Looking to buy a SLK55 R171 or R172 what to look for?

[Jim204]

Hi All,

I'm looking at SLK55 R171 and R172's. If I buy on the cheaper end R171 I'll also buy a 2nd car and have the 171 as a weekend toy. If I buy an R172 it'll be my daily car.

I know the fuel costs involved. I'm just looking for advice on what to look out for, any advice on either or owner experience is much appreciated. TIA

 

[Smart320]

Had a R172 , great car , just as good on long distance trips as going out for a quick blast with the top down to listen to the v8 . Bought mine used ( at 25 k miles ) from a MB dealer so had 2 years warranty. Only problem I had was with one of the exhaust pipe flaps which was replaced under warranty, servicing was done under a MB service contract so cost reasonable. No experience of a R171 but I would certainly recommend the R172 as a daily , using the eco mode ( down to 4 cylinder ) I regularly got 33 mpg on the motorway on long runs cruising at 75 mph.: On the 10 mile trip into town at 50 mph on hilly roads usually saw 24/5 mpg, obviously if out for a blast could be well under 15 .
Buying, make sure you get one with air scarf , keeps you warm with the top down.
I was the 4th owner , it was a 2012 but it had a complete MB service history and looked and drove like a new car so wasn’t worried, I would buy the best you can afford and am sure you will be delighted, why buy one for the weekend when you can enjoy the V8 daily.
I sold mine to Parkwayspecialistcars, Mansfield ( for health reasons since resolved ) Although they are not cheap if buying one they only seem to stock low mileage cars with good history, might be worth a look to see what they have in stock.

 

[badgx]

I hear they are solid little rockets, so you should be fine. The obvious thing to check in addition to the normal checks would be the hood mechanism making sure it opens and closes smoothly, checking for any evidence of leaks into the rear boot space and cabin.

Check the MOT history too here by clicking on the link below. Best wishes with the exciting purchase

Check the MOT history of a vehicle

Check the MOT history of a vehicle from 2005 onwards, including if it passed or failed, its mileage and why it failed, download MOT test certificate

www.gov.uk

 

[Smart320]

Had a R172 , great car , just as good on long distance trips as going out for a quick blast with the top down to listen to the v8 . Bought mine used ( at 25 k miles ) from a MB dealer so had 2 years warranty. Only problem I had was with one of the exhaust pipe flaps which was replaced under warranty, servicing was done under a MB service contract so cost reasonable. No experience of a R171 but I would certainly recommend the R172 as a daily , using the eco mode ( down to 4 cylinder ) I regularly got 33 mpg on the motorway on long runs cruising at 75 mph.: On the 10 mile trip into town at 50 mph on hilly roads usually saw 24/5 mpg, obviously if out for a blast could be well under 15 .
Buying, make sure you get one with air scarf , keeps you warm with the top down.
I was the 4th owner , it was a 2012 but it had a complete MB service history and looked and drove like a new car so wasn’t worried, I would buy the best you can afford and am sure you will be delighted, why buy one for the weekend when you can enjoy the V8 daily.
I sold mine to Parkwayspecialistcars, Mansfield ( for health reasons since resolved ) Although they are not cheap if buying one they only seem to stock low mileage cars with good history, might be worth a look to see what they have in stock.

Think they are now called Prestige Specialist Cars

 

[PeteSLK55]

I have run a R172 for the past three years +, fantastic car, never let me down. Use it as a daily driver and do about 20K miles per year. not the cheapest car to run in terms of petrol but for normal work use as said above, economy mode will return 31 - 35mpg.. Mine has been remapped at GAD and is now 450bhp with the limiter removed, occasional runs down the Autobahn are great fun. Get one.. you will not be disappointed