Vickster
Active Member
I have had my 1999 SLK 230 for a few months now and I am rather disappointed with the power given it has 193bhp and eats petrol with abandon! Also, having come from 5 pot Italian, it just sounds rather feeble, mainly the whine of the supercharger, but just no growl at all when accelerating. I have toyed with the idea of a full service (it had one less than a year ago) and an SS exhaust but am just not sure whether I will get what I want despite spending the cash
Thus, I am seriously considering changing it for something that looks on paper like it should be quicker or at least more fun.
The SLK is very comfortable for me to drive and I love the looks and size, so am considering a step up to the 320 (I wanted one before but they were that much more money and I didn't know the 230 would fail to impress).
Can anyone who has experience of both tell me whether the V6 320 will meet my acceleration and growl needs? There is a manual for sale at a good price - what are they like compared to the autos?
Other non-Merc options of possible interest are an Audi TT 225 (more grunt), a Mini Cooper S (fun and great handling but common) or a Focus ST170 (again a great handler supposedly, respectable oomph and a much lower price tag). I will also look at a Puma just because everyone rates them so highly! Any other smallish options around the 8k mark, that are no older than the SLK?
Thanks for any advice / you can offer
Thus, I am seriously considering changing it for something that looks on paper like it should be quicker or at least more fun.
The SLK is very comfortable for me to drive and I love the looks and size, so am considering a step up to the 320 (I wanted one before but they were that much more money and I didn't know the 230 would fail to impress).
Can anyone who has experience of both tell me whether the V6 320 will meet my acceleration and growl needs? There is a manual for sale at a good price - what are they like compared to the autos?
Other non-Merc options of possible interest are an Audi TT 225 (more grunt), a Mini Cooper S (fun and great handling but common) or a Focus ST170 (again a great handler supposedly, respectable oomph and a much lower price tag). I will also look at a Puma just because everyone rates them so highly! Any other smallish options around the 8k mark, that are no older than the SLK?
Thanks for any advice / you can offer