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Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)

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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.

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)

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

SLK 200 Kompressor edit

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 edit

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 edit

 
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 edit

1998 edit

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

1999 edit

  • 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 edit

 
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 edit

 
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 edit

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

Production volumes edit

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 edit

References edit

  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 edit

  • 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.

External links edit

 
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