Guest Post: Comparing two different R170 SLKs
Editors Note: This is part four in a series by Nick Gruzevskis about owning a Modern Mercedes convertible – in this case his R170 SLK230. The previous entries can be found here.
Two cars of the same chassis/model often drive differently after 20-30 years, depending on mileage, maintenance & number of owners. I got the opportunity this weekend to drive a 2003 SLK230 Special Anniversary Edition, enabling a comparison with my 1998 SLK230. To be completely transparent, these cars are quite different, the Special Anniversary Edition SLK230 has a touch over 70,000 Kilometres on odometer and is completely original, while mine has 185,000 Kilometres, has engine mods and has a set of R171 17” staggered wheels.
I met Franco at the MBCV Clubhouse, pulling up next to his car. Franco is a newish MBCV member and was keen to meet up with other R170 owners. Since purchasing my R170 I haven’t met anyone else that owns one, apart from a Jensen Club member who lives in South Australia. This started me thinking, how many R170s were sold in Australia, it was over 2500, with the SLK230 accounting for over 80%.
Franco was very knowledgeable about his M111 engine, as he quickly told me he had the smaller clutchless M45 supercharger and I had the larger M62, with the modified ASP pulley kit. Franco went onto to say, the M62 is more tuneable, as its larger and moves more air, but spins slower and engages at 2700rpm. The M45 moves less air but is always engaged.
The facelifted R170 has the M111.984, it has higher compression, but also MAF sensor has been relocated close to throttle body, to provide smoother throttle response. I won’t bore you with any other differences, but they are listed in this Benz World thread.
The SLK230 Special Anniversary Edition, had chrome strips around the window edges, chrome bar above rear number plate, a lovely Nappa leather interior, aluminium looking upper and lower dash console, grey speed and engine RPM gauges, unique 16” alloy wheels.
I offered Franco I drive of my SLK, but he declined, so I took him for a drive in mine. My SLK230 has a Jekyll and Hyde personality. It can be driven normally, and it’s quite & refined, but when you get over 2500rpm, you can hear the whine of the supercharger and becomes a different beast.
Moving to Franco’s car, his steering felt a bit lighter, and the body felt tighter, probably a combination of the additional mileage and upgraded 17” wheels on my car. His car felt more responsive down low and slightly more refined, but when stabbing the accelerator, didn’t have the outright acceleration as mine. Would be interesting to compare an original pre-facelift SLK230 to Franco’s facelifted car.
It was a fantastic way to spend Saturday morning at the MBCV Clubhouse. I want to thank Franco for kindly offering me a drive of his stunning Special Anniversary Edition SLK230.
Author: Nick Gruzevskis is a contributor to classicjalopy.com, and the custodian of a great collection of classic and modern cars. Links to some his other articles can be found here
