Description

  • Supercharged engine (Kompressor)
  • Five speed auto
  • Variomatic convertible roof
  • Leather interior
  • Amber Red Metallic

The Mercedes SLK is a feel-good convertible. A pleasure to drive, it looks stunning, and the party-piece is its folding metal roof. (Take a look at the video).

Inside, it’s well built, comfortable and well equipped. In two-pedal 200 version, it is a joy around town. The c.170bhp engine has plenty of pace, with the benefit of long stops between fuel stops

History

Our vendor admits he purchased this as a summer ‘toy’. Albeit only travelling around 450 miles in it, now he has had bags of fun it is time for someone else to enjoy owning it.

It comes with a tidy MOT history and credible service record too. The books are in the Gallery.

Inside

This 2nd Gen SLK is a little wider and longer than its precursor. Mercedes are renowned for their innovation and whilst the roof mechanism has been widely copied, it still amazes passers-by and us. It tucks neatly away in 20 seconds. The revolving rear window means that there is now a good space in the boot, unlike the earlier cars.

The engineering originality continues with the Mercedes ‘AIRSCARF’ This is neck-level heating system delivering a warm flow of air from the headrests, when the roof is down. This system is linked to road speed and temperature and adapts the fan speed ensuring a cozy ‘scarf’ of hot air.

  • Black leather memory seats
  • Polished alloy switch gear
  • Black carpet
  • Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel
  • Climate Control
  • Electric Windows
  • In-Car Entertainment
  • Satnav
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
  • Climate control

Outside

  • Amber Red metallic paint
  • Alloy wheels
  • Parking sensors
  • High level brake light
  • Side air bags
  • Front fog lamps
  • Alarm
  • Immobiliser
  • Solid roll over bars
  • Seat belt tensioners

If you look closely, you’ll see from the Gallery, some paint imperfections on the rear quarters. Overall, the SLK looks striking

The distinguishing tapering of the front bonnet has echoes of both the McLaren Formula One winner and the Mercedes SLR McLaren. Twin exhausts, a deep front spoiler and purposefully sculptured wheel arches help give the SLK a pleasing dose of style that Mercedes sometimes lack.

The 2nd Gen SLK came with a 40 per cent increase in the use of high tensile steel alloys. The adaptive airbags deploy in two stages, should you need them, according to the severity of the incident.

Mechanicals

  • 1.8 litre four-cylinder supercharged engine
  • Optional 5G-Tronic automatic transmission
  • ABS
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • 161 bhp
  • 0-60 in under 8 seconds
  • Service record – images in the Gallery
  • Four new tyres

Mercedes were no stranger to supercharging engines. The first was developed in 1921 by a Daimler-Benz team with support from Ferdinand Porsche. Mercedes became the first manufacturer to install superchargers on some production models. The designation “K” meaning “Kompressor”

The M271 engines are built in Untertürkheim, Germany. The engine is a cast aluminium engine block and aluminium DOHC cylinder heads, 4 valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.

This offers the dual benefits of higher performance and lower fuel consumption.

Summary

The SLK is easy and smooth, whether in town or on country roads. It’s agile and quick too, meaning it does offer something for everyone. Drivers who prefer to take things easy will appreciate the way it cruises effortlessly. It is unruffled and comfortable with the roof down, especially with AIRSCARF. The lack of clutch means it is a doddle to drive around town. And if you want to crack-on, press down on the right-hand pedal and let that supercharger launch you down the road.