🇩🇪 Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG (R170)

bbo_enn · December 16, 2025, 1:22pm

AMG had become wholly owned by Daimler and its models officially part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for almost a year when the SLK (R170) roadster received its mid-cycle facelift in 2000. This is probably why it took another year for the compact roadster to get a fully-fledged AMG version in the SLK 32, developed to take on rivals like the Porsche Boxster S and the BMW Z3 M Roadster. While its two main competitors relied on high-revving naturally aspirated engines, the SLK 32 AMG used a formula AMG had perfected: a big V6 with forced induction, paired with a modified automatic transmission.
~ autoevolution

Overview:

Based on the first-generation Mercedes Benz SLK-class (R170 platform)

Assembly (base model): Bremen, Germany & East London, South Africa

AMG customisation: Affalterbach, Germany

Model year: 2001-2004 (Year 2000 was pre-production for the 2001 model year)

Production numbers: 4,333 units

Exterior [Obsidian Black Metallic] (click to view)

Exterior [Brilliant Silver Metallic] (click to view)

Interior (click to view)

Blueprints (click to view)

Note that these are the blueprints for the base model, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170). There hasn’t been any reliable source for SLK 32 AMG blueprint(s).

Differences between SLK 32 AMG and SLK 320:

Bumpers: The AMG has deeper, more sculpted front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes for cooling. The standard 320 has a cleaner, less aggressive bumper design.
Side Skirts: The AMG features more pronounced side skirts, while the 320 has body-colored skirts that blend in.
Spoiler: The SLK 32 AMG includes a body-colored lip spoiler on the trunk.
Wheels: The AMG comes with distinctive 17-inch AMG 5-double-spoke alloy wheels, looking stronger and faster. The SLK 320 uses standard or optional wheels, usually less aggressive.
Exhaust: The AMG often features twin exhaust tips, while the standard 320 has single exhaust tip.
Badging: The AMG model will have “SLK 32” and “AMG” badges.

Specifications:

Engine:

Engine Type: V6 18 valve supercharged
Fuel Type: Petrol
Displacement: 3199 cubic centimetres (3.2 litres)
- Bore: 89.9 millimetres
- Stroke: 84 millimetres
Compression Ratio: 9:1
Engine Layout: Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 5 speed automatic
- Gear Ratios:
  - Reverse: 3.16
  - 1st Gear: 3.59
  - 2nd Gear: 2.19
  - 3rd Gear: 1.41
  - 4th Gear: 1.00
  - 5th Gear: 0.83
- Final Drive: 3.07

Performance Figures:

(Comparison)

Peak Power: 354 horsepower @ 6100 rpm
Peak Torque: 450 newton-metres of torque @ 4400 rpm
Power to Weight: 246 horsepower per metric tonne
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 4.5 s
- 1/4 mile time: 13.0 s @ 110 mph (177 km/h)
Top Speed: 115 mph (250 km/h)

Dimensions:

Body Style: Compact, 2-door, 2-seater Roadster (convertible) with retractable hardtop
Length: 4010 millimetres
Width: 1715 millimetres
Height: 1269 millimetres
Wheelbase: 2400 millimetres
Front Tread: 245 millimetres
Rear Tread: 245 millimetres
Ground Clearance: 135 millimetres
Curb Weight: 1495 kilograms
- Weight Distribution: 53:46
Front Tires: 245/40 R17
Rear Tires: 245/40 R17