Engineering:Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)
| Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Production | October 1995[1] – April 2004 |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 3,995–4,010 mm (157.3–157.9 in) |
| Width | 1,715 mm (67.5 in) |
| Height | 1,269–1,284 mm (50.0–50.6 in) |
| uk|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 1,270–1,495 kg (2,800–3,296 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171) |
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 1995 and 2004.[2]
SLK stands for the company’s design mission to create a sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (compact) roadster,[3] and is based on a shortened platform of the W202 Mercedes C-Class.
It was replaced by the Mercedes R171 SLK in 2004.[4]
Development and launch
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
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]
Models
SLK 200 Kompressor
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
| 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
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
1998
- Passenger airbag will now automatically deactivate if Mercedes-branded child seat is fitted[21]
1999
- 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
_roadster_(2011-12-06).jpg)
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
.jpg)
- Six-speed manual transmission introduced, replacing the existing five-speed manual transmission[33]
- SLK 32 AMG high performance variant introduced[34]
Safety
| Test | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant: | 26 |  
|
| Pedestrian: | 8 |
|
Production volumes
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
- The R170 Mercedes SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.[38]
- Named ‘North American Car of the Year’ for 1997.[39]
References
- ↑ "SLK 200 / R 170 E 20, 1996 - 2000". https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/SLK-200--R-170-E-20-1996---2000.xhtml?oid=5014.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Review (1998 - 2004) | Parkers" (in en). https://www.parkers.co.uk/mercedes-benz/slk/roadster-1996/review/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor (R 170)" (in en-US). mercedes-benz.com. 2017-06-30. https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/ats_vehicle/mercedes-benz-r-170-slk-230-kompressor/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK350" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/mercedes-benz-slk350-road-test.
- ↑ "1994 Mercedes-Benz SLK I / SLK II". http://mercedesblog.com/slk-concept-car-modern-roadster/.
- ↑ "SLK Concept Cars - a new vision for the modern roadster". 17 October 2014. https://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1994_mercedes_benz_slk_i_slk_ii/.
- ↑ "DPMAregister | Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design" (in de). https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/gsm/register?GSNR=M9800873-0001.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (1996 - 2004)" (in en-GB). Honest John. https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/mercedes-benz/slk-r170/.
- ↑ "Auto & Design - 98 - Reinterpretation of the roadster". 2008-08-07. http://www.autodesignmagazine.com/articoli/es/098/a2.htm.
- ↑ Long, Brian (2014-11-28) (in en). Mercedes-Benz SLK: – R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845846510. https://books.google.com/books?id=OYZKBQAAQBAJ&q=wheelbase+length+of+2400mm+%2894.5in%29%2C+the+same+as+that+of+the+old+300SL+and+190SL+models+from+almost+four+decades+before.
- ↑ "10 tarnished halo cars". fortune. http://archive.fortune.com/galleries/2012/fortune/1206/gallery.halo-car-fails.fortune/10.html.
- ↑ "Chrysler Please Revive The Crossfire, But Do It Right This Time" (in en-us). CarBuzz. https://carbuzz.com/news/chrysler-please-revive-the-crossfire-but-do-it-right-this-time.
- ↑ "Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for sale - Pricing & Features | Edmunds" (in en). https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/slk-class/2002/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 32 AMG" (in en-US). mercedes-benz.com. 2017-06-30. https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/ats_vehicle/mercedes-benz-r-170-slk-32-amg/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz R 170 SLK 200 Kompressor" (in en-US). mercedes-benz.com. 2017-06-30. https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/ats_vehicle/mercedes-benz-r-170-slk-200-kompressor/.
- ↑ "Motor Trend: BMW M Roadster vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG" (in en-US). Motor Trend. 2002-10-22. http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/z3/2002/roadster/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/mercedes-benz-slk32-amg-page-3.
- ↑ "2002 BMW M Roadster vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG | MotorWeek". http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/comparison_tests/2002_bmw_m_roadster_vs_2002_mercedes_benz_slk32_amg.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz AMG SLK32 - CAR magazine" (in en-US). CAR magazine. 2007-06-28. http://www.carmag.co.za/road-tests-blog/mercedes-benz-amg-slk32/.
- ↑ Bass, Chris (2015-11-13) (in en). Mercedes-Benz SLK: R170 series 1996-2004. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781845848088. https://books.google.com/books?id=54O_CwAAQBAJ&q=4333.
- ↑ "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: What's New". 2002-04-15. https://www.cars.com/research/mercedes_benz-slk_class-2002/whats-new/.
- ↑ "The C.A.R. Show Review Page; 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320". http://www.thecarshow.com/review110200slk320.htm.
- ↑ "2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster SLK32 AMG Supercharged Expert Ratings". https://www.nadaguides.com/cars/2002/mercedes-benz/slk-class/roadster-slk32-amg-supercharged/Reviews.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK | Used Car Buying Guide | Autocar" (in en). https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/mercedes-benz-slk-used-car-buying-guide.
- ↑ "The history: The original is now 20 years old | marsMediaSite" (in en-EN). http://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/The-history-The-original-is-now-20-years-old.xhtml?oid=10003996.
- ↑ "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" (in en-US). http://www.slmarket.com/mercedes-benz-slk-class-design-and-technical-evolution-through-the-years-1997-2011-with-market-value-analysis/.
- ↑ "Best used Mercedes-Benz SLK review - 1996-2004 | What Car?" (in en). https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/slk/sports/1996-2004/used-review/recommendation/.
- ↑ Community, MBSLK - SLK & SLC. "MBSLK - SLK & SLC Community - R170 Facelift". https://www.mbslk.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=740.
- ↑ "SLK R170 Face-Lift for Year 2000". 1999-11-20. http://www.oocities.org/motorcity/downs/9323/r170fl.htm.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster – A Home Run! SLK Model and Feature Changes Through the Years – Classic Mercedes Benz values, market trends, and sales info" (in en-US). http://www.slmarket.com/409/.
- ↑ "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" (in en-US). http://www.slmarket.com/mercedes-benz-slk-class-design-and-technical-evolution-through-the-years-1997-2011-with-market-value-analysis/.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-2004) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive" (in en). https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/mercedes-benz/slk/207325/.
- ↑ "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos" (in en). https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_slk-class_2001.
- ↑ "2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2001-mercedes-benz-slk320-first-drive-review.
- ↑ "Official Mercedes Benz SLK 2002 safety rating". https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/mercedes-benz/slk-class/15579.
- ↑ "Production Numbers R170". http://www.mbslk.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=828.
- ↑ "20th anniversary of the SLC's predecessor - Open for driving pleasure: Mercedes-Benz SLK premiered in 1996 | marsMediaSite" (in en-EN). http://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/en/instance/ko/20th-anniversary-of-the-SLCs-predecessor---Open-for-driving-pleasure-Mercedes-Benz-SLK-premiered-in-1996.xhtml?oid=9983955.
- ↑ "1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK" (in en). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/1997-10best-cars-1997-mercedes-benz-slk-page-10.
- ↑ "NACTOY Winners & Finalists - North American Car/Utility/Truck of the Year" (in en-US). North American Car and Truck of the Year. https://northamericancaroftheyear.org/nactoy-winners/#1997.
Bibliography
- Alfieri, Bruno (1997) (in en,de,it). Mercedes-Benz SLK. New Great Car Series. Milan: Automobilia. ISBN 8879600559.
- Allner, Michael (2021) (in de). Mercedes-Benz SLK & SLC: alle Generationen, alle Baujahre. 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.
- Mercedes CLK & SLK. 'Road Test' Limited Edition series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. 2001. ISBN 1855205564.
- Engelen, Günter (2006) (in de,en). Faszination SLK: R 170. 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) (in de). Alles über den Mercedes-Benz SLK. Technik transparent series. Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz AG. ISBN 3980445712.
- Zoporowski, Tobias (2018) (in de). Mercedes-Benz SLK (R 170): Alle Modelle von 1996–2004. Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf series. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783958436961.
External links
 |  |
