Description
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor Auto with exceptionally low mileage in superb condition
The Mercedes-Benz R170 was the first generation of the SLK (Sporty, Light, and Short) roadster, produced from 1996 to 2004. Known for its superb automatically retractable hardtop, attractive design, and supercharged performance, the R170 remains an iconic small luxury roadster.
Factory finished in Mercedes-Benz Magma Red this car is immaculate, reflecting careful and occasional use and the fact that it has always been garaged and that it has even now only covered just over 17, 000 miles from new, with just two owners`.
The heated seats are finished in black anthracite leather with perforated centre panels, making for comfortable driving in all temperatures, and the whole interior still looks new. This is the more understated interior finish – some models had a two-tone mixture of coloured upholstery, but that does not seem to age so well.
Black luxury deep pile carpet throughout shows no wear thanks to factory genuine Mercedes-Benz specific fit over-mats fitted, and the light grey interior roof lining remains unmarked
All instruments and switches work as they should. Carbon effect panelling surrounds the centre console switches and heater vents and the driver’s binnacles are finished in white background along with black digits.
Electrically operated front window switches also sit within the centre console along with the clever electrically operated ‘Vario folding roof’ control toggle switch which performs exactly as it should – the concept was of course later copied by many other manufacturers.
The car also has cruise control, satnav with radio and CD and a speed limiter. The only point I can find to criticise is a function of the rubberised coating that Mercedes used on the central console, which – as will all of these cars, is beginning to lift in places (see photo). The solution is probably to remove the rubber coating completely – the hard material used to form the central console (I assume it is made from ABS) is also black and has an attractive leather-like finish, and so is perfectly attractive in its own right.)
The engine is exactly as it left the factory, with a supercharged double overhead camshaft, 16 valve multi point fuel injection 4-Cylinder 2295cc petrol engine which offers really good economy if you drive gently (as this car has been driven) but with superb acceleration if you need it (along with excellent performance if you want it), and all without excessive noise. I have learned that the 230 Kompressor engine is sometimes called, by those who know, ‘the Bulletproof Engine’.
The engine offers 193bhp (almost as much as a Jaguar Mk 2 in its day) and connects to a smooth 5-speed automatic gearbox.
Power steering is fitted as standard with original and untouched Mercedes-Benz 5-stud seven spoke silver 16" alloy wheels with an unused space saver spare wheel along with original factory tyre pump, tool kit and warning triangle.
ABS braking with power-assistance and of course disc brakes all round. Also has BAS (Brake Assist System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Acceleration Skid Control).
The car even has its own fitted luggage set!
The car was first registered on 3 November 1999 by a local owner and I bought it in 2004 as a birthday present for my wife because of its colour which seemed exactly like the cheerful bright red of Heinz Tomato soup. We even bought a HNZ registration number to suggest the connection! Its original registration (V287OGC) had been changed by its first owner to V99PAM, for his wife. It had clocked up just 10, 000 miles with its first owner and has been even less used by us – having been taken only for special trips as we are lucky enough to have several other cars. But we have now moved to a smaller house with much less garaging and have decided that it is time someone else enjoyed the car.
