What makes a "sport" a sport?

99SportSLK · 11-15-2007

Hey everyone... first post here. I've wanted an SLK since they first came out in 97... I was 10 and I remember exactly where I saw my first yellow SLk! After I turned 16 I realized I wanted a Bahama Blue SLK but put it off for money reasons... and now 18 cars later I'm buying my first SLK!!!

It's a Bahama Blue Sport model. Original owner, good price. I'm picking it up on Friday. I obviously wanted the sport for the more agressive AMG kit, and the AMG wheels!!

Other than the body kit and wheels, are there any other differences? My friend swears they come with a different suspension, but I'm convinced it's just the body kit that makes it look more agressive, and in reality isn't lower at all... who's right??

THANKS

**-1-** · 11-15-2007

Congratulations on the new SLK and welcome to SLKWorld.com. Can't answer your question. Post some pics when you have the chance.

Baron7700 · 11-15-2007

whered all the 170's go? Maybe Dan can chime in, or SLKMan, he might now.

My Dad had a 97 Silver Sport Model when it came out it was pretty cool (i was 11). It handled pretty well from what i can remember, but i never been in a "non sport" model. The suspension thing could be a toss up, because i dont know much about benz's practices back then if sport meant extra fiberglass or performance.

**SLKman** · 11-15-2007

Found this here ...

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170...ht=slk+history

Nice History of the SLK R170 write up

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The SLK was announced to the USA market on Sept. 7, 1997 as a 1998 model; it was available in Europe during 1997. The SLK's compact styling, retractable hardtop and optional 185/190 H.P. supercharged (Roots type) engine were a major departure from the large SLs of the previous quarter century.
The SLK was a modern incarnation of the 1950s 190SL by returning to four cylinders and a 94-inch wheelbase. Massively successful even its first year, worldwide sales hit 55,000, over double the entire nine-year production of 190SLs! The SLK was named “North American Car of the Year” by CAR & DRIVER magazine for 1998. Only in the USA sale of the SL320 (6 cylinder) was ended when the SLK arrived to distance it from the senior SL.

Chronology of Features and Changes
1997/1998: First year features included a five-speed automatic transmission, ASR to control wheel spin, ABS brakes and front and side impact airbags. The five speed automatic defers to higher shifting points when it senses “spirited” driving. It also changes shifting points when climbing or descending.
Three engine variants were offered:
1. normal
2. supercharged (kompressor) 2.0 liter and
3. the C230 sedan's 2.3 liter engine with a supercharged -- the later being the only engine for the USA and UK.
A supercharger was chosen over a turbo as peak torque begins sooner at 2,500 RPM, up to 4800. There is variable rate valve timing, electronically controlled oil pressure, antiknock (ping) control and an anti-theft engine disabler. The distributorless ignition features a dual firing coil for each cylinder. Rear axle ratio is 3.27:1.
In the summer of 1997 US production included cruise control, air conditioning, an adjustable steering column and brake-assist, which became standard for the UK also. A few early cars do not include these features. The rear window is glass w/defroster. 1998 also brought "

Smart" to turn the passenger’s airbag off whenever light infants or a booster seat was belted in.
Larger tires are used at the rear of the supercharged model which increases neutral handling. 16” wheels were used from the beginning. Suspension design conformed to M-B proven wishbones in front and five-link at the rear. The exhaust system's center and rear mufflers are stainless steel. Headlights are halogen with variable focus reflectors. Remote key codes change every time the key is used however a transponder built into the key also exchanges a code in an electromagnetic coil that surrounds the ignition lock as an added antitheft control.
Fog lamps, power side mirrors and tinted glass are standard. Ditto power windows, cruise control, a telescoping aleather wrapped steering wheel plus climate control with dust/pollen filter and separate controls for driver and passenger. Initial weight of the 2.3 was just over 3,000 lbs. 0-60: 7.2 sec. Top speed: 140. EPA city/hwy: 22/30 In the USA there were only four options: heated seats, metallic paint, heated headlight washers and a choice of telephone/CD changer combinations. A four-year/50,000 mile warranty included tires and battery.

1999: The driver adaptive five-speed automatic transmission became a $900 option, and about 20% of the US customers were expected to select the five speed shift. M-B claimed identical performance for each. A new $3,990 AMG designed Sport Package included 17" wheels, and rakishly styled side sills plus front and rear fascias.

2000: Two unique "designo" paint and upholstery options were added. The "

per Edition" came with copper metallic paint and an interior finished with copper and two-tone charcoal leather. Steering wheel, shift knob, floor mats, center console and rollover bars also receive a copper and charcoal. The 2nd designo SLK is "Electric Green," using charcoal leather and trim with light green. Other interior options are Oyster/Charcoal or Salsa/Charcoal combinations or a solid Charcoal version.
A stabilizer bar was added to the rear and they reinforced the front one. A 3.46:1 axle was added for the manual shift SLK. Gas tank grew from 12 to 14 gallons.

2001: A 3.2-liter V6 and a six-speed manual transmission arrived in 2000 as a 2001 model. Concurrently the unibody was reinforced and they thickened the sheet metal of the ellipsoid firewall. Impact absorbers were added to side members to support the wheels in an offset crash. Inner panels of the doors were reshaped and reinforced. A link between the rear side body and main structure was added to disperse rear impacts. Brakes were enlarged on the V6.
Tele Aid and EPS became standard for all Mercedes-Benz in the USA. Tele Air incorporates remote diagnosis, emergency door unlocking and theft alarm notification. Emergency and non-emergency buttons establish immediate voice contact with reception specialists who can dispatch local police or other services. GPS tracking pinpoints location automatically. This also tells authorities the location of stolen SLKs. The 3.46:1 axle was dropped in the USA.

2002: Enter the SLK32 AMG with a whopping 349 HP. (0-60 in 4.8 seconds) Three engine choices: 1) 192 HP four valve, supercharged 4 cylinder, 2) 215 HP V6 and 3) the AMG V6. The SLK32 AMG's engine has twin spark plugs per cylinder for maximum combustion. A newly engineered five-gear "SpeedShift" boasts 35% quicker automatic shifts. The SLK32 AMG uses lower (numeric) transmission gears and a 3.07:1 rear axle for an electronically limited top-speed of 155 mph. The standard four and six cyl. engines retain supercharging. Tell Aid services were expanded.
The AMG supecharger is the Lysholm-type (screw type) which provides boost virtually from idle speed. The AMG variant has reinforced suspension and newly designed wheels for better brake cooling. Brakes became 13.15" diameter vs. 11.8" standard. Revised air dams/spoilers minimize and balance aerodynamic lift front-to-rear and top speed. A small lip spoiler at the trailing edge of the trunk lid reduces rear airlift by more than 50%. AMG interiors introduce more bolstered seats, unique two-tone leather and dark birds-eye maple wood. AMG instruments are finished in silver. The warranty included free adjustments and regularly scheduled maintenance for the full four years or 50,000 miles.

2003: No major changes or new features.

2004: Beginning in July 2004 a Special Edition was available with highly polished, win spoke 17" wheels and high performance tires, newly designed sport seats and roll bars covered with Nappa leather.

2005: New Body R171 Replaced the R170.

**etyu** · 11-15-2007

Welcome 99SportSLK !

**Zeiser50** · 11-15-2007

Welcome from France 99 !

**alroumi** · 11-15-2007

A warm welcome from Kuwait, enjoy your car.

SLKjay · 11-20-2007

welcome 99SportSLK, got some updates/pic's???

**DesignoSLK** · 11-21-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKjay

welcome 99SportSLK, got some updates/pic's???

ditto!!

99SportSLK · 12-29-2007

Purchased the car almost 2 months ago, drove it 10 hours home, it's everything I wanted and expected and more!!! It gets so many comments. Everytime I goto the gas station, or the store, the car gets stares. The Bahama blue with the sport package is an amazing color / style combination.

Unfortunately yesterday, on the way to my first oil change, it was hit by a woman in an Explorer. Clearly her fault. She came flying down the turning lane way too early to avoid traffic, and hit me while I was pulling out of my work. The hood, bumper, and headlight are damaged. She was crying her eyes out, and had 5 kids in the car... so despite her admitting to me she thought it was her fault, I was cited and found at fault. (she hugged me and was like omg i'm soo sorry, its a Mercedes... and its new!!) The damage is purely cosmetic... it drives fine. I'm basically going to be checking out several body shops this week and going with the best of the best. I will be putting in projector headlights, HIDS, yellow fogs, and the AMG style grille (hopefully with insurance money) and she will be back better than new. I miss her so much already though =( and they won't have a chance to even look at the car until after new years.

**etyu** · 12-29-2007

Very sorry to hear 99SportSLK. I hope you get the SLK back soon, with the upgrades.

**alroumi** · 12-30-2007

Very sorry to hear about the accident but atleast she admited that its her fault.

11-15-2007	#1 (permalink)
99SportSLK SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What makes a "sport" a sport? Hey everyone... first post here. I've wanted an SLK since they first came out in 97... I was 10 and I remember exactly where I saw my first yellow SLk! After I turned 16 I realized I wanted a Bahama Blue SLK but put it off for money reasons... and now 18 cars later I'm buying my first SLK!!! It's a Bahama Blue Sport model. Original owner, good price. I'm picking it up on Friday. I obviously wanted the sport for the more agressive AMG kit, and the AMG wheels!! Other than the body kit and wheels, are there any other differences? My friend swears they come with a different suspension, but I'm convinced it's just the body kit that makes it look more agressive, and in reality isn't lower at all... who's right?? THANKS

11-15-2007	#2 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Congratulations on the new SLK and welcome to SLKWorld.com. Can't answer your question. Post some pics when you have the chance. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

11-15-2007	#4 (permalink)
SLKman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Texas Vehicle: 2000 Copper Designo Sport Posts: 1,063 Country: Thanks: 261 Thanked 73 Times in 35 Posts	Found this here ... http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170...ht=slk+history Nice History of the SLK R170 write up -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The SLK was announced to the USA market on Sept. 7, 1997 as a 1998 model; it was available in Europe during 1997. The SLK's compact styling, retractable hardtop and optional 185/190 H.P. supercharged (Roots type) engine were a major departure from the large SLs of the previous quarter century. The SLK was a modern incarnation of the 1950s 190SL by returning to four cylinders and a 94-inch wheelbase. Massively successful even its first year, worldwide sales hit 55,000, over double the entire nine-year production of 190SLs! The SLK was named “North American Car of the Year” by CAR & DRIVER magazine for 1998. Only in the USA sale of the SL320 (6 cylinder) was ended when the SLK arrived to distance it from the senior SL. Chronology of Features and Changes 1997/1998: First year features included a five-speed automatic transmission, ASR to control wheel spin, ABS brakes and front and side impact airbags. The five speed automatic defers to higher shifting points when it senses “spirited” driving. It also changes shifting points when climbing or descending. Three engine variants were offered: 1. normal 2. supercharged (kompressor) 2.0 liter and 3. the C230 sedan's 2.3 liter engine with a supercharged -- the later being the only engine for the USA and UK. A supercharger was chosen over a turbo as peak torque begins sooner at 2,500 RPM, up to 4800. There is variable rate valve timing, electronically controlled oil pressure, antiknock (ping) control and an anti-theft engine disabler. The distributorless ignition features a dual firing coil for each cylinder. Rear axle ratio is 3.27:1. In the summer of 1997 US production included cruise control, air conditioning, an adjustable steering column and brake-assist, which became standard for the UK also. A few early cars do not include these features. The rear window is glass w/defroster. 1998 also brought "Smart" to turn the passenger’s airbag off whenever light infants or a booster seat was belted in. Larger tires are used at the rear of the supercharged model which increases neutral handling. 16” wheels were used from the beginning. Suspension design conformed to M-B proven wishbones in front and five-link at the rear. The exhaust system's center and rear mufflers are stainless steel. Headlights are halogen with variable focus reflectors. Remote key codes change every time the key is used however a transponder built into the key also exchanges a code in an electromagnetic coil that surrounds the ignition lock as an added antitheft control. Fog lamps, power side mirrors and tinted glass are standard. Ditto power windows, cruise control, a telescoping aleather wrapped steering wheel plus climate control with dust/pollen filter and separate controls for driver and passenger. Initial weight of the 2.3 was just over 3,000 lbs. 0-60: 7.2 sec. Top speed: 140. EPA city/hwy: 22/30 In the USA there were only four options: heated seats, metallic paint, heated headlight washers and a choice of telephone/CD changer combinations. A four-year/50,000 mile warranty included tires and battery. 1999: The driver adaptive five-speed automatic transmission became a $900 option, and about 20% of the US customers were expected to select the five speed shift. M-B claimed identical performance for each. A new $3,990 AMG designed Sport Package included 17" wheels, and rakishly styled side sills plus front and rear fascias. 2000: Two unique "designo" paint and upholstery options were added. The "per Edition" came with copper metallic paint and an interior finished with copper and two-tone charcoal leather. Steering wheel, shift knob, floor mats, center console and rollover bars also receive a copper and charcoal. The 2nd designo SLK is "Electric Green," using charcoal leather and trim with light green. Other interior options are Oyster/Charcoal or Salsa/Charcoal combinations or a solid Charcoal version. A stabilizer bar was added to the rear and they reinforced the front one. A 3.46:1 axle was added for the manual shift SLK. Gas tank grew from 12 to 14 gallons. 2001: A 3.2-liter V6 and a six-speed manual transmission arrived in 2000 as a 2001 model. Concurrently the unibody was reinforced and they thickened the sheet metal of the ellipsoid firewall. Impact absorbers were added to side members to support the wheels in an offset crash. Inner panels of the doors were reshaped and reinforced. A link between the rear side body and main structure was added to disperse rear impacts. Brakes were enlarged on the V6. Tele Aid and EPS became standard for all Mercedes-Benz in the USA. Tele Air incorporates remote diagnosis, emergency door unlocking and theft alarm notification. Emergency and non-emergency buttons establish immediate voice contact with reception specialists who can dispatch local police or other services. GPS tracking pinpoints location automatically. This also tells authorities the location of stolen SLKs. The 3.46:1 axle was dropped in the USA. 2002: Enter the SLK32 AMG with a whopping 349 HP. (0-60 in 4.8 seconds) Three engine choices: 1) 192 HP four valve, supercharged 4 cylinder, 2) 215 HP V6 and 3) the AMG V6. The SLK32 AMG's engine has twin spark plugs per cylinder for maximum combustion. A newly engineered five-gear "SpeedShift" boasts 35% quicker automatic shifts. The SLK32 AMG uses lower (numeric) transmission gears and a 3.07:1 rear axle for an electronically limited top-speed of 155 mph. The standard four and six cyl. engines retain supercharging. Tell Aid services were expanded. The AMG supecharger is the Lysholm-type (screw type) which provides boost virtually from idle speed. The AMG variant has reinforced suspension and newly designed wheels for better brake cooling. Brakes became 13.15" diameter vs. 11.8" standard. Revised air dams/spoilers minimize and balance aerodynamic lift front-to-rear and top speed. A small lip spoiler at the trailing edge of the trunk lid reduces rear airlift by more than 50%. AMG interiors introduce more bolstered seats, unique two-tone leather and dark birds-eye maple wood. AMG instruments are finished in silver. The warranty included free adjustments and regularly scheduled maintenance for the full four years or 50,000 miles. 2003: No major changes or new features. 2004: Beginning in July 2004 a Special Edition was available with highly polished, win spoke 17" wheels and high performance tires, newly designed sport seats and roll bars covered with Nappa leather. 2005: New Body R171 Replaced the R170.

11-15-2007	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Welcome 99SportSLK ! __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

11-15-2007	#6 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 506 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	Welcome from France 99 ! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ------Michel------ -SLK 55 AMG 2005-

11-15-2007	#3 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	whered all the 170's go? Maybe Dan can chime in, or SLKMan, he might now. My Dad had a 97 Silver Sport Model when it came out it was pretty cool (i was 11). It handled pretty well from what i can remember, but i never been in a "non sport" model. The suspension thing could be a toss up, because i dont know much about benz's practices back then if sport meant extra fiberglass or performance.

11-15-2007	#7 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	A warm welcome from Kuwait, enjoy your car. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

11-20-2007	#8 (permalink)
SLKjay SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Phillips Ranch, CA Vehicle: '98 SLK230 Other Toys: '96 328IS Posts: 58 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	welcome 99SportSLK, got some updates/pic's???

12-29-2007	#10 (permalink)
99SportSLK SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Purchased the car almost 2 months ago, drove it 10 hours home, it's everything I wanted and expected and more!!! It gets so many comments. Everytime I goto the gas station, or the store, the car gets stares. The Bahama blue with the sport package is an amazing color / style combination. Unfortunately yesterday, on the way to my first oil change, it was hit by a woman in an Explorer. Clearly her fault. She came flying down the turning lane way too early to avoid traffic, and hit me while I was pulling out of my work. The hood, bumper, and headlight are damaged. She was crying her eyes out, and had 5 kids in the car... so despite her admitting to me she thought it was her fault, I was cited and found at fault. (she hugged me and was like omg i'm soo sorry, its a Mercedes... and its new!!) The damage is purely cosmetic... it drives fine. I'm basically going to be checking out several body shops this week and going with the best of the best. I will be putting in projector headlights, HIDS, yellow fogs, and the AMG style grille (hopefully with insurance money) and she will be back better than new. I miss her so much already though =( and they won't have a chance to even look at the car until after new years.

12-29-2007	#11 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Very sorry to hear 99SportSLK. I hope you get the SLK back soon, with the upgrades. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

12-30-2007	#12 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Very sorry to hear about the accident but atleast she admited that its her fault. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

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