2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor R170

• The 2000 Mercedes‑Benz SLK 200 Kompressor brought supercharged performance to the compact roadster class, with 163 hp and 230 Nm torque.

• Clever proportions—long bonnet, short rear deck, folding hardtop—nail that classic GT stance.

• Reached 100 km/h in about 8.2 seconds and topped out near 223 km/h, carving its own space between BMW Z3 and Mazda MX‑5.

Compact But Confident Design

That first glance grabs you: the SLK’s low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet swooping neatly into the cockpit, and a compact rear end give it balanced proportions. The folding hardtop still sets the SLK apart—clean lines, coupe when closed, cabriolet when open. The front end is rounded, but not bloated—LED-era innocence in chrome-detailed restraint. Side sculpting catches light more than flash.

From the back, the short tail and carefully-angled wheel arches hint at a purposeful, planted stance. It doesn’t shout yet it doesn’t hide. It means business in a subtle way.

Punchy Supercharged Performance

Pop open the bonnet and you find a 2.0 L supercharged inline-four putting out about 163 hp (120 kW) at 5,300 rpm, along with 230 Nm torque around 2,500–4,800 rpm

That’s enough to hit 100 km/h in roughly 8.2 seconds and push its top speed to around 223 km/h Not blistering by modern standards, but in a compact, lightweight package with the sound of a roots supercharger? It makes its presence felt.

Pair that engine with either a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox (Getrag manual was common in Europe) and rear-wheel drive. That setup gives genuine feedback and keeps the drive honest—no electronic crutches, just steering and throttle feel.

Connected Cabin, Simple Tech

Inside, it’s clearly driver-focused. The cabin is tight but comfortable for two, with well-bolstered seats and straightforward controls. The folding metal roof hinges quietly into the rear deck—neat. Tech is light: analog dials, a basic stereo, and room for the essentials. Not flashy, but the simplicity works in its favor—no distractions, just driving.

Standing in the Field

At launch, the SLK 200 Kompressor sat between the softer BMW Z3 and the purist Mazda MX‑5. It offered Mercedes build quality and performance heft, without going full-on performance like the AMG variants. Fuel economy wasn’t stellar, but that wasn’t the point. It appealed to buyers who wanted pedigree and flair in a compact package.

Final Word

The 2000 SLK 200 Kompressor might be over two decades old, but it still hits a sweet spot: sharpened proportions, a folding hardtop, supercharged punch, and a truly analog driving experience. It never borrowed excuses from tech-laced modern sports cars—it simply got on with the drive. If you're a fan of compact roadsters with muscle and poise, this SLK still checks every box.

Technical Specification: 2000 Mercedes‑Benz SLK 200 Kompressor

• Performance:

  • 163 hp (120 kW) @ 5,500 rpm, 230 Nm torque @ 2,500–4,800 rpm

  • 0–100 km/h in approximately 8.2 s, top speed around 223 km/h
    

• Powertrain:

  • 2.0 L supercharged inline‑4 (M111.958)

  • 5‑speed manual (Getrag) or optional automatic

  • Rear‑wheel drive

• Body Measurements:

  • Length: 4,010 mm (157.9 in)
    

  • Width: 1,715 mm (67.5 in)

  • Height: ~1,260 mm (49.6 in)

  • Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
    

• Capacities:

  • Kerb weight: ~1,265 kg (~2,789 lbs)
    

  • Cargo volume: ~145 L (5.1 cu ft)

• Price:

  • Originally listed from approx. US $42,495 MSRP; current used values range ~$3,000–$10,000

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