Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz SLK 280/350 Overview

Introduced nearly a decade ago as an answer to its European rivals in the luxury small roadster segment, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class was the first modern vehicle to popularize the use of a power-retractable convertible top made out of steel panels rather than the more traditional fabric soft top. Though more complex and bulky, a convertible hardtop design provides a coupelike profile and superior wind and weather protection in the top-up position. Though they suffered from uninspiring handling and questionable sporting credentials for hard-core driving enthusiasts, the original SLK230 and SLK320 were popular with consumers. The current second-generation SLK is intended as a more serious sports car, featuring a dramatic design inspired by mercedes slk accessories of Formula 1 racecars, and a more capable suspension. As a convertible that provides good all-season performance along with luxury and prestige, we think a new or used Mercedes-Benz SLK is a solid choice.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 280/350 Features

MECHANICAL

  • 6-speed manual transmission w/OD -inc: direct-action short throw shifter
  • 3.0L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 engine
  • Rear wheel drive
  • Independent 3-link front suspension -inc: coil springs over gas-pressurized shock absorbers, anti-dive geometry
  • Independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension -inc: separate coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-squat geometry, alignment control
  • Front/rear lowered ride-height & stabilizer bars
  • Vehicle-speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering w/direct-steer system, integrated hydraulic damper
  • 1-piston ventilated front & 2-piston solid rear disc brakes

EXTERIOR

  • 17" x 7.5" front 5-spoke aluminum wheels, 17" x 8.5" rear split 5-spoke aluminum wheels
  • P225/45R17 front high performance tires
  • P245/40R17 rear high performance tires
  • Electro-hydraulic retractable steel hardtop
  • Formula 1-style nose w/color-keyed grille crossfins
  • Variable-focus halogen headlamps -inc: polycarbonate lenses, light-sensing auto-on, automatic lamp substitution
  • Halogen front fog lamps
  • Single rear red fog lamp
  • Pwr heated mirrors -inc: integrated LED turn signals, reverse tilt down RH mirror, auto-dimming LH mirror, memory
  • Variable intermittent aero-blade windshield wipers
  • Red & smoked-tinted rear lamps w/LED brake & taillamps

INTERIOR

  • Leather seat trim
  • 8-way adjustable sport seats -inc: silver painted magnesium trim, height adjustable head restraints
  • Center console -inc: enclosed storage
  • Retractable dual cupholders
  • Velour carpeting -inc: floor mats
  • Stainless-steel door sill trim
  • Rubber-studded brushed stainless-steel pedals
  • 3-spoke leather-wrapped 4-way tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel -inc: mounted audio & multi-function display controls
  • Black gauges w/white markings, silver instrument tubes
  • Electronic analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, quartz clock
  • Digital odometer, touch shift gear & mode selection
  • Multi-function display in instrument cluster -inc: trip computer, exterior temp gauge, digital speedometer, coolant temp, maintenance system, audio status, reminder & malfunction messages, driver-programmable settings
  • Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System Plus display -inc: distance remaining to next maintenance, type of service due, reminders, brake-pad wear
  • Audible reminders & messages -inc: exterior lamp failure, low fuel, engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, release parking brake, headlamps on, remove key from ignition
  • Touch turn signals (flashes (3) times w/1-touch)
  • Pwr windows -inc: 1-touch express up/down, 1-button raising/lowering of all windows via pwr top switch
  • SmartKey system -inc: remote central locking system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, drive away automatic locking
  • SmartKey infrared remote -inc: trunk open, panic alarm, fuel filler door, selective unlock
  • Cruise control
  • Anti-theft alarm system
  • Automatic dual-zone climate control -inc: dual rotary controls, electrostatic dust & pollen filters, active charcoal filter, REST mode w/engine heat recirculation feature or cabin ventilation, dash-top diffuser vent
  • Illuminated glovebox
  • Rear window defroster w/auto-shutoff based on time & driving speed & exterior temp
  • Aluminum trim
  • Dual illuminated vanity mirrors
  • Courtesy lamps w/delay shut-off
  • Dual front reading lamps
  • Night security illumination
  • Locator lighting
  • Leather-wrapped shift knob
  • Parcel net in RH footwell
  • Pockets in doors
  • Illuminated carpeted trunk
  • Enclosed storage on rear cabin wall

SAFETY

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/brake assist
  • Electronic stability program (ESP)
  • Driver-programmable daytime running lamps
  • Dual-stage front airbags w/front passenger adaptive feature, occupant classification system
  • Head & thorax side-impact airbags
  • Knee air bag
  • Tele Aid global positioning system (GPS) satellite system -inc: stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlock service, automatic alarm & collision notification
  • 3-point shoulder belts w/emergency tensioning device (ETD) & belt force limiter
  • Integrated roll bars
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Illuminated emergency interior trunk release

Mercedes-Benz SLK 280/350 Specification

VEHICLE
EPA Classification 2 Seater
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score 5
ENGINE
Engine Type Gas V6
Displacement 3.0L/183
Fuel System SMPI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 228 @ 6100
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 221 @ 2500-5000
TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Trans Order Code 427
Trans Type 6
Trans Description Cont. Manual w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.46
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.61
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.72
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.25
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.37
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.84
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.42 (R2 2.23)
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 4.06
Clutch Size (in) - TBD -
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.27
MILEAGE
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) 21
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 17
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 26
ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) - TBD -
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 90
COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 11.2
WEIGHT INFORMATION
Base Curb Weight (lbs) 3252
SUSPENSION
Suspension Type - Front Independent
Suspension Type - Rear Independent
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) 3-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) 5-arm Multi-Link
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm) - TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in) - TBD -
BRAKES
Brake Type Power
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.8 x 1.1
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 10.9 x 0.4
TIRES
Front Tire Order Code - TBD -
Rear Tire Order Code - TBD -
Front Tire Size P225/40ZR18
Rear Tire Size P245/35ZR18
Spare Tire Size - TBD -
WHEELS
Front Wheel Size (in) 18 x 7.5
Rear Wheel Size (in) 18 x 8.5
Spare Wheel Size (in) - TBD -
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Material - TBD -
STEERING
Steering Type Power Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall - TBD -
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 2.16
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) 34.5
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) - TBD -
FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 18.5
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (in) 95.7
Length, Overall (in) 161.5
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 70.4
Height, Overall (in) 51.1
Tread Width, Front (in) 60.1
Tread Width, Rear (in) 61.0
Min Ground Clearance (in) - TBD -
Liftover Height (in) - TBD -
CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Trunk Volume (ft3) 9.8 (6.5 w/top down)
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity 2
Passenger Volume (ft3) 49.0
Front Head Room (in) 37.9
Front Leg Room (in) 42.5
Front Shoulder Room (in) 52.2
Front Hip Room (in) 54.6