2004 Mercedes SLK 200 Convertible *Sold £4,000*

Description

• Full service history 
• Warranted 74k mileage 
• Absolutely stunning example 
• Recent service 
• ULEZ compliant  

The Mercedes SLK was the first-generation compact roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 1996 to 2004. It was designed from late 1991 under Bruno Sacco, with a final design being completed in early 1993 and approved by the board. A German design patent was filed on September 30, 1993. The production SLK-Class was introduced at the Turin Motor Show on 22 April 1996, appearing as a modern incarnation of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 190SL; returning to four cylinders and with an identical 2,400 mm wheelbase.   

The R171 SLK 200 as we have here was unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It features increased use of high-strength steel, and improvements to the car’s torsional strength and aerodynamic efficiencies. Models feature a more compact, revised roof mechanism that is operated in just 22 seconds. This results in an increase in boot capacity. The R171 also introduced the Airscarf system that integrates a neck-level heating system into the headrests of the car. The front-end design of the car was inspired by the noses found in Formula One cars. 

Our vendor purchased the SLK 200 at 65k mileage from a lady owner who had used it sparingly. In fact, he had spotted it in its car port and had admired the car over four years whilst he cut the lawn for his client. Noticing that it hardly ever moved he enquired and Bob’s your uncle, it was his. You don’t ask, you don’t get! 

Now showing 72k miles and with the vendor having had his fun it now comes to market. It will be supplied with a full main dealer service history, apart from the last one which was carried out by our vendors specialist, an MOT until June 2024, the V5 in our vendors name, a handful of MOTs and invoices, plus the owner’s manuals and service book warranting the 72k miles. 

Exterior 

Inspired by the SLS nose this really is a pretty car. Arguably the best looking of all three generations in our view. On top of those stunning looks our vendor has shared that the capri blue metallic paintwork is immaculate and looks mightily impressive, looking at the gallery we cannot argue that it is indeed a very impressive example.  

We have literally scoured the images ourselves and cannot see any blemishes whatsoever. Now don’t get us wrong this SLK 200 is nearly twenty years old so we would expect some minor issues, but we just cannot see any in the images and our vendor is rightly proud of what a clean and tidy example it really is. 

Roof down it looks even prettier. Roof up and the deep blue paint also looks perfect, and it still opens and closes perfectly, all in the 22 seconds stated by Mercedes.   

The bumpers are showing none of the unsightly scuffs you would normally find, and the wheels are just as good.  Peer underneath the car and you will find nothing untoward, it genuinely is a lovely, lovely example. 

Interior 

Open the driver’s door and you will find an interior that is no different from the exterior, the sumptuous leather seats are in stunning condition, testament to how well this car was built, it is not showing any sagging, bolster wear or cracking that would normally be appearing on a car of this age.  

Once settled you will then see that the dash is in in perfect condition with all the dials, buttons and switches showing no wear and tear. All the ancillaries will work as expected should you push any buttons. 

The matching door pads and side trims are equally as good with no dents in the armrests or scuffs anywhere. The carpets are in fantastic nick with Mercedes mats protecting them further. 

Engine and Mechanicals 

Power comes from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It’s an engine that is good for 0-62mph in around 7 seconds and treated nicely will return a fuel economy of plus 40 mpg.  

The 1.8-litre model has the ability to cruise around town quietly or, under heavy throttle loads, delivers a throaty soundtrack into the cabin, allowing you to savour the best of both worlds.  

With the roof down, the appeal is even greater as the raspy engine sounds stunning out of the exhaust. A new video has been added of the SLK 200’s roof in action; it can be seen here: https://youtu.be/nJ6DmlaBTlk

This example comes with a full-service history with the last being carried out this year, that included all the usual things including new iridium plugs, oil filter and so on. 

The car has also had a new ECU fitted, new battery, and four brand new tyres. It has even had two new springs on the front and brakes hoses to the rear; this SLK 200 just does not want for anything whatsoever. 

As expected, our vendor is proud to share that it drives wonderfully with the Kompressor working perfectly and with no unusual squeaks or rattles. 

Our view  

If you’re seeking a blend of classic design and exhilarating performance, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 fits that bracket perfectly.  If you are seeking all that and want one that is in stunning condition, has been treated to anything it needs and that has full service history, then this SLK fits that bracket perfectly. I suspect you get the gist; it fits all brackets… 

These little SLK 200s are currently fantastic value but that is not going to be the case for too long. They are at the bottom of the depreciation curve, or arguably just past that, and now on the way up so now is the time to buy. Keep it for a few years and we are pretty confident you won’t lose any money. This being the small engine variant it is even ULEZ compliant. What’s not to like?