Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)

The R170 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class range of compact luxury roadsters produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1996 and 2004.[1]

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170)
Overview
Manufacturer
ProductionSeptember 1996 – December 2004
Assembly
Designer
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door roadster
LayoutLongitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length3,995 mm (157.3 in)
Width1,715 mm (67.5 in)
Height1,289 mm (50.7 in)
Kerb weight1,195–1,461 kg (2,635–3,221 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171)

SLK stands for the company’s design mission to create a sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact) roadster,[2] and is based on a shortened platform of the W202 Mercedes C-Class.

It was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.[3]

Development and launch

The R170 Mercedes SLK is based on the SLK I Concept and SLK II Concept, which is a two-seater roadster concept car that features a folding metal electro-hydraulic roof, dubbed 'vario-roof' by Mercedes, and takes 25 seconds to operate.[4] A German design patent was filed on 30 September 1993, with the final production version of the SLK introduced at the Turin Motor Show on 22 April 1996.[5][6]

The R170 SLK is based on the W202 C-Class platform, sharing many drivetrain and chassis components, as well as using a shortened version of the floor pan.[7] The wheelbase is also identical to the wheelbase of the 190SL and 300SL, at 2,400 mm (94 in).[8]

The platform of the R170 Mercedes SLK is also used by the Chrysler Crossfire, which shares 80% of its components with the car.[9][10]

Equipment

Standard equipment includes power seats, power windows, power steering, dual-zone climate control, dimmable interior mirror, and alloy wheels. Safety features include front and side driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.[11] Models could also be optioned with the AMG body design package, also sometimes called a "sport package" that features body colour side skirts, chromed tailpipes, 17-inch AMG alloy wheels on lower profile performance tires, and a sculpted front apron with black-mesh air intakes. Wider wheels were also available on SLK 230 Kompressor models. Other available options included a 5-speed "Touch Shift" 5G-Tronic automatic transmission, heated seats, xenon headlamps, a premium Bose sound system, a trunk-mounted 6-CD changer, 8-way power seats, and a manually telescoping steering wheel. Many of these options were standard on the SLK 32 AMG.[12]

Models

SLK 200, SLK 200 Kompressor

The SLK 200 was exported and sold exclusively to Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece, and was only available with the Getrag five-speed manual transmission in most countries.[13] After the 2000 facelift, the SLK 200 Kompressor was introduced to the worldwide market, replacing the SLK 200.

Engines
Model Years Engine Power Torque 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
SLK 2001996–2000M111.946
2.0 L I4		 100 kW (134 hp)
at 5,000 rpm		 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
at 3,700–4,500 rpm		 9.3 s
SLK 200
Kompressor		1996–2000M111.943
2.0 L I4 supercharged		 141 kW (189 hp)
at 5,300 rpm		 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm		 7.7 s
2000–2004M111.958
2.0 L I4 supercharged		 120 kW (161 hp)
at 5,300 rpm		 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm		 8.2 s auto / 8.0 s man.
SLK 230
Kompressor		1996–2000M111.973
2.3 L I4 supercharged		 142 kW (190 hp)
at 5,300 rpm		 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm		 7.4 s
2000–2004M111.983
2.3 L I4 supercharged		 145 kW (194 hp)
at 5,500 rpm		 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500 rpm		 7.3 s
SLK 3202000–2004M112 E32
3.2 L V6		 160 kW (215 hp)
at 5,700 rpm		 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000–4,600 rpm		 6.9 s
SLK 32 AMG2001–2004M112 C32
3.2 L V6 supercharged		 260 kW (349 hp)
at 6,100 rpm		450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
at 4,400 rpm		 5.2 s

SLK 32 AMG
SLK 32 AMG

The SLK 32 AMG was introduced in 2001, designed to rival the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S.[14] The car featured the same, though upgraded version of M112 engine as in the SLK 320, but has a helical twin-screw supercharger and water-to-air intercooler.[15]

The SLK 32 AMG introduced Mercedes’ new ‘SpeedShift’ 5G-Tronic (automatic) transmission, that allow for manual shifting of the gears, and faster automatic downshifts before overtaking.[16] There was no manual transmission option available for the SLK 32 AMG.

The SLK 32 AMG features a more angular steering wheel, AMG instrument dials, an updated front and rear bumper with larger air intakes, and larger brakes; from 300 mm (12 in), upgraded to 334 mm (13 in) in diameter.[17] SLK 32 production started from January 2001, to March 2004. A total of 4,333 were produced; 979 were sold in Germany, 2,056 were imported to the US, and 263 to the UK.[18]

Model year changes

1998
  • Passenger airbag will now automatically deactivate if Mercedes-branded child seat is fitted[19]

1999
  • Storage net, automatic-dimming rear view mirrors, and vehicle motion sensing alarm added[20]
  • Introduction of Manual transmission and AMG Sport package options, which included Sport aero body kit, 17" staggered AMG wheels, HD sway bars, and performance exhaust[21]

2000 facelift
SLK 200 Kompressor (facelift)

Production for facelift models began after February 2000. Major changes include:

  • Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, a redesigned silver grille and taillights,[22] body-colour painted side-skirts and door handles,[23] integrated indicators in wing mirrors,[24] and stainless steel trim in the exhaust[25]
  • Interior design changes including: a restyled steering wheel and transmission shifter, and more supportive sports seats[26]
  • SLK 230 Kompressor engine updated, SLK 320 introduced, and SLK 200 Kompressor replaces SLK 200 and now introduced for worldwide market[27]
  • Electronic stability control upgraded[28]
  • The fuel tank volume was increased from 45 L (12 US gal) to 53 L (14 US gal)[29][30]

2001
  • Six-speed manual transmission introduced, replacing the existing five-speed manual transmission[31]
  • SLK 32 AMG high performance variant introduced[32]

Safety
Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz SLK (2002)[33]
Test Score Rating
Adult occupant: 26
Pedestrian: 8

Production volumes

The following are production figures for the R170 SLK:[34][35]

Model Total
SLK 20044,846
SLK 200 Kompressor125,873
SLK 230 Kompressor102,754
SLK 32033,416
SLK 32 AMG4,333
Total311,222

Awards

References
  1. "Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Review (1998 - 2004) | Parkers". www.parkers.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  2. "Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor (R 170)". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  3. "Mercedes-Benz SLK350". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  4. "SLK Concept Cars - a new vision for the modern roadster". www.mercedesblog.com. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  5. "DPMAregister | Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design". register.dpma.de (in German). Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  6. "Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (1996 - 2004)". Honest John. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  7. "Auto & Design - 98 - Reinterpretation of the roadster". 7 August 2008. Archived from the original on 7 August 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  8. Long, Brian (28 November 2014). Mercedes-Benz SLK: – R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845846510.
  9. "10 tarnished halo cars". fortune. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  10. "Chrysler Please Revive The Crossfire, But Do It Right This Time". CarBuzz. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  11. "Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for sale - Pricing & Features | Edmunds". Edmunds. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  12. "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 32 AMG". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  13. "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 200 Kompressor". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  14. "Motor Trend: BMW M Roadster vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG". Motor Trend. 22 October 2002. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  15. "Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  16. "2002 BMW M Roadster vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG | MotorWeek". www.motorweek.org. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  17. "Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK32 - CAR magazine". CAR magazine. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  18. Bass, Chris (13 November 2015). Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845848088.
  19. "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: What's New". cars.com. 15 April 2002. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  20. "The C.A.R. Show Review Page; 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320". www.thecarshow.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  21. "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster SLK32 AMG Supercharged Expert Ratings". NADAguides. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  22. "Mercedes-Benz SLK | Used Car Buying Guide | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  23. "The history: The original is now 20 years old | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  24. "Mercedes Benz SLK Class Design and Technical Evolution Through the Years 1997 – 2011 with Market Value Analysis – Classic Mercedes Benz values, market trends, and sales info". www.slmarket.com. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  25. "Best used Mercedes-Benz SLK review - 1996-2004 | What Car?". What Car?. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  26. Community, MBSLK - SLK & SLC. "MBSLK - SLK & SLC Community - R170 Facelift". www.mbslk.de. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  27. "SLK R170 Face-Lift for Year 2000". oocities. 20 November 1999. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  28. "Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster – A Home Run! SLK Model and Feature Changes Through the Years – Classic Mercedes Benz values, market trends, and sales info". www.slmarket.com. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  29. "Mercedes Benz SLK Class Design and Technical Evolution Through the Years 1997 – 2011 with Market Value Analysis – Classic Mercedes Benz values, market trends, and sales info". www.slmarket.com. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  30. "Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-2004) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  31. "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos". The Car Connection. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  32. "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  33. "Official Mercedes Benz SLK 2002 safety rating". Euro NCAP.
  34. "Production Numbers R170". www.slmarket.com. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  35. "20th anniversary of the SLC's predecessor - Open for driving pleasure: Mercedes-Benz SLK premiered in 1996 | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  36. "1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  37. "NACTOY Winners & Finalists - North American Car/Utility/Truck of the Year". North American Car and Truck of the Year. Retrieved 3 May 2018.

Bibliography
  • Alfieri, Bruno (1997). Mercedes-Benz SLK. New Great Car Series (in English, German, and Italian). Milan: Automobilia. ISBN 8879600559.
  • Allner, Michael (2021). Mercedes-Benz SLK & SLC: alle Generationen, alle Baujahre [Mercedes-Benz SLK & SLC: All Generations, All Model Years] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613043671.
  • Bass, Chris (2015). Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 series 1996-2004. The Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845848088.
  • Clarke, R.M., ed. (2001). Mercedes CLK & SLK. 'Road Test' Limited Edition series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1855205564.
  • Engelen, Günter (2006). Faszination SLK: R 170 (in German and English). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783898806848.
  • Koehling, Bernd S. (2021). Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the SLK R170 - From the SLK 200 to the SLK 32 AMG and Tuners. Independently published. ISBN 9798736788729.
  • Long, Brian (2014). Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 Series, 1996-2004. Dorcester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845846510.
  • Vieweg, Christof (1996). Alles über den Mercedes-Benz SLK [Everything about the Mercedes-Benz SLK]. Technik transparent series (in German). Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz AG. ISBN 3980445712.
  • Zoporowski, Tobias (2018). Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170): Alle Modelle von 1996–2004 [Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170): All Models from 1996–2004]. Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf series (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783958436961.
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