Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, R172 (USA / CAN)

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, R172 (USA / CAN) uses differential fluid with a capacity range of 0,95 to 1,2 liters. Service intervals occur every 30000 miles or 36 months. The data covers 9 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • SLK 55 AMG, 172.475 (2012-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Change 30000 miles/ 36 months
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • SLK 250, 172.447 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,95 liter
  • Code: 187 FE, Ø 187 mm
  • SLK 250, 172.447 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,1 liter
  • Code: 200 FE Ø 200 mm
  • SLK 250, 172.447 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • SLK 250, 172.447 (2011-2015)
  • Rear, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Fill up to lower edge of level plug opening
  • Code: ALU-HAG
  • SLK 350, 172.457 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 0,95 liter
  • Code: 187 FE, Ø 187 mm
  • SLK 350, 172.457 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,1 liter
  • Code: 200 FE Ø 200 mm
  • SLK 350, 172.457 (2011-2015)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: 215 FE, Ø 215 mm
  • SLK 350, 172.457 (2011-2015)
  • Rear, light alloy housing
  • Use: Normal
  • Fill up to lower edge of level plug opening
  • Code: ALU-HAG

Additional Notes

  • The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R172 rear differential carries three possible fluid capacities across the SLK 250 (172.447) and SLK 350 (172.457): 0.95 liter, 1.1 liter, and 1.2 liter, all under normal use conditions. The presence of multiple capacity values for the same model reflects different differential unit variants that may be installed across the 2011-2015 production run.
  • A fourth specification for both the SLK 250 and SLK 350 applies specifically to the light alloy housing variant of the rear differential. Rather than a fixed volume, the fill method for the light alloy housing is defined as filling to the lower edge of the level plug opening, meaning the housing geometry itself determines the correct fluid quantity rather than a measured amount.
  • The SLK 55 AMG (172.475) rear differential specifies a capacity of 1.2 liters under normal use conditions, which places it at the upper end of the capacity range seen across the R172 lineup.
  • The SLK 55 AMG is the only variant in the R172 differential specifications to carry an explicit fluid change interval. Under normal use conditions, the interval is set at 30,000 miles or 36 months, whichever comes first.
  • No fluid change interval appears in the specifications for the SLK 250 or SLK 350 rear differential, whereas the SLK 55 AMG carries a defined 30,000-mile or 36-month interval. The AMG model's higher-output V8 engine and associated drivetrain demands are consistent with a more actively managed fluid service schedule.
  • The SLK 55 AMG entered production for the R172 generation starting in 2012, one year after the SLK 250 and SLK 350, which both began in 2011. All three variants share the same 2015 end point within the specifications.

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