I just purchased a 2002 Mercedes SLK 320 automatic Sunburst Yellow)at the end of May. The options I purchased was the 6-disc CD Changer ($900CAD) and Xenon headlights ($1500). Mercedes charges ridiculous prices for their options. The 320 model comes with a stereoscopic steering wheel, wood trim, wood steering wheel and electrically adjustable seats, and 5-spoke wheels which the 230 model does not include. The 230 comes with 7-spoke wheels and aluminum trim.

The 320 has 215hp@5700rpm and 229 ft.lb torque @3000rpm
The 230 has 192hp@5300rpm and 200 ft.lb torque @2500rpm

DRIVING
The SLK has sporty and responsive handling. However, I feel a lot of roll on corners and I would recommend buyers to add springs to their cars to minimize roll. As well, I would recommend buyers to replace their all season tires with performance tires to mazimize the driving experience. I am driving on the factory tires and notice a lot of sliding when I corner.

There are two different moods when driving the SLK. When the retractable hard-top convertible is up, the ride is quiet and smooth. However, with one push of a button, the SLK transforms from a luxury vehicle into a true sports car in 30 seconds. The hard-top convertible is neatly stored in the trunk of the car. When the top is down though, there is minimal trunk space for baggage store.

When I am driving through speed bumps, uneven pavements,construction zones, and gravel roads I do not feel any discomfort while driving. The car seems to absorb most of the impact.

Since 2001, Mercedes has changed the ergonomics of their seats and they are much more comfortable than their predecessors. The seats offer great structural support laterally and on the sides for my back. The headrests are also very comfortable.

The SLK has responsive braking and the brake pedal will actually depress on its own in emergency situations where the driver may or may not be able to react in time.

SPEED
I ran the quarter mile at 3700 ft elevation and ran a 16.1 sec on my first 700km. However, at 5000km I was able to run a 15.8 sec quarter mile. The SLK has very good low-end torque and there is no hesitation from a stand-still when I step on the accelerator. When I am driving on the highway, the SLK reaches high speeds in very short bursts of time. The 320 has a very distinctive muffler sound which adds to the intensity of the driving experience (the 230 muffler is much loud and unrefined). The SLK is definitely a very fun sports car to drive.

INSTRUMENTS
The tach has good visibility during the night and lights up orange. Other instruments such as manual dual climate control, and various buttons are well placed and easy to find. The wood trim is definitely very attractive and adds a hint of Mercedes luxury to the sporty SLK-line. Compared with most Mercedes vehicles, the SLK has reduced number of electronic controls and options, such as the computer controls on the steering wheel found in sedans. Compared with other roadsters though, the SLK has the most luxury interior. I have had no problems with any defective controls or misfunctions. However, my major complaint is the lack of one-touch scrolling windows which are standard on most vehicles. I also have a problem with the ackward place of the cup holders. The cup holders are not deep in height and I am unable to place water bottles in them. Tall drinks will also spill. The cup holders are placed on top of all the instruments in a hidden compartment in the dash. Although the cup holder is hidden well, I feel that the cup holder should be placed near the shifter where drinks are less likely to spill.

BOSE SYSTEM
The SLK has 6 speakers. Four in the front, and 2 subwoofers behind the seats. The sound is crisp and base is deep. There is definitely very good sound quality as would be expected from the Bose name. However, there is a defect in the control deck. When one wants to turn up the volume in anticipation of a good song, and changes songs immediately after, the deck will forget to change songs. As well, there is a 1-second delay in changing songs on the display. I would not recommend buying this option. For a much lower price, an interested buyer could purchase a properly working deck. Another complaint I have about the SLK is the inability to fit the 6-disc CD changer in the glove compartment as is in Mercedes sedans. It is inconvenient to change discs.

STORAGE SPACE
Compared with most roadsters, the SLK has a lot of storage space in the trunk when the top is up. As well, there are 3 nets in the interior of the vehicle for storage of smaller things. There is also 2 compartment spaces on the sides of the doors, a medium sized glove compartment, and a compartment underneath the arm rest. There is also space to put jackets and such behind the seats.

EXTRAS
The SLK comes with high pressurized head lamp washers which are very effective when travelling in high speeds. As well, the drivers side mirror and rear view mirror adjust dimness automatically to reduce glare at night. The SLK also has a rest button which allows the heat or air ciruclation to work for 30 minutes while the vehicle is turned off. As well, the CD player can be turned on while the vehicle is off. The SLK has side turning signals on the headlamps and auto dimming.

OVERALL
I am very satisfied with the SLK. It is a high quality car made with high quality materials and worksmanship unlike those found in the lower C-class (we also have a C240). The car handles well and is very responsive to accidental understeer, oversteer, sudden braking, and acceleration from a dead stand still. The shapes and lines of the exterior of the SLK are very attractive while the leather, wood-dash and wood steering wheel, and unclustered instrument controls add to a luxury driving experience. The most exhilerating part of the SLK is the retractable hard top convertible. I would definitely recommend the SLK to buyers who are looking for both a luxury and sporty roadster.


Amount Paid (US$): 72000(CAD)
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Automatic