1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good looking and spunky, this is the only convertible on the market to feature the all-weather protection of a retractable hardtop.
Cons
- Performance lags behind the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster.
What’s new
Mercedes-Benz releases an all-new retractable-hardtop roadster. Powered by a supercharged 2.3-liter engine, which is hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission, the SLK-Class races to 60 mph in just over seven seconds.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor
SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When Mercedes-Benz sets its sights on something, it is not usually denied. A few years ago, the gang at the three-pointed star decided that it was time to ditch their dowdy image and begin attracting younger buyers. The result of that decision brought us the fabulous C- and E-Class cars, which made the company and its offerings feel less stuffy. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz was still not the marque that young professionals looking for a good time were likely to think of first.
All of that changes with the introduction of the SLK-Class this year. While it is a Mercedes-Benz through and through, the SLK-Class has a decidedly playful countenance that will undoubtedly charm some buyers out of the BMW showrooms that those looking for a fun, sporty car have been frequenting for so long. The SLK-Class is a roadster, and that means that it has two seats and a top that folds down. Unlike its competitors from BMW, Porsche and Mazda, however, the little Mercedes has a retractable steel roof that, when up, makes the car seem as tight as an E-Class sedan. Raising and lowering consists of pressing one button on the center console.
Let's face it, though, there is more to a roadster than the top. Fortunately, Mercedes seems to have gotten the recipe right with the steering, engine and suspension. The steering is precise, the suspension is wonderfully damped, and the engine is eager and willing. Our main complaint stems from the fact that the SLK-Class is not available with a manual transmission; all of its competitors are. Mercedes argues that most of their buyers would have selected the automatic transmission anyway, and that it would have been prohibitively expensive to develop two transmissions for the SLK-Class. Nonetheless, the SLK-Class is a hoot to drive and its 200 pound-feet of torque, available across an incredibly wide rpm range, make it a choice vehicle for carving through traffic or up a spiraling mountain road.
One thing that most roadsters are not noted for is their safety features. Mercedes broke the mold in this regard and laid all of their current safety technology on this relatively inexpensive car. Dual airbags are standard, as are side-impact airbags. The SLK-Class features standard antilock brakes and automatic slip control as well. Since roadsters are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident, the SLK-Class also has a super-reinforced A-pillar and integrated roll bars behind each seat. We think the most interesting feature, however, is the SLK-Classs BabySmart system. The BabySmart system allows drivers to use a Mercedes-Benz BabySmart car seat which will keep the passenger airbag from deploying while it is occupying that seat. (Thus allowing parents to introduce their toddlers to the thrills of open air driving safely.)
The SLK-Class has been in short supply, but you may be able to find a dealer who is willing to let one go for a special price. Although Mercedes-Benz is discouraging dealers from price gouging, don't expect to get five percent over invoice deal on this car.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
5 star(76%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
21 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
98 mercedes slk
suzie, 05/02/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
Have never had any mechanical issues. Drove it in east coast city traffic and the mountains in colorado- handled roads great and heated seats with convert top down were a luxury. Bought it because of the retractable roof- the SLK was the first convertible to do this and I never had a problem with it. have owned several other Mercedes from sedans to SUVs and this was definitely the most … fun to drive, body style looked great ten years latter, paint held up- silver, but the interior was starting to wear- florida heat may have been a factor- the red paint on the dash and console was starting to melt and peel. So, with regrets I just traded it in. Other than routine maintenance no major repairs.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Fun Drive
polo, 03/01/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
This car is a lot of fun to drive...in just about any weather. You get all the advantadges of a convertible with much less hassle than comparable models.
Still, the car can ride a little rough now and then, and the road noise is not insignificant.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great Car
Noel Hill, 05/28/2005
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
The dependability and performance of the car is nothing less than perfect. It looks good and the auto-top is wonderful with no rattles or problems
4.13 out of 5 stars
Some Good, Some Bad
ld50, 07/03/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
It is what it is. Fun to drive, love the
hard top convertible, great handling,
expensive to maintain. I have had the
following done (all under warranty):
both rear lamps replaced 2x, hardtop
realignment, transmission stuck in
first, inside right door panelling
redone, window mechanism broken. Seems
like a lot for a Mercedes.
1998 SLK-Class Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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