SLK 280 buying advice

[Bends]

Hi all, we are looking at buying a used SLK. We have seen a 280 auto advertised which we are very interested in going and looking at.

I have searched SLK buying advice on the forum search but just end up with a blank screen, hence this post.

Please can anyone offer some idiot guide type advice so as I know what to look for obvious problems etc........

If the car then still has our attention we would seek a professional to look it over for us. On that, are there any recommendations of Mercedes specialists in Oxfordshire we could contact or anyone on the forums who will come and help.

Thank you in advance

Tommy

 

[PobodY]

Is that the M272 V6 engine? I suspect it is, in which case check the engine number against the range for known problems with things like cam shaft magnets, and the dreaded balancer shaft. - I don't have a link, but it's pretty easy to find both on this site and the internet in general.

Other than that, I'm sure there' someone more qualified than me to give advice. - I suspect it's the obvious things like checking the roof goes up and down smoothly (time after time).

 

[PobodY]

I should have said that the engine doesn't need to be a deal breaker, but it's certainly a negotiating point. - If the shaft has already been replaced, you're laughing. If not, you can argue that there's potentially thousands of pounds to replace it at a later date.

 

[fabes]

I have the 3ltr 280 in my CLK
It will be a little more sprightly in an SLK......

A few ones for starters

Check threads on here for engine issues (later engines are better) - key point, you may need the vin
Is it a 7G or 5G gearbox (when was the ATF last changed)
Check the roof again and again to see it settles correctly with no leaks

Others can add to the list and I recommend an indie for you unless STAR at Reading is too far?

Edit - beaten to the engine point, but it is the key one

 

[Bends]

Nice one thank you for the advice. I will get digging around for info. once we get to see the car.

 

[st13phil]

Pre- or post-facelift car? (i.e. does it have the F1-style split nose?)

Potential M272 engine issues aside, the great thing about the R171 SLK is that they are pretty bomb-proof and the build quality is great.

As others have already said, check the roof operation and also check for any sign of dampness in the boot. If the front under-bonnet drains aren't kept clear this can lead to the fan motor getting wet and failing, so check the heater blower fan works properly and isn't noisy. With the roof up there are often a few creaks from around the top of the windscreen when the car is cold, but these should disappear when it's warm. Greasing the catch mechanism helps with this so it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Check the condition of the window seals which will harden and craze if not dressed periodically.

You're very unlikely to find this on a test drive, but some cars suffer from an intermittent fault with the aircon which occasionally goes into a sulk and stops working, leading to the windows steaming up. A number of owners have spent lots on replacing the aircon compressor and other components and not fixed the problem which, anecdotally, appears to be caused by an obscure fault with the front SAM and is an expensive fix. Most owners live with it if the car does have the problem.

The suspension tie rod bushes on the rear can wear leading to an MOT failure. Not hugely expensive to fix, but something to be aware of if the MOT certificate isn't recent. Front tyres wear on the inner edge. This isn't an issue, but is easily overlooked and a good bargaining point if they're close to the limit as the rest of the tyre will look fine.

Other than that, be aware that the spec can vary widely as there were lots of options. Personally I wouldn't entertain an SLK without Airscarf, but there are a surprising number that haven't got it.

Edit to add:

The SLK280 is a fine car, but the 350 is better. It came with more standard kit (e.g. memory seats and mirrors), and the fuel economy is as good if not better than the 280.

 

[zenman63]

We have a 350 and thats nice but the 55 is better, I would just look for the 55 and be done with it.
Don't worry about the fuel theres nothing between them.