2001Mercedes-BenzSLKMercedes-Benz SLK2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 RoadsterConvertibleConvertibleRWDGermanyA new, V6-powered SLK320 joins the line-up while the SLK230 gets more power and a $2,100 price reduction. Both versions get a new six-speed manual tranny in addition to the five-speed automatic that's been available since the car's introduction, and all models benefit from a revised interior and exterior.Retractable hardtop, stable and secure handling, quiet and composed highway ride.Large blind spot with top up, lack of steering feedback, competitors offer more performance for less money.The SLK's big selling point is its exclusive retractable steel roof that, when raised, makes the car seem as tight and insulated as a Benz sedan. In less than 30 seconds, you can convert the SLK from a closed coupe to a cool convertible without leaving the driver's seat. The original was available only with an automatic transmission and a 185-horsepower, 2.3-liter four cylinder that had an anemic exhaust note. In 1999, Mercedes equipped the car with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, making the slushbox optional. While not appreciably quicker, the manual offered buyers the option of selecting their own gears. When combined with the SLK's precise steering, rev-happy supercharged powerplant, and wonderfully damped suspension, the car was entertaining, though not particularly exhilarating. This year the company has again raised the SLK's sporting potential by offering a V6-powered model, the SLK320. This version uses a 3.2-liter engine and a new standard six-speed manual transmission to send 215 horsepower to the rear wheels. The four-cylinder engine is also enhanced for 2001 and now makes 190 horsepower. While the six-speed manual is standard on both models, a five-speed automatic is still offered. An optional sport package for the SLK230 doesn't cure the lame exhaust blat, but does include a muscular-looking body kit and thick 17-inch treads mounted to AMG Monoblock wheels. All SLK320s come standard with new 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, a unique air dam, metal plate door sills, power seats, a telescoping steering column and a wood and leather trimmed interior. Designo editions with special paint and trim are also available and, thankfully, the previous SLK230's carbon fiber inserts are gone. All models get front and side airbags as standard equipment, along with ABS, the ESP Stability Program, and the Tele Aid emergency call system. The SLK also has a super-reinforced A-pillar, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors for enhanced rollover protection. Brake Assist applies full braking force before you can. A BabySmart system allows owners to use a special car seat sold by Benz dealers that keeps the passenger airbag from deploying in an accident. Here's our question: Why no cutoff switch like Mazda and other manufacturers offer? Inside, the 2001 SLK features a new shift lever, a new overhead console, SL-style door panels and a chrome handbrake button. Options like a CD changer, headlight washers, heated seats and, for the first time in SLK history, Xenon headlights can further spruce up this "poor man's" SL. Audi TTBMW Z3Porsche BoxsterSaab 9-3Volvo C70450,000450,000UnlimitedUnlimited450,000NANANA63.2 litersV6215 hp @ 5700 rpm229 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm157.9 in.67.5 in.50.4 in.3099 lbs.94.5 in.37.4 in.NA51.7 in.NA54.7 in.NA42.7 in.NA3.6 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested15.9 gal.18 mpg / 27 mpg21 mpg / 27 mpg286 mi. / 429 mi.334 mi. / 429 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$40,827$43,9007.35%$645N/A3% of the Total MSRPSLK230 (6M): 2.3L I4 DOHC SMPI inter-cooled supercharger 16-valve engine with variable valve timing (requires premium unleaded fuel); 6-speed OD manual transmission; HD battery; 90 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.46 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; electronic stability control, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; power recirculating ball steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 15.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; power convertible hardtop roof with lining, glass rear window, roll-over protection; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rubber strip; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remotebody-colored heated folding outside mirrors; front 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; rear 16" x 8" silver alloy wheels; P205/55VR16 performance BSW front tires; 225/50 rear tires; trunk mounted compact steel spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning, air filter, residual heat recirculation; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, in-dash CD pre-wiring, 6 premium speakers, theft deterrent, fixed antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry; cell phone pre-wiring, 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, garage door opener, smokers' package, emergency S.O.S. (OnStar); instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip odometer; warning indicators include water temp, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, service interval; driver's andpassenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, tracker system, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; heated washer bottle; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 6-way adjustment; seatbelts with front pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full vinyl headliner, full carpet floor covering with floor mats, aluminum trim on instrument panel; interior lights include dome light with fade, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel; vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front cupholder, instrument panel covered bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo cover, cargo light; black grille,black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and body-colored door handles.
SLK320 (6M) (in addition to or instead of SLK230): 3.2L V6 SOHC SMPI 18-valve engine; driver's seat includes 6-way power adjustment 8-way adjustment, passenger's seat includes 6-way power adjustment, 8-way adjustment; genuine wood trim on instrument panel, wood gearshift knob; steering wheel with telescopic adjustment.