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All eyes of Mercedes-Benz‘ die-hard fans are now probably on the newly developed 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster — well, at least of those who enjoy open-air performance driving. The customer base fond of some serious passenger capacity and cargo space is likely browsing through the GLS, the GLE, the EQS, and other notable luxurious SUVs.
But without any exaggeration, the new SL Roadster is expensive. Gearheads seeking the driving experience only roadsters can provide may want to dig deeper into the Mercedes-Benz history. The (now it seems too long ago) discontinued SLK-Class has produced some notable all-rounders that have aged well and still provide good value. Our today’s example is the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG.
Following the nameplate derived from sportlich (sporty), leicht (lightweight), and kurz (short), the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is an athletic and powerful roadster introduced as a second generation to the lineup between 2004 and 2011. Still mostly available in excellent condition and now affordable enough, it makes a good choice for today’s drivers running on a limited budget.
If you’re considering putting it on your budget-friendly list of roadsters, here is more information to help you decide.
The 2004-2008 R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Presents A Love Story Of A Compact Roadster And A Massive V8
The SLK-Class may have stood for a lightweight and short vehicle, but the 2004 R171 did not settle for a small and practical V6, as the public may have expected. Instead, Mercedes-Benz squeezed a massive V8 engine into the roadster, allowing it to speed up from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph. More specifically, the 5.5-liter V8 paired with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox produced 360 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.
So, the second generation of the SLK-Class arrived on the market in a big style. The brand did announce it as the AMG version early on, so customers could know what to expect. However, the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG delivered on the AMG promise in more than just power.
Outside, the roadster was all muscle, featuring wide fenders, a special front bumper, and other aerodynamically profiled components. Inside, the SLK 55 AMG from the early 2000s featured sport-bucket seats, a simple infotainment system, and a dashboard covered in fine materials.
So, if you want a roadster with solid performance and handsome looks, the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG from 2000 to 2008 is an excellent choice, and it will probably cost you about $15,000-$20,000.
The R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series: Bare Stripped And Super Quick
A special edition of the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG arrived in 2006, bearing the Black Series name. Unexpectedly, this roadster was quite different from the standard SLK 55 AMG. The brand removed most of the comfort features to gain power and performance, so the roadster was no more suited for long cozy rides. Instead, it boasted some serious acceleration.
The Black Series had the same naturally aspirated V8 engine as its older sibling, but the power increased to 400 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the roadster to speed up from 0 to 62 mph in swift 4.5 seconds and achieve the top speed of 174 mph.
Of course, the upgraded body also played its part in the performance of the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series. A front bumper, air-intakes, wheels, and a carbon-fiber (now non-removable) roof — all these were updated to boost the power output. Oh, the body weight and the center of gravity were significantly lower too.
Ultimately, the Black Series is the version you should get if you desire top performance and swift acceleration at a reasonable price and are ready to trade comfort.
The Facelift Of The 2008-2011 R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
You have one more option within this lineup, and it’s the one that received a facelift. The R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG from 2008 to 2011 went through a couple of changes to meet new emission regulations, but it also had an improved design.
Under the hood, the R171 featured a revised 5.4-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque paired with a new seven-speed gearbox. Outside, it had a modified grille, new light-alloy wheels, sleeker taillights, and similar new components.
Inside, the roadster got a new steering wheel and center console, though the biggest change was the M mode. By selecting this mode, drivers could look at vehicle specs on the main menu, such as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage, and more.
Essentially, the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG became a little more modern from 2008 to 2011, but you can’t go wrong no matter which production year you choose.
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