Mercedes-Benz SLK

Dismissed by many buyers these days as a ‘bit of a hairdresser’s car’, the Mercedes-Benz SLK sometimes gets a tough rap in the motoring press. Despite re-introducing the delights of the folding hardtop to the mass market, the original car, launched in 1997, came in for criticism for its uninvolved dynamics and ineffective performance in the smaller engined models.

But as always, the buying public knew best, and the SLK went on to become a huge international hit. So sticking to the existing formula when it came to replacing the SLK was the only way forwards and when the current model appeared in 2004, it retained the original car’s folding hardtop and pert styling… but improved it in the one area that most needed it – the driving experience.

Specifications

Launched in 2004, the new SLK (Generation R171) featured new engine options, vastly improved gearboxes, and an interior that raised the game in terms of equipment and quality. The most obvious change was the curvaceous styling, incorporating a Formula 1 inspired nose.

Three models were available at launch, beginning with the entry-level SLK 200 Kompressor. With 160bhp on tap, it delivers adequate, rather than startling performance, but the essential style remains intact.

New to the SLK was the V6 engine in the 350 model – and what a cracker it proved to be. With 268bhp to play with, performance was in a whole new ball game – although like the other models in the range, the buyer needed to dig exceptionally deep when it came to the options list if he wanted to specify the car in a manner befitting its £40K price tag.

Finally, for real excitement, the V8–engined 355bhp SLK 55 AMG topped the range – offering supercar performance to complement its understated looks, it’s a great alternative to its big brother, the SL.

The following year the SLK 280 was introduced, bridging the gap nicely between the three launch models.

On the road

It’s time to get something straight right now – Mercedes-Benz has built a roadster that not only looks good, and built it well, but it’s great to drive as well. Forget the insipid saloon car feel of the four-pot predecessor, the SLK350 is a well-honed driver’s car with performance and sound quality that puts it near to the head of the premium roadster class.

The interior quality is excellent and the ergonomics are top notch. A good point is the driving position, which is supremely adjustable for people of all heights.

On the more highly specified cars, with all the options ticked, the centre console can look rather like Concorde’s flight deck, but take time to learn Mercedes’ COMMAND system or the sat/nav and ICE, and you’ll find it’s all intuitive to use. Another good point, is the sheer amount of storage space – it’s only a small point, but important nevertheless.

Once underway, you soon appreciate how well Mercedes-Benz has honed its small roadster.

The engine note is slightly offbeat but charismatic – a nice antidote to the flat sounding SLK 200. The ride is pretty good, and well controlled when the going gets rough around town – and in corners, it’s flat and controlled with plenty of communication through the nicely geared steering wheel. However, when cruising on the motorway, all that sensitivity is lost, thanks to a centre-point dead spot.

The powerful heated seats and optional air scarf are effective options to keep you in roof-down mode, even in the depths of winter.

The manual gearbox is notchy and slightly long throw, once again proving that Mercedes-Benz know all there is to know about self-shifters. With that in mind, we’d choose the seven-speed auto version, although changing up and down gears manually using the steering wheel switches takes some getting used to. Give us Tiptronic or flappy paddles any day.

The brakes lack sensitivity, too – but that’s not to say they lack efficiency. Typically efficient and powerful, what they need is a more people-friendly brake-by-wire set-up.

Don’t get us wrong though – the SLK350 is a cracking car to drive, and no longer should it be viewed as a style-over-substance choice in this market. Finally, it has the ability to match the looks.

Market impressions

Although the earliest of the previous generation SLK are now available for very sensible money indeed, don’t for a moment think that this one’s made from the same stuff. The market is well aware of its talents, and that means that used values are still very much in the premium league.

New list prices for the SLK (200 - £28,525, 280 - £31,475, 350 - £35,150, 55 AMG - £51,050) are on the high side – and that’s before options are added into the equation.

Strongish residual values mean that these high prices equate to an expensive proposition used, and demand shows little sign of letting up. The dealer price of those options will never be returned come sale time, but they can make the difference between a saleable car and an irresistible proposition. So it pays to cast your net wide, be prepared to travel for the ideal car, and to be quick. Bear in mind that although the larger engined models are the most appealing, they will probably continue to drop more in years to come, leaving the 200 the best investment, and the AMG version an expensive plaything for those prepared to take more of a hit when
they come to sell.

The SLK is still reasonably new, but has now dropped out of the honeymoon period – but because of the improved quality and dynamics of the 2004-on cars, the market will probably ensure that the current prices will remain in place for a few more years.

In short, if you choose your spec carefully, keep up the service history and don’t put too many miles on, you can be confident of enjoying strong

Conclusion

Faults, flaws and fixes

Although it has been around for three years now, no major issues have surfaced with the SLK. The main factor to remember when looking for a car is that it has a full service history, which has been strictly adhered to. How often it needs servicing is down to the driver, as this varies with use and the car goes in for a service when the indicator light comes on. Although the V6 power unit is relatively new, it has been well proven elsewhere in the Mercedes-Benz range, and therefore there are few problems to worry about. It’s the same story with the in-line supercharged four in the 200 and the V8 in the AMG version.

Some owners have complained about electrical glitches with the COMMAND system, but a session with the dealer’s diagnostic kit will have that sorted, and most will do this as a courtesy. The same goes with EBD or ABS sensors, which have been known to fail – most dealers carry these parts and will rectify the fault while you wait.

However, the dealer after sales service is patchy – some are fantastic, and can’t do enough for you, while others will leave you feeling shortchanged.

One major issue to look out for is the roof mechanism – although it’s considerably more reliable than its predecessor, problems can arise if the roof is left up all of the time, leading the electric motors to seize. This is a costly rectification, so it goes without saying that you need to test this when looking at your potential purchase.

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