Introduced in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz SLK was the first of the latest generation of convertible cars with a folding hard top. Initially launched with a 2.3 litre supercharged engine, the SLK (Sportlich, Leicht, Kompakt — sporty, light and compact) would accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1sec and carry on to a top speed of 148mph. But enthusiastic drivers were disappointed by the sound of the coarse four-cylinder engine and the intrusive whistle from the supercharger.

Mercedes-Benz remedied the situation as part of the car’s midlife facelift in February 2000, introducing a 3.2 litre V6 putting 218bhp through the rear wheels. On paper the larger V6 engine provides only fractionally more performance than the 2.3, but its delivery is smoother and the engine note more satisfying.

With prices for a used SLK320 only about £1,100 more than for an SLK230, it represents the best used buy, but drivers will pay a small penalty at the pumps, where the V6 manages about 5mpg less than the 230 Kompressor.

In addition to the new engines these facelifted cars also sit slightly lower on the road and come with revised front bumpers, mesh-covered air intakes and colour-coded sills. The overall effect is to give the Merc a more muscular stance.

As the name suggests, the SLK is a relatively compact car, shorter than a VW Golf or Ford Focus, but cabin space is good. With the roof up and the height-adjustable seat down it will easily accommodate a six-footer, and the surprisingly broad cabin has space for a comfortable centre armrest with useful storage.

The dashboard has a retro feel with its large dials and chrome surrounds, but despite being trimmed in leather the overly large steering wheel — adjustable for reach only — detracts from the car’s sporty feel.

As with all Mercedes-Benz cars the standard equipment can be a little sparse. Although alloys, antilock braking and sports seats are standard, used-car buyers should seek out models with the all-important leather upholstery, air-conditioning and metallic paint to make the car feel like a “proper” Mercedes-Benz.

It was initially only available with an automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual box was introduced, along with a revised auto-box, to coincide with the 2000 facelift. While a manual gearbox may seem the obvious choice in a sports car, it’s the automatic SLK that has the best performance — with both the 2.3 litre and V6 models posting faster 0-62mph acceleration times.

The majority of SLKs will have enjoyed a relatively sedentary life but they still need careful checking. Put the roof up and down a few times to check for sticking motors, particularly on cars that are outdoors all year round, listen for gearbox noises and feel for a heavy clutch on cars with manual gearboxes.

It’s also essential to check the bodywork carefully. SLKs are fully galvanised and come with the unique Mercedes-Benz 30-year warranty, so any repair should be carried out by an authorised repairer using genuine parts, or this precious warranty could become invalidated.


VITAL STATISTICS

Model Mercedes-Benz SLK320
Engine V6, 3199cc
Power 218bhp
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel 25.4mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 6.9sec
Top speed 152mph

Seats Cloth seats don't suit the SLK so pay the extra and buy one with leather

Imports Left-hand-drive cars are not uncommon but are worth significantly less than right-hand-drive

Servicing Dashboard readout will tell you when the next service is due

Air-conditioning Essential but not a standard fit on most cars

Colours White cars worth £1,500 less than others, yellow also less desirable, metallic are best

ESP (electronic stability control) Standard on all cars since February 2000

Alloys Standard on all models

Folding roof Should take no more than 30 seconds to fold - check by timing it

Boot Space good even with the roof folded down

Wind deflector Check the boot to make sure it is still with the car

Safety SLK scored four stars in Euro NCAP testing

Keys Remote central locking key expensive to replace

Gearbox Six-speed manual or five-speed Geartronic automatic. Auto adapts its shift patterns to suit the driving style

THE ONE TO BUY

Mercedes-Benz SLK320 auto, 2000 X-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £21,250 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £19,800 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2003 52-reg BMW Z3 3.0 Sport
2002 51-reg Volvo C70 convertible 2.4T
2002 02-reg Saab 9-3 convertible 2.0T
1998 R-reg Jaguar XK8 Coupe
1998 R-reg Porsche Boxster 2.5 S

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 320 VALUES

Manual worth £1,250 less than automatic. SLK230 Kompressor worth £1,100 less than equivalent SLK320. Source: estimates based on confidental CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer

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