Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171)

Mercedes-Benz R171
Overview
Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler
Production	2005–
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car, Roadster
Body style	2-door retractable hardtop
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz R170

R171 represents the second generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK. Compared with the R170, R171 has larger dimensions.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (short). There have been two generations of SLK cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Like its predecessor, the second generation of the vehicle featured a retractable hardtop. Following the trend initiated by the R170 model, by the time the R171 was released, this had become an increasingly common feature in almost every new convertible introduced in the market, especially in Europe.

The SLK was updated in 2004 with a new Formula One-inspired appearance and serious performance; the new model also took design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept car, presented in 2000. The new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005. The current SLK is built in Bremen, Germany.

Models and Specifications

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Kerb Weight
SLK200K	2004- 2007	1.8 L M271 L4	120 kW (163 hp DIN)	1365 Kg (3010 lb)
	2008-	1.8 L M271 L4	135 kW (184 hp DIN)
SLK280	2005-	3 L M272 V6	170 kW (231 hp DIN)	1440 Kg (3175lb)
SLK350	2004- 2007	3.5 L M272 V6	200 kW (272 hp DIN)	1465 Kg (3230 lb)
	2008-	3.5 L M272 V6	224 kW (305 hp DIN)
SLK55 AMG	2004-	5.5 L M113 V8	265 kW (360 hp DIN)	1540 Kg (3395 lb)

Options

Mercedes SLK (R171)

• AirScarf: Heated air directed from the headrest to the back of the neck.
• Audio20: Basic Audio System
• HK Audio: Harmon Kardon Speakers
• CD Changer: 6 Disk
• "COMAND" (pronounced as Command, DOES NOT INCLUDE NAVIGATION)
• Navigation (Module sometimes installed by dealer)
• Sirius (US Only): Satellite Radio
• Designo: Special Paint colours and leathers, choices and prices depend on region/
• Lighting Package: Xenon headlights with headlight washers and Auto leveling
• Parktronic (limited markets): Parking aid/sensors
• Power-Folding Side Mirrors (limited markets)
• Asphymetric Side mirror Glass (limited markets)
• Heated Seats
• Handsfree Phone
• iPod integration
• Audio input
• Automatic Wipers
• 8 way Power seats
• 7 Speed Automatic versus standard 6 Speed Manual
• Lumbar adjustement (not available on SLK 55)
• Tire pressure sensors
• Cigarette tray and lighter on the console (standard depending on market)
• Cup holders on the dash (standard in some markets)
• Klimatronic: digitally adjusted dual zone HVAC, instead of the standard knob controlled system.
• AMG Sport Package (Body kit, wheels, and springs)
• Sport Edition (limited markets, not offered for SLK 55)
• Performance Package (AMG 030 Package, only for the SLK 55)
• 10 year Anniversary Package (special paint colour, red trim on the interior)

AMG Models

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (R171)

• SLK 55

0-62 MPH (100 km/h) quoted at 4.9 seconds but individuals have reported times of under 4.6 seconds. (Car & Driver Magazine tested the car and got 0-60 mph of 4.3 seconds.)

Increased brake capacity (Pre-2008 Model year cars have 6 Piston Calipers with Perforated and Slotted Rotors, and 4 Piston Rear Brakes, from 2008 and on the car has 4 piston front calipers. Mercedes did this for 2 reasons, reduce the number of complaints from customers not used to high performance brakes about brake squeal, and to reduce cost)

Additional Engine Oil cooler (Behind starboard bumper vents)

Lowered/Stiffened Suspension (springs, shocks, swaybars)

AMG Body Kit, with distinctive gills in front bumpers

Chrome accented Fog lights

Napa leather interior

Modified AMG 7G-tronic transmission

Quad Exhaust

Smoked tailights and [CHMSL]

• SLK 55 Sport/030/P30 (an option package on top of the standard SLK 55 AMG)

Nurgbring Suspension

Improved Pads and Rotors

Carbon fibre accents

19 inch rims

Upgraded steering wheel

delimited top speed (which is actually now standard on SLK 55s)

As of 2006 AMG has released serveral new models, however, these are not available in all export markets:

• SLK 55 Track Sport
• SLK 55 Asia Cup
• SLK 55 'Safety Car'
• SLK 55 Black Series [1]

400 hp (294 kw), 520 NM

Improved Headers and ECU chip

Fixed Carbon fibre roof

19 inch Forged wheels

Racing shell seats

Carbon fibre door panels

Additional Oil Coolers for Transmission and Steering

Carbon fibre front Fenders with additional Vents

Popular Modifications

• Roof controller: allows roof to be opened and closed by remote and while driving without holding down the button.
• LED lights: License plate lights, signal indicators, etcetera. The Brake lights are already LEDs, but only the Indicators on the Rearview mirror are LED.
• CHMSL flasher (Third Brake Light Flasher): Flashes the Center LED light in strobe or pulses.
• Windblocker: car comes with a fabric mesh to put between the rollbars to block the wind in some markets, sold as part of option package in other markets. Mercedes-Benz offers a clip on acrylic glass one as an option/accessory, however there are many other companies offering aftermarket bolt on options.
• Sport air filters: can be ordered from the factory as a special option in some countries, also many aftermarket options available.

Popular Tuners

• BRABUS
• KLEEMAN
• RENNTECH
• Vaeth
• AMG
• MKB
• Carlsson

2008 Facelift

A facelift of the R171, with more powerful engines and an updated front splitter was unveiled at the end of 2007. The SLK 200 now produces 135 kW (184 hp DIN) while the SLK 350 is upgraded to produce 224 kW (305 hp DIN). The SLK 280 and SLK 55 AMG engines remain unchanged. The SLK 280 will now be called an SLK 300 in some markets.

Unverified rumours

According to Automobile Magazine, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a hatchback-coupe version should be available in 2009, possibly with an SLK63 AMG variant with the new 6.2L (advertised as 6.3 by Mercedes-Benz) DOHC V8 made by AMG.

This date has now been pushed back to 2010 or 2011. Also, more engine options have been opened up, a small diesel, as well as a turbo six-cylinder have been considered for the R172.

External links

• SLK 350 Gallery - FamilyCar.com
• Common issues and questions about the SLK - Benzworld.org
• Mercedes-Benz official site - Manufacturer's website
• Official AMG site - AMG website