Mercedes-Benz SLK I

Photo: Cars4u / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mercedes-Benz SLK I (1996–2004): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 27 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: R170

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,000–4,010 mm RDW	–	3,995–4,010 mm
Width	1,710–1,740 mm RDW	–	1,715 mm
Height	1,260–1,270 mm RDW	–	1,269–1,284 mm
Wheelbase	2,400–2,430 mm RDW	–	2,400 mm
Front track	1,488–1,492 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,471–1,485 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,170–1,325 kg RDW	–	1,270–1,495 kg
Mass in running order	1,270–1,425 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,530–1,705 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	800–1,625 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	625–675 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	2 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Boot space	–	–	145 L
Luggage space (EPA)	–	283 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	1,359 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	208–242 km/h RDW	–	203–250 km/h
0–100 km/h	–	–	5.2–9.7 s
Torque	190–450 Nm ASTRA	–	190–420 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/45R17, 245/40R17, 205/55R16, 225/50R16

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	75.7% (75.3–76.1)	69.2%	40,535

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	36.2%	36.4%
Suspension	31.4%	41.6%
Tyres	27.3%	31.2%
Lights and electrics	26.0%	28.8%
Noise, emissions and leaks	14.6%	17.1%
Body, chassis and structure	11.0%	18.6%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

266 complaints for model years 1998–2004. 6 crashes · 6 fires · 8 injuries

Lights 76
Electrical system 38
Visibility and wipers 36
Brakes 29
Stability control 26

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 27 versions of the Mercedes-Benz SLK I

Show all 27 versions

United Kingdom 13 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2001–2004SLK 200 Kompressor	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	9.9 L/100 km NEDC	237 g/km
2001–2004SLK 200 Kompressor	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	9.6 L/100 km NEDC	230–235 g/km
2001–2004SLK 230 Kompressor	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	9.8 L/100 km NEDC	235 g/km
2001–2004SLK 230 Kompressor	2.3 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	10.1 L/100 km NEDC	241 g/km
2001–2004SLK 320	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.6 L/100 km NEDC	254 g/km
2001–2004SLK 320	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	11.4 L/100 km NEDC	274 g/km
2002–2004SLK 32 AMG	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.2 L/100 km NEDC	268 g/km
2000SLK 200 Kompressor Coupé/Roadster	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	9.2 L/100 km NEDC	225 g/km
2000SLK 200 Kompressor Coupé/Roadster	2.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	9.6 L/100 km NEDC	231 g/km
2000SLK 230 Kompressor Coupé/Roadster	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	9.4 L/100 km NEDC	225 g/km
2000SLK 230 Kompressor Coupé/Roadster	2.3 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	9.8 L/100 km NEDC	237 g/km
2000SLK 320 Coupé/Roadster	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.4 L/100 km NEDC	245 g/km
2000SLK 320 Coupé/Roadster	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	11.1 L/100 km NEDC	267 g/km

United States 7 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1999–2004EMS 2MODE CLKUP	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA	251 g/km
2001–2004EMS	2.3 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA	263–276 g/km
2002–2004EMS 2MODE CLKUP	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17–20 MPG (11.8–13.8 L/100 km) EPA	276–325 g/km
2001–2004EMS	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA	291–307 g/km
2001–2002EMS 2MODE · EMS 2MODE CLKUP	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA	240 g/km
2001EMS 2MODE	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA	263 g/km
1999–2000EMS	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA	251 g/km

Canada 7 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1998–2004Two-seater	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.3–10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	237–251 g/km
2001–2004Two-seater	2.3 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	11.0–11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	253–269 g/km
2001–2004Two-seater	3.2 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.3–13.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	260–313 g/km
2001–2004Two-seater	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	12.3–12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	283–297 g/km
2000Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	242 g/km
2000Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	246 g/km
1999Two-seater	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	248 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.