Used Mercedes-Benz SLK Fuel Tank

The SLK ran across three main generations: R170 (1996–2004), R171 (2004–2011), and R172 (2011–2016). Fuel tanks are generally generation-specific, so a tank from within the same generation is your starting point when searching. Always confirm the exact fit with the breaker against your registration, as mounting and ancillary details can vary within a generation.

The R170 ran until 2004 and the R171 from 2004 onwards, making these entirely different generations with different bodyshells and fuel system layouts. A tank crossing that boundary is very unlikely to be a straight swap, and we'd route any cross-generation query directly to the breaker to check against your registration. Don't assume fitment just because both are called SLK.

Yes — fuel type matters most here, as a petrol SLK and a diesel SLK (where applicable) will have tanks built around different filler necks, sender units, and connections. Within the same fuel type, your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) is the single most useful piece of information to give a breaker, as mechanical parts follow the engine code rather than the badge. Always quote your engine code when requesting a quote to get the most accurate match.

Trim level and badge name don't affect fuel tank fitment — the tank itself is a mechanical component determined by the generation, fuel type, and engine code, not whether the car is badged 200, 250, 300, or 350. That said, different engine variants within a generation can sometimes have minor differences in sender unit or ancillary fittings, so always confirm against your specific engine code with the breaker. Cosmetic trim differences between grades are completely irrelevant here.

The R171 received a facelift in 2008, so a 2008 car could sit either side of that refresh depending on its build date. Because ancillary and mounting details can change around a facelift point, we'd recommend confirming with the breaker using your registration or VIN rather than assuming a year-to-year match. Giving the breaker your engine code as well will help them source the right unit.

Gearbox type is a factor worth flagging, but the fuel tank itself is not directly determined by whether the gearbox is manual or automatic — it's primarily dictated by generation, fuel type, and engine code. However, confirm this with the breaker against your registration, as there can be packaging or ancillary differences depending on the drivetrain configuration. Quoting your full engine code and registration gives the breaker the best chance of matching the right part.