Mercedes-Benz SLK R170, facelift 2000 SLK 320 V6 (218 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz SLK:

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a compact executive roadster, produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was released in 1996 and was manufactured at the Mercedes plant in Bremen, Germany, until 2020.
The former name "SLK" was derived from sportlich , leicht , and kurz. With the release of the facelift R172 in 2016, the SLK-Class was renamed to SLC-Class in accordance with the revised nomenclature adopted by Mercedes. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, the letter "C", being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class....(Read more on Wikipedia)

R170, facelift 2000 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170, facelift 2000). With 308 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1330 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 245 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

SLK 320 V6 (218 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The manual transmission unlocks the full potential of the V6, offering a more engaging and direct driving experience with strong, linear power.

Fuel Economy

Slightly higher fuel consumption than the automatic version, likely due to more spirited driving, but still within reasonable limits for a V6.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving / Spirited weekend drives

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic retractable hardtop roof (Vario-roof)
  • • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with Kompressor and AMG engines
  • • Distinctive styling that has aged well
  • • Mercedes-Benz build quality and interior refinement for its class
  • • Good value on the used market

Cons:

  • • Limited interior space and small trunk with roof down
  • • Ride can be firm, typical for a sporty roadster
  • • Potential for supercharger issues on Kompressor models with age
  • • Some interior plastics can show wear over time
  • • Higher running costs compared to non-premium alternatives

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R171: December, 2003 - December, 2007).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLK
Generation:R170, facelift 2000
Modification (Engine):SLK 320 V6 (218 Hp)
Start of production:February, 2000
End of production:April, 2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:218 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.1 Hp/l [79mm less]
Torque:308 Nm @ 3000-4800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 112.947 More details about the engine M 112.947
Engine displacement:3199
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:9.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89.9 mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):11.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):16.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.9 sec
Maximum speed:245 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.1 kg/Hp, 163.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.3 kg/Nm, 231.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1330
Max. weight:1665
Max. roof load:30 kg
Max load:335
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:348 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:145 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4010 mm [79mm less]
Width:1715 mm [62mm less]
Height:1279 mm [17mm less]
Wheelbase:2400 mm [30mm less]
Front track:1488 mm
Rear (Back) track:1485 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 205/55 R 16 91 V
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 7 J x 16 H 2
Front suspensionCoil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLK. How does it handle on the road?