🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: SLK-Class Model Variant: SLK350 Year: 2005 Codes Chassis Code: R171 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Luxury Sports Roadster Target Audience: Enthusiasts seeking a premium, stylish, and engaging driving experience Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT Roadster Key Features Vario Roof: Power retractable hardtop (vario-roof) providing coupe-like comfort or open-air driving Design: Distinctive styling characteristic of Mercedes-Benz, with a focus on sporty aesthetics 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting Secondary Coverage: Safety systems, comfort controls, and vehicle specifications Page Count Estimated Pages: Approx. 300-400 (typical for this model year) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Instrument Cluster: Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicators Entertainment Systems: Operation of COMAND APS infotainment system, radio, CD player, and optional changer Climate Controls: Operation of manual/automatic climate control, air conditioning, and heating Lighting Systems: Headlight controls, exterior/interior lighting, fog lights, and automatic lighting functions Driver Controls: Steering wheel controls, cruise control, windshield wipers, and mirrors Locks And Security: Remote key fob operation, central locking, anti-theft alarm, and immobilizer Seating And Safety Restraints: Seat adjustments, headrest adjustment, seatbelt operation, and airbag system overview Driving Operation: Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, and driving aids (e.g., ESP) Customer Assistance: Contact information for Mercedes-Benz customer service and roadside assistance Safety Defect Reporting: Procedure for reporting safety-related defects (U.S. market specific) Cleaning And Care: Recommendations for interior and exterior cleaning and material care Maintenance And Specifications: Overview of maintenance requirements and key vehicle specifications Engine Compartment: Identification of major components and fluids under the hood Engine Oil: Oil type, viscosity, capacity, and checking procedure Battery Maintenance: Battery type, location, and basic care information Fuel Information: Recommended fuel grade, octane rating, and fueling procedure Air Filter: Information on air filter replacement intervals and type Part Numbers: Limited mention of key replacement part numbers (e.g., filters, fluids) for basic maintenance Refill Capacities: Capacities for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, etc. Lubricant Specifications: Specifications for various lubricants and fluids Accessories: Information on factory-installed accessories and their operation Service Information: General guidance on routine service and maintenance procedures Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement Operational Procedures: How to use various vehicle features and systems correctly Troubleshooting Basic: Explanation of common warning lights and basic corrective actions Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level understanding and operation, not detailed repair procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Required Software: PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) Compatibility: Any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital scan preserving original content Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.5L V6 (M272 E35) Displacement: 3498 cc (3.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Engine Management ECU Type: ME 9.7 Engine Control Unit 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Optional Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual (less common for SLK350 in the US market for 2005) Features Transmission Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 157.5 in (4000 mm) Width: 70.5 in (1791 mm) Height: 51.1 in (1298 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3240-3350 lbs (1470-1520 kg) Wheelbase: 82.7 in (2100 mm) Track Width Front: 59.4 in (1508 mm) Track Width Rear: 58.7 in (1490 mm) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4/5 Stars (Driver and Passenger) IIHS Front Offset: Good Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Esp: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Traction Control: Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection system (pop-up bars) Seat Belts: Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) with 6.5-inch color display, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation module. Audio System: Standard premium sound system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control with speed limiter. Connectivity Optional Connectivity: Optional Bluetooth telephone module. Lighting Headlights: Standard halogen headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive cornering. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on the Flexible Service System (FSS). Major Service Intervals: Major services (e.g., spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service) occur at higher mileage intervals, often around 40,000-60,000 miles, depending on FSS calculations and driving conditions. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended) Coolant Spec: Mercedes-Benz specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant) Transmission Fluid Spec: MB 236.12 (ATF) for 7G-TRONIC Brake Fluid Spec:...
How to use various vehicle features and systems correctly
Troubleshooting Basic:
Explanation of common warning lights and basic corrective actions
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level understanding and operation, not detailed repair procedures
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Required Software:
PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Compatibility:
Any device capable of reading PDF files (computers, tablets, smartphones)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital scan preserving original content
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 (M272 E35)
Displacement:
3498 cc (3.5 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
ME 9.7 Engine Control Unit
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (less common for SLK350 in the US market for 2005)
Features
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
157.5 in (4000 mm)
Width:
70.5 in (1791 mm)
Height:
51.1 in (1298 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3240-3350 lbs (1470-1520 kg)
Wheelbase:
82.7 in (2100 mm)
Track Width Front:
59.4 in (1508 mm)
Track Width Rear:
58.7 in (1490 mm)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection system (pop-up bars)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) with 6.5-inch color display, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, and optional navigation module.
Audio System:
Standard premium sound system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control with speed limiter.
Connectivity
Optional Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth telephone module.
Lighting
Headlights:
Standard halogen headlights, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive cornering.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on the Flexible Service System (FSS).
Major Service Intervals:
Major services (e.g., spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service) occur at higher mileage intervals, often around 40,000-60,000 miles, depending on FSS calculations and driving conditions.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended)
Control arm bushings, shock absorbers, serpentine belt, spark plugs
Vario Roof System:
Potential for hydraulic leaks or actuator issues in the retractable hardtop system, requiring specialized attention.
Oil Cooler Seals:
Leaking oil cooler seals can be a common repair item on the M272 engine.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing high-quality, luxurious, and technologically advanced vehicles since the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
R171 Introduction:
The R171 generation of the SLK-Class debuted in 2004 for the 2005 model year, succeeding the R170.
Slk350 Positioning:
The SLK350 served as a mid-tier performance offering within the R171 lineup, bridging the gap between the SLK280/SLK300 and the AMG models.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for models with good performance in front and side crash tests.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Typically received good ratings for performance and comfort, with variable ratings for predicted reliability depending on the specific year and component.