🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SLK-Class Model Variant: SLK280 Year: 2008 Codes Chassis Code: R171 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Luxury Roadster / Sports Car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims) Key Features Body Style: Two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF). Target Audience: Enthusiast drivers seeking a premium convertible experience with Mercedes-Benz engineering and refinement. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 250-350 (Typical for this model year and comprehensive coverage) Manual Type Type: Factory Owners Manual (Digital) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine oil, fuel system, air filter, battery, refill capacities, lubricant specifications. Electrical Systems: Instrument cluster, lights, entertainment systems, battery. Comfort And Convenience: Climate controls, locks and security, driver controls, seating, accessories. Safety Systems Safety Restraints: Seating and Safety Restraints, airbags, seatbelts. Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Engine oil checking and replenishment, battery maintenance, air filter inspection and replacement, fluid refill capacities, lubrication specifications. Operation: Driver controls, lights, climate controls, entertainment systems, locks and security, driving procedures. Customer Assistance: Customer assistance information, reporting safety defects (U.S. only). Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operational, maintenance, and basic care information. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures found in a factory service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Compatibility: Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (e.g., PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone) with a PDF reader installed (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.). Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual. Binding Type Type: Digital (N/A for print) Paper Type Type: Digital (N/A for print) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M272 (for the SLK280) Engine Type: 3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated) Performance Horsepower: 228 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 or similar) Fuel Information Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Compartment Layout: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC) with TOUCHSHIFT Features Automatic Features: Adaptive shifting, sport and comfort modes. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 157.5 inches (4000 mm) Width: 69.5 inches (1765 mm) Height: 50.5 inches (1283 mm) Wheelbase: 94.5 inches (2400 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3,197 - 3,318 lbs (1450 - 1505 kg) depending on transmission Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4,156 lbs (1885 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (2008 Model Year Standards) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (2008 Model Year Standards) IIHS Side Impact Driver: Good (2008 Model Year Standards) IIHS Side Impact Passenger: Good (2008 Model Year Standards) Active Features Traction Control: Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) Stability Control: Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program) Brakes: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seats, rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars). Seatbelts: Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) APS system with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Standard systems include audio controls on the steering wheel. Connectivity: Bluetooth hands-free communication, optional auxiliary audio input. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control with speed limiter. Parking Assistance: Optional Parktronic parking sensors. Other Technology Vario Roof: Electrically operated retractable hardtop with a push-button control, offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Flexible, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder on the instrument cluster, usually every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, or based on driving conditions. Major Service Interval: Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' schedules which include inspections of various systems, fluid changes, and filter replacements. Often around 20,000 - 40,000 miles for specific items. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent). Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change. Coolant Type: Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Transmission Fluid Automatic: Mercedes-Benz Specification 236.14 (e.g., ATF 7-G Tronic Fluid). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Plus (or MB Specification 331.0). Known Issues Common Problems: Issues with the retractable vario-roof mechanism (hydraulic leaks, sensor faults), mass airflow sensor failures, and potential for timing chain wear on some M272 engines if not properly maintained...
BMW Z4, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette (lower trims)
Key Features
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop (VARIO-ROOF).
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a premium convertible experience with Mercedes-Benz engineering and refinement.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
250-350 (Typical for this model year and comprehensive coverage)
Owner-level operational, maintenance, and basic care information. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures found in a factory service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Compatibility:
Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (e.g., PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone) with a PDF reader installed (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.).
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual.
Binding Type
Type:
Digital (N/A for print)
Paper Type
Type:
Digital (N/A for print)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M272 (for the SLK280)
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Performance
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 2.8 or similar)
Fuel Information
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Compartment
Layout:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC) with TOUCHSHIFT
Features
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shifting, sport and comfort modes.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
157.5 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
50.5 inches (1283 mm)
Wheelbase:
94.5 inches (2400 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,197 - 3,318 lbs (1450 - 1505 kg) depending on transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,156 lbs (1885 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2008 Model Year Standards)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2008 Model Year Standards)
IIHS Side Impact Driver:
Good (2008 Model Year Standards)
IIHS Side Impact Passenger:
Good (2008 Model Year Standards)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seats, rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) APS system with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Standard systems include audio controls on the steering wheel.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free communication, optional auxiliary audio input.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Other Technology
Vario Roof:
Electrically operated retractable hardtop with a push-button control, offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Flexible, typically indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' reminder on the instrument cluster, usually every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, or based on driving conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to the 'Service A' and 'Service B' schedules which include inspections of various systems, fluid changes, and filter replacements. Often around 20,000 - 40,000 miles for specific items.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic Engine Oil, meeting Mercedes-Benz Specification 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Issues with the retractable vario-roof mechanism (hydraulic leaks, sensor faults), mass airflow sensor failures, and potential for timing chain wear on some M272 engines if not properly maintained with quality oil.
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regularly check and maintain the hydraulic fluid for the vario-roof. Adhere strictly to synthetic oil change intervals with MB-approved lubricants. Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and engineering innovation in sports cars, dating back to models like the 300SL Gullwing and the earlier SL roadsters.
Model Evolution
R171 Generation:
The R171 SLK-Class was introduced in 2004 as the successor to the R170. The SLK280 was a new model designation for the 2005 model year (introduced in some markets in late 2004), offering a balance of performance and efficiency within the SLK range. The 2008 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the R171 generation, with minor styling updates and feature enhancements.