March 10th, 2010 by

The marketing brains at Mercedes originated this acryonym from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). The SLK R170 was a smaller and lighter version of Mercedes SL sports car. The SLK R170 was first produced in 1996, and its fans were immediate. The SLK was a sales powerhouse, starting with 50,000 units in its first production year. However, time and competition aged this car. The car was going up directly against the Audi TT, unfavorably. Also, it became a technological has-been.

The SLK’s electrical hard top remains an interesting feature, but its engine is reviewed as rough and harsh. The steering mechanism came for the C-class chassis, the recirculating ball steering, which was sloppy.

Comparing to rivals, the TT Roadster, the BMW Z3, and the Alfa Romero Spider, the Mercedes SLK still visually stands out. While the engine could be wimpy, this underpowered engine is preferred by North Americans for relaxed driving styles.

The Mercedes SLK R170 was one of the first retractable hardtop convertibles. If you’re not a fan of turbulence, you’ll still need a windscreen. This innovative hard top follows in the footstep of the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.

To address the shortcomings, the 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000. This car gained extra power, different styling on the body, and improved handling. The engine fixed some of its initial roughness. Mercedes did improve the transmission experience, smoothing out the shifting. A six-speed transmission was installed, which came over straight from the E-class. There was an automatic option, providing five speeds. With the top down, you’ll still have a lot of turbulence, unless you install a need a windscreen. Then, the chassis was upgraded for better handling and safety improvements.

None of these changes are big or grand, being small changes over time. The Mercedes SLK R170 is a classic car that holds up well with time.

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When the author isn’t driving her SLK around, she’s a fan of the Mercedes Benz SLK windscreen windblocker wind deflector, the psychic readings, and theSeattle HCG Diet.