Review: Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK-Class (2004-11)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R171.I SLK-Class (2004-08)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Mercedes-Benz R171 Series I (R171.I) SLK-Class was a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive R171 SLK range initially consisted of the SLK 200 Kompressor and SLK 350, but was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the SLK 280 in August 2005.

Please note that the Mercedes R171 SLK 55 AMG has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK-Class , the R171 SLK was 87 mm longer (at 4082 mm), 73 mm wider (1788 mm), 6 mm taller (1290 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2430 mm). Furthermore, the increased use of high-tensile steel contributed to a 46 per cent increase in static torsional rigidity with the roof down and a 19 per cent increase in static bending rigidity.

Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK had three-link front suspension with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension; the R171 SLK also introduced rack and pinion steering (previously recirculating ball).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Merecdes-Benz R171 SLK-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front seat-mounted side airbags with head and thorax protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, automatically deploying rollover bars and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and two-stage force limiters.

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor and SLK 280

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK 200 Kompressor included 16-inch alloy wheels, a nine speaker ‘Audio 20’ sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), cruise control, leather seats, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, wind deflector and an immobiliser. The SLK 280 was similarly equipped, but added 17-inch alloy wheels.

Features: Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

The range-topping Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 was distinguished by its COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Data System) with a 6.5-inch TFT colour screen, DVD-based satellite navigation and a six-disc CD player, power adjustable front seats and a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach).

August 2007: SLK update

In August 2007, standard features were extended to include heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and front and rear parking sensors (‘Parktronic’). Furthermore,

• The SLK 200 Kompressor was fitted with 16-inch five spoke alloy wheels and speed-sensitive power steering; and,
• The SLK 280 received 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with sports suspension and steering-wheel gearshift paddles, with the latter also fitted to the SLK 350.

2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Designo

In September 2007, limited-run Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Designo editions were released. Compared to the standard SLK 350, the Designo editions added a Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’), AIRSCARF neck-level heating and bi-xenon headlights. Visually, the Designo editions could be identified by their unique metallic paint and two-tone leather upholstery combinations, wood/leather gearshift lever, ‘Anthracite Tamo’ interior wood trim, Alcantara roof lining and leather-covered roll bars.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R171.I SLK-Class (International) (November 2007)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz R171.I SLK-Class (March 2004)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK-Class (2008-11)

Overview

Released in June 2008, the Mercedes-Benz R171 Series II (R171.II) SLK range introduced a revised range, mechanical upgrades, improved equipment levels and subtle visual updates. The SLK 280 was discontinued, although the SLK 200 Kompressor and SLK 350 benefited from power and fuel efficiency upgrades; speed-sensitive variable ratio steering (‘direct steer’) was also introduced across the range.

Visually, the R171.II SLK-Class could be identified by its revised front bumpers and air-dam with a more pronounced ‘V shape, ‘diffuser-style’ rear bumper, darker tail-lights and trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Inside, there was a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel.

Features: SLK 200 and SLK 350

Compared to its R171.I predecessor, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK were extended to include a six-disc CD/DVD changer, MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, UCI interface, iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and NTG 2.5 telematics system. The SLK 200 Kompressor was also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

For the SLK 350, the COMAND system was upgraded to include voice recognition (‘Linguatronic’), hard-drive navigation, a 4GB hard-drive for music storage and an SD memory card slot; AIRSCARF neck-level heating was also fitted as standard.

Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK 300

In April 2010, the range was expanded with the introduction of the SLK 300. The SLK 300 was similarly equipped to the SLK 350, but omitted the latter’s power adjustable steering column and AIRSCARF neck-level heating. The SLK 300 was, however, fitted 18-inch alloy wheels and AMG body-styling, including front and rear aprons, side skirts and boot-lid spoiler. Inside, the SLK 300 featured black roof lining, red stitching, carbon-fibre trim and velour floor mats.

Brochures and Specifications

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK-Class (International) (September 2009)
• Specifications and Prices: Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK-Class (May 2008)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz R171.II SLK-Class (April 2011)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK-Class