Mercedes SLK R170 – The Roadster That Started a Revolution
The first-generation SLK was more than a stylish compact car – it redefined open-top driving. With its pioneering Vario Roof, timeless design by Bruno Sacco, and the thrilling SLK32 AMG, the R170 quickly became a modern classic.
Updated in March 2025, this 200-page guide is the most complete English-language reference to the R170. It covers the full model range, from the SLK200 to the SLK32 AMG, including facelifts, special editions, brochures, and tuning legends like Brabus and RENNtech. Inside the book you will find:

Development and history of the SLK R170.
Comprehensive 30-page buyer’s guide.
Troubleshooting and maintaining the Vario Roof.
All engine variants: four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and AMG.
The SLK32 AMG in detail.
Facelift and model updates from 2000.
Special editions and original brochures.
Tuning highlights, including Brabus, Carlsson, and Väth.
VIN/FIN decoding and model codes explained.
Technical specifications, performance, and torque data.

Whether you own, plan to buy, or simply admire the R170, this book offers the knowledge, clarity, and guidance every SLK enthusiast needs.

Author Biography

With over 25 books and e-books written about Mercedes-Benz cars, Bernd S. Koehling has proven to be an authority on the brand. The books cover cars from the 1936 170V to the 2012 SL R231. Bernd has been involved in the Mercedes scene since the early 1970s, when he restored his first 170 Cabrio B. Since then he has not only owned many classic Mercedes including a 220S, 300d Adenauer, 200D, 250SE, 280SE coupe 3.5, 300SEL, 350SL, 280E, 450SE, SLK230, he has also gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he shares with his readers in his books.

Mercedes has always been considered one of his favorite car manufacturers and Bernd has driven almost all Mercedes models built since the 1950s. His other weakness revolves around British cars, here especially Jaguar and Alvis.

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