New R172 SLK - which options?

[converse120]

Hi,

considering a new SLK to replace wife's Volvo C30 D5 R-Design, the PCP on which is due to end in Dec. Looking to do PCP again, need to keep payments low, without making it too basic. Would be an SLK200 manual 'SE' (she doesn't want auto). The car will do less than 8000 miles p.a. I don't yet know if we'd want to keep it at the end.

I'm also considering Z4, MX-5, GT-86 (car doesn't have to be convertible, just 2 or 3 doors), but because of the role played by residual value in PCPs, I'm hoping we could get Mercedes or BMW for similar money as Toyota or Mazda. She doesn't want a TT or a 370Z, and I think Boxster/Cayman would be out of our price range.

Back to the SLK, I would like, or think it needs, or wonder about the following:

Must have

• 
  
  
  
  [*]Parking sensors front & rear (parktronic?)
  [*]What do we need to use an ipod and change tracks on the steering wheel or head unit?
  [*]Bluetooth for handsfree phone operation (integrated into audio system).​
  Would like
  
  
  [*]Leather
  [*]Seat heating
  [*]Electric memory seats
  [*]Heated windscreen washer jets
  [*]Clear roof panel (can't remember the proper name), but not the 'magic sky' function
  ​
  
  
  Wonder about
  
  
  [*]Direct Steering? Worth it?
  Airscarf?​

I've had a brief initial chat with a dealer who suggested he could do me a better deal if I took a car that's already been built and is in the system, that they could register this month, if I could be slightly flexible on spec.

Any must-haves ? Any other advice ?

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[Dr-Nab]

Hello there Ian, not sure if this will help a great deal but when I was picking my R171 SLK a few years ago it had most of the options ticked bar COMAND - but could over look that considering the deal I got.

On the R172 think parktronic is standard, Bluetooth will be standard + steering wheel controls for that and the audio system, must have options on any SLK - Airscarf, heated seats, leather seats (sorry Steve!!), COMAND - for me anyway.

For playback of ipod etc you'd need the media interface which will more than likely be an option for the standard audio system - comes with COMAND (if you can find one in the system with COMAND) but chances of finding a manual model with COMAND will be pretty slim I'd have thought.

Best bet is to go down to a dealership close by and have a good look around one if you've not already done that?

HTH

Nab

 

[converse120]

Thanks Nab. Wondering why you'd consider COMAND essential on the SLK? E or S class i could understand more. Would add a considerable amount to the price, for something I'm not sure we'd need?

Cheers

Ian

 

[Dr-Nab]

No problem Ian, I went with COMAND because of the media interface and memory card slot and I knew that bluetooth streaming was a possibility, having a few different ways to get my music on in the car always appealed to me, plus I'd then get navigation as well. I did miss not having COMAND on my R171 SLK but fortunately it had telephone pre-wiring so (at the time) I bought a bluetooth HFP module. It didn't have the media interface and I wasn't looking to retrofit it but it was a pain because I'd have to burn new CDs all the time and drop them in the changer in the glovebox.

So to get around all of that I ticked the COMAND box on the E, now there isn't a single CD in the car at all so no clutter or faffing about just select the memory card, USB or bluetooth stream. Guess it is down to preference really but after having it I can't really be without it, not like I'm dependent on it because to be quite frank the navigation is garbage compared to an up to date tom tom but all the same, it is an integrated multi-functioning unit.

 

[Colin_b]

Airscarf. Works wonderfully, and fairly cheap. It is the only essential extra

 

[Truffs]

On mine i went for AMG sport to get loads of goodies for not lots of money, then Heated Seats and Air Scarf, they are a must IMO and the Light Package.

There is no parktronic on the SLK.

As for the Standard I Pod integration its good i didnt upgrade to the media interface and find that it works well both via Bluetooth and via the USB lead

 

[Frugal]

Memory seats are useful if there will be 2 or more drivers but this was about the only option I didn't tick because I'm pretty much the only driver. Am happy with leather upholstry and heated is a big plus on cold winter mornings, good for resale too I expect.

 

[Truffs]

Memory seats are useful if there will be 2 or more drivers but this was about the only option I didn't tick because I'm pretty much the only driver. Am happy with leather upholstry and heated is a big plus on cold winter mornings, good for resale too I expect.

Heated Seats and Air Scarf are essential for resale apparently and improved the future value significantly.

There are 3 things I would add again or put on the next one.

Xenon Lights
Memory Seats
Comand

I would also get the dealer to out the rear only parking sensors on.

 

[Valkirk]

Previous gen I had pretty much every extra available on it but if I was doing it again reckon it would be just:

Heated Seat (Poss Airscarf which includes heated seats but personally didn't rate them all that much)
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather
Xenons
Auto
PDC (Think standard now?)
Folding Mirrors

The Becker Sat Nav can be retro fitted very easily.

I would say for an SLK I would SERIOUSLY look at leasing - there are some truly insane offers on SLK lease at the moment (If only didn't need rear seats!)

Example:

200 BlueEFFICIENCY 2dr Tip Auto £1580 down and £238 inc VAT p/m for 2 years - Link

200 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 2dr £1524 down and £254 inc VAT p/m for 2 years - Link

250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2dr Tip Auto £1425 down and £237 inc VAT p/m for 2 years - Link

 

[converse120]

Thanks all for your responses & advice. Certainly gives me plenty to think about ! I may be back with more questions. Off to chat to the dealer tonight.

Ian

 

[Truffs]

Still think its mental that the SLK has no parking aids, visibility is shocking with the roof up and air guard in place

 

[seven]

There is no parktronic on the SLK.

Yes there is!
I would also consider the airguard.Reduces noise and wind in the cabin.

 

[Truffs]

Yes there is!
I would also consider the airguard.Reduces noise and wind in the cabin.

Its an option that's what im saying, it has been quoted on here that it is standard. Not the case

 

[Paul/]

My wife's just placed an order for SLK200 on a dealer PCP. She particularly wanted Diamond White (requires Pano roof) with Beige Leather so couldn't take advantage of the pool of Metallic & Black Leather cars that I understand are available. I think they're all autos and though this is a significant cost I'd have thought would (along with Leather & Parktonic) be expected by most buyers. As most options add virtually nothing to the value of a 2 year old car, the perceived short-term advantage of PCP can vanish if loaded up with options, but at least auto trans "value" depreciates I think broadly at same % rate as the base vehicle value.

 

[GP801]

Agree with virtually all the above. Our 171 has most of the options so here is my take on some of them.
Memory drivers seat excellent. Memory passenger seat has never been used.
Remote roof opening never used.
Heated steering wheel is brilliant for the small cost.
Heated seats and airscarf make it usable with the roof down all year.
Comand works well but the upgraded Harman Kardon audio is disappointing.
Hope that helps

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Heated seats and airscarf are worth taking. I also have automatic wipers but regret not having folding mirrors.

I live without parking sensors, car is not that long and in worst case scenario I can put roof down to see a little bit more.

Bluetooth is standard.

 

[pippins100]

Definitely get Air-Scarf. Use mine all the time during autumn/early winter