Newbie Question on SLK

[munchincocopops]

Hi everyone...I'm looking to buy a SLK as an occasional car for my enjoyment and never having owned a Merc before I have some questions if I may.

My preference is the R172 with a max £15-£17k budget. Ideally circ £12k would be better.
Max 30k miles.
I want all the toys, auto box, glass roof, head scarf, auto lights/wipers/satnav/cruise....

So it appears I'm looking at around 2012-2014 models AMG and non AMG models. Preferably the cheaper 2012 models.

Whats the difference between AMG and non AMG?
What should I look out for when buying....any known issues?
Petrol or Diesel......must admit I prefer Diesel for the torque and mpg but read its noisy and does it suffer from any expensive problems like emission fixes, necessary DPF replcement? But I see more and cheaper petrol ones available and at the low miles it will do then Petrol would be fine.
Do either engines need cam belt changes based on mileage or age of vehicle.
What and when are the expensive service jobs required?

Finally, nothing against the earlier models and I'm not really too bothered about age, but more so on mileage and condition and reliability...so should I consider earlier models? Which ones?

Thanks for any advice.

Kind Regards

 

[PobodY]

To me it seems a bit confusing; MB have gone down the same line as BMW and started sticking AMG badges on things that aren't actually AMG models. - I could be wrong, but I think the SLK55 is the only AMG model.

 

[markjay]

In general MB would typically have 3 main lines of the Non-AMG (i.e. not 'real' AMG) variants:


1) The high and softly-sprung cars e.g. 'Classic', 'Executive', 'SE', etc.

These will have a high ride and soft springs, small diameter wheels with beefy soft tyres, and confy sofa-type seats.


2) The sporty model e.g. 'Sport', 'Avangarde', etc.

These will have lowered and stiffened suspension, larger wheels with low profile tyres, sports seats with side bolsters, and other bits such different steering wheel and often also brussed aluminium trim. Other modifications can include larger and/or drilled nrake discs, different exhaust tip, etc.


3. AMG line

These will have the same features as the sporty model plus some AMG trim bits - AMG wheels, side skirts, front spolier/dam, rear spolier and rear difuser, etc.


But all three will have the same drivetrain i.e. the same engine and transmission.

 

[PobodY]

...none of which is AMG. - Only the AMG models get an AMG engine, and possibly optimised gearbox settings?

Confusingly for some models (like the W209) there's a difference between the "AMG sport pack" and the "AMG Sport Trim". - Both will give you bits that visibly say "AMG" on them (for example, brake callipers, wheels and exhaust tip).

 

[grober]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_SLK-Class_(R172)

 

[PobodY]

Sorry, I've taken this slightly off-topic.

I think unless you go for a lowest-spec model it will come with most, if not all, the features you're after. - Reading the link Graeme posted, only the smallest capacity petrol or diesel engine came with a manual box; everything else gets the 7G-tronic (or the AMG version in the SLK55).

That link also explains that "AMG Sports" got renamed "AMG Line", which addresses my earlier comments.

 

[munchincocopops]

Thanks for the replies and I did not know of or intend to open the "True AMG" debate.
I'm looking at 2 models at the moment, one a SLK250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2dr Tip Auto 2.2 with it seems all I want bar the actual SATNAV unit but as it is "SATNAV ready" then I understand all I need do is buy one (ebay?) and plug it in? It is not cited as AMG.

The other is a petrol model SLK 1.8 SLK200 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 7G-Tronic Plus 2dr (start/stop) which is cited as AMG and has full satnav and everything else I want.

As far as I can see.
SLK250 does not have drilled disks....maybe calipers are different too? (ok I can buy drilled disks if I want to)
Different front and rear spoiler (cosmetic but AMG does look nice)
I guess lowered and stiffer suspension (I prefer softer ride but it may still be ok)
Maybe tyres/alloys are different...but I can change these too.

Seats look the same as does the interior.

So not sure if the AMG make's so much difference to me...maybe more the decision diesel or petrol.
I've got Golf and Audi TDi's and am happy with them, not noisy at all. I read the merc diesel is noisy....is it?
Also any issues to look out for?

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[grober]

The R172 SLK uses the GARMIN MAP PILOT UNIT in the form of an SD card -- Mercedes charge £595 on their car configurator to add this to the standard AUDIO 20 UNIT but like the previous BECKER MAP PILOT there may be cheaper after market alternatives.-don't know. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2226...=1007383&device=c&campaignid=857339205&crdt=0 Sounds as if you would be better and a lot cheaper with a stick on stand alone unit like the Garmin Nuvi
http://www.slkworld.com/slc-general...in-map-pilot-built-satnav-disappointment.html

 

[markjay]

There are two Infotainment systems available - the basic Audio20 that can have optional SatNav (either Becker Map Pilot or Garmin Map Pilot, depending on the model year), or the more advanced COMAND unit that has built-in SatNav.

The more advanced COMAND unit is much better than the Audio 20.

If the car is late 2013 model or newer, it will also likely have a comms module (assuming COMAND is fitted) which provides live traffic data.

See also:

http://forums.mbclub.co.uk/index.php?threads/enabling-tomtom-hd-traffic.176717/

 

[geraldrobins]

I had 2 diesel VW's before my Merc and haven't noticed the Merc to be more or less noisy.

 

[bpsorrel]

The "AMG Sport" version of the R172 is slightly lower than the basic "sport" version and has 18" wheels. The ride is stiffer, actually it's very hard. My new SLC seems softer by comparison. The rest is body kit and a slightly upgraded interior spec.

I've had two SLK 250 cdi AMG Sport and found them quiet and quick.

New '15 SLK AMG Sport

• bpsorrel
• Jul 30, 2015

 

[stagwcb]

250 CDI engines were improved from 2012 , slightly quieter. Fast car plenty of torque.

 

[munchincocopops]

Hi - Bought the petrol model SLK 1.8 SLK200 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 7G-Tronic Plus 2dr (start/stop) after hearing a SLC diesel at local Merc dealer who also had a petrol one but I didn't like it.

So new to MB and new to automatics too so some questions will follow.
First - MOT - I use a local MOT station for all my car MOT's so is there anything I need to know regarding the Merc...i.e electric handbrake...just test as normal? (on 2wd brake rollers, In neutral, engine running, apply handbrake?)
Auto box...any issues? i.e engine running, in neutral, each rear wheel tested as normal on 2 wd brake rollers? (do I need traction control off?)

I assume (also read so far) diff is not Limited Slip so no issues there?

Thanks for any advice

 

[munchincocopops]

Oh - Nov 2012 model with Audio 20 and Becker SatNav I believe which works fine for me.

 

[PobodY]

I'd just let the MOT station do their thing; if you need to manipulate settings on the car to get it to pass, that suggests the car isn't very safe. - Plus any competent tester will already know what to do, or at the least know to ask.

 

[GeeJayW]

Well, first of all congrats on your purchase I hope you enjoy your 'new' car.

As mentioned already, the MoT tester should know how to test your car without any special measures from you.

Unless someone has specially fitted a limited slip diff, your car doesn't have one or need one. The standard diff with brake assist is fine for the 184 PS you have available.

If you're looking to get together with other SLK drivers, I strongly recommend checking out www.slkworld.com
I joined in Jan 2009 when we had our SLK200 and have been on several meets over the years, had some great banter both online and in real-life. Still drop in from time to even though we no longer have an SLK.

 

[munchincocopops]

Just thought I'd ask as MOT guy is elderly and thought necessary to test wife's TT quattro using meter and not rolling road but I'd asked on a TT forum and told 2wd brake tester is fine for TT, engine running, in neutral as Haldex does not kick in 4wd unless moving and in gear and all wheels turning faster than the 5mph rollers. Just MOT chap (really nice guy) wanted me to assure him he'd "brake" nothing.

Hence my questions.

Ok - really happy with car (I'll post a picture later) full MB history and all paperwork since new, even MOT's, 22k miles all confirmed with Gov MOT check and Experian check. I'm 3rd owner, last chap bought if from MB dealer and did about 2.5k miles/year for the 2.5 years he owned it as 2nd car for fun and care and touring when he retired. He's done touring so selling. I'm retired and for the same reasons I've bought one.
Car clean as a whistle, as was his garage he kept it in. Used decent polish (I use it too, Collinite 476).

Just drove it 200 miles home and around 42mpg...need to fill tank and check though.

Only minor point are wheel center caps look a bit salted, not bad, but not like new though wheels are unmarked and 2 new rear tyres!
I'll see if they polish up else where's the best place to buy genuine ones at a good price?

Bye for now...much to read and play with
Update SatNav
Maybe buy Star software
Tune radio to local stations.
Polish it a bit more just for fun.
Take wheels off and clean inside of rims and polish them.
OCD......