Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR 1999 User manual

What You Should Know
at the Gas Station
See last page
Mercedes-Benz
24 HOUR
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
u s a 1-800- OR MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372)
Canada 1-800-387-0100
Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel
Fuel consu ption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the reco ended
inflation pressures,
• re ove unnecessary loads,
• re ove roof rack when not in use,
• allow engine to war up under low
load use,
• avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration,
• have all aintenance work per
for ed at regular intervals by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer.
Fuel consu ption is also increased
by driving in cold weather, in
stop-and-go traffic, on short trips
and in hilly country.

Mercedes-Benz
Owner’s Manual
SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR

Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as
well as conversion parts and accessories e plicitly approved
by us for your vehicle model.
We have subjected these parts to a special test in which
their reliability, safety and their special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been determined.
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 e ist. 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
Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where proper installation will be
performed.
Printed in the U.S.A.
We reserve the right to odify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data
and illustrations of this Owner’s Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even
of excerpts, is not per itted without our prior authorization in writing.
Press ti e 09/30/98
MBNA/TI

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 e emplifies 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.
We e tend our best wishes for many miles of safe,
pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3

Introduction
This Owner’s Manual contains a great deal of useful
infor ation. We urge you to read it carefully and
fa iliarize 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 anual. Ignoring the
could result in da age to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle da age caused by
failure to follow instructions is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Li ited Warranty.
Your vehicle ay have so e or all of the equip ent
described in this anual. Therefore, you ay find
explanations for optional equip ent not installed in
your vehicle. If you have any questions about the
operation of any equip ent, your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to de onstrate
the proper procedures.
Owner’s Service and Warranty Information
The Owner’s Service and Warranty Infor ation
booklet contains detailed infor ation about the
warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:
• New Car Li ited Warranty,
• E ission Syste Warranty,
• E ission Perfor ance Warranty,
• California and Massachusetts E ission Control
Syste Warranty (California and Massachusetts
only),
• State Warranty Enforce ent Laws
(Le on Laws).
4
Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of
Mercedes-Benz Automobiles
Under California law you ay be entitled to a
replace ent of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz of North A erica,
Inc. or its authorized dealer fails to confor the
vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable
nu ber of repair atte pts during the period of one
year or 12 000 iles fro original delivery of the
vehicle. A reasonable nu ber of repair atte pts is
presu ed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of
service by reason of repair of substantial non
confor ities for a cu ulative total of ore than
30 calendar days or (2) the sa e substantial non
confor ity has been subject to repair four or ore
ti es and you have at least once directly notified
us in writing of the need to repair the non-con
formity and have given us an opportunity to per
form the repair ourselves. Notifications should
be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional
Office listed in the Owner’s Service and Warranty
Information booklet.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary
aintenance work which should be perfor ed at
regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you
take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for service. The service advisor will record
each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Progra
provides factory trained technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance nu ber:
1-800- OR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Custo er
Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
For additional infor ation refer to the Mercedes-
Benz Roadside Assistance Progra 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 Owner’s
Service and Warranty Infor ation booklet, or si ply
call the Mercedes-Benz Custo er Assistance Center
(in the U.S.A.) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Cus
to er 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 owner’s
literature with the vehicle to ake it available to the
next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in
the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the
Owner’s Service and Warranty Infor ation booklet,
or call the Mercedes-Benz Custo er Assistance
Center (in the U.S.A.) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or
Custo er Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or
Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
• service facilities or replace ent parts ay not
be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic
converters ay not be available; the use of
leaded fuels will da age the catalysts,
• gasoline ay have a considerably lower octane
rating, and i proper fuel can cause engine
da age.
Certain Mercedes-Benz odels are available for
delivery in Europe under our European Delivery
Progra . For details, consult your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North A erica, Inc.
European Delivery Depart ent
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Depart ent
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
5

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 Owner’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 Owner’s Manual, your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to inform you of
correct care and operating procedures.
The Owner’s Manual and Service Booklet are
important documents and should be kept with the
vehicle.
6

Instruments and Controls
Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions
Operation
Driving
Practical Hints
Technical Data
uels, Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Consumer Information
Index
Literature

The irst 1000 Miles
(1500 km) Check Regularly and
Before a Long Trip Radio Transmitters
Warning!
Never operate radio transmit
ters equipped with a built-in or
attached antenna (e.g. without
being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead
to a malfunction of the vehi
cle’s electronic system, possi
bly resulting in an accident
and personal injury.
The ore cautiously you treat your
vehicle during the break-in period,
the ore satisfied you will be with
its perfor ance later on. Therefore,
drive your vehicle during the first
1000 iles (1500 k ) at oderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy
loads (full throttle driving) and
excessive engine speeds.
Manual trans ission:
Downshift at proper engine
speeds.
Auto atic trans ission:
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It
is not reco ended to brake the
vehicle by anually shifting to a
lower gear. We reco end that
you select positions “3”, “2” or “1 ”
only at oderate speeds (for hill
driving).
After 1000 iles (1500 k ) speeds
ay be gradually increased to the
per issible axi u .
See last page.
Maintenance
Approxi ately 30 days or
2 000 iles (2 000 k ) prior to
the next reco ended service, the
re aining distance or days are
displayed in the ain odo eter
field. See Fle ible Service System
(FSS) in Index.
We strongly reco end that you
have your vehicle serviced by your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer,
in accordance with the Service
Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle
aintained in accordance with the
Service Booklet ay result in
vehicle da age not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Li ited Warranty.
Radio trans itters, such as a port
able telephone or a citizens band
unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an
antenna that is installed on the
outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio trans itter
operation instructions regarding
use of an external antenna.
8

Instruments and Controls
Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions
Instru ents and Controls 10
Instru ent Cluster 12
Indicator La p Sy bols 13
Catalytic Converter 15
Starting and Turning Off
the Engine 16
Driving Instructions 17

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Inde .
For adjust ent of air outlets, refer to Climate Control
(see Index).
1 Side defroster outlet, adjustable
2 Cruise control switch
3 Side air outlet, adjustable
4 Co bination switch
5 Exterior la p switch
6 Hood lock release
7 Instru ent cluster
8 Horn
9 Airbag
10 Steering wheel adjust ent handle
11 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
12 Cup holder
13 Center air outlets, adjustable
14 Air volu e control for center air outlets
15 Cli ate control
Rear window defroster switch
16 Glove box (illu inated with key in steering
lock position 1 or 2)
10
17 Side defroster outlet, adjustable
18 Side air outlet, adjustable
19 Air volu e control for side air and
defroster outlets
20 Audio syste
21 Hazard warning flasher switch
22 Central locking switch,
23 Left seat heater switch
24 Headla p washer switch
25 ASR control switch
26 Tow-away protection switch,
Indicator la p for antitheft alar syste
27 Right seat heater switch
28 Ashtray, coin holder
29 Storage co part ent
30 Airbag Off indicator la p
31 Power window switch
32 Parking brake lever
33 Mirror adjust ent switch
34 Hardtop operation switch
35 Lighter, storage co part ent

P68.10-2024-25
11
Instru ents and Controls

Instrument Cluster
1 Coolant te perature gauge.
See Index
2 Fuel gauge with reserve and
fuel cap place ent warning
la p (yellow). See Index
3 Outside te perature indicator.
See Index
4 Push button for intensity of
instru ent la ps, for trip
odo eter, and for FSS
indicator. See Index
5 Left turn signal indicator la p
(green)
6 ASR warning la p (yellow).
See Index
7 Right turn signal indicator la p
(green)
8 Speedo eter
9 Trip odo eter. See Index
10 Main odo eter,
FSS indicator. See Index
11 Push button for setting clock.
See Index
12 Tacho eter. See Index
13 Clock. See Index
100
1/win
12

Indicator Lamp Symbols
unction Indicator Lamp
High bea
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
ASR
Adjust driving to road condition.
See Index
. Fluid level for windshield and headla p
washer syste low. See Index
Coolant level low. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index
J Brake pads worn down. See Index
BRAKE Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index
CHECK
ENGINE
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index
Exterior la p failure. See Index
BAS alfunction. See Index
ASR alfunction. See Index
ABS alfunction. See Index
Fasten seat belts. See Index
SRS alfunction. See Index
Telescopic steering colu n not locked.
See Index
Engine alfunction indicator la p.
If the la p co es on when the engine is
running, it indicates a alfunction of the
fuel anage ent syste or e ission con
trol syste , or the fuel cap is not closed
tight. In all cases, we reco end that you
have the alfunction checked as soon as
possible. See Index
13
Instru ent Cluster
Indicator La p Sy bols

Additional unction Indicator Lamps
(in the Odometer Display)
■
S k R r b
E r r o r
FSS Indicator (distance).
See Index
FSS Indicator (days).
See Index
Start Lock-Out alfunction.
See Index
14
Additional unction Indicator Lamp
(on the Center Console)
Passenger airbag auto atically
switched off. See Index
AIRBAG
OFF

Catalytic Converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped
with onolithic type catalytic
converters, an i portant ele ent in
conjunction with the oxygen
sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the
exhaust e issions. Keep your
vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our
reco ended aintenance
instructions as outlined in your
Service Booklet.
Caution!
To prevent da age to the catalytic
converters, use only pre iu
unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in
engine operation should be re
paired pro ptly. Otherwise, ex
cessive unburned fuel ay reach
the catalytic converter causing it to
overheat, which could start a fire.
Warning!
As with any vehicle, do not idle,
park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible
materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as
these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
15
Indicator La p Sy bols
Catalytic Converter

Starting and Turning Off
the Engine
Before Starting
Ensure that parking brake is en
gaged and that selector lever is in
position “P” or “N” (gearshift lever
in neutral). Turn key in steering
lock to position 2.
Starting
Vehicles with auto atic
trans ission:
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly
turn key in steering lock clockwise
to the stop and release. The starter
will engage until the engine is
running.
If engine will not run, and the
starting procedure stops, turn key
co pletely to the left and repeat
starting the engine.
After several unsuccessful
atte pts, have the syste checked
at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Vehicles with anual
trans ission:
Do not depress accelerator. Fully
depress clutch pedal, otherwise the
engine cannot be started due to
the integrated safety interlock.
Turn key in steering lock clockwise
to the stop. Release key only when
the engine is firing regularly.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non
repeat feature, the key ust be
turned co pletely to the left before
atte pting to start the engine
again.
In areas where te peratures fre
quently drop below —4°F (-20°C)
we reco end that an engine
block heater be installed. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will advise you on this subject.
Turning Off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.
Vehicles with auto atic
trans ission:
The key can only be re oved with
your foot off the brake pedal and
the selector lever in position “P”.
16

Driving Instructions Brakes
Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance,
or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on
the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive
with caution to an area which
is a safe distance from the
roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the
vehicle for possible damage. If
the vehicle or tires appear
unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire
dealer for repairs.
Power Assistance
Warning!
When the engine is not run
ning, the brake and steering
systems are without power
assistance. Under these cir
cumstances, a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or
steer the vehicle.
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying
the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake
components, the first braking
action may be somewhat re
duced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary.
Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake
pedal will cause excessive and
premature wear of the brake
pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby signifi
cantly reducing their effective
ness. It may not be possible to
stop the vehicle in sufficient
time to avoid an accident.
The condition of the parking brake
syste is checked each ti e the
vehicle is in the shop for the
required service.
If the parking brake is released and
the brake warning la p in the
instru ent cluster stays on, the
brake fluid level in the reservoir is
too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the
syste ay be the reason for low
brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake syste inspected
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer i ediately.
All checks and service work on the
brake syste should be carried out
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake
fluid reco ended by Mercedes-
Benz.
Warning!
If other than recommended
brake pads are installed, or
other than recommended
brake fluid is used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can
be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in
an accident.
17
Starting
Driving Instructions

Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the
brakes by shifting into a lower gear
to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of
the brakes and reduces brake pad
wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for so e ti e, rather than
i ediately parking, so the air
strea will cool down the brakes
faster.
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators
are located in six places on the
tread circu ference and beco e
visible at a tread depth of approxi
ately 1/16 in (1.5 ), at which
point the tire is considered worn
and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears
as a solid band across the tread.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear
down too far. As tread depth
approaches 1/16 in (1.5 mm),
the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather
and/or road surface (condi
tions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Specified tire pressures ust be
aintained. This applies parti
cularly if the tires are subjected to
high loads (e.g. high speeds,
heavy loads, high a bient
te peratures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A
flat tire affects the ability to
steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the
vehicle. Continued driving
with a flat tire or driving at
high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the
water layer on the road, aqua
planing ay occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves
in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.
18