Opinions from SLK owners (R170 version)
Steve_Perry
MB Enthusiast
Cue Pammy, stage left 
S.
S.
prprandall51
MB Enthusiast
I wasn't going to comment so as not to stir up feelings, but, well, I know that Pammy will disagree (sorry) but the old SLK isn't up to much in the sports department.
The roof is fantastic, the interior is fine and the chassis is fine, too. In fact everything is just fine. But, if you are buying a sports car - this isn't it.
Consider it as a very pleasant Grand Tourer (say for a nice gentle trip to France) and it is on the nose. But if you want to do a little "canyon carving" (as our US friends put it) then I would strongly recommend spending your money elsewhere.
I haven't tried the AMG - I suspect that may be a different kettle of fish!
It depends on your budget. Have you thought about a 3.0 Z4? Early ones go for around £22K and will leave a non-AMG SLK for dead in the twisty bits. Or perhaps a Vauxhall VX220 - very desirable to my eyes.
Good luck.
Philip
Post posting edit: Never had any problems with mine. Nicely built, etc.
The roof is fantastic, the interior is fine and the chassis is fine, too. In fact everything is just fine. But, if you are buying a sports car - this isn't it.
Consider it as a very pleasant Grand Tourer (say for a nice gentle trip to France) and it is on the nose. But if you want to do a little "canyon carving" (as our US friends put it) then I would strongly recommend spending your money elsewhere.
I haven't tried the AMG - I suspect that may be a different kettle of fish!
It depends on your budget. Have you thought about a 3.0 Z4? Early ones go for around £22K and will leave a non-AMG SLK for dead in the twisty bits. Or perhaps a Vauxhall VX220 - very desirable to my eyes.
Good luck.
Philip
Post posting edit: Never had any problems with mine. Nicely built, etc.
thanks Phil. I do realise the SLK isn't an out and out sports car. It's really the ownership experience I'm asking about. Given what you bought the car for, is it everything you expected and is there anything you would change about it?
My SLK 230 was the original model & just sold on eBay. It is a tourer, not a sports car & it does that job very well.
The only thing I would change would be the MB customer experience, public flogging is too good for them. I mean both dealers & MB UK.
The only thing I would change would be the MB customer experience, public flogging is too good for them. I mean both dealers & MB UK.
prprandall51
MB Enthusiast
mickl said:
I loved my SLK to bits. The only rubbish bit was the wind deflector (a piece a mesh cloth fixed between the head restraints) - hardly a major issue in the grand scheme of things. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Philip
