2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class reviews
and buying guide.
2003
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class resources:
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The 2003 Mercedes SLK Class is the mid-level luxury
two-seater sports-car series. Three cars make up this
class with two roadsters, the SLK230 and SLK320 and
a supercharged AMG engine-powered speedster, the SLK32
AMG.
These all have similar chassis and interior trim levels
but each has a different and markedly different powered
engine; ranging from the 192 hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder,
through the 215hp V6 3.2-liter and topping out with
the 349 hp supercharged andintercooled 3.2-liter AMG
engine. One key difference is that this speedster is
a hardtop as opposed to the other two, which are convertibles.
Under the Hood
The wide range of engine sizes and powers doesn’t mean
that these cars don’t share handling and power management
technologies. But first the engine details, the SLK230
Roadster has an engine unique to it in the Mercedes
line: an unusual thing where most engines are used in
a couple of different models. This powerful four-cylinder
is a 16-valve inline-4 with 192 hp at 5500rpm and 229lb-ft
of torque between 2500 and 5000rpm, a wide range for
peak torque.
The next step up in engine power is the 3.2-liter V6
in the SLK320 Roadster. This 215hp dynamo, at 5750 rpm,
has 229lb-ft of torque between 3000 and 4600rpm. Finally,
at the top of the SLK line, the SLK32 AMG sets the pace
for the rest to follow. 349hp at 6100rpm and 332lb-ft
of torque at 4400 make this high-revving two-door rocket
a real road-runner.
All these three engines are teamed with innovative
Mercedes performance and handling technologies. ME 2.8
engine management with two spark plugs per cylinder
and integrated sequential fuel injection mean that these
engines all optimize the burn and use their fuel with
great efficiency and smoothness. On the AMG, anintercooled
supercharger is responsible for the 100plus hp step-up.
Safety systems, like optional ESP traction control,
anti-lean, antiskid, airbags and belts, are very sophisticated
and generously fitted as standard equipment.
Standard Features, Options Packages
and Style
All the Mercedes cars are loaded with standard interior
amenities and the list of options is significant, with
some big-ticket items available to those who want the
very best. The SLK class of mid-luxury level sports
cars enjoys such standard features asTeleAid emergency
assistance, cruise control, air conditioning, Bose AM/FM/weatherband/CD,
leather upholstery on bucket seats, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and power everything.
Options like "Distronic" radar cruise control,
the Motorola V60 hands free phone, Keyless Go, cashmere
interiors and much more can be chosen as upgrades.
2009 Mercedes Pricing:
2009 Mercedes-benz Slk-class car prices - dealer cost | 
