2000–2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor & SLK 320 Operator's Manual (P/N 1705841896)

This DaimlerChrysler AG Operator's Manual covers the 2000–2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor and 2001–2004 SLK 320. The publication is USA Edition C 2001, Part No. 170 584 1896.

• Vehicle controls: Central locking, telescoping steering-column adjustment, climate control, and instrument-cluster displays, with illustrations identifying switches and operating controls.

• Retractable hardtop: Powered operation, switch warning indications, luggage-cover requirements, and the illustrated emergency procedure for raising the roof manually.

• Service and fluid checks: Flexible Service System (FSS) displays and resetting, engine oil and coolant checks, and model-specific fluid-capacity tables.

• Driver assistance and restraints: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist System (BAS), ABS, BabySmart airbag deactivation, SRS warning indications, and Tele Aid operation.

• Emergency procedures: Automatic transmission selector release, emergency engine shut-down, jump starting, and towing precautions for the covered transmission configurations.

• Owner maintenance: Remote-control battery replacement and synchronization, exterior bulb replacement, wiper inserts, wheel changes, and collapsible spare-tire inflation.

Written for SLK owners, this manual explains everyday operation, routine checks, and emergency measures, while referring specialist work to qualified technicians.

Vehicle Operation and Retractable Hardtop

Central locking coverage distinguishes selective and global unlocking. The climate-control section explains air recirculation, defrosting, and residual engine heat utilization (REST), alongside instrument-cluster and center-console illustrations.

Hardtop-switch indications distinguish open trunk or luggage-cover conditions from other operating faults. These explanations help owners check the roof's operating conditions before arranging roof-system repair.

The manual roof-raising procedure requires two people and the vehicle's hex-socket wrench. It also explains the resulting limitation: the rear quarter windows cannot be closed after this emergency procedure.

Manually moving the rear shelf's corner flaps can damage the roof-folding mechanism. This warning also applies when accessing the rear window for cleaning.

Service Indicators and Electrical Precautions

FSS and oil checks: The service section explains Service A and Service B indications, operating-condition-dependent intervals, and counter resetting after completed maintenance. The SLK 320 also has an instrument-display oil-level check; dipstick instructions and fluid-capacity tables provide further reference.

Detailed scheduled maintenance is referenced to a separate Service Booklet, which is not included. Internal engine and transmission overhaul and circuit-level diagnosis require separate workshop documentation.

ESP and warning lamps: The ESP synchronization instructions address a BAS/ESP warning following interruption of the battery supply. Other sections explain brake, coolant, charging, and engine-management indicators and identify conditions requiring professional inspection.

Tele Aid coverage describes the original system's self-check, emergency-call functions, and dependence on cellular and GPS reception.

The battery and jump-starting sections describe precautions against electrical damage. Loosening battery terminal clamps while the engine runs can damage the alternator and other electronic components.

Review the SRS warnings and emergency-procedure precautions before working on the vehicle. The manual assigns work on the SRS to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Illustrations and Roadside Procedures

Visual references include model-specific poly-V-belt routing diagrams, main and auxiliary fuse-box locations, headlamp connections, and taillamp bulb positions. The fuse section explains access and replacement precautions; the fuse allocation charts it references are located in the vehicle's fuse-box covers.

Wheel-change coverage distinguishes the collapsible spare wheels and their mounting bolts between models. The automatic transmission selector-release procedure addresses electrical power failure, including situations where the vehicle needs towing.

Manual and automatic transmission sections explain their operating controls. Automatic-transmission coverage also describes Standard and Winter/Wet modes and emergency operation in Limp Home Mode.

Examples of Hardtop Clearances and Spare-Tire Limits

For roof operation, the specified minimum clearance height is 5½ ft (1.65 m), with an additional 10 in (25 cm) behind the vehicle to accommodate trunk-lid movement.

The collapsible spare tire is inflated to 36 psi (2.5 bar). Its use is temporary, with a maximum vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h); these figures apply to the emergency spare.

Searchable PDF and Included Pages

Text search and bookmarks: Searchable text and embedded topic bookmarks support navigation through the manual. Some duplicate section-level bookmark entries have no active destination.

Supplied as one printable, English-language 273-page PDF. This total includes five unnumbered cover, introductory, and publication-information pages, together with two blank pages.