2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

From its muscular stance inspired by Formula One racing to its athletic performance, the SLK-Class roadster delivers aggressive sports car styling and an exhilarating driving experience.

The SLK-Class was honored with the 2005 Residual Value Award by the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG.com) for having the highest projected residual value in the Sports Car Segment.

SLK280 Roadster

Pure driving pleasure. Designed for the true sports-car enthusiast, the SLK 280 features a spirited 228-horsepower V-6 engine and precise short-throw 6-speed transmission for quick take-offs.

SLK350 Roadster

Awe-inspiring. A powerful 268 hp V-6 engine and precise short-throw 6-speed transmission are at the heart of this sporty roadster, which raises eyebrows as it lowers its hardtop roof in only 22 seconds.

SLK55 AMG

Serious rush. With more than 350 horsepower pumping from its V-8 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission, this roadster provides serious sports car thrills in true AMG style.

by Mercedes-Benz

Coupe
Chassis number: 1S9MR31T06206001

Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation roadster SLK Class in 1997. They were designated the R170 platform, with its acronym meaning Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz (sporty, light and compact). The SLK Class was designed to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. The SLK Class had a retractable hard top, which preceded those of Peugeot, Lexus, Pontiac and Chrysler.

For 2005, the SLK was given new bodywork and more power. Designated R171, it was offered with 179cc supercharged four and V-6s of 2996 and 3498cc, both were naturally aspirated. Both automatic and manual transmissions received an additional speed, to seven and six, respectively.

This 2006 SLK350 has fewer than 25,000 miles. It is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a 3498cc dual-overhead cam V6 engine offering 268 horsepower. There are aftermarket three-piece Brabus wheels and four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions' Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $20,000 - $25,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $24,750 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Earlier this year the aerodynamic body kit for the AMG version of the SLK R171 was introduced on the amazingly quick KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8. Now KLEEMANN has developed a new programme of aerodynamic enhancement parts for the rest of the SLK line up.

The aerodynamic spoiler kit consists of a front spoiler that reduces the negative lift on the front axle at high speeds. The spoiler also has built-in air ducts providing cooling for the front brakes. The stylish front spoiler is manufactured from high quality materials and designed to easily fit the stock bumper, which remains intact, and complies with safety regulations.

The rear skirt for the SLK features the well known KLEEMANN diffuser panel that adds the right touch of sport to the neat roadster, while its shape matches perfectly with the trapezoid shaped KLEEMANN tail pipes.

To match the bold looks of the AMG-version the body kit furthermore contains side skirts shaped to comply perfectly with the cars´ original design and a boot lid spoiler can be mounted for extra down force on the rear axle.

Increased power output for the entry model

The new aerodynamic component kit is introduced on the KLEEMANN SLK20K and fits the SLK 350 as well.

The KLEEMANN C20K is a perfect car in the category of smaller convertibles. The car is powered by the 1.8 litre 4 cylinder Kompressor engine. Fitted with the KLEEMANN Performance kit, power output is increased from 163 Hp up to 210 Hp and the torque curve peaks at 300 Nm compared with 240 Nm on the standard engine.

The extra engine power is matched by big wheels with lots of grip: 235/35-ZR19 tires are fitted on 8.5x19 inch wheels for the front axle and 265/35-ZR-19 tires are fitted on 9.5x19 inch wheels for the rear axle. The SLK 20K can be mounted with the TM-5 wheel (also available in 18') or the even sportier TS-6 wheel. The wheel package ensures great driving dynamics without compromising the ride comfort.

As always the car can be mounted with the highly efficient KLEEMANN High Perfomance Brake system featuring vented and cross drilled discs in a left and right version. Disc sizes for the eight-piston KB8 system are 380 x 34 mm for the front axle and 345 x 28 mm for the rear axle. The four-piston KB4 system features discs in 355 x 32 mm for the front axle and 328 x 28 mm for the rear axle.

by Kleemann

by Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-AMG has developed an uncompromisingly sporty SLK 55 AMG for an Asian investor. The two-seater includes suspension, brakes and a cooling system that have been specifically tuned for the planned 'AMG Ultimate Experience Asia' lifestyle event; plus numerous lightweight construction features which provide exhilarating handling dynamics. The design of the 265-kW/360-hp eight-cylinder roadster is based on the SLK 55 AMG safety car, which ensured maximum safety throughout the 2004 and 2005 Formula 1 seasons.

The 'AMG Ultimate Experience Asia' is an exclusive series of lifestyle-oriented events, aimed specifically at sports car enthusiasts in the Far East. Everyone from individuals enamoured with motorsport to clients of large corporations will be able to compete at the wheel of the 35 uncompromising AMG sports cars at ten events that are being staged by an Asian investor in countries such as China, Indonesia and Thailand. The series of lifestyle events is due to get underway at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sepang/Malaysia (March 17 - 19, 2006). Mercedes-AMG plans to launch a limited-edition road-going model based on the SLK 55 'AMG Ultimate Experience Asia' in the near future. The custom-designed AMG vehicles are not registered for road use so far and will only be driven on private racing tracks. However, the sale of these vehicles has prompted AMG to meet the numerous demands for purist-oriented high-performance cars.

The most striking aspect of the SLK 55 'AMG Ultimate Experience Asia' is its hardtop made from carbon-fibre composite (CFRP), a high-tech material commonly used in Formula 1 and the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). The unpainted, silk matt black roof with its visible carbon-fibre structure is a highly attractive feature that appears to change colours, depending on which angle it is viewed from and how the light strikes it. This special SLK 55 AMG also provides visual clues to its motor racing genes with, for example, new 19-inch AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring multi-spoke styling.

Lightweight construction for further-enhanced handling dynamics

Around 25 kilograms have been saved simply by using the carbon-fibre roof with its plastic rear window and dispensing with the vario-roof mechanical and hydraulic systems. These measures lower the vehicle's centre of gravity, helping to improve handling dynamics thanks to reduced body pitch and roll combined with higher cornering speeds. Additional lightweight construction measures - including forged wheels, an optimised AMG sports exhaust system, leaving out insulating materials, fitting lighter door linings as well as a fibreglass-reinforced plastic bucket seat - compensate for the extra weight of the braking system, the larger 80-litre racing tank, the roll cage and the fire extinguishing system. The kerb weight of the SLK 55 'AMG Ultimate Experience Asia' is considerably less than 1500 kg.

Transfer from motor racing: suspension, wheels and brakes from the safety car

The suspension, wheels and braking system on the uncompromising SLK-Class are based on the safety car: for instance the set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and harder torque strut bearings at the front axle is essentially the same as that used for the 2004/2005 official Formula 1 safety car. The wheel/tyre combination with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 265/30 R 19 (rear) tyres was likewise taken from this car. The ultra-light 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels produced using sophisticated forging technology are new. Each wheel weighs around a third less than a conventional cast-aluminium wheel.

Another feature the 'Ultimate Experience' shares with the safety car is the braking system: 360 x 22-millimetre composite brake discs with six-piston fixed callipers and special racing brake pads provide the deceleration at the front axle. Thanks to the innovative composite design with a grey cast iron brake disc connected to an aluminium bowl, peak temperatures can be avoided extremely effectively, giving the brakes outstanding fade resistance in harsh racing-circuit conditions. 330 x 26-millimetre steel brake discs with four-piston brake callipers are used at the rear axle. All the discs are internally ventilated and perforated; the front brakes, which have to deal with particularly high stresses, have specially designed cooling ducts - yet more technology adopted from motor racing.

AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with an output of 265 kW/360 hp and a new sports exhaust system

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 265 kW/360 hp and 510 Nm has been lifted straight from the standard-production car. Modified especially for the racing circuit, the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed tailpipes at the rear provides a more dramatic sound experience at the racetrack. An auxiliary engine oil cooler has been integrated in the new-look AMG front apron; another engine oil cooler (right) and a transmission oil cooler (left) have replaced the standard-fit fog lamps. Side openings allow the warm air to be dissipated effectively. A more powerful cooling system for the power-steering oil pump and an active cooling system for the rear axle differential have also been added. These measures ensure trouble-free operating temperatures whatever the weather conditions. The transmission control system has also been specially configured for the racetrack: for example, the gears can be shifted entirely using a manual mode. There are two manual modes available - 'M1', and 'M2' which allows even faster gear changes. Steering-wheel gearshift paddles, now the norm in motor racing, have also been fitted.

Optimised weight distribution for superlative handling on the racetrack

Optimised weight distribution is another decisive factor in producing handling on a par with a racing car: by moving the battery from the engine compartment to the boot and fitting an 80-litre racing tank in the boot, the weight has been distributed almost perfectly between the front and rear axle (52 to 48 percent). The racing tank with its typical foam inserts also prevents fuel from sloshing from one side to the other - the ideal set-up for minimum body movements on fast S-shaped bends. The dominant note in the interior is the practical look and feel of a racing car: the fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) bucket seat with a six-point belt and fireproof fabric cover provides optimum lateral support whilst the roll cage and the fire extinguishing system ensure optimum safety.

by Mercedes-Benz

Animal, muscular, poised, predatory and competitive, those are the words used to describe the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Mercedes-Benz designers and engineers continue to remain the world leaders in created a peerless and beautiful vehicle.

For 1998 Mercedes Benz chose to unveil something different; a 2-passenger sports car with a supercharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. Rather than a soft top though, the SLK featured a metal roof that powered down at the touch of a button into the trunk for stowage. Taking only 25 seconds, the trunklid opened forward for cargo, and tilted from the rear to raise or lower the top.

SLK stands for sporty, light, and compact in German. The design work behind the SLK stemmed from the compact C-Class sedan. The presence of the supercharged engine was marked with a 'Kompressor' badge on the front fenders. The Mercedes SLK only offered a 5-speed automatic transmission. Traction control, door-mounted side airbags and antilock brakes were standard features. When a special Mercedes child seat was installed, a 'BabySmart' feature automatically deactivated the right-side airbags. For 1997 the SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list.

For the second year, the Mercedes-Benz SLK received a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and the previously standard automatic transmission was now an option. A new Sport package was offered and included 'aero' lower-body cladding and performance tires on 17-inch wheels rather than the usual 16-inch wheels. Also becoming standard on the SLK was Mercedes 'Brake Assist' feature that automatically provided full braking force in emergency stops.

Not many changes were made for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK except for the addition of free scheduled maintenance to the SLK's warranty coverage.

For 2001 the SLK added the SLK320 into its lineup. The SLK320 featured a 215-hp V6 engine with an additional 5 horsepower and standard 6-speed manual transition. The following year a new SLK32 AMG model was unveiled. A supercharged version on the V6, the SLK32 AMG featured modifications to suspension, bodywork, transmission and interior by Mercedes AMG performance team. The SLK32 AMG had a 3.2 liter engine and was available in limited qualities in the U.S. and went from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was direct competition to the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. The SLK 32 AMG was only offered with automatic transmission and came with a hand built engine.

The SLK 320 was built in South Africa, rather than in Bremen, Germany. On January 29, 1997, the very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed, while the last was built on April 7, 2004.

The SLK230 and 320 Sport package now mimicked the SLK32's lower-body aero trim, projector-beam fog lamps and wheels. For 2003 the Mercedes SLK remained unchanged. In 2004 the SLK featured a special edition package that was only available for the year for the SLK230 and the SLK320. This special edition package included 17-inch wheels, exterior chrome accents, a body-colored grille and Nappa leather sports seats and roll bar. The SLK200 wasn't available for sale or purchase in the U.S., but overseas- and those who utilized the gray market in the U.S. – received a more economic and fuel efficient and slightly toned down 2.0 136 horsepower engine that was found in the SLK200.

The second generation of the SLK was unveiled in 2005, the R171. The retractable hard top SLK350 was returned to the market with enhanced handling, the power of a 3.5 liter V6, and a more uses friendly and elaborately detailed interior. The SLK350 Roadster was featured in 2006 along with the SLK280. Keeping most of the same features and options as the SLK350, the 280 was offered as a less costly option for a 3.0 V6 engine.

In 2007 the SLK55 AMG was released and built in very limited quantities and for high performance drivers. This version came equipped with a 5.4 liter V8 engine, 18 inch chrome wheels, and a sports car designed suspension with brakes and tires to match. The interior of the SLK55 AMG featured heated Napa leather upholstery and detailed luxury sport trim and control panels.

For this same year, no major changes were made to the Mercedes Benz SLK 350 or SLK 280 cabrioles or coupes. The public weighed in and the overwhelming review was that the SLK was spectacular with invigorating and responsive handling.

by Jessican Donaldson