With the early versions of this prestige sports brand reaching 25 years old it’s certainly time to review the versions and features available in this now affordable car. The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a luxury sports roadster named after Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (short). All models are built at the Mercedes plant in Breman, Germany. The later R172 model was renamed SKC-Class to fit with other Mercedes Benz series.
| Model and years | Engine size / gears | Body Styles | Notable features | Current approx costs |
SLK Mk1 - R170; 1996–2004 | SLK 320 is V6 others are 2 litre mostly with Kompressor (supercharger) | 2 door with power retractable hardtop | Facelift and new engines in 2000 Gearbox 6 Speed after 2001 | £1500 - £6000 for low milage top spec example |
SLK Mk2 - R171; 2004–2011 | 1800 Kompressor 4 Cyl, 2000cc V6 and 5439 cc V8 Available | Retractable Hardtop pronounced F1 style nose. | Airscarf, Facelift and new engines 2008 | £5000 - £9000 Add £500 for AMG badge |
SLK Mk3 - R172; 2011–2019 SLC-Class | 4 cyl, V6 & V8 with turbos also available as diesel in SLK 250 CDI | Retractable Hardtop Flat front similar to other MB cars. | 2015 on BlueEFFICIENCY Facelift 2016 renamed to SLC Electronically operated window tint shade for the sunroof, called Magic Sky Control. Auto folding mirrors. | £7500 to £40000 More for some specials variants |
SLK Mk1 - R170
Developed by Bruno Sacco from the SLK 1 concept cars and introduced at the 1996 Turin motor show. Standard features included power roof, power seats, power windows, power steering, anti-lock brakes, stability and climate control. The AMG model option added side skirts and chrome tailpipe and 17inch wheels. The power roof opening in less than 30s was undoubtedly the headline feature of the car.
The top of the range SLK 32 AMG of which only 4,333 examples exist out of total SLK Mk1 production of 311,222, features a V6 engine plus a supercharger delivering 349 Horsepower with a 5.2s over 0..60.
See one driven with Mike “Every time I get behind the wheel of a car with no roof I wonder why aren’t all cars made this way.” and Edd from Wheeler Dealers here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD6myeGfRY8 and internal build and servicing examined in 40 mins of germanic detail here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id-42g2XSPk
SLK Mk2 - R171
The second generation SLK introduced in 2004 at the Geneva motor show has a distinctive nose with multiple grills inspired after F1 cars of the time. With a longer wheel base and six speed auto gearbox the upgraded model retained the series defining power retractable roof. The engine sizes start from normally aspirated 1.8 to 1.8 with supercharger onward through 3 and 3.5 liter V6s to the AMG version 5.4L V8s. A long list optional extras included bi-Zenon headlights and Airscarf headrest heaters and Harmon Kardon sound systems.
The post 2008 facelift version retained the distinctive nose but added a more pronounced arrow shape front bumper and interior improvements such as a Red leather option and voice control.
See with review and buyers guide common issues here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvJ1VOuvWUU and in action with detailed review here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjFVAorBn3Q
SLK Mk3 - R172
The final generation SLK with it’s more traditional upright Mercedes nose was introduced at the Geneva motor show in 2011. Retaining the electric folding roof the final variant featured a swap from supercharger to turbo assisted engines. Starting with a 4 cylinder 1.8L and rising to 2L with 3.5 L V6 versions available up to the range topper 5.4l V8 in the SLK 55 AMG. Continuously adjustable electronically controlled suspension controlled the handling. Auto engine start-stop, seven speed auto gearbox, a low drag Cd factor contributed to the Blue Efficiency naming. The 2012 SLK250 introduced the 2.1L turbo diesel engine along with other facelifts to the range.
The fancy feature in the range is the innovative "Magic Sky Control" center panel. Unlike opaque solid steel roofs or heavily tinted glass panels (both are offered on the new SLK), the German engineers have come up with a optional trick glass panel utilizing LCD-type technology that goes from mostly clear when voltage is applied, to mostly opaque when it loses its charge. (Getting technical, it drops measured sun "intensity" from about 1050 watts with an open sky to just 200 watts when closed in "clear" mode. Switch it to "opaque" mode, and the intensity drops to about 45 watts.) While it cuts UV, infrared and visible light significantly, the panel never goes completely opaque.
Team test by 5th Gear available here on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVMwkUH9GKQ and 2014 test drive by Bill with review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKtY81MVrco
Comentry
Possibly the 3rd generation has lost its’ way from pure sports car moving toward luxury small sedan in appearance and dynamics but this range of cars provides open top motoring at its slightly more modern best. User forums here https://www.slkworld.com
Car online hunting grounds
Find where various cars appear in TVs shows and movies over at the internet movies car database. https://www.imcdb.org
Acknowledgements : Wikipedia, YouTube and Autoblog.com
