Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 (R171) Road Test Review
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- Опубликовано: 16 дек 2023
- The first Generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK was a real talking point at launch with its Vario folding convertible hard top roof. I've previously reviewed on of those (R170) equipped with the 200 Kompressor engine on the channel.
This time it's the turn of the second generation (R171) SLK 350 with it's powerful 3.5 litre V6 engine.
How does it stack up against the original and should you consider buying one?
Stick around to find out...
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This car was kindly loaned to me by Davyd of the RUclips Channel, 'Davy - Down the Road'.
Check out his channel featuring videos of some of Britain's great driving roads of his ongoing experience of SLK ownership.
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Hope to catch you on the next one. 
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Great well informed review & your filming Is extremely professional. Beautiful condition, a credit to the owner. Perfect colour ( not that I’m biased ) & beautiful rasp from the V6.
Thanks, I did have a little help on the videography with this one from Davyd who owns the car.
The V6 did sound very impressive, even the four pots sound pretty creamy but the V6 is on another level.
I've got an R171 SLK350. It's a great car. Really smooth and powerful with a lovely burble. Easy to get 30mpg too. If you are after one try to get a post 2008 model. They have around 25bhp more than earlier cars and far more importantly some serious (read expensive) issues with the balancer shaft/cam chain were fixed that plagued pre 2008 models. I also have an R172 SLK 55. The suspension is way nicer on this car but to be honest I don't really need or notice the extra power - it's around 200kg heavier. The R171 can be very crashy over bumps. Its a lot of car for the money though. You won't be disappointed. Check the front wings carefully for rust!
Even the R170 SLK 200 compression that I've previously driven was very smooth (almost as smooth as a six cylinder) but must admit that 350 makes a great sound both from the drivers seat and at the side of the road. It's really down to how much you want it to pay the premium for road tax. I expect the 55 must sound even better but again it's a big premium to pay.
Certainly the more modest spec of R171 and R170 are a real bargain these days all things considered.
A great review as always Mark on what is a stunning looking Mercedes SLK, does make a lovely noise.
Thank you.
It really does sound incredible when unleashed.
I had a SLk 350 15 yrs ago in Dallas, Tx. The converter kept going out but warranty covered converter. Other than that it was a red hot beauty hard top convertible.
I can't say that I've noticed many in the US when I last visited but I suppose European imports will be comparatively expensive next to US models or even the many Japanese cars in sale there.
The 350 isn't all.that common a choice in the UK with many going for the four cylinder super charged model. You typically find manufacturers offer smaller engines here that may not be available stateside.
Excellent review - Thank you ☺️
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it
There is an ever playlist of car reviews and if you go back a while there is one in this cars predecessor too.
Great review Mark. Although the R171 is much better built I must say i think the R170 is the purer design. However, it certainly sounds amazing as a 350 with no shortage of drama.
Thanks.
I agree, there is something about the R170. Perhaps it's the rose tinted goggles with it being the original.
The R171 is more specious inside and has a more rigid body structure but there are little details in the R170 like the instruments for example that have a certain charm.
Both represent great value used roadsters though.
Great video was very helpful
Thank you.
Nice review Mark! These look decent value against a Boxster S or Cayman.
Thanks.
Yes they are surprisingly affordable though early Boxter can also be had for relatively little money still
I'm hoping to film one at some point.
The R170 SLK seem to be the real bargain models whereas the R171'areca little more expensive.
You must check those roofs and rear sub frames thoroughly
As an owner of a 350 and a 55, I must say the difference is night and day, my 350 has the amg pack on it, which really lifts its stance. Put the two cars together and the average car person wouldn't really notice, unless you count exhausts or listen to them. You were lucky to drive a manual version of the 171, where I live that is just about impossible to buy. The interior is really an average affair, I wish Mercedes had partnered with Jaguar / Ford rather than GM / Chrysler at this time. Thanks for the review, if you ever do get a chance to drive a 55, I would be interested in your thoughts.
No doubt the full fat SLK AMG 55 is an impressive car but it would need to be, I just think for anyone buying one new back in the day would have really want one to justify the substantial.difference in price. I'm not sure if the used price would be as eye watering.
The 359 I reviewed was the 7 speed without the optional padel shift. Though I believe the SLK were available with a manual gearbox they really are not all that common a sight.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to review both the R171 350 and the R170 200 Kompressor. The 350 does produce a most agreeable exhaust note.
The R171 is certainly has more rigid body construction as well as a more spacious cabin though the original has a certain charm and I think the dash and instrument feel more as I expect a modern/classic mercedes to feel.
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks Mark, fun fact, the M113 amg engine has 16 spark plugs... and yes the car is bonkers, but somehow in a good way. I recently brought a Z4M, now that is a manual, with the S54 engine in it, quite a contrast to big Merc cruiser. I'm now saving my dollars now for a manual Boxster, I guess I will be able to find and afford one just after I'm six foot under. We can only dream, that's why I like watching people like you drive stuff I find as a car person on my wish list that I could never attain. You are living my dream, enjoy it!
I would very much like to try the Z3 at some point and hopefully may have access to a Boxter next year.
We didn't have much money growing up (we had a few years without a car).and I remember many of the entry level sports cars being unveiled. I doubt that I'll ever have one of my own so I'm very grateful to those who offer cars for review.
I'm very happy to have my MK1 Mégane Coupe which though not especially powerful is a great drive and extremely rare these days.
Funny, I started out with British cars, then Italian, now mostly German. French cars never really made it over here. I do have a couple of Fiat 20VT Coupe's and a Toyota IQ100G, and a few more... I have learnt that power is not everything, you can drive a lower powered car almost flat out and have fun, but I always wanted the smallest car I could find with the biggest engine, thus the 55. I know I'm nuts, but you only live once.
@kevinjekyll1521 Couldn't agree more.
I'd love a Fiat Coupe, it's a design that gets better with age.
I know the French brands haven't always been available in some markets. For example Renault and Peugeot pulled out of the US in the 1980's, Renault had a spell in the 90's where they were not on sale in Australia but later returned.
How does the SLK 350 handling compare to a Miata?
Sadly I've not yet driven the Mazda but they have a reputation for being one of the best handling small roadsters.
I've driven both the R170 and R171 generation of SLK now and to be honest rather than a sports car I think of them more as a shrunk down SL.The R171 is definitely a much more rigid body construction than it's predecessor though. It's a very satisfying car to cruise around in but not as sharp as say a hot hatch or my MK1 Renault Mégane Coupe. I strongly suspect the Miata or something with its engine mid mounted will be a sportier drive.
Can you do a review on you new to you renault please
Do you mean the MK4 Mégane Signature?
I've had that car over a year now but plan to film a long term review of the car over winter.
The mk1 Mégane was reviewed a few years ago on the channel.
A 2020 Captur may also be appearing on the channel in the near future too.
@@markonmotoring yes mark
The mark4
How meny miles has this one done ?
I'm not sure. I only had access to the car for a few hours.
Has no sport mode, that's a common mistake... its C for comfort or S for standard.