Cheap Mercedes-Benz SLK Bonnet Latch

Yes, the SLK has a conventional front-hinged bonnet secured by a bonnet latch, just like most other cars. The latch is released from inside the cabin and then released fully at the front of the bonnet, so a working latch is essential for safe access to the engine bay.

The SLK ran across three generations: the R170 (1996–2004), the R171 (2004–2011), and the R172 (2011–2016). Generation is the most important factor when sourcing a used bonnet latch, as the front-end structure differs significantly between each generation, so always match the generation to your car.

The R171 received a facelift around 2008 which brought changes to the front end including the grille and lights, so the bonnet latch mounting points may or may not have changed across that boundary. You should confirm with the breaker by providing your registration, as they can check the specific part numbers to be sure before you buy.

Trim and engine level do not affect bonnet latch fitment — the front-end structure and latch mechanism are shared across all variants within the same generation, whether that's the SLK200, SLK250, SLK350, or the AMG-badged models. You may find minor cosmetic differences around the bonnet area between variants, but the latch itself should be the same part, so focus on matching the generation rather than the trim.

No — the R170 (1996–2004) and R171 (2004–2011) are entirely different generations with different body structures, so the bonnet latch from one will not fit the other. Always source your latch from a breaker supplying the correct generation to match your car.

Give the breaker your full registration number, as this lets them confirm the exact generation and build date of your car, which is especially useful if you're close to a facelift year. It's also worth asking them to check the part number against their donor vehicle to give you the best chance of a correct fit.