Based on the R170 platform and launched at the Turin Motor Show in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SLK Kompressor was finally a true competitor to the well-established Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3.

For those who may wonder what SLK actually stands for its sportlich (sporty), leicht (lightweight), and kurz (short).  Power came from a supercharged 2.3 litre straight four engine giving 193bhp and was a massively successful showroom hit, not least for its clever folding steel hard top design which was hydraulically operated and still left 145 litres of luggage space when lowered.

First registered in October 1997 the SLK offered here has had just 2 previous owners, plus Rosette (Eastbourne) Ltd, the supplying dealer. The first owner added some nice options from new including a 5 speed automatic gearbox, 17 inch AMG alloy wheels, height adjustable heated seats and air conditioning. He then kept the car until 2005 when it was sold at just 7,400 miles.  

The Mercedes has been in the care of its second owner for the last 17 years in which time he has added a further 52,000 miles, an average of just over 3,000 miles a year.  Always with a current MoT, and serviced regularly, it is in excellent condition throughout.

Looking through the Service book we can see it has had regular services with 7 stamps.  The earlier services were performed by Rosette, the supplying dealer up to 7,000 miles, and then by a local garage- Cradle Hill Motors of Seaford.  The most recent stamp is from April 2019 at 57,945 miles, since which it has covered just 2,300 miles. There is also a set of MoT certificates from 2005.  

The current MoT expires on 18th February this year, but the seller will ensure it has a new one before being collected. There are also plenty of bills and invoices showing regular expense to keep the Mercedes in such good condition.

An attractive feature of this Mercedes is the interior trim option (225) that includes two tone seats in Quartz Grey and Black leather.  These are very smart and in particularly nice condition, showings only very light wear and barely a mark, with some mild creasing to the driver’s seat side bolster.  

The seats are clean, especially the Quartz Grey areas that could easily be marked.  The matching Quartz door panels are tidy and show just a few foot scuff marks that would clean easily.  The grey carpets are also clean and protected by SLK mats.  The Mercedes was also ordered with Carbon fibre style console fascia surrounding the original Mercedes radio cassette and air conditioning controls, and there is also Carbon trim for the lighting panel to the right of the steering wheel. 

The overall package makes the interior light and airy and looks great, especially with the roof down. To save your hair the removable wind deflector is included.

The boot area is clean and everything is present including the space saver spare, jack and tools, plus the first aid kit and warning triangle, all correctly stowed. The load cover that protects luggage from the folded roof is present.

 

Finished in colour code 352 –Linarite Blue, the exterior of the SLK is extremely smart and very presentable.  In the bright winter sunshine the colour really pops, and it’s easy to understand why this is such a sought-after colour as it is so much more attractive than the usual silver.  The 17 inch AMG 5 spoke alloy wheels look really good on the car, and show no evidence of curb marks.  

They have a matching set of lightly worn Falken Azemi tyres. The paintwork itself is in excellent condition, with very minor stone chips on the front bumper, and a few minor marks here and there. The glass shows no chips, and the plastic lenses are clear and show no cloudiness.  The rear window still has the supplying dealer’s sticker in place.

We played with the folding roof and can say that it worked perfectly; disappearing neatly into the boot.  Even when the roof is stowed an impressive amount of luggage space remains.

Although the last service was carried out in April 2019, the Mercedes has covered only 2,300 miles since.  At last year’s MoT it had just reached 60,000 miles, and only 273 miles have been added since.  With the seller happy to have the Mercedes put through a new MoT prior to collection we think there is little to be concerned about mechanically.  

We drove the Mercedes when we visited, and can report it drives well, with plenty of pep, and no knocks or strange noises! Under the bonnet is exceptionally clean and tidy; little here to give away the age of the car.  There is very little surface corrosion on the exposed metal areas, a sign that it has obviously spent it’s time in a warm garage when not on the road. With no evidence of drips or leaks we think that it’s as tidy as one could hope for.

Finding a tidy SLK without galactic mileage is becoming increasingly difficult.  Add to that, the chances of finding a low mileage and well serviced example that isn’t Mercedes silver makes this a desirable car.  The icing on the cake is the range of options from new this SLK has.  The fancy interior, heated seats, air con and the attractive colour make this Mercedes a cut above the average.  Just right for this summer!