue/green) Brake Fluid Specification: DOT...
MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1, Mobil ATF 220)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4050 mm (159.4 in)
Width:
1715 mm (67.5 in)
Height:
1292 mm (50.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2400 mm (94.5 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Slk200:
Approx. 1320 kg (2910 lbs)
Curb Weight Slk230:
Approx. 1390 kg (3064 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Specific ratings for 1996 models may be limited, but generally designed to meet European safety standards of the era)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Asr:
Optional (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over bar behind the seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette or CD player with optional premium sound system.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Thermatic/Thermotronic).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited by 1996 standards; typically features for external audio input (e.g., CD changer prep) rather than integrated Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for 'Service A' and 'Service B' intervals which include more comprehensive checks and replacements (e.g., coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 synthetic) - consult manual for exact viscosity
MB-Approval 236.3 (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Known Issues
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to intermittent starting or stalling.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Window Regulators:
Can be prone to failure, especially on convertible top models.
Variator Mechanism Issues:
For Vario-roof models, issues with hydraulic lines, pumps, or sensors can occur.
Rust Corrosion:
Check common areas like wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms for rust.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury and sports vehicles, including iconic roadsters like the 300SL 'Gullwing' and the R107 SL-Class.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The R170 generation of the SLK-Class was launched in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact roadster market. It was a significant departure from the larger SL models.
Key Innovation:
The R170 was one of the first production cars to feature a retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), although this was introduced on later models (1997 onwards).
Production
Production Years:
1996 - 2004 (R170 platform)
Production Locations
Manufacturing Plant:
Bremen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Award 1997:
Received the 'Golden Steering Wheel' award in 1997 from the German magazine 'Bild am Sonntag'.
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