2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK200 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004, 2005, 2008 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK as a used buy.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was one of the earliest examples of the modern day open-top car. Earlier versions weren't really sports cars; rather, they were open-top tourers. With each new model, the SLK moved more in the direction of genuine sports driving, perhaps not a full-on sports machine, except in AMG variants, but getting mighty close.This was one of the first convertibles in modern times to use a folding hardtop, something that's become almost the norm since Mercedes revived the concept that dates back to the 1930s.A disadvantage of the hardtop that folds is the amount of space it takes from the boot when it's not in use. Mercedes has managed the compromise well, but check for yourself to make sure there is enough room for your specific needs.The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was launched late in 2004. It's larger than the original and followed a styling theme sort of based on the front of a Formula One car.The third generation arrived downunder in September 2011, only a couple of months after its European launch - illustrating the growing importance of Australia to the German head office. This time its styling made it look like a smaller version of the AMG SLS sports roadster. While the Mercedes SLK doesn't have a bonnet that stretches to the outrageous length the SLS's, it certainly does make a statement.The Mercedes-Benz SLK was launched only with four-cylinder engines, many of which were supercharged. Later models followed convention by being turbocharged instead.Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expectA major revamp of the SLK in July 2000 saw a V6 being offered for the first time. Big-gun V8 models, heavily revised from the original by the AMG division, have stunning acceleration backed up by superb engine sounds.Most Mercedes SLKs use an automatic transmission. A six-speed manual option was offered in Australia only on the SLK200 Kompressor.Mercedes SLK is backed up by strong dealer networks. Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expect.Insurance is generally moderately priced for a car in this class, but drivers with a poor record may have big slugs added to their premiums. Some companies will charge extra for the AMG variant.Many Mercedes-Benz SLKs are serviced by authorised dealerships and this adds to the value of the car at resale time. Ask to see the service books as proof. Smart owners then keep up the service record to maximise the value of their SLK when they eventually want to move onto another car.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roofLook over the interior for signs of an SLK that's been caught in the rain with its top down: water damage or stains, particularly in the dash top, instrument panel, seats and carpets. Lift the carpets to check for dampness. It's probably best to do this in the presence of the seller as technically you're pulling the car apart.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roof. Hesitation and/or creaks may mean it hasn't been lubricated correctly. Dealers tell us special lubricants are required.Check for signs of crash repairs: ripples in the panels when viewed end on are easy to spot, as are tiny paint spots on unpainted areas such as glass and badges.If crash repairs appear to have been carried out arrange for a full inspection by someone who specialises in upmarket cars.Always call in a Mercedes expert for the final wordThe engine should start promptly and idle steadily the moment it fires up. The four-cylinder units won't be quite as smooth as the sixes, but not that far from them.Check the gauge to make sure the engine warms up quickly.During your road test the engines should answer the throttle almost immediately. The supercharged 'Kompressor' units and the non-turbo engines will have a faster response than the turbo-petrols.After doing your own initial checks always call in a Mercedes expert for the final word.We check the condition of the left front wheel and tyre of any car before looking at anything else. A scratch probably indicates a poor driver. Multiple scratches and dings? Perhaps look elsewhere.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK was born at a time the world was waking up to a new age of sports cars. That was the late-1990's when sports cars were back in favour after years in the motoring wilderness.In a matter of a year or two buyers were out shopping for sporty drop-tops. They wanted to inject some fun into their daily motoring, and look good at the same time. Overnight it was cool to be seen in an open car.Carmakers responded with a raft of new models, among them Mercedes-Benz, which released its new age SLK two-seater sports car.  While it was built along the same lines as the old classic sports cars, the SLK delivered a level of comfort and convenience traditional sports cars couldn't.New-age sports cars like the SLK were more practical than their traditional predecessors; they could be used for daily transport without sacrificing the things we'd come to take for granted in the modern car.MODEL WATCHThe SLK arrived in 1997 and with it came one of the great innovations in sports car design, the folding metal roof.  It wasn't really new, the idea had been developed many years earlier, but those early attempts weren't very successful.Mercedes-Benz showed with the SLK that the folding metal roof could not only work, it could work reliably.  In the process it transformed sports car design. In the one car you could then have the comfort, refinement and security of a coupe as well as the fun and feeling of freedom of an open car. The SLK truly was a car for all seasons.On top of that the SLK's folding metal roof was simple to raise or lower. The driver no longer had to fumble with a clumsy frame while trying to erect it in a howling gale, and then attempt to drape a canvas top over it while being drenched in a sudden downpour.The SLK's roof could be raised or lowered in a matter of a few seconds simply by pressing a button.  The only downside to it was that once folded and out of sight in the boot it cut into the space available for luggage. It was necessary to travel light when you left home in an SLK.The new SLK that arrived in 2004 expanded on the original SLK theme, further refining it and making it even better.  While the basics remained the same - it was a two-seater with a folding metal roof - the details were quite different.For starters it was longer and wider, the extra space being used to enlarge the interior and make it more comfortable.  There were also reshaped seats, a new dash with a central computer screen, new switches, and new plastics for the dash and console that were more durable for top-down motoring.On top of the new dimensions was a new, more aggressive look with a droop snoot reminiscent of the McLaren-Mercedes Grand Prix cars of the time.  The snoot was central in a new grille and flanked by new headlamps.The engine choices ranged from a supercharged four to a V6, and on to a stonking 5.5-litre V8 if you had the wherewithal to afford an AMG-  tweaked SLK 55.The AMG model aside, the regular SLK delivered 120 kW and 240 Nm when powered by the 1.8-litre blown four, 170 kW and 300 Nm with the 3.0-  litre V6, or 200 kW and 350 Nm with the 3.5-litre V6.  The standard transmission was a seven-speed auto, but there was also a six-speed manual available. IN THE SHOPGenerally robust and reliable the SLK gives little mechanical trouble.  The folding metal roof is a complex piece of gear, make sure it works and seals properly as repairs and adjustment could be expensive. Check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission.  It can be worthwhile finding an independent specialist for servicing if you want to save a little money on maintenance.ON THE ROADThe original SLK was considered to be dull by many people, but the   new 2004 model couldn't be described in such a way.  With its stiffer body and larger footprint it was a great driving car, whether you preferred cruising or wanted a more spirited drive.The V6 engine in particular was smooth and refined, with wonderfully smooth power delivery over a broad rev range.  Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the six-speed manual gearbox, for despite Mercedes' best efforts it was still an awkward, slow shifting unit.The auto transmission was a much better choice, and most buyers would have gone that route, given that the auto was the standard fit.IN A CRASHWith a taut, responsive chassis boasting anti-skid brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control, overlaid with a comprehensive array of airbags the SLK was well equipped to handle a crunch.AT THE PUMPThe fuel consumption of sports cars tends to vary quite markedly depending on the way they are driven, but despite this the SLK is   relatively economical.  On test the SLK 350 typically returned around 13 L/100 km, and would do better than that if driven with a soft pedal.LOOK FORMore aggressive looksSuper smooth V6 engines Sportier handlingRoomier cabinMore comfortableCoupe refinement,Roadster funTHE BOTTOM LINEOut with the dull, in with the fun, the updated SLK was a joy to drive.RATING 85/100

But if it is half as good the new, second generation SLK I regret missing out.In the course of a year we get our hands on a lot of flash sports cars here at CARSguide but the baby Benz impresses as easily the best example of the genre that we have driven so far.Even the entry level SLK 200 Kompressor with a relatively conservative 120kW of power is stunningly good.The small two-seat SLK sports car with its removable metal "vario" roof joined the Benz lineup in 1996.The current model which made its debut in September is available in two forms at the moment, the Kompressor with a supercharged four cylinder engine and the hard-hitting SLK 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 – an AMG V8 is still to come.Our test vehicle was the SLK 200 Kompressor, although we will be bringing you more on the V6 in the weeks to come.The Kompressor is a ball to drive, with snappy performance, an urgent note to the exhaust and pin sharp, point and shoot handling.The supercharged 1.8-litre in-line four cylinder engine is a lift from the larger C-Class range.It provides the same output but is claimed to use eight per cent less fuel than the previous power plant.The car lacks some punch off the line, but delivers strong mid- to high-range acceleration which is where you want it.Maximum power of 120kW is delivered at 5500rpm, while peak torque of 240Nm is available between 3000 and 4000rpm.Revs build quickly and the engine peaks easily in the lower gears, so short sharp changes are the order of the day.Our test vehicle was fitted with the optional six- speed manual transmission which actually reduces the price of the car by $3100 – a win-win situation for the enthusiast.The stubby shift lever falls easily to hand and is ergonomically sculpted to sit snugly in the palm, with a quick precise feel to the change.Reverse gear moves from left rear to left front in the revised transmission.A five-speed auto with F1 style change buttons is standard.The Kompressor returns a respectable 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash in manual form while the auto is a little slower at 8.3 seconds.But sports cars are more about style and twisting mountain roads than flat out, straight line performance.Point this car at a corner and revel in the experience as it rotates neatly about its own axis before sling- shotting out the other side, with almost perfect road manners.Equally impressive is the light way the car sips fuel, with the on board computer reporting average consumption at just 9.5L/100km from the 70-litre tank – we might add, without a hint of being driven sedately.The SLK is a striking car, much bolder and more visually impressive than the model it replaces, with its long swooping bonnet and large swept back headlights.Twin exhaust and chunky rubber herald the car's credentials from the rear.With its huge three pointed star dominating the front radiator grille, there is certainly no mistaking this car for anything else.Of course, there is only room for two inside, so it cannot be judged in terms of practicality.However, the electrically operated metal roof offers all the joys of open air motoring with none of the drawbacks.The SLK is just over four metres long and stands a shade under 1.3 metres tall, weighing in at 1390kg with a body that is 72mm longer and 65mm wider than the previous model, providing occupants with more space and greater comfort.Boot space is reasonable, with a hard plastic cover that must be in place before the roof has sufficient space to open.Opening and closing the roof takes just 22 seconds.About the only thing we disliked about the SLK is that long descent to the driver's seat and the large, wide opening doors which do not augur well for narrow driveways.The seats are also a little firm and the steering wheel a tad upright for our taste.Standard equipment includes climate controlled airconditioning and leather upholstery, driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, cruise control, stability control with anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control and brake assist.The Mercedes-Benz SLK Kompressor is priced from $86,900.