1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor Convertible
"Drawing inspiration from the 300SL and 190SL yesteryear roadsters, the lean SLK shares their timeless proportions on a diminutive modern platform with a profile that appears to be moving even at a standstill. Parking lot friendly, the SLK measures 19.8 inches shorter than big brother SL convertibles, and weighs 1200 pounds less." MotorTrend magazine, Dec. 1998
For consignment, a 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK230 Kompressor convertible with a title verified 127,724 actual miles. MotorTrend continues, "Succeeding to bridge the gap between fixed roof coupe and convertible in such a tidy package without sacrifices is an impressive accomplishment that sets a high engineering benchmark for future roadsters.".
Exterior
Brilliant Silver Metallic covers our little roadster with a rear wing that enhances performance potential, or at least, the looks of it! The rounded wedge veers from pointy nosed sportscars and carries all of the Mercedes DNA, from the headlights and grille to the tail lights with vertical bands of clear lenses, and the 3 point star making an appearance of nose, back, and of course, the 16-inch Mercedes wheels. The rounded hardtop fits neatly and virtually seamlessly on the body, while body colored sport mirrors flank a steeply raked windshield. Fog lights are integrated into the chin spoiler and subtle body lines on the hood give the front even more character. Condition wise, we note some touched up chips, some scuffs and scratches, and some curb rash and clear coat/paint issues on the wheel edges.
Interior
Not just basic black in this German sports car, but blue inserts framed by black on the door panels for an unexpected bit of pizazz, and it's all tight and clean and in good shape. The bucket seats repeat the pattern with some compression of the driver's seat leather, as expected, but in overall nice condition with high headrests and roll bars behind each seat. Blue horn buttons contrast on the black steering wheel wearing an aftermarket, faux woodgrain cover. Blue frames the instrument panel where white faced gauges live in coves, each dial sporting a digital window as well, for time display, temperature, and odometer. A carbon fiber-esque panel backs the center stack where A/C dials tops an AM/FM/Cassette radio and an in-dash cell phone panel. The black dash pad caps off the passenger side, over a blue glove box. A stout shifter lives in the center console and low pile gray carpet cleanly covers the floor. A small trunk is present but is mostly reserved for the folding hardtop.
Drivetrain
A clean, driver quality 2.3 liter DOHC supercharged 4 cylinder engine lives under the hood, fuel injected and rated at 190 horsepower. It's backed by a Daimler-Benz W5A330 5-speed manual transmission which true to its sportscar roots, sends power to the rear axle with 3.27 gears. Only the best for this little silver bullet, and power disc brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Lacking any invasive rust, this driver quality underside is fully intact. We do note some oil on the rear differential and some residual towards the front, but otherwise relatively clean and dry where belly pans take up a good amount of space underneath. The dual exhaust splits momentarily to run two catalytic converters, then joins to find an original muffler out back, exiting via twin pipes through a single, oval tip. Macpherson struts make up the front suspension with coil springs equipping the independent rear.
Drive-Ability
Settling into the comfortable bucket, we realize there are lots of bells and whistles and features on this 1998 car. If the Germans have been accused of over engineering, it bears out somewhat by all the buttons and options. The brochure reads, "the interior of the new SLK promises to be just as fun, functional as the car's striking exterior.". Meanwhile, it delivers smooth power with the low boost supercharger and feels surefooted on slight staggered size tires and low center of gravity. It is indeed a tossable treat! And bonus, all functions operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
As the brochure continues, "The SLK, first as a show car, now in production form, has captured something rare and elusive. It's a design that's innovative and advanced, yet evokes the rich tradition of Mercedes-Benz.". Well, we can't argue with that. This car, nearly 30 years later, still seems fresh in design and exciting on the road. They were nearly $40,000 when new, but here's one you can drive for a fraction of the price.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
