The SLK was a modern incarnation of the 1950sīy returning to four cylinders and a 94-inch (2,400 mm) wheelbase. It was powered by a 193 hp 2 and a choice ofor 5-speed. SLK 230 Kompressor launch model became a competitor to the and. On April 22, 1996, the new production SLK-Class, based on the R170 platform was introduced at the Turin Motor Show. Patent being filed on September 30, 1993. In early 1993, the finalĭesign was selected and approved by the board, with the German design Of them were proposed again in full-scale. Günak, the first design sketches were drawn and 12 1:5 scale modelsīeing built in the first half of 1992. Grand-tourer R129 SL and the Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-Benz set out to createĪ new compact roadster, slotted below the SL. The designation SLK derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short - in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz.Īt start of the 1990s, after the introduction of their two-seater The SLK Vario-roof was first shown on the SLK II concept car at the 1994 The car went on sale two years later in Europe, and in 1997 in the US. The first generation makes the best sense to us with some great value examples around and, as ever we like the idea of a juicy V6 nestling under the bonnet so the 2000 to 2004 years would be our favourites.The SLK is a compact roadster manufactured by mercedes benz in three generations R170 launched in 1996, the R171 in 2004 and R172 in 2011.Īs one of the first modern convertibles, the SLK followed the 1995 mitsubhishi 3000 spyder and preceded other retractable hardtops such as the peugeot 250cc, lexus sc, pontiac g6 and the chrysler. Slow roofs are a cause for concern, it will need a pricey new pump, as are windows that go up to far, replacement glass.Īs a future classic we like the SLK for its understated good looks and for the fact that it is a dedicated roadster with an innovative hood design. Issues? Not to many it seems though the old baddie rust keeps making an appearance in the forums, it was a problem for Mercedes of that era. As for gearboxes, The 6 speed does come in for a slight bit of criticism for being a bit notchy but is generally considered a decent unit and the auto gets lots of praise, so it comes down to what ever is your flavour I guess, manual or auto? If you want the silky smoothness of the V6, and most people agree its the best engine for the car, then you will need to look for a post 2000 model. The post facelift R170 (1998) versions with the 6 speed, if you fancy going for the manual, are probably the best ones to go for, with the 2.3 Kompessor giving decent performance, though it is felt that the 4-pot engine is a bit on the gruff side when revved. Generally the R171 was a significant step forward from the first generation and prices reflect that fact at present. It also came with a front end that could persuade some approaching fellow road users that you were piloting something altogether more exotic than a SLK. In 2004 the second gen R171 came out with a much improved interior and a new range of engines, with the main stay being a 1.8 Kompressor, as well as a couple of V6's to tickle your fancy. In 1998 a facelift introduced a 6 speed manual and in 2000 a 3.2L V6 was added to the range and then finally an AMG in 2001 using a tuned version of the V6. The engine range consisted of a 2.0L and 2.3L Kompressor engine which in the 2.3 form gave the car a 0-60 of 7 seconds. This is a electrically operated folding hard top and was a first in the mass produced car world (I say first though I think the Americans got there before Mercedes, but this one actually worked!) Being designed as a roadster from the ground up and having a complicated roof mechanism has made the car a bit heavier than the “Leicht” label suggests meaning those engines have got their work cut out for them, but on the positive side it also means the car has impressive rigidity for a roadster which relates to better handling. Mercedes managed to get the first one on the road in 1996 and there have now been three generations to date (R170, R171, R172) and as the MX5 was a dedicated roadster, so too would be the SLK, though this being Mercedes they had to go that bit further, cue the introduction on the “Vario Roof”. Thats, sports, light, kurz (short) and we shall come on to the lightness bit in a minute but lets look at the car its self first. Mercedes SLK Roadster with retractable hardtop.Īs with so many car companies of the time, Mercedes watch in amazement, and no doubt a fair degree of jealousy as Mazda MX5's just fly off the shelf and decided they wanted a piece of the action.
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