Vehicle care. Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Kompressor, 2003 SLK-Class, SLK Class 2003, 2001 SLK 320, 2003 SLK 320, 2003 SLK 32 AMG, SLK 320, SLK 230

Operation

Vehicle care

Vehicle care

Cleaning and care of vehicle

Warning!

G

Many cleaning products can be hazardous.

Some are poisonous, others are flammable.

Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the inside.

Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for cleaning your vehicle.

In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying external influences which, if gone unchecked, can attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage.

Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but also by:

앫

앫

앫

Air pollution

Road salt

Tar, gravel and stone chipping

To avoid paint damage, you should immediately remove:

앫

앫

Grease and oil

Fuel

앫

앫

앫

Coolant

Brake fluid

Insects

Tree resins, etc.

앫

Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse influences.

More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions:

앫

앫

Near the ocean

In industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions)

앫 During winter operation

You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage.

Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of corrosion.

In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas need to be re-undercoated.

Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by

Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials used in the production process and others applied later.

We have selected car-care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to our vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.

You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products at your authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed or repaired with

187

Operation

Vehicle care the car-care products recommended here.

In such cases it is best to seek aid at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of your vehicle and give important

“how-to” information as well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products.

Additional information can be found in the booklet “Vehicle Care Guide”.

Power washer

When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle, always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.

!

Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.

Always replace a damaged tire.

Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.

Tar stains

Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Paintwork, painted body components

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”, normally every 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and washing detergent used.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).

Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.

Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.).

188

Operation

Vehicle care

Engine cleaning

Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from contact with water and cleaning agents.

Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning.

Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing

Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.

Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.

Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish.

Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in outside mirrors prior to running the vehicle through an automatic car wash to prevent damage to the mirrors.

In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible.

When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

Ornamental moldings

For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.

Headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal lenses

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.

To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or sponge.

189

Operation

Vehicle care

Wiper blades

Clean wiper blade inserts with a clean cloth and detergent solution.

i

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key from steering lock before cleaning the wiper blades, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.

Window cleaning

Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.

i

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove key from steering lock before cleaning the windshield, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.

!

Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the key in the steering lock.

Rear window cleaning

The corner flaps of the rear shelf partially cover the rear window. This prevents the window from being fully cleaned with the hardtop closed.

!

Do not manually move corner flaps or rear shelf. Doing so will result in damage to the roof folding mechanism that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz

Limited Warranty.

Warning!

G

If a warning sounds and the indicator lamp in the hardtop switch blinks, immediately stop cleaning and move back from window to prevent possible injury.

The hardtop is lowered into its storage compartment.

190

Operation

Vehicle care

왘 Prior to cleaning the inside of the rear window, turn key in steering lock to position 2 .

왘

1 Rear shelf in vertical position

Operate hardtop via the switch

( 컄 page 129) until rear shelf

1 is in a vertical position.

The roof will remain in this position for approximately 7 minutes, sufficient time for cleaning the inside of the rear window.

i

The roof will only stay in this position when the key is in steering lock position 2 .

If you pull on the hardtop switch again, you can continue to clean the rear window for another 7 minutes.

Instrument cluster

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

Steering wheel and gear selector lever

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved

Leather Care.

Light alloy wheels

Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.

If possible, clean wheels once a week with

Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of water.

Follow instructions on container.

i

Use only acid-free cleaning materials.

Acid could lead to corrosion.

Cup holder

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

Hard plastic trim items

Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior

Care onto a soft lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.

191

Operation

Vehicle care

Headliner

Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

Seat belts

The webbing must not be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above 176°F

(80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning!

G

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Upholstery

Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently discolored. By lining the seats with a proper intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be prevented.

Leather upholstery

Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with

Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.

Exercise particular care when cleaning perforated leather as its underside should not become wet.

Cloth upholstery

Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

Plastic and rubber parts

Do not use oil or wax on these parts.

192

Practical hints

What to do if …?

Where will I find ...?

Unlocking/locking in an emergency

Opening/closing in an emergency

Replacing bulbs

Replacing wiper blades

Flat tire

Battery

Jump starting

Towing the vehicle

Fuses

193