Mercedes SLK R170: Affordable Fun with Vario Roof
The Mercedes SLK R170: A Revolution in the Roadster Segment
When Mercedes introduced the SLK in 1996, the innovative Vario roof fundamentally changed expectations for compact roadsters. Today, almost three decades later, the R170 offers an affordable entry into the Mercedes sports car world.
Market Overview June 2024
Current Price Situation
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Price | €8,900 |
| Minimum | €3,500 |
| Maximum | €22,000 |
| Available Listings | 72 |
| Price Trend | stable |
Prices by Engine
| Engine | Power | Average | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK 200 | 136 hp | €6,800 | 28 |
| SLK 200 Kompressor | 163 hp | €8,200 | 19 |
| SLK 230 Kompressor | 193 hp | €9,400 | 15 |
| SLK 320 V6 | 218 hp | €12,600 | 8 |
| SLK 32 AMG | 354 hp | €28,500 | 2 |
Technical Specifications
Engine Range
Four-Cylinder Supercharged (M111):
- SLK 200K: 163 hp, 230 Nm
- SLK 230K: 193 hp, 280 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 8.2-7.2 seconds
- Consumption: 9-10 l/100km
V6 Naturally Aspirated (M112):
- SLK 320: 218 hp, 310 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 6.5 seconds
- Consumption: 10-11 l/100km
AMG V6 Supercharged (M112):
- SLK 32 AMG: 354 hp, 450 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
- Limited production
The Vario Roof
The electro-hydraulic folding roof was a technical sensation:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | 25 seconds |
| Hydraulic Cylinders | 5 units |
| Weight | approx. 45 kg |
| Boot Space (closed) | 348 liters |
| Boot Space (open) | 145 liters |
Common Problem Areas
Vario Roof Issues
Frequency and Costs:
| Problem | Frequency | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Pump | 25% | €800-1,500 |
| Hydraulic Hoses | 35% | €300-600 |
| Limit Switches | 20% | €150-350 |
| Seals | 45% | €400-900 |
Recommendation: When viewing, operate the roof at least three times completely.
Engine Problems
Four-Cylinder Supercharged:
- Supercharger magnetic clutch wears
- Crankshaft sensor failure possible
- Head gasket at high mileages
V6 Engines:
- Timing chain guide rails (check recall)
- Throttle body wear
- Oil separator membrane
Other Weak Points
| Component | Symptom | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Window Drive | Window sticks | €200-400 |
| Side Window Frames | Rust | €300-800 |
| Interior Blower | Noises | €150-300 |
| Steering Rack | Play, noises | €500-1,200 |
Mileage Analysis
Price Correlation
| Mileage | Average Price | Price Index |
|---|---|---|
| < 50,000 km | €14,200 | 160% |
| 50,000-100,000 km | €9,800 | 110% |
| 100,000-150,000 km | €7,500 | 84% |
| 150,000-200,000 km | €5,800 | 65% |
| > 200,000 km | €4,200 | 47% |
The correlation between mileage and price is -0.72, showing that mileage is an important price factor.
Equipment Variants
Value-Stable Options
| Equipment | Price Advantage |
|---|---|
| Automatic | +5-8% |
| Leather Interior | +8-12% |
| Xenon Headlights | +3-5% |
| Designo Paint | +5-10% |
| Sport Package | +10-15% |
Rarity Values
| Special Model | Production | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| SLK Final Edition | 2,000 units | +20-30% |
| SLK 32 AMG | 4,333 units | +200-300% |
| SLK Special Colors | varies | +5-15% |
Buying Guide
Best Choice for Beginners
SLK 200 Kompressor (2000-2004)
- Average: €7,500
- Sufficient power for daily use
- Affordable running costs
- Good parts availability
Best Choice for Enthusiasts
SLK 230 Kompressor with Sport Package
- Average: €10,500
- Optimal power-to-price ratio
- Sporty suspension
- Characterful sound
Collector’s Piece
SLK 32 AMG
- Average: €28,500
- Limited edition
- Brutal performance
- Value appreciation potential
Cost Analysis
Annual Running Costs
| Cost Factor | SLK 200K | SLK 230K | SLK 320 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance (Full) | €650 | €720 | €890 |
| Vehicle Tax | €180 | €220 | €340 |
| Maintenance/Year | €600 | €650 | €800 |
| Fuel | €1,440 | €1,560 | €1,680 |
| Total | €2,870 | €3,150 | €3,710 |
Based on: 12,000 km/year, average fuel price
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Average | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes SLK R170 | €8,900 | Vario roof, Mercedes quality |
| BMW Z3 E36/7 | €11,500 | Better handling, more classic |
| Porsche Boxster 986 | €18,500 | More prestige, expensive maintenance |
| Audi TT 8N Roadster | €9,200 | More modern design, Quattro |
Price Forecast
Expected Development
| Period | Forecast |
|---|---|
| 6 months | stable |
| 1 year | +3-5% |
| 3 years | +10-15% |
| 5 years | +20-30% |
The R170 is at the beginning of youngtimer value appreciation. Well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly rare.
Inspection Checklist
-
Vario Roof:
- Operate completely three times
- Listen for noises
- Check seals
- Check hydraulic fluid
-
Engine:
- Observe cold start
- Supercharger noises on four-cylinder
- Timing chain on V6 (rattling)
-
Body:
- Side frames for rust
- Lower rear apron
- Sill end caps
Conclusion
The Mercedes SLK R170 offers an affordable entry into the world of Mercedes sports cars. The innovative Vario roof makes it a year-round roadster, while Mercedes quality ensures longevity. At an average of €8,900, it is significantly cheaper than comparable BMW Z3 or Porsche Boxster, with similar driving enjoyment.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: June 17, 2024