CAR REVIEW - Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 R171 - Includes folding hardtop action!

I take the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 R171 out for a car review and road test. I take you down some twisty roads in rural Ireland, and talk you through the things I like about this car, and the things I'm not so keen on. I also show you that fantastic party piece that is the folding hardtop.
You can find my video on how to set the time clock in this car here...
• How to set the clock o...
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[@immukhan4071]

Thank you so much for the review, was going to buy one soon and your review has helped me a lot to make a decision, keep up the awesome work

[@itsfrankiebeats]

Great review my man! Just bought one so was looking for some reviews and you've been spot on. Get a TV show for yourself!

[@Endfloat]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I think I'm a few subscribers away from worrying about becoming the next big motoring programme presenter!

[@michaelbowler8553]

Have an 05D SLK 200 - same silver paint as yours. That roof action never gets old!

[@Endfloat]

The roof definitely is a nice party piece! I just worry about it going wrong, especially mid cycle or in the down position. It is a lovely car.

[@Gynra]

I love the R171 model SLK: I'm on my sixth one now, a 59 plate special edition SLK 200 in obsidian black. My aim is to keep it, spending a thousand or two each year to keep it tip-top condition, though if I find a reasonable SLK 55 I might be tempted to trade it in. I have had a 280 and a 350 in the past, but I find the 200 Kompressor to be plenty powerful enough for me now at my age. It drives well, and goes around corners like it's a roller skate. I love it!

[@Endfloat]

The SLK 55 would be a particularly nice motor! But with the price of fuel and all that, I reckon the 200 is perfect. They do look well in black. I'd actually prefer the black to the silver, but if it was my car, I'd go for red.

[@stevejones1318]

It's a far better looking car iin black. It looks more sleek and cat like. Not particularly light, it weighs 400kg more than an Mx5... but the manual gives very good fuel consumption. I get 6 litre/100km out of town. Pray that the roof hydraulics or the cam chain don't fail. Both are expensive to fix.

[@grahamfoster6036]

I've got the slightly more powerful one with AMG factory kit and all the extras including the air scarf which is brilliant. I love it. Best looking roadster ever in my opinion.

[@Endfloat]

I can imagine that is a very nice car indeed!

[@geraldryan8562]

Me also, got the 2008 manual version with full AMG sport package 184CV remapped to 214CV, do all the service myself with trusted garage owner friend, Mercedes garages are a ripoff!

[@stevennorth6484]

that's what I bought 4 years ago, but I do have the air scarf which is a must. Plenty of power for me, mine also had a rusty rear subframe (£340 welded repair, fuel & brake pipes was another problem £660 replaced). I think for the money it's a great little car.

[@emahgreen7874]

What a great review, thank you. I have watched a lot! Thinking of getting one, (2008+) trying my best to talk my self out of it because of insurance, finding it difficult tho

[@Endfloat]

I can't help with the insurance I'm afraid, but the car itself is a good machine so if you can get over that issue, you'll be onto a winner.

[@triathleteuk]

Great video you seem a really cool guy .. over here in UK same issue with huge tractors on rural roads haha .. I bought same year/same model in dark blue 3 weeks ago .. totally agree with the 'smile' factor .. I found myself smiling as I drove down a long hill in the country .. I was going to ask Merc to service it but they said £540 quid omg .. since I bought it, I have become mr popular with people who scarcely noticed me before .. shows how shallow people are :( But overall I am super happy I did my research and got the car and colour I wanted .. Keep up the good work mate . :)

[@Endfloat]

Thanks very much for the feedback and compliment! It definitely makes the videos seem worthwhile! Happy motoring. Enjoy your new car!

[@clr0901]

You can't change from C mode to S mode (and v.v.) when you're driving. Need to be stationery.

[@Endfloat]

Ah right! Thanks for clarifying that for me.

[@MG-id7hl]

I bought a 2010 slk the other day so in typical arse about face style, I'm looking at reviews to see what I've let myself in for. I have to say, this is a very honest review spoken in plain English with minimal technobabble. Oh...just to wrap up...i bought a black one and I'm practically bald...so in no way is this a hairdresser's car 😂

[@Endfloat]

I do joke about it being a hairdresser's car, but in truth it is a good motor and very nice to drive! Best of luck with yours!

[@zsb707]

Best of luck with your awesome car 👍!

[@unkelartgarf3792]

If you go into tiptronic mode and manually change the gears, the display tells you what gear it's in - so that's where you can see the 7 speeds 😀

[@Endfloat]

I never noticed that to be honest!

[@CB-ov1ho]

Don’t forget there’s also the R171 facelift version from 08-11. There’s about 650 changes made according to MB.

[@Endfloat]

Good point!

[@peterhaydon]

Absolute hoot of a review 😂 thanks!

[@Endfloat]

Thank you very much!

[@martingregory5955]

Personally I like the SLK and drove a 350 before making my purchase. To put it into perspective I have a BMW 530 wagon and the Merc didn't feel very special or different so I ended up with a Boxster which was VERY different and special which I love. Maybe a 55 would have been different but expensive here in NZ.

[@Endfloat]

They are a nice car to be fair. In fact, there'll be a few videos coming out about this car in the coming weeks.

[@user-rz6lz5tf5x]

Good car! I have similar!

[@Endfloat]

I'm not normally a Merc fan but I do like these.

[@user-rz6lz5tf5x]

@@Endfloat I have loved this model when I saw it firs time. I don't like R172.

[@davyp7107]

I am looking to buy a convertible heads turned. Originally liked these but was told by a dealer that they rattle ? and to go for the SL s. Audi TT Roadster , BM 323i , we all want a car that doesnt give problems but when you read all the reviews it can become scarey. The MX5 Sport Tech 2.0i around 2009 ive been looking at but still undecided ? help , edited you r are right i need to drive one. Great review cheers.

[@Endfloat]

Every car has its problems. The Merc doesn't rattle at all but there are some issues such as rear subframe rust and if the roof gives problems it can be a costly fix. Personally I think the most reliable of your options would be the mx5 by a long shot.

[@davyp7107]

@@Endfloat good man its a bit small but and supposed to be bullet proof with no scarey repairs , looking at the foldable hard top roof also. Keep posting id believe you before a dealer lol.

[@unkelartgarf3792]

All convertibles rattle!

[@vicmorley906]

Rattles from boot lid are common but takes 10 minutes with a spanner and torques drive to make adjustments

[@michaelbowler8553]

oh, and ditto with the subframe bit

[@Endfloat]

Did you have a rust issue with yours too?? It's the drainage channels that get blocked.

[@michaelbowler8553]

@@Endfloat yep - rusted bad. NCT fail dangerous but merc replaced same

[@Endfloat]

@@michaelbowler8553 I'm glad they're putting this right for people, cause it's a serious design flaw.

[@antonistheo4988]

Is the 163hp model fast enough??

[@Endfloat]

I would have said so personally, but it depends how fast you want to accelerate.

[@JohnVianneyPatron]

Mercedes Benz owner here and I know full well how easily things can go wrong and how expensive it is to fix😢😢

[@Endfloat]

Did you see my video about the c350e reliability issues? They're a nightmare!

[@sunnyg6109]

@@Endfloat are these slk 200 reliable

[@mohammadkooheji1286]

@@sunnyg6109 yes slk 200 is reliable

[@user-jo7ry9cq3c]

SLRマクラーレンと共通イメージのスタイルを纏った第2世代ロードスター

[@Endfloat]

Yes, absolutely, albeit a little more subtle.

[@choysoonchen7088]

the seats are not comfortabble. what type of seats should i change to

[@Endfloat]

I don't find the seats uncomfortable at all! Maybe the problem is with your arse! :D

[@stevejones1318]

Best seats I've had in over 25 cars that I've owned.

[@DrummerEvo]

How tall are You?

[@Endfloat]

6'2" or 1m90. There's plenty of room in the car if that's why you're asking.

[@DrummerEvo]

@@Endfloat Thanks! I'm 185 cm

[@gordoncosgrave2899]

Hey! I drive an Audi.

[@Endfloat]

Well then you know what I'm talking about! 😁

[@unkelartgarf3792]

@Gordon Cosgrove - I'll make sure to pull over for you. What with Audi drivers owning the roads and all that. Seriously, perhaps you're not, but most Audi drivers are the biggest wan***s on the roads. What an image!

[@tonyrogers612]

What hairdressers are financially able to purchase, insure and tax the Mercedes SLK 200. I am fortunate I can and love the car.

[@Endfloat]

Well, maybe a second hand one!

[@ronnietwelvetoes1876]

45mog ?? More like 25mog !

[@Endfloat]

It depends how you drive it. If you have a heavy right foot, that's going to have an effect on fuel economy.