Not to sound snotty, but when I want serious questions about the Crossfire answered, I'm gonna stop by my local Mercedes dealer and be real real nice. The know the SLK and this engine back and forth and I'll bet they'll know way more than the typical Chrysler tech. Our tech members here are NOT typical and I wish they'd clone themselves and spread out.
Also, I may see if the SLK's white and crome HVAC controls could replace the X-fire's.
Dallas