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 (Automatic)
SLK200K	2004- 2007	1.8 L M271 L4	120 kW (163 hp DIN)	1390 kg (1415 kg)
	2008-	1.8 L M271 L4	135 kW (184 hp DIN)
SLK280/SLK300	2005-	3.0 L M272 V6	170 kW (231 hp DIN)	1440 kg (1460 kg)
SLK350	2004- 2007	3.5 L M272 V6	200 kW (272 hp DIN)	1465 kg (1485 kg)
	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)

^*All specifications with standard equipment.

Performance

Model	Years	0-100 km/h (62 mph)	Top Speed
SLK200K	2004- 2007	7.9 seconds*	229 km/h (143 mph)
	2008-
SLK280/SLK300	2005-	6.3 seconds*	250 km/h (155 mph)***
SLK350	2004- 2007	5.4 seconds*	250 km/h (155 mph)***
	2008-
SLK55 AMG	2004-	4.3 seconds**	250 km/h (155 mph)***

^*Acceleration time with manual transmission.

^**Acceleration time with automatic transmission.

^***Electronically limited top speed, limiter only installed on certain cars, though it's supposed to be on all of them, and is supposedly an option you only get with the P30 (030) package. Non-P30 SLK55s have been observed up to 170 mph.

Factory options

Mercedes SLK (R171)

• 6 Speed Manual (SLK 200K, SLK 280, SLK 350)
• AMG bodystyling
• High capacity battery
• COMAND APS control and display system for radio/navigation
• Bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, auto leveling and cornering adjustment. (SLK 200K, SLK 280, SLK 350, SLK 55)
• CD Changer in glove box (6 disc)
• Alarm system with tow-away protection
• 'Homelink' Garage door opener
• Basic carrier bars (requires specification at time of ordering, mounting holes need to be drilled at factory as most dealers are not able to do this).
• Interior lighting package (standard SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG)
• Asphymetric mirror glass (limited markets)
• THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
• AirScarf: Heated air directed from the headrest to the back of the neck. (includes fabric draught stop)
• Wood/leather steering wheel/shifter (excluding SLK 55 AMG)
• Parktronic parking aids (front sensors are referred to as Quickpark)
• Rain sensing wipers.
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
• Leather steering wheel and shifter (Excluding SLK 55 AMG)
• Heated windscreen washer
• Heated Seats (standard SLK 55 AMG)
• Lowered sports suspension (only available in conjunction with 17" light alloys and tyre pressure loss warning)
• Sport Package (limited markets, not offered for SLK 55 AMG)
• HK Audio: harmon/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system
• Pre-installation for roof carrier systems
• Fabric draught-stop (standard with AIRSCARF)
• Transparent draught stop
• Sirius Satellite Radio (USA only)
• Designo: Special Paint colours and leathers, choices and prices depend on region, US pricing is $8000.
• Power-Folding Side Mirrors (limited markets)
• Handsfree Phone kit
• iPod integration
• Audio input
• 8 way Power seats
• Lumbar adjustement (not available on 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 two reasons, reduce the number of complaints from customers not used to high performance brakes about brake squeal, and to reduce cost). Post 2008 models have a mix of brakes depending on options and market; either the original 6 piston fronts or the 4 piston fronts from the C55.

Additional Engine Oil cooler (Behind starboard bumper vents)

Lowered/Stiffened Suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars)

AMG Body Kit, with distinctive gills in front bumpers

Chrome accented Fog lights

Napa leather interior

Modified AMG 7G-tronic transmission

Quad Exhaust

Smoked taillights and [CHMSL]

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

Nurburgring Suspension

Improved Pads and Rotors (Currently the only way to get the pre-2008 6 piston front brakes and 4 piston rear brakes).

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 several 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

SLK Specific Modifications

• Roof controller: allows roof to be opened and closed by remote and while driving without holding down the button. (Roof can only be operated under 5 MPH from the factory).
• LED lights: License plate lights, signal indicators, etcetera. The Brake lights are already LEDs, but only the Indicators on the Rearview mirror are LEDs.
• 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 roll bars 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

• AMG
• BRABUS
• KLEEMAN
• RENNTECH
• Vaeth
• 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. The new models are expected around July, but can already be ordered.

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