The sporty acronym comes from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). The SLK 170 was at first a compact implementation of the popular SL sports car. In 1996, the SLK R170 first appeared to raving fans. The initial sales started with a very respectable 50,000 units. This car did stagnant in the market for too long; soon, competitors came out with more compelling products. The car was going up directly against the Audi TT, unfavorably. Furthermore, time was dating its technology.
The SLK’s hard top is noticeably its best piece of engineering, while the engine is clunky. The steering was borrowed from the C-class, the recirculating ball, which wasn’t the best choice.
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 weak, drivers in North America value relaxed driving over power.
Riders got their piece of the sun in this Mercedes SLK 170 with its retractable hardtop. Although going with the top-down, you should still be equipped with a windscreen. This lazy-man hard top has roots in the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.
The 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000 to address these initial nits. This car gained extra power, different styling on the body, and improved handling. The engine is smooth and doesn’t stutter when idling. Mercedes did make upgrades with the transmission, making shifting smooth as silk. There was new six-speed transmission, pieced together from the E-class. If you wanted an automatic, then you were stuck with only five gears. Going with the top down still invites all of the backlash, needing a windscreen. Next, a smoother and safer ride became possible with chassis improvement.
None of these changes are big or grand, being small changes over time. The Mercedes SLK R170 still draws the raves.
———————————
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.