The Mercedes-Benz SLK was a sports car introduced in 1996 that heralded a whole new era for Mercedes-Benz. It signalled a switch in direction for the company, which would see it target a much younger group of customers while still producing cars for its older, more conservative clientele. The SLK, later re-badged as an SLC in 2016, would stay in production for a total of 23 years, the final car being produced in 2019.
The switch to the SLC nameplate came about as Mercedes-Benz rationalised its model nomenclature, with the SLC indicating that it was essentially aligned to the C-Class sedan in the vast Mercedes line-up. If you are considering selling your car quickly and easily here and search for used SLK models or search for used SLC models on AutoTrader here, first find out if the ranges hold their value.
Related: Top 5 Mercedes-Benz SLC articles on AutoTrader.
First-generation SLK: 1996-2004
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK cars were introduced here with a supercharged (Kompressor) 4-cylinder engine sourced from the C-Class sedan. The car was perceived as extremely stylish, and its biggest claim to fame was its steel-retractable roof. The car was “sporty” rather than being an out-and-out sports car and came only with an automatic transmission.
However, some sporty models had indeed been added towards the end of the first generation’s life cycle. The SLK320 had a 3.2-litre V6 engine, but the SLK32 AMG was the model that grabbed the attention, with a supercharged V6. This 260 kW car had a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250. It sold for R560 000 in late 2003, whereas the standard SLK200 sold for R365 000.
Second-generation SLK: 2004 - 2010
The second-generation SLK came with a re-designed nose, much sportier trim and more of a wedge profile, although the lineage between the first and second generations was still clear. The SLK200 was now also offered as a manual model, but the car that really generated huge interest was the SLK55 AMG. It was fitted with a naturally-aspirated 5,4-litre V8 engine, and its 265 kW and 510 Nm of torque enabled a 5,2 second 0-100 km/h and a 250 km/h top end. It sold for R739 000 in late 2007.
Third-generation SLK: 2011-2016
The third generation SLK retained the basic shape of the previous models, but the nose had now been re-shaped with a much more upright, prominent grille. Initially, the engine line-up consisted of a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6. Prices ranged from around R555 000 to R735 000. Later in this life cycle, the Mercedes-AMG SLK55 was introduced, the nameplate signifying that Mercedes-AMG was now a division of the Daimler Group in its own right and separate from Mercedes-Benz. The SLK 55 now enjoyed 310 kW and 540 Nm from its 5,4-litre V8 non-turbo motor, with the 0-100 km/h time reduced to 5,0 seconds.
Name change to SLC in mid-2016
In mid-2016, the SLK name was dropped and changed to SLC. This is a bit confusing if you have a long memory and remember the classic, larger SLC sporty coupe built from the early 1970s until 1988. The more modern SLC car from 2016 to 2019 was refreshed with a face-lift and a new engine range. These included two turbocharged 4-cylinder motors of 1.8-litre capacity. The SLC200 was rated at 135 kW, while the higher-boost model was badged as an SLC 300 with 180 kW. The most impressive model was the Mercedes-AMG SLC43, which has a glorious-sounding V6 turbo motor. Prices for the SLC in late 2016 ranged from R 684 500 to R944 600 for the AMG43 model.
Which Mercedes SLK or SLC model holds its value best?
AutoTrader currently lists nearly 100 examples of used Mercedes-Benz SLK models for sale, including the later models badged as the SLC. These smaller Merc sporty cars tend to hold their value quite well, as many of them don’t log high mileages, as they are used as urban runabouts or weekend cars.
According to our sources in the used-car trade, the models that tend to hold their value best are the supercharged V6 C32 model from the first-generation series and the V8 AMG 55, as there is something of a cult developing around these high-powered versions. Both engines are noted for massive acceleration, and the V8 engine is particularly bullet-proof.
The 3.2-litre V6 engine in the SLK 320 suffered from timing gear wear, which needs to be checked out if you are considering one of these. If it fails, it can add R40 000 in repair bills to your SLK “bargain”. The SLK200 models also suffered from Kompressor (supercharger) failure at higher mileages, but blown superchargers are not as expensive to fix if an aftermarket company is used for the repair. Generally, the SLK200 has retained its value very well, particularly as these cars often have relatively low mileage.
