Celebrating life with joy and verve: 30 years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK

• An emotive signature model for the brand since 1996
• From roadster to coupé in just 25 seconds thanks to the electrohydraulic vario-roof
• Comprehensive parts supply with Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts

An abundance of joie de vivre and driving pleasure – whether open as a roadster or closed as a coupé: the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170) is just as inspiring today as it was at its premiere in April 1996. This compact sports car impresses with its innovative steel vario-roof, high-performance power units and cool design. Thirty years ago, demand for the SLK was exceptionally high; its name stands for “Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz” (“Sporty, Lightweight, Short”). By 2004, a total of 311,222 examples had been built of the types SLK 200, SLK 200 Kompressor, SLK 230 Kompressor, SLK 320 and SLK 32 AMG.

“There are but few vehicles that can make your heart skip a beat when you see them for the first time. Our new SLK is one of them.” These are the words of Jürgen Hubbert, then member of the Mercedes-Benz Board of Management, at the car’s unveiling at the Turin Motor Show in April 1996. And he is right: the SLK becomes an emotive signature model for the brand. Its appeal is substantiated by numerous international awards, e.g. the “Goldenes Lenkrad” (“Golden Steering Wheel”, Germany, 1996), “L’automobile più bella del mondo” (“Most Beautiful Car in the World”, Italy, 1996) and “Car of the Year” (USA, 1997).

A joyful celebration of colour

The SLK expresses its multi-faceted joie de vivre with an unusual colour concept. Bold hues suit it well. This is shown by many test vehicles presented to the press in 1996 in the striking colour yellowstone (colour code 685). As part of the facelift in the year 2000, interior colours become even more vivid, with merlin blue, magma red and lotus yellow catching the eye.

Many examples of the R 170 have been carefully maintained and are regularly driven. Well-preserved SLKs are available on the market at attractive prices. One key advantage for SLK aficionados: the car’s high level of production quality and its technical kinship with the C-Class of the 202 model series (1992 to 2000) are the basis for its longevity.

Ingeniously folded and optimally covered

One defining feature of the SLK is its steel vario-roof. When closed, it offers excellent comfort and protection from inclement weather, reduces the risk of break-ins, keeps any wind noise to a minimum and comes through automatic car washes unscathed. This makes the SLK a veritable year-round car. Just activate a switch on the centre console, and the roof lifts and folds neatly into the boot in just 25 seconds. And even then there is still enough room for light luggage for two. These occupants can enjoy the open sky view, with reduced buffeting thanks to the standard wind deflector. Twin roll-over bars and reinforced A-pillars ensure a high level of safety.

The folding mechanism itself is a masterpiece of engineering, and its carefully choreographed movement continues to draw admiring gazes to this day. In the 10/1996 issue of “auto motor und sport”, the magazine devotes a four-page photo spread to the transformation from coupé to cabriolet. The title: “Open execution”. If properly maintained, the complex mechanism reliably retains its functionality for decades. The SLK is a trendsetter – its innovative roof concept is widely adopted by other manufacturers in and around the year 2000.

Sporty chassis tuning for agile handling

Double wishbone axles at the front, and a rear multi-link axle – the chassis makes use of proven Mercedes-Benz components. The tuning is adapted: revised springs lower the car by 20 millimetres compared to a comparable C-Class vehicle. The choice of wheels is unusual for the brand. The more powerful versions come with wider wheels and tyres at the rear than at the front. For instance, the SLK 230 Kompressor is fitted with 205/55 R 16 91 V tyres on the front axle and 225/50 R 16 91 V on the rear axle. For short braking distances, the SLK features a braking system taken from the E-Class (W 210).

Short overhangs at both front and rear and “power domes” on the bonnet give the SLK an agile look to match its handling. In the basic variant, it only weighs 1,260 kilograms and, with a length of 3,995 millimetres, it is around half a metre shorter than its big brother, the SL (R 129).

The best-selling model of the R 170 range is the SLK 230 Kompressor. Its four-cylinder engine with mechanical supercharger sounds the part, delivering 142 kW (193 hp) to the rear wheels. The driving performance is impressive: accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, the version with five-gear manual transmission reaches a top speed of 231 km/h. The use of a supercharger to boost performance has illustrious precedents. These include the legendary Mercedes-Benz S models of the 1920s, which apply this principle of charging in order to increase power as well as boost torque – and all this together with efficient fuel consumption. 

Exemplary parts supply for ensured long-term mobility

With an extensive range of spare and wearing parts, Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts contribute to keeping SLK vehicles of R 170 on the road with safety and authenticity. Manufactured according to original factory specifications, the parts are generally available within 24 hours via the worldwide sales and distribution network. Link to parts search.

The range of parts for R 170 include the remanufactured automatic transmission (A 203 270 03 00 80, EUR 5,759.53), the radiator (A 202 500 32 03, EUR 457.56), the windscreen with heat-absorbing glass (A 170 670 02 01, EUR 382.34) and the rear window (A 170 670 01 80, EUR 503.85). Also available: the slide rail for the chain tensioning lever (A 112 181 00 59 26, EUR 77.17), the oil jet for the M 111 engine (A 111 180 02 43, EUR 26.51), the Mercedes star (A 170 888 00 86, EUR 80.30), the inside rear view mirror (A 170 810 03 17 7C45, EUR 109.77), the left turn signal lamp (A 170 820 17 21) and right turn signal lamp (A 170 820 18 21, EUR 107.50 each), the left front fog lamp (A 215 820 05 56, EUR 158,25) and right front fog lamp (A 215 820 06 56, EUR 166.43), the SLK 230 model badge (A 170 817 02 15, EUR 37.24) and the SLK Special Edition model badge (A 170 817 35 20, EUR 47.45). All prices are with reference to the German market and include VAT. 

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Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”
Since Carl Benz registered the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built the motor carriage shortly thereafter, Mercedes-Benz has been committed to constant innovation in order to build the world’s most desirable cars for its customers. This aspiration has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the intelligent and safe electric vehicles of today, such as the new GLC and the award-winning new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company is continuing the largest model initiative in its history. With a passion for performance and pioneering spirit, excellence and consistent customer orientation, the brand with the three-pointed star has always shaped the future of mobility. The result goes far beyond technical achievements – it creates the unmistakable feeling that Mercedes-Benz stands for in all its endeavours: Engineered around you.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by sending three new S-Class saloons on a transcontinental journey to 140 destinations worldwide. Each location highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and global presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues can join in the celebrations – on an epic journey that will last until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” tour across six continents in our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” and in the Mercedes-Benz Community.