Mercedes Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK

There are few of things which can equal the great feeling which comes when we drive along slick drop top with roof down on a typical summer day. R170 platform of SLK compressor first came in 1997 for the model year 1998 and competed with BMW Z3. It was a class apart with its folding hardtop. It's added weight though marred its performance of 193 hp 2.3 L charged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The SLK featured in Car and Drivers Ten best list for a long time in 1997. All of the SLK's were not build in Bremen, Germany, the SLK 320 were build in South Africa and Mexico.Mercedes Benz SLK 230 came in 1998 with a convertible hardtop. It was the first modern car which combined the structural changes to encompass the weather resistance benefits which comes with a hardtop and a wow factor of good looking two seats convertible.

Initially these SLK230s were powered with the supercharged 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine which gave 185 horsepower output. It was capable of good performance, the engine sounded harsh and rough, if we compared it with the engines available in the SLKs key competitors like Porsche Boxster. Though the German name would make a rough engine like Kompressor worth it even with the looks which are really cool. Mercedes expanded the SLK line up to add the SLK320 which was driven by 3.2 liter V6 engine which had been taken straight from the C class. This six cylinder engine was much more refined for a car which had the three pointer start. The sports character was fully justified in 2002, when the SLK32 AMG joined the fray, with its V6 engine and output of 349 horsepower. The six cylinder engine was more smooth and powerful and it was also not too harsh on fuel economy. Depending upon the model, fuel consumption for SLK320 is rated at between 12.0 nod 13.0 L/100 Kms in the city and between 8 L/100 kms on highway.

This four cylinder SLK230 has good advantage only in city driving where it gives 11l/100 kames. Highway data is at 8L/100 kms. If you are really a fan of AMG tuned cars, you should not keep fuel economy factor in mind. SLK32 AMG is rated at 12.5L/100 kms in the city and 9.5L/100 kms on the highway. SLK's basic mechanical parts, engines and transmissions work well according to Consumer Reports, but the magazine also informs us of few of troubles relating to electric part for some earlier models. 1999 model gets the CR's recommended points, for other models of 1997, 2000 or 2003 there were not an conclusive reports we there as there was no enough data there. SLK was again revised to a greater extend in 2004 with enhanced performance in mind. The new Platform R171 was one of the best cars of the year. The SLK's are currently being built in Bremen, Germany and Mexico city. Normal repairs and parts could cost high for such cars which can be a pricey affair so you should thoroughly research on this factor while comparing the data with what other competitors have to offer before you decide on buying. SLK was subject of recall for some headlamp aiming procedure issue. The luxury value of SLK's trick roof have kept the resale value considerably higher. A 1998 SLK230 is still worth $20,000 more than third of its real price. In comparison E320 sedan is just worth $16000 despite its original price being $10000 more than the SLK.