3 Examples of Brilliant Engineering in the Mercedes SLK350

Does the Mercedes SLK350 know the art of Origami? Check out the magic tricks that this sports car can pull off and the slight of hand that Mercedes Benz used when designing this example of fine German engineering.
-------
Episode 16 of a series exploring the decisions made by a car nut as he attempts to decide which cars will fit his needs on the road and the track and celebrates all there is to love about the art and engineering of automobiles.
------
All material © copyright 2018 Between The Wheels.
Photos by Alex, rawpixel and Rebecca Freeman on Unsplash

[@GlenFerrisMusic]

This is a great vid, Ive only had my SLK 200 (r171) for two months and I too think it's a little miracle of engineering, especially the roof mech. It makes me smile and simply admire the engineering design to get that roof in my trunk and still get luggage in there. Nice to see someone praising a car instead of slagging off where it could be better.

[@ronnietwelvetoes1876]

You won’t be smiling if you need to repair the roof mechanism OUCH

[@dougantelman2369]

I think you missed one: the air scarf is a great invention/design. And it really does work! The other one is the REST feature, which keeps blowing warm or cold air, even after the car is shut off

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Agreed, air scarf is incredible!!

[@ZacGolus]

Yes. I love the Airscarf.

[@ZacGolus]

Is rest feature in all SLKs? Is it an option?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I’ve never actually tried it. Maybe Doug knows!

[@KpTheG]

Omg you just sold me on this. I’m debating between an 07 & 09

[@TheSixfinger1]

I’m picking mine up on Friday! 2005, 42,000 miles, can’t wait! Cup holders? Give me a break! In my Golf or Passat maybe, the last thing I’ll be doing is drinking coffee! I’d much rather stop somewhere for a coffee and sit by the window so I can adore my new found piece of German perfection! 0-60 4.5 secs? I think the coffee would be parting company with the cup holders and saying goodbye as it flew over car on the way out! 😂! Beautiful car!

[@tonyvatsa8014]

Hey Guys, A Beauty at it's Best. An Engineering at the Top. A machine, that excels and leave behind All. An Engeening and Beauty Marvel. GUYS, I LOVE IT AND PEOPLE ADMIRE IT. THANKS MERCEDES Team.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I have the same car. I get compliments all the time about this car. Most people think it's a new car....and they mention the shape of the top....and then I show them how the top goes down into the trunk! A true crowd pleaser! I've had some bad ass cars...but this one does draw attention.

[@florinstroescu2305]

Hello. Could you tell me how the car is when it rains outside? Get some water inside the car? Or is well isolated? And one more: You need a garage or you can put it outside? Thanks!

[@AmericanConstellation]

@@florinstroescu2305 The roof and windows on my car have never leaked water. It's a good idea to keep the rubber gaskets that seal the roof, lubed up with some conditioner. As for garaged...I always garage my cars...But in the daytime....It gets poured on by rain while I'm driving around...No problems...

[@florinstroescu2305]

@@AmericanConstellation thanks a lot for explanations! I was worried about that, about the roof and leaking water, considering the age of such a car. The same about winter season, ice or other bad conditions. But its ok, Im more confident!

[@doctorquestian]

I have a subscription car wash service and run it through about once a week, sometimes more. it has never leaked. @@florinstroescu2305

[@WookieMonster01]

Last month I bought an SLK55 and I completely love it. It drives like my C55 but feels a bit faster. Although not as fast as my E55. This is my fun car!

[@RedPillVegan]

Yesss more slk350 vids you are the guy!

[@fredvolkman754]

I have to admit that I chuckled when I listened to your comments about the design. In fact the Vario roof was first introduced in 1998 in the R170 and frankly was less complex in many ways. It too had the pop out cup holder.

[@fastestride2990]

Been a while..glad to get slk updates again 👍

[@RollinwithRoland]

This is an excellent review and video, just stumbled on this doing research as I'm considering buying a 6MT R171 myself. Looking forward to seeing more of your content with this car, I'm a manual transmission/track enthusiast as well.

[@Etweeen]

Little down side of the cup holders as I’ve experienced in my 2001 slk320, if you have a drink while you have the a/c on it’ll block the air from blowing towards you.

[@nigelsmillie461]

Great Presentation, I am now looking for Cup Holders for my SLK, as not fitted, must have been a option. I will start with Dealer parts to price against used

[@stephenbushway901]

Great video. I have a lovely A4 quattro that has some neat storage features. I'm missing a stick shift 2 seater though and have been drawn to SLK's for their retractable hardtop. I just hope that when I'm ready to buy about a year from now, I can find a manual. They're pretty rare and get great reviews.

[@doctorquestian]

What about the way the 3-way hi-fi loudspeakers are integrated into the cabin? Most car manufacturers do audio as an afterthought, but this one was super-engineered. I think it could use a bit more amplification from the factory, but better electronics are now available compared to what they had in 2005. Speaker placement is excellent.

[@SERGE_Tech]

Dude your videos are awesome! Really want a performance car I almost got a 2016 corvette

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@kikomacedo8529]

i have a 2005 slk 350 in Brazil...and i love my car...it has 57,000 km...and perfect 🎉

[@jorgechiubomberos]

Yes, i got a clk 350 2008, just because i needed a more fuel efficient car for my commute than my GLE 450. So i was surprised about the seatbelt deployment and the steering wheel moving everytime y turn the car off or on.

[@GPhilipArnold]

Speaking of magic, my 2006 SLK 280, manual transmission, has been my everyday car, including several long trips, since I bought it new. Every day means my cup of coffee in those cup holders. The inevitable spill down the radio resulted in a non-functioning radio. I priced a new one from the dealer: $5000+ and looked at nice after market ones: Up to $3000+. I kept fiddling with it as I drove and then one day it functioned for a while. I thought I had done something in a certain combination, i.e. start the engine before turning on the radio. I couldn't figure out the sequence, but it kept getting a little better. Then, it was fixed. It had healed itself and it has worked fine for the last five years. I agree that some of these fancy items can break, but with mine, I'm starting year 13 with 80,000 enjoyable miles and all is well. Thanks for your observations. I really like the origami analogy.

[@florinstroescu2305]

Hello. Could you tell me how the car is when it rains outside? Get some water inside the car? Or is well isolated? And one more: You need a garage or you can put it outside? Thanks!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Mine has been leak free from the top and windows. Like other convertibles this car has some drains at the bottom edge of the windshield that must be kept clear so water doesn’t back up into the cabin. Mine were clear when I bought it and I keep the car in the garage so no leaves accumulate on my car.

[@florinstroescu2305]

@@BetweenTheWheels thanks a lot for explanations! I was worried about that, about the roof and leaking water, considering the age of such a car. The same about winter season, ice or other bad conditions. But its ok, Im more confident!

[@SERGE_Tech]

Wow amazing storage

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Not bad for such a small car!

[@ftey2000]

the storage lid is a nice feature... when it works. Mine has been stuck for a couple years..

[@LeftyS7]

Make it two for my 2010. Console only opens from the front and is hinged in the back. (lifts up from either side, hence, no German Engineering overkill)

[@user-tu4ls7zi7u]

Its a great model the 350 great for long cruising loved ❤ mine.

[@sford65]

I was unaware that we could open the center console’s deeper section from the outside. All this time I’ve been opening the lid and pressing the little button inside!

[@marcob6314]

talk about air scarf, it’s amazing

[@fredvolkman754]

In the pre facelift cars the glove box rather than use the CD player in the trunk as they did in the R170 they shoved it in the glove box which is small compared to the R170. In the face lift cars as I have they figured out how to put the CD player in the Comand unit. On the other hand the centre console storage in the facelift cars opens from the front rather than from the side.

[@gkgameplaycz]

The CD player situation is a bit different. I have a 2005 SLK 350, it has one CD/CDmp3/DVD/DVDmp3 player in the Command unit (it can play movies as well as read data CD/DVD). Then, there is a 6-CD changer in the glovebox that plays only Audio CDs. Then, there is a DVD drive in the trunk that is used for the DVD with map data (for maps in the command unit).

[@giannagiavelli5098]

seems to be the only merc roadster with a shift. whats the 0-60 like on the 350? any thoughts on doing the exhaust upgrades for those of us who want to sound more alive. yah I like the performance of the c450 and the sl55 more, but GIVE ME MY SHIFTER

[@BetweenTheWheels]

It’s true that in terms of 6 cylinder manuals, there are very few still around. 0-60 is quoted from MB at 5.5 seconds. The car feels plenty quick but it can’t keep up in a straight line on a track with lots of faster cars. That’s okay for me because I wanted a quick-enough car to learn on track with but not something I couldn’t control. On the road, it’s 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th torque is wonderfully smooth, powerful and naturally aspirated. One of the best on road driving cars I’ve ever experienced.

[@datacourier2944]

Whats your take on the automatic version of the SLK? I am planning to get one for weekends / running errans. Had the SLK 200K R170 in manual and while it was more involving, it also slowed me down and once in a while I'd grind a gear while hard accelerating or overtaking. Is the auto still fun?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I haven’t driven the auto SLKs so I can’t judge. I enjoy a well-powered auto and only went away from manuals for a long time due to the fact that before turbo charging, manuals in the 80s and 90s weren’t great for city driving - sort of a pain and no fun to rev. I chose the manual for this car because it’s meant for the track. I hear the SLK55 with the 8 cylinder and auto is a great car.

[@LeftyS7]

I have an auto because it was all I could find. It is my first auto in many years and my first car auto ever. It certainly is easy for around town driving but I don't like how Mercedes' computer tries to out think you and readjusts the tranny and it does not accelerate as rapidly because it shifts earlier in the gears. I get to drive my wife's 2016 MX-5 and it is much more fun and, despite less horsepower, certainly feels like it accelerates faster. I have not gotten used to shifting manually so can't comment on that.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I totally agree on Mercedes dim witted auto programming. For my 2016 C450, a car with loads of power and torque, the entire experience is let down by the awful 7 speed auto. Even Mercedes knew it was bad - they changed to an 8 speed in the C43 that I hear is better. Such a shame.

[@recyclespinning9839]

Impossible to find the 6 speed manual in the USA. Been looking ...

[@HeartBrokenBiker]

Although an slk350 fan, I'd disagree with the cup holders. That coffee gets cold very fast with the AC blower right behind it so close. Not to mention that the cups don't hold straight properly.

[@Hitrate]

Well on a cold day they are in the perfect position, keeps it warn longer with the warm AC blower.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

They are far from perfect, no doubt. I’m just glad they’re there.

[@dcpete5475]

Exactly, i only use them for bottles and closed

[@banpowel9784]

The french designed the metal roof top mechainism, ( peugeot) and suppiled it to mercedes for the slk. The cupholder design comes from sweden, ( Saab) who where the first car producers to design the centred pop out cup holders.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Interesting! Kudos to the French. I’d say, based on the questionable functionality of the cup holder, that the suedes should stick to furniture :)

[@banpowel9784]

@@BetweenTheWheels The pure saab cars had proper high quality cup holders, until the cost cutting started, plus the merger with GM, saw quality drop substantially.

[@dougantelman2369]

You won’t like that dual opening console when it jams or breaks, which it will. How? If you accidentally try opening the upper door and the lower compartment at same time. There’s a TSB related to upper door which malfunctioned.

[@billwhiteathome2080]

It's fairly easy to reattach that console lid if it "detaches" during an unintentional two operation opening kerfluffle.

[@arightpest3367]

Mx5 roadster folds away in the same space as the soft top with no loss of boot space. Not to shabby.

[@brendankeenanFF]

Just bought this car. Didn’t know about Centre console either. Going home to look.

[@tfabrizio623]

Fellow 2005 SLK350 owner here... I have one more great engineering example for you! If you open the fuel filler door, you will find a small circular plastic holder on the inside of the door. You can place the gas cap into this holder while you fill the car with fuel. This way the dangling gas cap doesn't scratch your paint!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Yep, I love that!

[@brucewunderlich405]

I actually upgraded my 2007 SLK 320 to a 2015 SLK 350 because of the cup holders. 😂

[@splynk1]

How tall are you, i keep seeing forums say you can be 185 cm high in the 170, and even taller in the 171,, but,,, i have tried both, im 184 and i feel like im cramped in with arms bent too much, legroom and headroom is ok,, i feel i have tryed everything with the seat, its just as if i cant tilt it enough,,,, its a deamcar of mine and have been for years and now i want to make it happen, but ?? Ps. i have driven the mk1 MR2 for years and have plenty of space in that one

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I’m 6’/182cm and I fit well without a helmet. The helmet was definitely an issue as I was jammed against the roof. I’m a thin frame so I fit, but I can see how someone broader than I am might be jammed in.

[@AmericanConstellation]

I love this car. I'm looking at SL55's....I think this one is better. So I'm hanging on to this car.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

The 55 is a cool cruiser but I love the manual in the 350 and wouldn’t give it up.

[@AmericanConstellation]

@@BetweenTheWheels Yep...and I can twist wrenches on the 350 very easily. I can fix that car all day. The 55 weighs over 2 tons! That's heavy...and I'd have to change out the suspension eventually.

[@AmericanConstellation]

@@BetweenTheWheels I think almost 300hp is enough for driving to work...I had a 2006 Infinity G35 coupe. The best car I've ever had. Really fast and balanced... It got totaled on my way to work at 5:15, on a Saturday morning on my way to work, by a drunk driver. I got pretty banged up too....

[@CarlsGarage1]

you didn't talk about the SLR front

[@BetweenTheWheels]

As much as I agree that the front end is a huge part of the aesthetic appeal of this car, I couldn’t call it an engineering achievement.

[@hafidgisenparastra3390]

What are the differences between SLK 350 and SLK 200 R171? I think they look similar

[@BetweenTheWheels]

The 200 was a previous era car car with the factory code R170 and has a completely different body style. I believe 2004 was the last year for it.

[@gianfrancoa]

@@BetweenTheWheels nop, there was R171 slk 200 for some markets with the smaller M271 supercharged I4 engine. In NA we only got v6's and V8s

[@Gynra]

@@BetweenTheWheels As gianfranoa says, Mercedes produced an SLK 200 Kompressor model, certainly for the European market, as I have a 2009 example (UK). It has a 1.8 litre (110 cubic inches) inline four cylinder with a supercharger (the kompressor in the name). Earlier models put out about 161 bhp, and later ones, 184 bhp. I love mine: it's not particularly fast but is sprightly enough for my sort of driving, and very comfortable for cruising long journeys.

[@AmericanConstellation]

Man...I still have my SLK 350. 40,000 miles..and I get a idle vibration in the mornings....I've gone through everything. No code being sent. Maybe engine mounts?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Maybe engine mounts. Can you hear where in the engine bay it seems to originate from? Meaning, entire engine shakes or there there a pulley or accessory that’s loose?

[@calisthenicsbarbrothers6132]

What do u think about a slk 280 yr 2007

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I haven’t driven one but the combination of the MB 6 cylinder and the compact size is fun!

[@calisthenicsbarbrothers6132]

@@BetweenTheWheels thanks, do u think it is worth to buy one that has 80k miles? I mean because of future mechanical issues?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

My personal opinion is anything over about 60K miles needs to be contemplated carefully. I’d ask questions like, how many miles a year will you drive it? Is it a daily driver? If you’re financing, will the car be over 100k before you pay it off? That’s not a deal breaker but I never like the idea of paying monthly on a car that’s near the end of its lifespan.

[@calisthenicsbarbrothers6132]

@@BetweenTheWheels thank you i appreciate your awnser

[@gianfrancoa]

In addition to that you should be safe from balance shaft failures with an 07 model.

[@gianfrancoa]

The only think that they designed well but executed poorly is the balance shaft sprocket that plagued M272 engines between 05 and 06

[@ericbradway7067]

I love my SLK to death. But one time I spilled my coffee a little too much from the cup holders ... cost $3,300 for a new infotainment motherboard that shorted ...

[@BetweenTheWheels]

That’s a drag! Agreed that the cup holders are far from perfect.

[@duncanidaho7494]

Cupholers is a useless feature.

[@dcpete5475]

Those cup holders are total stupidety above your navigation and radio

[@pierreneron9903]

Ouf, well done! Still don't understand why you want to have those modern electronic settings with your "Bijou".For me, the best part of that car is to drive hair in the wind and listening to the exhaust sound of music. Maybe, I'm too old to understand.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks! Nothing better than this car with the top down, I agree. But having a few comforts is nice.

[@VolvoGirl1987]

5:00, my car doesn't do this!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Do you have the storage compartment?

[@ianisawesomelike007]

@@BetweenTheWheels my 2005 doesn't seem too have the deeper storage either. I think it has to do with the car phone adapter thing.

[@rscosworthfan]

cupholder not exactly a good idea pull out your cup from there at 60 mph and spill it down the dashboard all over the electrics

[@Gynra]

Drinking from an open cup while driving does not seem to be a good idea to me. Perhaps I'm just clumsier than most people.

[@crosisofborg5524]

Sadly the great engineering didn’t make it into the engines.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Hmm, not sure what you base that on: 4 of the 10 F1 teams use Mercedes engines. Pagani uses Mercedes engines. AMG still builds the sought after ‘one man, one engine’ Mercedes power plants by hand. Cars, buses, vans, people carriers all can be had with Mercedes engines. Mercedes founders invented the automobile engine. I’m not a fan boy. These are just facts.