Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 buying guide
The first SLK, built from 1996 to 2004, brought a folding metal Vario roof to a compact two-seater. It launched with supercharged four-cylinder Kompressor engines, and the 2000 facelift added the SLK320 V6.
The versions
- SLK230 Kompressor: M111 2.3 litre supercharged four-cylinder, 190 to 193bhp; an SLK200 Kompressor was also offered
- SLK320 (2000 to 2004): M112 3.2 litre V6, 215bhp, standard ESP
- SLK32 AMG: the supercharged V6 from the C32 AMG, 344bhp
- Five-speed automatic; six-speed manual on the SLK320 from 2000 (rare)
- Hydraulic folding Vario hard top
What to check on a R170 SLK
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rust in the known places
What to look for: Look closely at the front wheel arches, especially their bottom rear corners, the rear wheel arches, the bonnet around any stone chips, around the boot lock and, from underneath, the spring perches and rear subframe. On pre-facelift cars, unclip the front indicator lens and look where the wing attaches to the body. Run a magnet over suspect areas, as some cars have filler hiding rust.
Why it matters: Rust is the biggest issue on the R170, partly a result of the switch to water-based paints in that era, and the steel succumbs first at the wheel arches. Stone chips can start corrosion on the bonnet. It's the main thing to judge a car on, and a solid car with clean wings and arches is the one to have.
The folding roof
What to look for: Operate the roof fully open and closed at least twice. It should move smoothly and quietly and take about 25 seconds. Look for hydraulic fluid around the mechanism, and check the cabin and boot for damp.
Why it matters: The roof is hydraulic, and the things to rule out are jerky or incomplete operation, fluid leaks and water getting in through failed seals. New folding roof seals put leaks right.
Starting faults
What to look for: Start the car several times, including once after the drive while it's hot. It should fire promptly every time. Hesitant, intermittent or no starting is the thing to note.
Why it matters: The K40 relay module is known for dry solder joints that cause intermittent starting problems. On the SLK320, hard or no starting when hot is usually a failed crankshaft position sensor, a common V6 fault. Both are well-known fixes.
Also in the full guide
- Automatic gearbox limp mode
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the R170 SLK
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.