Cheap Mercedes-Benz SLK Power Steering Pump

Later SLK models do not use a hydraulic power steering pump at all — from the R172 generation (2011 onwards) Mercedes moved to electric power steering, which has no pump. The R170 (1996–2004) and R171 (2004–2011) generations did use a hydraulic power steering pump, so if your car is one of those you are looking in the right place. If you drive a post-2011 SLK and are having steering issues, the fault will lie in the electric steering motor or control unit rather than a pump.

The R170 and R171 are different generations with different engine families and ancillary layouts, so the pumps are not expected to be a straight swap. Engine size also matters within each generation, as the pump specification can differ between, for example, the 1.8-litre and 3.5-litre variants. Name your exact generation and engine when contacting the breaker, and ask them to confirm against your registration before purchasing.

Yes, engine size is relevant here — a higher-output engine can drive a different pump specification, so the pump from a 200K is not necessarily the same as one from a 350. Always tell the breaker your exact engine size and ideally your full registration so they can cross-reference the part number to your specific vehicle.

Trim level — whether your car is a standard SLK, an Amg Sport or any other badge variant — does not affect the power steering pump fitment. The pump is determined by the generation and engine size, not the interior or cosmetic specification. Do be aware that a pump pulled from a higher-trim car may come with brackets or fittings that look slightly different cosmetically, but confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be sure it is mechanically correct.

A 2003 SLK is an R170 (built 1996–2004), while a 2005 car is an R171 (2004–2011), so they sit on either side of the generation boundary. Because the two generations have distinct engine and ancillary layouts, crossing that boundary is a real fitment risk. Confirm with the breaker whether the specific part numbers match your registration before committing to the purchase.

Findapart connects you with UK vehicle dismantlers (breakers) who specialise in used Mercedes parts — simply enter your registration and the part you need to get quotes. When you contact a breaker, give them your exact engine size alongside the generation, as this will help them identify the correct pump from their stock. Never assume a pump will fit based on generation alone — always ask the breaker to verify against your reg before you buy.