R170 Mercedes SLK. Are these becoming collectible?

[lexington013]

The very earliest examples into the UK were 1997 on an R plate.
So 23 years old.
I currently have an 08 plate facelift SLK200 and it’s a fantastic fun weekend car. At some point I would like to move onto a newer shape SLK/SLC model.
Was interested to here some thoughts on the original model that Mercedes produced.

 

[Blobcat]

SLK 32 might be, I think the others will rust away before they become worth much

 

[LostKiwi]

As above. Not old enough yet. Perhaps another 4-5 years they'll bottom out.

 

[Chrishazle]

As above. Not old enough yet. Perhaps another 4-5 years they'll bottom out.

Is that when you expect the suspension mounts to rust out and fail??

I know of a good R170 SLK32 looking for a new home, but I guess not a good time to look at a car!

 

[grahamcol]

Such a shame about the rust because otherwise they really are lovely cars and a whole lot of fun. I have a near mint (almost rust free) SLK230, owned it for over 3 years now, and it gives so much pleasure in the summer. Agreed value is £6.5k. I guess this is likely to increase in value as others rot away and this one (hopefully) survives in good order.

 

[00slk]

A 2001 SLK320 sold recently for £400, 4 rusty wheel arches so not quite fetching huge money.
As said above most will rust away before the penny drops and people realise these were good cars in there day, that's when they'll be none left and prices will climb

 

[alexanderfoti]

I had one, I sold for 650, it had lots of rot, and was shipped off to africa for its problem free engine and gearbox.

Its a shame, they are excellent to drive.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Is that when you expect the suspension mounts to rust out and fail??

I know of a good R170 SLK32 looking for a new home, but I guess not a good time to look at a car!

How much

 

[LostKiwi]

How much

You'll be in big trouble....

 

[Blobcat]

You'll be in big trouble....

With the lockdown the management would never know

 

[alexanderfoti]

With the lockdown the management would never know

You'll be in big trouble....

I could hide it for at least.....2 months!!

 

[00slk]

I have a soft spot for the SLK, especially the 320, only because I can't afford a 32

 

[Uncle Benz]

I took mine for an MoT yesterday and polished it today. Pre facelift, manufactured late 1999, registered early 2000. 33,000 miles from new, no previous owners. No rust. None. Not a speck. I paid a smidge over £35,000 for it new. Options I chose, AMG wheels, body kit and exhaust, roof rack fixings (don't ask why, I had some fanciful idea about the Alps with skis on the roof. Never happened...) and coin tray instead of cup holder. Will probably never sell it. Still brings a smile to my face. I bought it for my wife for her 30th birthday. Then children arrived and I bought her a CLK430 for her 40th as the SLK was no longer practical. It was mothballed for ten years. I dragged it out and recommissioned it last year for her 50th. She enjoyed it so much it's out again now, ready for the summer!

 

[davidsl500]

The R170's are collectable - you drive 5 miles then go back and collect the bits...... It's an old Lotus joke..erm, I'll get me coat...

 

[V6Matty]

What’s the best engine in these, 320’s are nice being N/A but the 230’s with the supercharger do have an attraction.

 

[daibevan]

I took mine for an MoT yesterday and polished it today. Pre facelift, manufactured late 1999, registered early 2000. 33,000 miles from new, no previous owners. No rust. None. Not a speck. I paid a smidge over £35,000 for it new. Options I chose, AMG wheels, body kit and exhaust, roof rack fixings (don't ask why, I had some fanciful idea about the Alps with skis on the roof. Never happened...) and coin tray instead of cup holder. Will probably never sell it. Still brings a
smile to my face. I bought it for my wife for her 30th birthday. Then children arrived and I bought her a CLK430 for her 40th as the SLK was no longer practical. It was mothballed for ten years. I dragged it out and recommissioned it last year for her 50th. She enjoyed it so much it's out again now, ready for the summer!

Lucky lady. I wish you were my husband.

 

[grahamcol]

What’s the best engine in these, 320’s are nice being N/A but the 230’s with the supercharger do have an attraction.

It's reckoned that the 320 is best. That said, l have a 230k and I'm very happy with its performance and low down torque. Not as smooth as the v6 of course, but l personally feel that the 230 engine suits the car admirably.