MERCEDES-BENZ SLK R170 Revised 2026 Edition Complete Model History, Engineering and a Detailed 30 Page Buyer's Guide The Mercedes SLK R170 brought the compact roadster into a new era. Its electrically operated vario roof combined the character of an open sports car with the practicality of a fixed-roof coupé, while supercharged four-cylinder engines, V6 models and the SLK32 AMG offered a remarkably wide range of performance.
This revised 2026 edition presents the complete history and technical development of the R170 and combines detailed model information with a practical 30-page buyer's guide for owners, enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
The book covers:
• the complete model history from SLK200 and SLK230 Kompressor to SLK320 and SLK32 AMG, including important changes during production • M111 four-cylinder and M112 V6 engines, transmissions, suspension, braking systems and technical development • the hydraulic vario-roof system, electrical systems, the K40 relay module and other components that can affect reliability • the Final Edition and other special versions, together with interpretations by Brabus, RENNtech and additional specialists • a detailed 30-page buyer's guide covering corrosion, engines, oil leaks, transmissions, suspension, electronics, roof hydraulics, interior condition and other areas where neglected maintenance can become costly • VIN decoding, data cards and factory specifications to help identify individual cars and understand their original configuration
Whether you are considering the purchase of an R170, already own one, or simply appreciate the first-generation SLK, this book offers a carefully researched and richly illustrated guide to its history, technology and many variations.
The R170 proved that compact dimensions, open-air enjoyment and intelligent engineering could create an entirely new kind of Mercedes-Benz roadster.
Bernd S. Koehling has been involved with classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1970s and is the author of more than 20 books on the marque.
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With over 25 books and e-books written about Mercedes-Benz cars, Bernd S. Koehling has proven to be an authority on the brand. Those books cover cars from the 1947 170V to the 2012 SL R231.
Bernd has been involved in the Mercedes scene since the early 1970s, when he restored his first 170 Cabrio B. Since then he has not only owned many classic Mercedes including a 220S, 300d Adenauer, 200D, 250SE, 280SE coupe 3.5, 300SEL, 350SL, 280E, 450SE, SLK230, he has also gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he shares with his readers in his books. Bernd has always considered Mercedes one of his favorite car manufacturers and has driven almost all Mercedes models built since the 1950s. His other weakness revolves around British cars, here especially Jaguar and Alvis.
If you would like to know more about Bernd's books or want to read his blog with selected Mercedes stories, why don't you visit his website: benz-books.com