Mercedes-Benz R171
Encyclopedia
R171 represents the second generation of Mercedes-Benz
SLK
and is slightly larger than its predecessor the R170
. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (short).
Like its predecessor, the R171 featured a retractable hardtop. By the time the R171 was released, this had become an increasingly common feature in almost every newly introduced convertible, especially in Europe. The SLK was updated in 2004 with a new Formula One
-inspired appearance; the new model also took design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept car, presented in 2000. The vehicle was unveiled in 74th Geneva International Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class went on sale in Europe in 2004-03-27.
*All specifications with standard equipment.
*Acceleration time with manual transmission.
**Acceleration time with automatic transmission.
***Electronically limited top speed. Limiter only installed on certain cars, though it's supposed to be on all of them, and is supposedly an option only available with the P30 (030) package. Non-P30 SLK55s have been observed up to 170 mph.
As of 2006 AMG has released several new models, but these are not available in all export markets:
Available with 5 Speed or & 7 speed automatic transmission.
Engine performance increase comes largely from the long tube headers and a revised ECU.
The vehicle went on sale in Germany beginning in July 2006 with MSRP of €107,300 (incl. 16% VAT).
The original car was based on SLK 280 with 7G-TRONIC transmission, matt-grey metallic body; dark-grey painted, high-sheen light-alloy wheels in a ten-spoke design with 225/45R17 front and 245/40R17 rear tires; black leather seats and interior with silver-coloured under layer; AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate-control system, PARKTRONIC parking aid, COMAND system with Europe-wide navigation.
The production versions were available in SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, SLK 280, SLK 350 models, which include 'allanite grey Magno' body, wheel and tires, and interior from the show car. AIRSCARF, THERMOTRONIC, and COMAND were offered separately.
's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire
magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005.
A "gullwing red" leather option, inspired by the original 300 SL gullwing, is added. Further new additions include nappa leather appointments in "natural beige", which complement the new "pale burr walnut" and "black ash grain" wood trims perfectly.
Direct steering assist system with variable steering assistance becomes an option (standard in SLK 55 AMG).
SLK 55 AMG included a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps.
The vehicles went on sale in April 2008.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 NAIAS.
Developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, AMG performance package adds following:
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
In SLK 280, fuel economy was improved while CO2 emissions were reduced. In addition to power boosts on SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and SLK 350, engine speed limit was raised to 6800rpm, with temporary boost to 7200rpm across the family (except SLK 55 AMG). Other changes include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.
*Acceleration time with manual transmission.
***Electronically limited top speed, limiter only installed on certain cars, though it's supposed to be on all of them, and is supposedly an option you only get with the P30 (030) package. Non-P30 SLK55s have been observed up to 170 mph.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
SLK
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The SLK is a compact roadster manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in three generations; R170 launched in 1996, the R171 in 2004 and R172 in 2011....
and is slightly larger than its predecessor the R170
Mercedes-Benz R170
The Mercedes-Benz R170 was an automobile platform for sports cars produced since 1996 and was the first Mercedes-Benz hard top convertible.R170 models were originally sold as the SLK-Class and was based on the W202 C-Class. It was replaced by a new SLK-Class platform - the R171 - for 2005...
. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (short).
Like its predecessor, the R171 featured a retractable hardtop. By the time the R171 was released, this had become an increasingly common feature in almost every newly introduced convertible, especially in Europe. The SLK was updated in 2004 with a new Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
-inspired appearance; the new model also took design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept car, presented in 2000. The vehicle was unveiled in 74th Geneva International Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class went on sale in Europe in 2004-03-27.
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine (code) | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2004–2008 | 1796 cc I4 supercharged (M271 Mercedes-Benz M271 engine The Mercedes-Benz M271 engine is a straight-4 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s.All M271 engines are built in Untertürkheim, Germany. The family has a cast aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder and variable valve timing-E18ML:The E18ML is... ) |
163 PS@5500, 240 newton metre@3000-4000 |
| SLK 280 | 2005–2009 | 2996 cc V6 (M272 Mercedes-Benz M272 engine The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
231 PS, 300 newton metre |
| SLK 350 | 2004–2008 | 3498 cc V6 (M272 Mercedes-Benz M272 engine The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
272 PS@6000, 350 newton metre@2400-5000 |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 5439 cc V8 (M113 Mercedes-Benz M113 engine The Mercedes-Benz M113 engine is a V8 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. It was based on the similar M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
360 PS, 510 newton metre |
| SLK 55 AMG Black Series | 2006–2008 | 5439 cc V8 (M113 Mercedes-Benz M113 engine The Mercedes-Benz M113 engine is a V8 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. It was based on the similar M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
400 PS, 520 newton metre |
*All specifications with standard equipment.
Transmission
| Model | Years | Standard | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2004–2008 | 6-speed manual | 5-speed automatic |
| SLK 280 | 2005–2009 | 6-speed manual | 7G-TRONIC |
| SLK 350 | 2004–2008 | 6-speed manual | 7G-TRONIC |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 7G-TRONIC with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT | |
| SLK 55 AMG Black Series | 2006–2008 | 7G-TRONIC with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT | |
Performance
| Model | Years | Top Speed | Kerb Weight (Automatic) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2004–2008 | 7.9* | 229 kilometre per hour | | 1390 kg (3,064.4 lb) (1415 kg (3,119.5 lb)) |
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2008- | ? | ? | ? |
| SLK 280 | 2005–2009 | 6.7* | 250 kilometre per hour*** | |1440 kg (3,174.7 lb) (1460 kg (3,218.7 lb)) |
| SLK 300 | 2009- | 6.7* | 250 kilometre per hour*** | |1440 kg (3,174.7 lb) (1460 kg (3,218.7 lb)) |
| SLK 350 | 2004–2008 | 5.4* | 250 kilometre per hour*** | | 1465 kg (3,229.8 lb) (1485 kg (3,273.9 lb)) |
| SLK 350 | 2008- | 5.3 | 250 kilometre per hour*** | |? |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 4.3** | 250 kilometre per hour*** | |(1540 kg (3,395.1 lb)) |
| SLK 55 AMG Black Series | 2006–2008 | 4.5** | 250 kilometre per hour*** | (1495 kg (3,295.9 lb)) |
*Acceleration time with manual transmission.
**Acceleration time with automatic transmission.
***Electronically limited top speed. Limiter only installed on certain cars, though it's supposed to be on all of them, and is supposedly an option only available with the P30 (030) package. Non-P30 SLK55s have been observed up to 170 mph.
Factory options
- 6-speed manual (SLK 200K, SLK 280, SLK 350)
- AMG bodystyling
- High capacity battery
- COMAND APS control and display system for radio/navigation
- Bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, auto leveling. (SLK 200K, SLK 280, SLK 350, SLK 55 [adds cornering adjustment])
- CD changer in glove box (6 disc)
- Alarm system with tow-away protection
- 'Homelink' garage door opener
- Pre-installation for roof carrier systems
- Basic carrier bars
- Interior lighting package (standard SLK 350, SLK 55 AMG)
- Asphymetric mirror glass (limited markets)
- THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
- Air Scarf: Heated air directed from the headrest to the back of the neck. (includes fabric draught stop)
- Leather or wood/leather steering wheel/shifter (excluding SLK 55 AMG)
- Parktronic parking aids (front sensors are referred to as Quickpark)
- Rain sensing wipers.
- Tire pressure loss warning system
- Heated windscreen washer
- Heated seats (standard SLK 55 AMG)
- Lowered sports suspension (only available in conjunction with 17" light alloys and tyre pressure loss warning)
- Sport Package (limited markets, not offered for SLK 55 AMG)
- Harman KardonHarman Kardonharman/kardon is a division of Harman International Industries and manufactures home and car audio equipment.Founded in 1953 by Dr. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon — two men with a deep interest in music and the arts — the company helped create the high-fidelity audio industry. Their first product...
LOGIC7 surround sound system - Fabric draught-stop no longer included with US cars (except with AIRSCARF option)
- Transparent draught stop
- Sirius Satellite RadioSirius Satellite RadioSirius Satellite Radio is a satellite radio service operating in North America, owned by Sirius XM Radio.Headquartered in New York City, with smaller studios in Los Angeles and Memphis, Sirius was officially launched on July 1, 2002 and currently provides 69 streams of music and 65 streams of...
(USA only) - Designo: Special Paint colours and leathers, choices and prices depend on region, US pricing is $8000.
- Power-folding side mirrors (limited markets)
- Handsfree phone kit
- iPod integration
- Audio input with pre-facelift COMAND, post-facelift cars have the Media Interface option
- 8 way power seats
- Lumbar adjustement (not available on SLK 55)
- Performance Package (AMG 030 Package, only for the SLK 55)
- 'Edit10n' 10 year Anniversary Package (special paint colour, red trim on the interior)
SLK Specific Modifications
- Roof controller: allows roof to be opened and closed by remote control and while driving without holding down the button. (Normally the roof can only be operated under 5 MPH.)
- LED lights: license-plate lights, signal indicators, etc. The Brake lights are already LEDs, but only the Indicators on the door mirrors are LEDs.
- CHMSL flasher (Third Brake Light Flasher): flashes the Center LED light in strobe or pulses.
- Windblocker: in some markets the car comes with a fabric mesh that fits between the roll barRoll cageA roll cage is a specially constructed frame built in the cab of a vehicle to protect its occupants from being injured in an accident, particularly in the event of a roll-over. Roll cages are used in nearly all purpose-built racecars, and in most cars modified for racing...
s to block the wind; elsewhere it is sold as part of option package. Mercedes-Benz offers a clip on acrylic glassAcrylic glassPoly is a transparent thermoplastic, often used as a light or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is sometimes called acrylic glass. Chemically, it is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate...
one as an option/accessory; many other companies offer aftermarket bolt-on options. - Sport air filters: can be ordered from the factory as a special option in some countries; many aftermarket options available.
AMG models
- SLK 55
- 0-62 mph (100 km/h) quoted at 4.9 seconds but individuals have reported times of under 4.3 seconds. (Car & Driver Magazine reported 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.)
- Increased brake capacity. (Pre-2008-model-year cars have 6-piston front calipers with perforated and slotted rotors, and 4-piston rear calipers. Later models have a mix of brakes depending on options and market: either the original 6-piston fronts or the 4-piston fronts from the C55. Mercedes made this change not only to cut costs but also to reduce complaints about brake squeal from customers not used to high performance brakes.)
- Additional engine oil cooler (behind right-hand bumper vents)
- Lowered/stiffened suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars)
- AMG body kit, with distinctive gills in front bumpers
- Chrome-accented fog lights
- Napa leather interior
- Quad exhaust
- Smoked taillights and [CHMSL]
- SLK 55 Sport/030/P30 (an option package on top of the standard SLK 55 AMG)
- Nurburgring suspension
- Improved pads and rotors (currently the only sure way to get the pre-2008 6-piston front brakes and 4-piston rears).
- Carbon fibre interior accents
- 18-inch rims
- Upgraded steering wheel
- delimited top speed (which is actually now standard on all SLK 55s)
As of 2006 AMG has released several new models, but these are not available in all export markets:
- SLK 55 Track Sport
- SLK 55 Asia Cup
- SLK 55 'F1 Safety Car'
SLK 55 AMG Black Series (2006-2008)
It is a version with engine rated 400 PS and 520 newton metre, restyled AMG front apron with large air intakes, additional transmission oil cooler and the high-performance steering gear oil cooler, Aluminum Front strut brace, new black carbon side air outlets, wider carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CRP) front fenders, CRP non-retractable hardtop, 19-inch light alloy wheels with 235/35ZR19 front and 265/30ZR19 rear tires (optional sport tires are available without extra charge), black pearl velour AMG sport bucket seats without side airbags, CF trunk Spoiler, carbon fibre door panel lining and trim parts. The vehicle has curb weight of 1495 kg (3,295.9 lb), 45 kg (99.2 lb) lighter than the basic vehicle.Available with 5 Speed or & 7 speed automatic transmission.
Engine performance increase comes largely from the long tube headers and a revised ECU.
The vehicle went on sale in Germany beginning in July 2006 with MSRP of €107,300 (incl. 16% VAT).
"Edition 10" (2007)
It is a version commemorating the 10th anniversary of SLK-Class vehicles. The concept vehicle originally appeared in 2006 Paris Motor show.The original car was based on SLK 280 with 7G-TRONIC transmission, matt-grey metallic body; dark-grey painted, high-sheen light-alloy wheels in a ten-spoke design with 225/45R17 front and 245/40R17 rear tires; black leather seats and interior with silver-coloured under layer; AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate-control system, PARKTRONIC parking aid, COMAND system with Europe-wide navigation.
The production versions were available in SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, SLK 280, SLK 350 models, which include 'allanite grey Magno' body, wheel and tires, and interior from the show car. AIRSCARF, THERMOTRONIC, and COMAND were offered separately.
Receptions
The new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and DriverCar and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire
Lucire
Lucire is a fashion magazine that originally began on the web in 1997, branching into a monthly print edition in its home country of New Zealand in 2004...
magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005.
Updates (2008-)
The updated models include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow shape. The rear end was modified by introducing a diffuser-style lower section that makes the Roadster appear more powerful when viewed from behind. The larger exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely new. Interior was optimised to be more driver-oriented. Instrument cluster was updated to include NTG 2.5 audio and telematics with optional LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control, optional harman/kardon Logic7 sound system.A "gullwing red" leather option, inspired by the original 300 SL gullwing, is added. Further new additions include nappa leather appointments in "natural beige", which complement the new "pale burr walnut" and "black ash grain" wood trims perfectly.
Direct steering assist system with variable steering assistance becomes an option (standard in SLK 55 AMG).
SLK 55 AMG included a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps.
The vehicles went on sale in April 2008.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 NAIAS.
SLK 55 AMG
It includes 345x30mm brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 front and 245/35 rear tyres. AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission shifts 10% faster than previous model.Developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, AMG performance package adds following:
- AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front wheels
- Internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs (360x32mm) with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front
- Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs (330x26mm) with 4-piston fixed callipers at the rear
- AMG 18-inch multi-piece light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, 7.5x18 rim with 225/40R18 tyres at the front and 8.5x18 rim with 245/35R18 tyres at the rear
- AMG performance suspension
- AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened lower section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles (plus aluminium trim element)
- AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior
2LOOK Edition (2009)
It is a limited appearance package available for SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, SLK 300 and SLK 350 models, which included calcite white, black, obsidian black metallic, or designo mystic white (300 units total for obsidian black metallic and designo mystic white) body 18-inch 5-twin-spoke titanium silver or chrome shadow alloy wheels with 225/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear tires, discreet emblems on the wings and a draught-stop of transparent acrylic glass, nappa leather seats with the seat centre panels in white and the contoured bolsters in black, contrasting black-and-white doors and centre armrest in leather.The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2008- | 1796 cc I4 supercharged (M271 Mercedes-Benz M271 engine The Mercedes-Benz M271 engine is a straight-4 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s.All M271 engines are built in Untertürkheim, Germany. The family has a cast aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder and variable valve timing-E18ML:The E18ML is... ) |
184 PS@5500, 250 newton metre@2800-5000 |
| SLK 280 | 2008–2009 | 2996 cc V6 (M272 Mercedes-Benz M272 engine The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
231 PS, 300 newton metre |
| SLK 300 | 2009- | 2996 cc V6 (M272 Mercedes-Benz M272 engine The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
231 PS, 300 newton metre |
| SLK 350 | 2008- | 3498 cc V6 (M272 Mercedes-Benz M272 engine The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
305 PS@6500, 360 newton metre@4900 |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 5439 cc V8 (M113 Mercedes-Benz M113 engine The Mercedes-Benz M113 engine is a V8 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s. It was based on the similar M112 V6 introduced in 1998.... ) |
360 PS@5750, 510 newton metre@4000 |
In SLK 280, fuel economy was improved while CO2 emissions were reduced. In addition to power boosts on SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and SLK 350, engine speed limit was raised to 6800rpm, with temporary boost to 7200rpm across the family (except SLK 55 AMG). Other changes include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.
Transmissions
| Model | Year | Standard | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2008- | 6-speed manual | 5G-TRONIC |
| SLK 280 | 2005–2009 | 6-speed manual | 7G-TRONIC 7G-TRONIC 7G-Tronic is Mercedes-Benz's trademark name for its seven-speed automatic transmission. This fifth-generation transmission was introduced in the Autumn of 2003 on 8-cylinder models, and was the first seven-speed automatic transmission ever used on a production vehicle.The 7G-Tronic debuted on five... , 7G-TRONIC Sport |
| SLK 300 | 2009- | 6-speed manual | 7G-TRONIC, 7G-TRONIC Sport |
| SLK 350 | 2008- | 6-speed manual | 7G-TRONIC, 7G-TRONIC Sport |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 7G-TRONIC with AMG SPEEDSHIFT | |
Performance
| Model | Years | Top Speed | Kerb Weight (Automatic) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR | 2008- | 7.6(7.9 automatic?) | 210 km/h (130.5 mph)*** | 1390 kg (3,064.4 lb) |
| SLK 280 | 2005–2009 | 6.7* | 250 km/h (155.3 mph)*** | 1440 kg (3,174.7 lb) (1460 kg (3,218.7 lb)) |
| SLK 300 | 2009- | 6.7* | 250 km/h (155.3 mph)*** | 1440 kg (3,174.7 lb) (1460 kg (3,218.7 lb)) |
| SLK 350 | 2008- | 5.4(5.4 automatic?) | 210 km/h (130.5 mph)*** | 1485 kg (3,273.9 lb)(manual) |
| SLK 55 AMG | 2004- | 4.3 | 250 km/h (155.3 mph)*** | (1575 kg (3,472.3 lb)) |
*Acceleration time with manual transmission.
***Electronically limited top speed, limiter only installed on certain cars, though it's supposed to be on all of them, and is supposedly an option you only get with the P30 (030) package. Non-P30 SLK55s have been observed up to 170 mph.
Marketing
The Culture of Driving campaign includes a 'Sternschnuppe' (shooting star) TV ad telling a story of a couple on a romantic trip through the mountains in the roadster. The man in the spot - unlike his feminine 'better half' - can think only of his car and the prospects of driving on stretches of road featuring even more exciting curves.Tuners
- AMGMercedes-AMGMercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars....
- BrabusBRABUSBrabus, founded 1977 in Bottrop , Germany , is a high-performance aftermarket tuning company which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach vehicles....
- CarlssonCarlsson (car company)Carlsson is a German car tuning manufacturer specialising in Mercedes-Benz cars. The Carlsson tuning house was founded by brothers Rolf and Andreas Hartge in 1989. Carlsson's products are available for the entire current range of Mercedes-Benz models including the R-Class , SL-Class , C-Class and...
- Kleeman
- MKB Motorenbau
- RenntechRENNtechRenntech is a Florida company established in 1989 by Hartmut Feyhl. It is best known for performance modifications of Mercedes-AMG automobiles....
- Vaeth
External links
- Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R171) specifications: engines and transmissions, chassis, bodywork and vario-roof, design, interior, safety
- Press Kit: The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- Press Kit: Intelligent dynamism - the new-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK
- Common issues and questions about the SLK - Benzworld.org
- Mercedes-Benz SLK 300 official site - Manufacturer's website
- Official AMG SLK55 site - AMG website