Mercedes SLK Class SLK Review (1996 to 2004)

Quick Summary

One of the cars that has changed the image of Mercedes forever. Own - and enjoy...

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Models Covered: (SLK [200K, 230K, 320, 32 AMG])

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A prestigious Mercedes-Benz sportscar used to require a lottery win. No longer. Models like the SLK roadster have given the Stuttgart maker a completely new – and accessible – sporting image.On the used market, that appeal still holds good. There are quite a few about now but values remain surprisingly firm. This is a car that has aged very well.
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale

History of the SLK Class SLK

The car was originally launched on the British market in November 1996. Until April 2000 it was only available in one form: with the C-Class's four cylinder 2.3-litre supercharged 'Kompressor' engine under the bonnet and an automatic gearbox.At that point, Mercedes' response to critics of their 'underpowered' sports car was a revised and expanded range with 2.0 and 2.3-litre supercharged four-cylinder engines plus a 3.2-litreV6.These came with a new six-speed manual gearbox or an optional five-speed automatic with Tiptronic-like clutchless manual operation as well as Mercedes' ESP traction control system and Speedtronic cruise control. The engineers sharpened up the handling, enlarged the fuel tank, moved the indicator repeaters to the door mirrors and restyled the bumpers, grille and side mouldings.Inside, there was new turned aluminium trim, new steering wheel, revised instruments and improved sports seats with electric operation on the SLK230 and 320. In early 2001 the rapid SLK32 AMG was offered for sale. The range was finally replaced by an all-new SLK model in 2004.
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale

Mercedes SLK Class SLK Road Test

Put your foot down and all you can hear is that glorious engine note, which can vary in tone from Rod Stewart to Bon Jovi, depending on the angle of your right foot.
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale

Buying a Mercedes SLK Class SLK

If you want air conditioning, note that it wasn't standard to begin with and is optional on the 200K. Very little goes wrong. Don't pay unrealistic prices, look out for cars that have been unreasonably thrashed, check for signs of accident damage and insist on a full service history. Garish interior colour schemes available under Mercedes' designo personalisation scheme may be hard to sell on later – yellow or purple leather is an acquired taste!
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale

Mercedes SLK Class SLK Typical Pricing

SLKs start at around £12,075 for the earliest P-plated models, with more typical R to V-platers at between £12,575 and £14,925. The revised range first showed its face on 2000 V-plates and an entry-level 200 Kompressor is still worth £14,125 today. You'll need £15,350 for a 320 of similar age and a late 52-plate model with that more powerful engine still commands £19,650 of its £34,000 new price.
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale

Mercedes SLK Class SLK Parts

(approx based on a 1998 SLK230 inc Vat) A front exhaust (including catalyst) is about £575 with the centre/rear section about £215. A headlamp is about £150. An air filter is about £11 and front shock absorbers are around £80. An oil filter around £7. A windscreen is around £140.
Used Mercedes SLK Class SLK for sale