Review: Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK-Class (1997-04)

Review: Mercedes-Benz R170.I SLK-Class (1997-00)

Overview

Released in February 1997, the Mercedes-Benz R170 Series I (R170.I) SLK-Class was a two-seat convertible. Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive R170 SLK range initially consisted of the SLK 230 Kompressor, with the SLK 200 following in October 1997.

Please note that the Mercedes R170 SLK 32 AMG has been reviewed separately.

Body and dimensions

The Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK-Class was fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘vario roof’, a folding steel hard top that was operated by a dashboard button, which could open or close in 25 seconds. Furthermore, The R170 SLK was 3995 mm long, 1715 mm wide, 1284 mm tall and had a 2400 mm long wheelbase.

Steering and suspension

The Mercedes-Benz R170 had power-assisted recirculating ball steering, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK included dual front airbags, door-mounted front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The SLK 230 Kompressor was further equipped with traction control.

Features: SLK 200 and SLK 230

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK 200 included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an immobiliser. The SLK 230 Kompressor was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Review: Mercedes-Benz R170.II SLK-Class (2000-04)

Overview

Released in July 2000, the Mercedes-Benz R170 Series II (R170.II) SLK-Class introduced improved safety equipment and revised suspension. Furthermore, the SLK 200 was effectively replaced by the SLK 200 Kompressor and the SLK 320 was also introduced.

Visually, the R170.II SLK-Class could be identified by its revised front, side and rear skirts and bumpers, new rear lamps, stainless steel exhaust pipe, body-coloured radiator grille and door mirrors with integrated indicators; inside, there were more supportive seats and aluminium highlights. Suspension changes consisted of a reinforced torsion-bar stabiliser for the front axle, an additional torsion-bar stabilizer for the rear axle and retuned shock absorbers for reduced spring travel.

Safety equipment

Compared to its R170.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz R170.II SLK was improved with the introduction of brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control. Occupant protection was also enhanced with reinforced side members and a thicker ellipsoid firewall.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 Mercedes-Benz R170.II SLK 200 – fitted with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.12. In the frontal impact, the airbag cushioned the driver though the driver’s head moved to the left and turned through 90 degrees – this was not helped by the movement of the steering wheel and seat. Furthermore, protection from serious chest and lower leg injury was marginal.

Features

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz R170.II SLK were extended to include a CD player and cruise control with speed limiter (‘Speedtronic’).

Mercedes-Benz SLK Special Editions

From 2002, the SLK 200 Kompressor, SLK 230 Kompressor and SLK 320 were available as Special Editions. These Special Edition models were distinguished by their 16-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels, nappa leather sports seats (in black or classic red), brushed aluminium interior highlights, polished aluminium A-pillar trim, chrome-silver metallic grille and chromed boot lid handle.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK-Class