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. SLK stands for the company’s design mission to create a sportlich, leicht and kurzroadster, and is based on a shortened platform of the W202 Mercedes C-Class. It was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.
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. 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. 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. The wheelbase is also identical to the wheelbase of the 190SL and 300SL, at. The platform of the R170 Mercedes SLK is also used by the Chrysler Crossfire, which shares 80% of its components with the car.
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. Models could also be optioned with the AMG body design package, that features body colour side skirts, chromed tailpipes, and 17-inch AMG alloy wheels. Wider wheels were also available on SLK 230 Kompressor models.
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. After the 2000 facelift, the SLK 200 Kompressor was introduced to the worldwide market, replacing the SLK 200.
Engines
SLK 32 AMG
The SLK 32 AMG was introduced in 2001, designed to rival the BMW M Roadster and. The car featured the same M112 engine as in the SLK 320, but has a helical twin-screw supercharger and water-to-air intercooler. The SLK 32 AMG introduced Mercedes’ new ‘SpeedShift’ 5G-Tronic transmission, that allow for manual shifting of the gears, and faster automatic downshifts before overtaking. 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, upgraded to in diameter. 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.
Model year changes
1998
Passenger airbag will now automatically deactivate if Mercedes-branded child seat is fitted
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
2000 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, body-colour painted side-skirts and door handles, integrated indicators in wing mirrors, and stainless steel trim in the exhaust
Interior design changes including: a restyled steering wheel and transmission shifter, and more supportive sports seats
SLK 230 Kompressor engine updated, SLK 320 introduced, and SLK 200 Kompressor replaces SLK 200 and now introduced for worldwide market
