2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
Price Estimate: $2,313 - $3,496





+22
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Retractable hardtop, confident handling, blistering performance (SLK32 AMG), quiet and composed freeway cruiser.
Cons
- Steering lacks feedback, big blind spots when top is up, no manual gearbox for the top performance model.
What’s new
No major changes.
Edmunds says
A fun-to-drive roadster that combines the safety and security of a hardtop, the wind-in-your-hair fun of a convertible and the European brand cache of a Mercedes all in one attractively styled package.
For sale near Salina, KS
15 listings
- 84,736 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- AutoNet (417 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Hardtop
Close
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing the sleek and stylish 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2dr Kompressor Roadster 2.3L Automatic. This luxury sports car is the perfect combinati...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBKK49F42F264595
Stock: 264595
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-19-2025- 46,077 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Studio Vroom (552 mi away)
- Heated seats
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Alarm
Close
Located in Bensenville, IL
Here is our vehicle adoption process;1. Video Chat to check cars2. If you like the vehicle, you have two options - A. Visit and check the vehicle at o...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBKK65F92F249270
Stock: 249270
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-21-2025
Vehicle overview
With no less than five contenders vying for attention, the compact luxury roadster segment continues to flourish. Although the standard SLK enters 2002 relatively unchanged from last year, an all-new AMG model serves up serious doses of fun for those who crave more than just a little wind in their hair.The SLK's big selling point is its exclusive retractable steel roof that, when raised, makes the car seem as airtight 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 SLK was available only with an automatic transmission and a supercharged, 185-horsepower, 2.3-liter I4 that had an anemic exhaust note. In 1999, Mercedes equipped the car with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, making the automatic optional. Combined with the SLK's precise steering, rev-happy powerplant, and wonderfully damped suspension, the car was entertaining, though not particularly exhilarating. The standard four-cylinder engine (SLK230) now makes 192 horsepower, but for those who prefer the smooth torquey feel of a V6, the SLK 320 offers a 3.2-liter, 215 horsepower six-cylinder. A six-speed manual is standard on both models, with a five-speed TouchShift automanual optional. The 0-60 mph sprinting ability of either model is respectable, with the 230 running that dash in around 7.5 seconds and the 320 beating that time by around a second. SLK 230s count leather seating, aluminum accents and 16-inch alloy wheels among its standard features. An optional Sport package for the SLK230 doesn't cure the lame exhaust blat, but it does include an AMG-inspired body kit and meaty 17-inch treads mounted to AMG Monoblock wheels. Step up to the 320 and you'll get 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, a unique air dam, metal plate doorsills, power seats, a telescoping steering column and wood interior accents.
This year, the SLK family grows again, as the speedy SLK32 AMG joins the clan. Packing a whopping 349 horsepower, the AMG SLK can run with exotics in terms of gut-wrenching acceleration, as a sub-five second 0-to-60 mph blast attests. Enthusiasts may lament the lack of a manual gearbox, though the TouchShift five-speed automanual does allow manual-style shifting, albeit without a clutch. Handsome, double-spoke 17-inch wheels are a welcome departure from the "Monoblock" style that's been around forever. Other goodies for the top SLK include a massaged suspension, full ground effects, rear spoiler, 8-way power sport seats, a Bose sound system (though without CD player or changer) and aluminum and wood cockpit accents.
Costly Designo editions with special paint and leather trim are also available on all SLKs. All models get front and side airbags as standard equipment, along with ABS, stability control (called ESP) and the Tele Aid system (which alerts emergency personnel if an airbag goes off and can also put you in touch with a live operator to summon medical or police assistance).
The SLK also has extremely rigid A-pillars, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors for enhanced rollover protection. Brake Assist applies full braking force faster than is humanly possible when a panic stop is initiated. A "BabySmart" system allows owners to use a special car seat sold by Benz dealers that deactivates the passenger airbag. But we're curious as to why ultra-safety conscious Mercedes doesn't have a cut-off switch for the passenger bag (like Mazda and other carmakers do for their 2-seaters)...perhaps to foster the sale of those Benz baby seats?
All in all, the SLK is still a desirable drop-top for anyone looking for the fun of a convertible combined with the safety and all-weather security of a hardtop. The addition of the ultra-fast AMG model might give pause to those previously considering Porsche's Boxster S, but of course, true enthusiasts will be turned off by the SLK 32's lack of a manual gearbox. Then again, the SLK is not as much about those enthusiastic about driving as it is about those enthusiastic about driving a Mercedes.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Kansas
$201/mo for SLK-Class SLK230
SLK-Class SLK230
vs
$149/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2002 Mercedes SLK 320
4.13 out of 5 starsBClark, 08/02/2004
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK320 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
Beautiful vehicle with luxurious interior and
nimble, quick ride. Great open air
convertible that feels like a solid sedan
when the retractable hard top is up.
MB SLK great Car
4.63 out of 5 starsBobby, 08/18/2005
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I owned a Mazda Miata prior to this Mercedes and worried about the reliability of this vehicle. However, the car has been great and I now have almost 50,000 miles on it and it is a pleasure to drive and fun when top is down on a nice day. I love the fact that the roof is solid and that I don't have to worry about the snow causing any damage to the interior. The car is also great in … snow with the snow tires that I purchased only a few months after I fist got the car. All in all, I would say that I love this car and that it has served me quite well.
SLK32 AMG
3.88 out of 5 starsdarren, 09/28/2006
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK32 AMG 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl S/C 5A)
I love this car. It's addictive to drive, and the power is awesome. Concerns about acceleration are never an issue. The interior looks a little old, and not all that expensive. The CD changer (which is an option) skips if you hit a pothole and the ride translates uneven road surfaces. But this is a sports car, so you should expect that. The car feels well built and drives … wonderfully. The only thing I dont like about the cars driving dynamics would be the steering. It's a bit clunky, and isn't as precise as it should be. The steering wheel is also a little big, and doesnt tilt. It's a great car, if you want something that can take on a Corvette, and that is understated.
Good looking car but very expensive to maintain
3 out of 5 starsPete Robinson, 05/03/2017
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)
This car is one of the best looking cars on the road. Performance is good for the V6 models but mine is a 4 cylinder and the performance is only OK. Interior is very nice but the weak points is the electronics that fail frequently. Gas mileage is poor for a small car with a 4 cylinder engine. Recommend the car for sunny day short drives but take the big car on trips.
2002 SLK-Class Highlights
Convertible
SLK230
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $201/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SLK-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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 – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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