In 1996, Mercedes came up with a brilliant idea: a roadster with a retractable hardtop, the Vario Roof, that could be used all year round. Thanks to this solution, as well as its comfort and solid reliability, the Mercedes SLK R170 has become a highly appreciated youngtimer.
Launched in 1996, the first-generation Mercedes SLK (the name SLK stands for Sport, Leicht und Kurz — sport, light, and short) sold more than 300,000 units between 1996 and 2004. With its retractable hardtop, reasonable prices, and solid engineering, it is now a sought-after youngtimer.
Thanks to the Vario Roof, the Mercedes SLK R170 combined the advantages of a coupe with those of a roadster, which attracted many buyers. Based on the shortened platform of the C-Class W202, the Mercedes SLK impressed with its classic roadster profile, power domes on the hood, and vibrant colors unusual for a Mercedes at the time.
Midway through its lifecycle, in 2000, Mercedes introduced a facelift that included redesigned front and rear bumpers, a redesigned silver grille and taillights, body-colored side skirts and door handles, integrated indicators in the wing mirrors, a restyled steering wheel and gear selector, and new sports seats. The fuel tank capacity was also increased from 45 to 53 liters.
The suspension was revised, while ESP became standard equipment and side airbags were introduced.
Initially, the engine range consisted of the SLK 200 (naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, 136 PS), SLK 200 Kompressor (supercharged 2.0-liter engine, 192 PS, offered in certain markets where engines above 2 liters were heavily taxed), and SLK 230 Kompressor (supercharged 2.3-liter engine, 193 PS).
The engine lineup was substantially revised with the facelift, as the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 136 PS engine in the SLK 200 was discontinued. The SLK 200 Kompressor was then offered globally, with output reduced to 163 PS.
At the same time, two new V6 versions were introduced: the SLK 320, powered by a 3.2-liter V6 producing 218 PS, and the range-topping SLK 32 AMG, equipped with a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 delivering 354 PS.
Driving Impressions
The SLK 230 Kompressor version is a very good compromise between performance and efficiency. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.2 seconds, while real-world fuel consumption averages around 10 l/100 km. Thanks to the mechanical supercharger, which is driven directly by the crankshaft and engages immediately when the engine starts, there is no turbo lag at all, and the engine feels very lively with strong torque delivery.
Thanks to the platform derived from the C-Class, the Mercedes SLK R170 offers more comfort than its rivals, and with the roof down, the body feels solid and rigid, without any rattles or unwanted noises. The SLK delivers a relaxed and quiet driving experience.
The Mercedes SLK R170 also stands out for its excellent brakes, borrowed from the E-Class but having to stop a much lighter car. The steering, similar to that of the C-Class, is not particularly sharp, but it is precise and provides decent feedback.
With the roof closed, the trunk offers 348 liters of cargo space, similar to that of a small compact car, making it ideal even for long trips for two.
What common reliability problems occur?
The Mercedes SLK R170 is generally a robust car, but there are a few aspects you should pay attention to.
Engines
The engines are generally durable, but after the 2000 facelift some oil leaks may occur around the camshaft adjuster area. If engine noises appear, they may indicate problems with the clutch, timing chain tensioner, or exhaust heat shields.
Body
The roof mechanism is generally reliable, but if it does not open within 28 seconds there may be leaks in the hydraulic operating system. The mechanism’s joints should be checked for rust, and the roof seals should be inspected to ensure no water enters the cabin.
A careful rust inspection is also necessary, as corrosion can appear around the wheel arches, fenders, hood, and side sills.
Prices and market values
There are many listings available on classified websites.
A pre-facelift Mercedes SLK 200 with the naturally aspirated engine can be found for as little as €1,000. SLK 230 Kompressor versions start at around €1,500, but these usually have more than 250,000 km on the odometer.
Facelifted SLK 230 Kompressor models start at around €2,500, though they also tend to have over 200,000 km.
If you are looking for cars with lower mileage, you should expect to pay around €5,000 for an SLK 230 Kompressor with less than 150,000 km. In fact, there are many offers between €5,000 and €7,000, most of them being SLK 200 Kompressor and SLK 230 Kompressor models.
The V6 models are much more expensive, especially if they are well maintained, with prices reaching up to €20,000. Meanwhile, the rarer SLK 32 AMG models can be found between €20,000 and €25,000.
