Integrated steel and glass Vario-roof, offering coupe versatility and convertible freedom.
Competitive Analysis
Direct Competitors:
BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster (986), Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000 (later models).
Key Features
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with retractable hardtop (Vario-roof).
Engine Options:
Four-cylinder (2.0L, 2.3L Supercharged) and V6 (3.2L) powertrains, plus AMG variant.
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, focus on sporty handling.
Manual Utility
Target User:
Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Value Proposition:
Provides accurate, official procedures to maintain vehicle integrity, diagnose issues, and perform repairs, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
General Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Download
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, Engine electrical, Fuel system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Ignition system, Drive axles, Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS/ESP), Transmission (manual and automatic), Body electrical, Climate control, HVAC, Body panels, Convertible top (Vario-roof) operation and repair, Interior trim, Diagnostic procedures, Wiring diagrams
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific number not provided, implies comprehensive)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual (Official Factory Style)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical and electrical, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, transmission diagnostics and repair, drive shafts, differential
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering system (hydraulic power steering), brake system (hydraulic, ABS, ESP components), wheel bearings, hub assemblies
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, convertible Vario-roof system mechanics and hydraulics, interior trim, seat adjustments, airbags, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks), climate control (HVAC), audio systems
Electrical And Diagnostics:
Complete wiring diagrams for all systems, fuse box locations and functions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures, module identification and functionality
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance items, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component removal and installation, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding and component replacement, steering rack replacement, convertible top mechanism repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees for common faults, identification of symptoms, measurement specifications for sensors and actuators, fault code interpretation and clearing
Technical Data And Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, component clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance values, performance data
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.
MB Specification 236.10 / 236.12 (e.g., MB ATF NAG2 FE Plus, Mobil ATF 134)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3995 - 4056 mm (157.3 - 159.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1290 - 1302 mm (50.8 - 51.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2073 mm (81.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300 - 1450 kg (2866 - 3197 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1650 - 1750 kg (3638 - 3858 lbs)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 145 liters (5.1 cu ft) with Vario-roof stowed; 334 liters (11.8 cu ft) with Vario-roof up.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific NHTSA ratings for the R170 are not readily available for all years, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well in crash testing, emphasizing occupant protection.
Active Features
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) standard on most models, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) optional or standard on later/higher trims.
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection bars behind the headrests.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters, automatic seatbelt extenders (often mounted on B-pillar or seat).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Various Becker-branded audio systems with AM/FM radio, CD player (optional), and cassette player. Optional Bose sound system.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, typically CD-ROM based for navigation data.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Parktronic) on later models.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed or dealer-added hands-free phone systems with cradle integration.
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Thermatic/Teleaid).
Seat Adjustment:
Manual seat adjustment standard, optional power seats with memory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Major Service:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (varies by model year and market). Check the specific manual for precise intervals.
Specific Items By Mileage:
Spark plugs: 100,000 km (60,000 miles) for iridium plugs (check specific engine); Brake fluid: 2 years; Coolant: Initial change at 150,000 km (93,000 miles) or 10 years, then every 2 years or 150,000 km.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
MB Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Edge 0W-40) for most gasoline engines.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 - 8.0 liters (6.9 - 8.5 US qt) depending on engine and oil filter. Consult manual for exact fill level.
Luxury, engineering excellence, innovation, and safety.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1996.
Facelift:
Minor facelift around 2001/2002, introducing updated bumpers, wheels, interior trim, and engine options (e.g., 320 and 32 AMG models).
Predecessor Successor:
No direct predecessor; succeeded by the R171 SLK-Class.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany.
Production Years:
1996 - 2004.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
General Reputation:
Well-regarded for its innovative Vario-roof technology and sporty driving characteristics in its segment. Praised for build quality typical of Mercedes-Benz.
Ratings
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety:
Specific ratings vary by year, but generally performed adequately for its class and era.
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