In the late 1990s, Mercedes-Benz, traditionally known for its luxury saloons and executive cars, aimed to capture a younger market. The answer was the 1999 Mercedes Slk 230 Roadster, a compact and stylish convertible designed to rival models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and BMW Z3. This Mercedes SLK 230 was significantly smaller and more affordable than its big brother, the SL, making open-top Mercedes motoring accessible to a new generation of drivers.
The 1999 SLK 230 didn’t undergo major changes from its initial launch a couple of years prior, save for the welcome addition of a five-speed manual transmission as standard – a move to appeal to driving purists. While some contemporary reviews noted the manual gearbox might not have been the slickest on the market compared to its rivals, it offered a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic. The car’s aesthetics remained sharp, boasting a wedge-shaped profile, a long bonnet, and a short boot, creating a classic roadster silhouette that still turns heads today. An optional Sport Package further enhanced its visual appeal with larger 17-inch wheels and subtle aerodynamic tweaks, lending a more muscular stance to the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230 Roadster.
Stepping inside the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230, you were greeted with a chic-retro interior. A standout feature was the white gauges with black markings, a stylish nod to classic sports cars. While the SLK 230 aimed for a more accessible price point, meaning some traditional Mercedes luxuries were omitted, it still provided a higher level of equipment and refinement compared to more basic roadsters like the Miata. The focus was on sporty elegance rather than outright opulence.
However, the true party piece of the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230 Roadster was undoubtedly its retractable hardtop. With the simple press of a button, the roof gracefully folded in two and disappeared into the boot in around 30 seconds. This innovative feature provided the security and refinement of a coupe with the open-air thrills of a convertible. Beyond the obvious weather protection, the hardtop also offered enhanced rollover safety, complemented by a reinforced windscreen frame and roll bars discreetly positioned behind the seats. Standard side airbags and anti-slip control further underscored Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety, even in their entry-level roadster.
Under the bonnet of the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230 resided a supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 185 horsepower. Mercedes designated this engine with “Kompressor“, highlighting the supercharger. While this powerplant delivered brisk performance, some critics pointed out it lacked the outright punch of the six-cylinder engines found in the BMW Z3 2.8 and Porsche Boxster. The ride of the SLK 230 was understandably firm, befitting its sporty nature, but handling was praised as being sharp and responsive. Remarkably, wind buffeting with the top down was minimal, a testament to the car’s aerodynamic design, even for a small roadster.
Despite its compact dimensions, the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230 Roadster offered surprising practicality. The 3.7 cubic-foot boot, while not enormous, was cleverly shaped and could accommodate more luggage than its volume might suggest, especially with the roof up. This was demonstrated when the reviewer managed to fit camping gear for two in the trunk. Even with the top retracted, there was still a small amount of space left for smaller items.
In conclusion, the 1999 Mercedes SLK 230 Roadster was a resounding success for Mercedes-Benz. It successfully broadened the brand’s appeal, attracting younger buyers with its stylish design, innovative retractable hardtop, and engaging driving experience. Its blend of Mercedes-Benz engineering and open-top fun made it a highly desirable car then, and its timeless appeal ensures it remains a sought-after modern classic today. The original article even mentioned a long waiting list for the SLK 230, further emphasizing its popularity at the time.
SPECIFICATIONS (from original article)
Type: Two-Door Roadster
Engine: Supercharged 185-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline four
Transmission: Five-speed manual
EPA Mileage: 21 city/30 highway
Tested Price: $45,980
