Mercedes-Benz 2001 SLK 320 User manual

SLK
Operator’s Manual

SLK 230 Kompressor
SLK 320

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving
DaimlerChrysler AG

1Contents
Introduction
Product information 5
Operator’s manual 6
Where to find it 11
Reporting Safety Defects 13
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls 16
Center console 18
Overhead control panel 19
Operation
Vehicle keys 22
Remote control with
folding master key 22
Start lock-out 24
General notes on the
central locking system 24
Central locking system 25
Remote control 25
Panic button 27
Doors 28
Central locking switch 30
Automatic central locking 31
Emergency unlocking in
case of accident 32
Trunk 33
Emergency release
for trunk lid 35
Antitheft alarm system 35
Tow-away alarm 37
Seats 38
Seat heater 42
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system 44
Seat belts 44
Seat belt nonusage
warning system 45
BabySmartTM airbag
deactivation system 50
Self-test BabySmartTM without
special child
seat installed 51
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) 51
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) 52
Airbags 52
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag 59
Infant and child
restraint systems 61
Adjusting telescoping
steering column 63
Rear view mirrors 64
Instrument cluster 68
Flexible service
system (FSS) 75
Checking engine oil level 77
Engine oil consumption 78
Exterior lamp switch 79
Headlamp cleaning system 80
Combination switch 81
Hazard warning flasher
switch 83
Climate control 84
Rear window defroster 88
Audio and telephone,
operation 91

2Contents
Power windows 109
Interior lighting 110
Night security illumination 110
Sun visors with Vanity Mirror 111
Interior 111
Cup holder and glove box 112
Storage compartments 113
Ashtrays 114
Coin Holder 114
Lighter 115
Parcel net in
passenger footwell 116
Shelf behind roll bars 116
Cellular telephone 116
Garage door opener 117
Retractable hardtop 120
Wind screen 125
Luggage cover 126
Driving
Control and operation
of radio transmitters 128
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) 129
Maintenance 129
Tele Aid 130
Catalytic converter 138
Emission control 139
Steering lock 140
Starting and turning off
the engine 142
Manual transmission 143
Automatic transmission 144
Parking brake 153
Driving instructions 154
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel 154
Drinking and driving 154
Pedals 154
Power assistance 155
Brakes 155
Driving off 156
Parking 156
Tires 157
Snow chains 160
Winter driving instructions 160
Block heater 162
Deep water 162
Passenger compartment 162
Traveling abroad 162
Cruise control 163
Brake assist system (BAS) 166
Antilock brake system (ABS) 168
Electronic stability
program (ESP) 170
What you should know
at the gas station 174
Check regularly and
before a long trip 176

3Contents
Instrument cluster display
Malfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster 178
On-board diagnostic system 178
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp 178
Brake warning lamp 179
Brake pad wear
indicator lamp 180
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp 180
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp 180
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning 181
Electronic stability
program (ESP) —
warning lamp 181
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp 181
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp 182
Telescoping steering
column warning lamp 182
Low engine coolant level
warning lamp 183
Low windshield and
headlamp washer system
fluid level warning lamp 183
Low engine oil level
warning lamp 184
Charge indicator lamp 184
Exterior lamp failure
indicator lamp 185
Additional function
indicator lamps
(in the odometer display) 185
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console 185
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp 185
Practical hints
First aid kit 188
Stowing things
in the vehicle 188
Fuses 188
Hood 190
Automatic transmission
fluid level 192
Checking engine oil level 193
Coolant level 194
Adding coolant 194
Windshield and
headlamp washer system 195
Air pump, spare wheel,
vehicle tools,
storage compartment 196
Vehicle jack 197
Wheels 198
Tire replacement 198
Rotating wheels 199
Spare wheel 200
Spare wheel bolts 201
Changing wheels 202
Inflating the collapsible
spare tire 207
Storing spare wheel in
wheel well 208
Tire inflation pressure 209

4Contents
Battery 210
Jump starting 212
Towing the vehicle 214
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking 217
Exterior lamps 218
Headlamp assembly 219
Taillamp assemblies 222
Changing batteries in the
remote control 224
Synchronizing
remote control 225
Emergency engine shut-down 226
Raising hardtop manually 226
Replacing wiper blade insert 231
Antenna 232
Manual release of
fuel filler flap 232
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care
of the vehicle 234
Power washer 235
Paintwork, painted body
components 235
Tar stains 235
Engine cleaning 236
Vehicle washing 236
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses 237
Window cleaning 237
Rear window cleaning 237
Wiper blades 238
Light alloy wheels 238
Instrument cluster 238
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever 239
Cup holder 239
Hard plastic trim items 239
Plastic and rubber parts 239
Headliner and shelf
behind roll bars 239
Upholstery 239
Seat belts 240
Technical data
Spare parts service 242
Warranty coverage 242
Identification labels 243
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 245
Technical data 248
Fuels, coolants, lubricants
etc – capacities 252
Engine oils 254
Engine oil additives 254
Air conditioner refrigerant 254
Brake fluid 254
Premium unleaded gasoline 255
Fuel requirements 255
Gasoline additives 256
Coolants 256
Consumer information 258
Inde
Index 260

5Introduction
Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories
explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model
We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible
for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other
agencies should exist Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle Please do not use them
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on
permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed

6Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws)

7Introduction
Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties
after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of
the vehicle A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by
reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same
substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly
notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the
repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you

8Introduction
Roadside assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown
Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100 It is in your own interest that we can
contact you should the need arise
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100

9Introduction
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
•Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage
the catalysts,
•gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program For details,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

10Introduction
We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make
changes in design and equipment Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual
might differ from your vehicle
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary Since they
are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your
vehicle
If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures
The Operator’s Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle

11Introduction
Where to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation
•Driving: Important information on driving
• Instrument cluster display: Indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc is contained here
•Inde: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background

12Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect
its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required If the matter is not handled to your
satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if
necessary contact us at the following addresses:
In the USA: Client Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

13Introduction
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U S Federal Regulations,
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-327-4236
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D C area) or write to: NHTSA, U S Department of Transportation,
Washington, D C 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline

15Contents - Instruments and controls
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Inde
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls 16
Center console 18
Overhead control panel 19

16Instruments and controls
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Inde
Instruments and controls

17Instruments and controls
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Inde
1Side defroster outlet, adjustable
2Cruise control switch, see page 163
3Side air outlet, adjustable
4Combination switch, see page 81
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 79
6Hood lock release, see page 190
7Instrument cluster, see page 68
8Horn (with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
9Airbag
10 Steering wheel adjustment handle, see page 64
11 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch,
see page 140
12 Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
13 Cup holder, see page 112
14 Center air outlets, adjustable
15 Air volume control for center air outlets
16 Climate control, see page 84
Rear window defroster switch
17 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 1 or 2), see page 112
18 Audio system, see page 91
19 Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 83
20 Central locking switch, see page 30
21 Left seat heater switch, see page 42
22 Headlamp washer switch, see page 80
23 ESP control switch, see page 172
24 Tow-away alarm switch, see page 37
25 Right seat heater switch, see page 42
26 Ashtray, coin holder, see page 114
27 Storage compartment