Assuming you are only talking about the R170

the SLK32 is a hand built engine
the 200,230 and 320 are not

the SLK 32 is 349 HP

The SLK32 has a compressor as does the 200 and 230. the 320 does not

Read the brochure for more info

https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2004/slk_ebrochure.pdf

SLK 230 Kompressor	1996–2000	M111.973 2.3 L I4 supercharged	142 kW (190 hp) at 5,300 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–4,800 rpm	7.4 s
2000–2004	M111.983 2.3 L I4 supercharged	145 kW (194 hp) at 5,500 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm	7.3 s
SLK 320	2000–2004	M112 E32 3.2 L V6	160 kW (215 hp) at 5,700 rpm	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,600 rpm	6.9 s
SLK 32 AMG	2001–2004	M112 C32 3.2 L V6 supercharged	260 kW (349 hp) at 6,100 rpm	450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm	5.2 s

Anything else?

 

Dragtimes.com is a hoot too. Some of these cars have been warmed over a lot!

 

lookup parts for your AMG here:

The web site of slk-links

or ask me

some 'parts' are shared between R170 slks and some are specific to the 32

 

Thanks Jeff! I knew of course about the performance stuff for the most part. Also bigger brakes and such. I was wondering about some of the suspension and other bits as well. For instance control arms, are they different or the same, I can replace just the bushings, if the arms are specific to the AMG, or go the easier route of a full replacement arm if they are the same. Also suspension springs and stuff like that. I will go through the links you provided and thanks again!

JT

 

see parts site above to compare parts of r170 slks if that is your question

 

Suspension of the SLK32 is the same as the period "refresh" (2002-2004) 230 and 320 - except the front shocks, f/r sway bars, and springs, which are unique to the '32. (springs are Eibach)

Lemforder is an OEM supplier to Mercedes for suspension parts, uncompromising quality at better prices. Control arm bushings are available, but factor in labor and complete arms are about the same cost.

The factory shocks are made by Sachs, front are unique to the '32, rear are same as the other SLKs.
Front factory are still available . The closest aftermarket "factory feeling" shock setup would be Bilstein B6 on front and B4 on the rear. Oddly, in what appears to be a Bilstein catalog error to generalize R170s (ignoring the '32 is different), if you buy B4s, it will be too soft in front, and if you buy B6, too hard in the rear. (been there, done that) Many an SLK has had the ride and handling degraded with experiments in this area, best to stay close to factory setup, which is a good compromise of ride and handling.

Interior bits are the same as 230 and 320, except the '32 has Birdseye maple as the wood trim and this is hard to find replacements. Steering wheel on '32 is different. Seats are SLK32 specific.

Some '32 body parts are common to the AMG sport versions of 230 and 320, bumpers, grill, fog lights, side sills. Rear spoiler, also common to the 2004 special editions. The rest is same as 230 and 320.

Complete powertrain, engine, trans, diff, ecu, tcu, abs, all SLK32 specific. Some of these parts may be shared with the C32 sedan. To a lesser extent, the SRT6 Crossfire.

Oh, and brakes are '32 specific.

Happy top down spirited motoring, in rarefied style.
R

 

Thanks for the shock and spring information. I will keep the factory springs and go with the B6s in front and B4s in the back when I replace them. I saw the Lemforder stuff, seems like a good deal. I will probably do most of the work myself, unless I get impatient or it requires special tools I don't want to add to the mix. Thanks again Rick! Next is checking the top hydraulics and get the basic maintenance all done. It really is an awesome car. The front end on mine is a little sloppy, but I expect it is the original everything, so that will be first after the top is sorted.

JT

 

Having visited the AMG factory in Affalterbach, the proper AMG models in general are not just a Hand Made engine shoe horned into a boring Mercedes model...

As @SLK32Rick advises above, it's a complete engine/transmission/brakes/suspension/firmware make over to make a AMG, an AMG ... 👍

 

One more - the instrument cluster printing and color is unique to the '32, with AMG logos and pearlescent white background.

Indeed, the '32 is a transformation, we have both 230s and the '32. While both cars are pleasant to drive, the '32 is a more refined and dramatically stronger performing car. Others that have driven it come away with comments like "wow" and "effortless, immediate power".
And while not raucous like a v8, still has a satisfying sophisticated tone.

21 years and still within a whisker of the newer AMG models of SLK55 and SLC43.

 

I keep thinking of things...sorry, haha.

The exhaust is also unique to the '32, has an Eisenmann muffler and AMG tips..

 

Thanks to you all
Just learned a bit more about our unique rides

 

Glad you have a good start on a cool '32!
Lower ball joints and control arms should tighten up the front end nicely.
Steering damper ($30) probably bad too.

Many folks send out all 5 hydraulics to be refurbished, which is probably a good idea.
However, for the resourceful, the seals can be replaced for $20 (in the car, without removing all the plumbing). If you can change control arms, you can probably do the seals yourself. Kits with good instructions on ebay.
And, in the five R170s we have had the only hydraulic that ever leaked was the one in the top for locks, ruined a couple headliners, so I proactively changed the top lock seal in the other cars. Never had a problem with the other four cylinders.

Another item to scrutinize is the harmonic balancer. Early (2002) models of SLKs and some other models had defective harmonic balancers. The part has an elastomer layer that breaks up or works its way out. Eyeball it with a mirror and while idling to see if it wiggles or has elastomer damage. If the outer pulley belt ring slips off to the outside, its inconvenient. If it slips off on inside, its inconvenient and very expensive, tearing up the timing cover and other adjacent parts.
Replacement part is $400, about $800 installed.

 

I sold a Z3M S54 and bought the SLK. Hands down better car from a handling standpoint and what can I say about the "Go!" pedal that hasn't been said? The car is on rails whereas the Z3M felt like the back end was never planted. Vague is how I describe it. I remember an outfit that sold a 3x5 channel kit sold on RoadFly to stiffen the chassis!

The only Z3M to own is a "Clown Shoe" (coupe). Still have to make sure the rear subframe is intact where it's riveted to the chassis.

At the time my friend at the dealer who sold us the car told of MB track days where the MB instructors doted on the SLK32. That was 19 years ago.
It's still a hoot.