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Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170)
Overview
Manufacturer
ProductionOctober 1995[1] – April 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)
Length3,995–4,010 mm (157.3–157.9 in)
Width1,715 mm (67.5 in)
Height1,269–1,284 mm (50.0–50.6 in)
Kerb weight1,270–1,495 kg (2,800–3,296 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171)

The R170 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class range of compact luxury roadsters manufactured by Mercedes-Benz between 1995 and 2004,[2] using a shortened variant of the W202 Mercedes C-Class platform.

With over 300,000 manufactured, the first generation SLK was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.[3]

The SLK nameplate derives from the roadster's design mission to be sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact).[4]

Development and launch

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The R170 Mercedes SLK is based on the SLK I Concept, presented during Spring of 1994 at the Turin Motor Show, and SLK II Concept, presented during Fall of 1994 at the Paris Motor Show, 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.[5][6] 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.[7][8]

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.[9] The wheelbase is also identical to the wheelbase of the 190SL and 300SL, at 2,400 mm (94.5 in).[10]

The platform of the R170 Mercedes SLK is also used by the Chrysler Crossfire, which shares 80% of its components with the car.[11][12]

Equipment

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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.[13] 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.[14]

Pre-facelift SLK

Models

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SLK 200 Kompressor

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The SLK 200 Kompressor was exported and sold exclusively to Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece, and was only available with the Getrag five-speed manual transmission.[15] After the 2000 facelift, the SLK 200 Kompressor was introduced to the worldwide market.

Engines

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Model Engine Power Torque 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Years
SLK 200 M111.946
2.0 L I4 		100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp)
at 5,000 rpm 		190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
at 3,700–4,500 rpm 		9.3 s / 9.7 s 1996–2000
SLK 200
Kompressor		 M111.943
2.0 L I4 supercharged 		141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp)
at 5,300 rpm 		270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm 		7.7 s / 1996–2000
M111.958
2.0 L I4 supercharged 		120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp)
at 5,300 rpm 		230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm 		8.2 s / 8.5 s 2000–2004
SLK 230
Kompressor		 M111.973
2.3 L I4 supercharged 		142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp)
at 5,300 rpm 		280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500–4,800 rpm 		7.3 s / 7.4 s 1996–2000
M111.983
2.3 L I4 supercharged 		145 kW (197 PS; 194 hp)
at 5,500 rpm 		280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
at 2,500 rpm 		7.2 s / 7.3 s 2000–2004
SLK 320 M112.947
3.2 L V6 		160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp)
at 5,700 rpm 		310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft)
at 3,000–4,600 rpm 		6.9 s / 6.9 s 2000–2004
SLK 32 AMG M112.960
3.2 L V6 supercharged 		260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp)
at 6,100 rpm		 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft)
at 4,400 rpm 		/ 5.2 s 2001–2004

*Acceleration times are for manual/automatic gearbox

SLK 32 AMG

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SLK 32 AMG

The SLK 32 AMG was introduced in 2001, designed to rival the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S.[16] 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.[17]

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.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20]

Model year changes

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1998

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  • Passenger airbag will now automatically deactivate if Mercedes-branded child seat is fitted[21]

1999

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  • Storage net, automatic-dimming rear view mirrors, and vehicle motion sensing alarm added[22]
  • 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[23]

2000 facelift

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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,[24] body-colour painted side-skirts and door handles,[25] integrated indicators in wing mirrors,[26] and stainless steel trim in the exhaust[27]
  • Interior design changes including: a restyled steering wheel and transmission shifter, and more supportive sports seats[28]
  • Naturally-aspirated SLK 200 discontinued, SLK 230 Kompressor engine updated, SLK 320 introduced, and SLK 200 Kompressor now introduced for worldwide market[29]
  • Electronic stability control upgraded[30]
  • The fuel tank volume was increased from 45 L (12 US gal) to 53 L (14 US gal)[31][32]

2001

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SLK roof operation
  • Six-speed manual transmission introduced, replacing the existing five-speed manual transmission[33]
  • SLK 32 AMG high performance variant introduced[34]

Safety

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Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz SLK (2002)[35]
Test Score Rating
Adult occupant: 26
Pedestrian: 8

Production volumes

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The following are production figures for the R170 SLK:[36][37]

Model Total
SLK 200 44,846
SLK 200 Kompressor 67,802
SLK 230 Kompressor 160,825
SLK 320 33,416
SLK 32 AMG 4,333
Total 311,222

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ "SLK 200 / R 170 E 20, 1996 - 2000". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Review (1998 - 2004) | Parkers". www.parkers.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  3. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK350". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor (R 170)". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  5. ^ "1994 Mercedes-Benz SLK I / SLK II". mercedesblog.com. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  6. ^ "SLK Concept Cars - a new vision for the modern roadster". carstyling.ru. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  7. ^ "DPMAregister | Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design". register.dpma.de (in German). Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  8. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (1996 - 2004)". Honest John. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  9. ^ "Auto & Design - 98 - Reinterpretation of the roadster". 7 August 2008. Archived from the original on 7 August 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  10. ^ Long, Brian (28 November 2014). Mercedes-Benz SLK: – R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845846510.
  11. ^ "10 tarnished halo cars". fortune. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  12. ^ "Chrysler Please Revive The Crossfire, But Do It Right This Time". CarBuzz. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  13. ^ "Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for sale - Pricing & Features | Edmunds". Edmunds. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  14. ^ "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 32 AMG". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  15. ^ "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 200 Kompressor". mercedes-benz.com. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  16. ^ "Motor Trend: BMW M Roadster vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG". Motor Trend. 22 October 2002. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  17. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  18. ^ "2002 BMW M Roadster vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG | MotorWeek". www.motorweek.org. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  19. ^ "Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK32 - CAR magazine". CAR magazine. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  20. ^ Bass, Chris (13 November 2015). Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845848088.
  21. ^ "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: What's New". cars.com. 15 April 2002. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  22. ^ "The C.A.R. Show Review Page; 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320". www.thecarshow.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  23. ^ "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster SLK32 AMG Supercharged Expert Ratings". NADAguides. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  24. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK | Used Car Buying Guide | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  25. ^ "The history: The original is now 20 years old | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  26. ^ "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.
  27. ^ "Best used Mercedes-Benz SLK review - 1996-2004 | What Car?". What Car?. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  28. ^ Community, MBSLK - SLK & SLC. "MBSLK - SLK & SLC Community - R170 Facelift". www.mbslk.de. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  29. ^ "SLK R170 Face-Lift for Year 2000". oocities. 20 November 1999. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  30. ^ "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.
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ "Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-2004) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  33. ^ "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos". The Car Connection. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  34. ^ "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  35. ^ "Official Mercedes Benz SLK 2002 safety rating". Euro NCAP.
  36. ^ "Production Numbers R170". www.slmarket.com. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  37. ^ "20th anniversary of the SLC's predecessor - Open for driving pleasure: Mercedes-Benz SLK premiered in 1996 | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  38. ^ "1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  39. ^ "NACTOY Winners & Finalists - North American Car/Utility/Truck of the Year". North American Car and Truck of the Year. Retrieved 3 May 2018.

Bibliography

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  • 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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