Sporty, light and compact were the buzz words for Mercedes’ new Roadster, dubbed the R170 internally and known to customers as the SLK. Introduced in 1996, the first-generation SLK is based upon the W202 C-Class platform, utilising a shortened version of the floor pan and sharing many of the drivetrain components.
Featuring Mercedes’ new folding hardtop - dubbed the ‘Vario Roof’ and able to cycle in just 25 seconds - the SLK was strongly specified as standard, with dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels and ESC all included with the base model. Safety was a key point for the SLK in keeping with Mercedes’ reputation, and numerous safety features such as anti-lock brakes, passenger airbags and side airbags were standard equipment.
Specifically, the SLK 230 Kompressor boasted a 2.3-litre supercharged engine, good for a 7.3-second sprint between 0-62mph, and either 190 or 194 bhp depending on whether the car is a pre or post-facelift (2000) model.
This post-facelift, 194bhp (M111.983 engined) SLK 230 is a wonderfully preserved, low-mileage example of this eminently useable roadster, which has been kept in excellent condition by both our vendor and the previous owners.
Having just been serviced (less than 25 miles ago) and extensively detailed both inside and out by our vendor, this Kompressor is ready to hit the road once again, and - thanks to the all weather usability offered by the Vario Roof - you don’t even need to wait for summer!
Included with the vehicle are the V5 showing only one former keeper, along with the stamped service record, with the most recent stamp having been dated 10.11.2021 at 29,300 miles.
Thanks to its low mileage and ownership - along with some cherished love and attention - the cabin of this two-seat German roadster looks almost as fresh today as when it rolled out of the factory 18 years ago - no mean feat for an open-topped car such as this!
Both seats are still in excellent condition, with no sign of any major wear to the bolsters, and barely even a crease to be seen! There is a few minor marks on the headrests and the outer edges of the seat, but overall the seats are in wonderful condition, and far better than most SLK’s we’ve seen of this era.
The carpets, too, are in near-immaculate condition, as are the door cards, centre console and dashboard, with only a few light usage marks to be expected - this is still a nigh-on 20-year-old car, bear in mind.
In the boot, the carpets are in equally excellent condition, and there is no heavy wear or staining that we can see.
Other than the upgraded Sony stereo, the car remains in original condition throughout, and there are no reported faults with any of the electrical systems or switchgear, nor with the Vario Roof operation or systems.
Just as with the cabin, the bodywork and paint of this 230 SLK is in utterly fabulous condition, and its a struggle to believe the age of the vehicle from its condition.
As far as we can tell, there are no dents, dings, scuffs or scrapes to the paint or body, and there are no unsightly mis-aligned panels or other impact damage that we can see, nor that has been reported to us.
The folding Vario Roof is in excellent condition and in full working order, whilst there is no damage to any of the light lenses or trim pieces on the vehicle. That said, both front headlights are beginning to turn a little ‘milky’ and would benefit from a deep polish or refurbishment.
The paintwork itself is still remarkably rich and ‘deep’ in its appearance, credit to the former owner’s care and attention, no doubt helped by the low mileage and sparing use the vehicle has seen.
All four wheels are in excellent shape and free from any kerb damage or major marking, and are wrapped in a mixture of Michelin and Pirelli rubber.
With plenty of punch and yet still returning sensible running costs, it’s no wonder that the 2.3-litre supercharged motor found in the 230 SLK is so highly regarded amongst enthusiasts, and this example is reportedly in rude mechanical health, with no known problems or untoward behaviours.
From the photos we’ve seen, the engine bay presents very well indeed, and there isn’t any hint of major oil or fluid leaks, nor any particularly prominent staining, with even the heat shield still looking remarkably clean and fresh.
The most recent MOT exam - dated 18 November 2021 - shows a clean pass on the first attempt, with no advisory items.
Presenting in scarcely believable condition throughout, you’d be forgiven for thinking this SLK had only rolled out the showroom doors a year or two ago, not back in 2003!
Benefiting from low mileage and low ownership, this is an absolutely fantastic example of the much-loved 230 SLK, which would make an excellent weekend toy or addition to any enthusiast’s collection of cars. One not to miss!
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2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor
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