I always have a watchful eye for special cars. A radar in the subconscious maps the surroundings and warns as soon as it detects something "special". It is difficult to put into words what this "special" really is er. It can be a different shape, color, details, sound...
The other day I came across such a phenomenon - along one of the condemned hangars at the Koksa workshop in Fornebu. I took pictures. It was a Calypso green Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 from the first production year of 1997. Normally I don't care about early SLKs - simply because I don't think they are special enough. I would rather go for a CLK (W208) with drivetrain and chassis from the C-Class (W202). The CLK appears as a nicer version of the C-class, while the SLK ended up as...
... neither bird nor fish?
I imagine corporate German engineers tasked by top management to create a model to rival the new BMW Z3. It was an urgent project. Costs had to be kept down. Pure business. Barely Leidenschaft.
A small C-Class-based sports car?
At first I didn't understand what had caught my interest. I started parking next to SLKs. I took pictures. Compared them to the green SLK. Then I saw it. "My" SLK had had its headlights and grill replaced with aftermarket products. The sad, dull, brown and dull Plexiglas had been replaced with fresh, modern spotlights. If you're going to have an SLK, you have to go for it ebay.com and buy new headlights! Maybe order a new grill too, - one similar to other Mercedes. Then your SLK mk1 will look 10 years younger. See the photo montage above - and the similarity between the upgraded R170 and today's SLK.
Rieger kit?
Daimler AG recently discontinued the SLK series
From 1997 to 2019, 3 models of SLK were made – R170, R171 and R172. All made according to the same concept: "Sportslich, Leicht und Kurz". Roadsters built from components from associated C-classes. Sports cars that anyone could buy. Today, prices start at R170 from 50 000. Let's take a closer look at what we're getting.
Facelift for the 2001 model
The R170 was made in two series. The first was produced from 1996-2000. The second, a facelifted edition, was produced from model year 2001 to 2004. Visual changes consisted of new plastic under the front grill, new channel skirts painted all the way down, as well as a new lower rear section. Engine-wise, all engines got a compressor. The 2-litre 134 HP without supercharger disappeared from the model range. The entry-level engine was the 200K (compressor) which delivered 163 HP. The 2,3-litre engine – also the one with a compressor – received a power increase from 190 HP to 194 HP. Furthermore, it became possible to order the SLK with the – now classic – 3,2 V6 engine. There are therefore several reasons why you should go for the facelifted model. The biggest is everything you can't see, - a number of changes previously reported as weaknesses.
What to watch out for
Peace
Due to poor steel, all Mercedes around the turn of the century were affected by severe rust. It affected all models from the smallest to the largest. The fresh news came with the 2003 models, i.e. the last year of the R170. Nevertheless, the SLK has fared better than its brothers the CLK (W208) and C-class (W202). Many SLKs were acquired as car number two and perhaps got the place of honor in the garage. When Mercedes-Benz's rust problems became known, many people chose to protect their cars from rust. That does not mean that SLKs are exempt from rust. There are places that are difficult to inspect, including the attachment of front fenders and rear wheel arches. There may also be rust in the C-pillars that hold/attach the roof. One can therefore say that to be you rust, it may be a good idea to avoid any purchases.
Oil leak
Technically speaking, there are no particular problem areas on the SLK. One problem reported by several owners over the years is oil leaks around the solenoid that controls the VVT (variable valve timing) system at the end of the camshaft. Many people have experienced that oil has penetrated the engine's main wiring system. Only from the 2003 models was this fixed in the form of an additional fastening part which can also be retrofitted on older engines (M111 200K and 230K).
High parts prices
The components in the steering, brakes and undercarriage have the same service life as other cars. This means replacements from 100 km and upwards. The problem with a model like the SLK mk000 is Mercedes-Benz's sky-high parts prices. If you follow the dealer's service programme, the bills can be as high as the car is worth. The calculation can become more profitable by shopping for parts online and screwing a bit yourself.
The Vario roof
A final problem is the so-called Vario roof, which opens and closes at the touch of a button. It requires regular use to work. Many people experience malfunctions after winter storage. Faults can occur in microswitches, wiring and the hydraulic pump. It can be time-consuming to troubleshoot and expensive to acquire parts. In the worst case, a repair can cost as much as the car is worth.
Immobilizer
DAS (Drive Authorization System) can kick in so that the car refuses to start. The problem is that the signals from the key do not reach the computer unit if the car has been standing for a while.
Prices
The form shows Norwegian and Swedish prices for models before and after the facelift. Swedish prices are calculated in Norwegian kroner including Norwegian VAT and scrap deposit, but without shipping. Swedish prices are not particularly favorable, but the selection in Sweden is larger, especially on "lågmilare". In terms of price, these are just under NOK 100 fully imported into Norway. Expect prices between 000-50 for cars with a mileage of around 000. Like other roadsters, SLKs will be considered future classics and will have eternal life.
Don't forget to order new headlights on Ebay!
Pictures
Facelifted R170 at "Wheelers Dealers": Edd China fixed, among other things, the pump for the Vario roof - on suspicion, as well as a couple of other small things. Fully fixed, the team tried to get GBP 3 for the…
