If you want an SLK, you must inevitably look around the used car market - because Mercedes is now offering its Roadster technically largely identical under the name SLC. There was never a reason to doubt the good name of the SLK.
Body and interior: With 4,14 meters, the two-seater Mercedes (construction time 2011 to 2016, type R 172) is one of the particularly compact roadsters, so it is nimble on the wheels. Nevertheless, it does not impose on the occupants a shortage of space and is even comparatively spacious. This also applies to the trunk, which with 335 liters is suitable for more than a weekend getaway - but only when the tin roof is closed. The latter insulates well, offers protection against vandalism and, if necessary, also folds away elegantly and unusually quickly. In addition, there is very high open-top driving comfort, thanks to special warm air extras, the roof can also be folded down in winter. Also positive: So far, there has not been much trouble with the mechanism and seals. In contrast to the first SLK, the interior fully meets the brand's premium claim.
Engines: Mercedes has launched nine drive variants on the market since its debut 2011 and up to the change of name to SLC - basically everyone can convince. Already the 135 kW / 184 PS strong turbo four-cylinder (initially 1,8, later 2,0 liter displacement) in the basic model SLK 200 offers driving fun and exploits the sporty potential of the agile but never hard suspension. The SLK 250 with 150 kW / 204 PS and the 180 kW / 245 PS rank strong SLK 300 before the SLK 350, the only six-cylinder engine, rounds off the petrol range. The 3,5 liter vacuum cleaner is not as easy to turn as it could be, but with its 225 kW / 306 PS it offers the best driving performance under the AMG model. The top version has an 5,5 liter V8 with 310 kW / 422 PS and takes less than five seconds to sprint to speed 100, but also swallows a lot of fuel. If you like it economical, you'll even find a diesel model on offer. Its four-cylinder comes on 150 kW / 204 PS and does not convince with a beautiful sound, but with a powerful pull even at low speed.
Equipment and safety: Mercedes has given its small roadster extensive safety equipment. Six airbags are just as standard as the ESP anti-skid device, fog lights and a system for fatigue detection. For a surcharge, the first owner could order an adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and lane keeping assist. Nevertheless, the list of options is long. Interesting items: the Airscarf neck heating, heated seats, the indispensable wind deflector or the independently darkening Magic Sky glass roof (later Sky Control). If the standard SLK is too well-tuned, pay attention to the driving dynamics package with sports suspension and sports steering.
Quality: Even though the SLK is a decent everyday car thanks to the tidy trunk and the large tin roof, it is statistically driven relatively little like any roadster. That should also play a role - if not the decisive one - in the Mercedes' excellent TÜV certificate. In addition, the predecessors were a prime example of durability and long-term quality. But there is a small stain on the white vest: Occasionally, customer complaints about creaking noises from the protruding and correspondingly heavy portals can be heard.
Conclusion: The short tin roof Benz convinces as a successful mixture of agile athlete, relaxed cruiser and practical everyday companion. The quality is also right. All that's left is the price: and it's high. You should have at least around 24.000 euros in your budget.