SLK 55 AMG *advice*

[Jimbo2009]

Hi All,

I have recently purchased the SLK 55 AMG pictured, from a specialist Porsche dealer. As a policy they buy a couple of different cars to keep the showroom interesting, this was one of them.

As they are a Porsche specialist, they have only offered me a 3month warranty, they were upfront enough to say they would not know how to look after the SLK in the event something went wrong, as such they are not willing to offer a longer warranty than 3months, advising that I get one independently.

The car was reg Jun 2005, just over 21,000 miles, 1 owner from new, with full main dealer Service History, last serviced Dec 2008. Next due 2011. MOT til 2010.

My dilemma is this, Mercedes will offer me an extended warranty, however the car needs to pass through a multi point check (pdi) at a cost of approx £300, then assuming the car is in adequate condition, they will offer me an extended one year warranty for £1,057 approx.

Should I plow the total £1,400 approx, into a savings account for when / if the SLK has any issues, & put a similar amount away each year for contingency (not to incl running, servicing, MOT etc).
Or
Should I take Mercedes up on their offer & get the 1 year warranty.

Any advice on how reliable the SLK 55 AMG is would be a great help, also any tips on being a new owner, any do's & dont's.

I love the car, its an amazing machine.

Many Thanks

 

[Jimbo2009]

Also, reading other posts, I noticed that some of you are saying for an MB under 8yrs old with full main dealer history, any major issues would likely be put right by MB as a goodwill gesture, in keeping with the reputation of the brand.

Is this strictly true, also would it extend to me as the 2nd owner, as opposed to the original owner, therefore not having the relationship with the original sales person / dealership.

My car has done just over 21k miles, has 2 main dealer services, each one on time, last being Dec 2008. Assuming I get any goodwill from my local main dealer, it seems obvious to plow the equivalent cost of purchasing the MB 1yr warranty (£300 for initial pdi, followed by £1,057 for 1yr full warranty). Into a savings account, for contingency.

Again any advice, 1st hand experience with this particular car would be gratefully received.

Many Thanks

 

[portzy]

Hello, fellow SLK owner.

I get the impression that the "goodwill" element only refers to those original owners who keep their cars after the original warranty runs out. Its not a timebound thing like up to so many years they will do x y and z and it also depends to an extent just how far out of warranty the problem/s occur and the nature, read cost, of the faults and repairs. All in all, its not something that you can technically and legally quantify and rely on for total peace of mind so I wouldnt if I were you.

The extended warranty with MB can be of two types, just make sure they are quoting you for the correct one. The price given would seem to fit what is called "Tier One" which is the most comprehensive and also the one that I got. Personally, I think it is worth it but the pre-insection cost seems a bit high to me, I would be expecting an hours labour of actual inspecting as opposed to form filling so £100 would/should be more like it, I'd also have it done at the supplying/servicing dealer as they will know your car.

The SLK itself? I think you have made your own mind up? There were a few issues with that years production which were not just specific to the 55 along the lines of the 7g playing up, noisy brakes, water leaks into the boot, comand calling it a day etc but if all seems ok with yours then they have either not materialised or they have been sorted during servicing or warranty calls.

Hope that helps? We need photos' and a spec, we are nosey here

Portzy.

 

[moneyman]

I know that MB have variable service intervals so this is only a question that would it be right on an AMG to have had only 2 services since 2005? When your next service is due I think it will be a big one as it may include the spark plug change which is pricey at the main dealers.

 

[Jimbo2009]

I will call Mercedes to get their advice regarding servicing, the dealer has assured me that the car was due its first service in Jun 2007 (2yrs from new), & its second service in Jun 2009 (which was actually done Dec 2008), I agree a call to the Main dealer who has done the servicing to date is a smart move. Working on it now, will post feedback later.

How do I post you all pics?

 

[portzy]

How do I post you all pics?

Look at this post below.......

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/members-gallery/68626-members-albums-how-do-i-use-albums.html

And start an album or.....

You can continue with this thread or start an entirely new thread and add img links using something like Photobucket etc.

Portzy.

 

[Jimbo2009]

Thanks for the tips, I believe I have now uploaded 3 pics...

Pretty much full spec, harmon kardon, sat nav, upgrade alloys, funky AMG wind deflector etc etc

 

[wemorgan]

Lovely car, thanks for the photos.

Have you considered getting a quote for a third party warranty, as £1.4k sounds like a lot of money for effectively an insurance policy?

It's often struck me as ironic as premium cars come with a short (3 years) manufacturers warranty and then charge so much to extend it. If the OEM had faith in its quality product then the warranty would be longer.

 

[Jimbo2009]

I did briefly look into warranty direct / wise, however reading through a number of posts on here, it would seem more than a few people rate the MB Tier 1 warranty, & wouldnt wipe their backside with the above, tesco, AA etc.

Also Im looking at approx £900 for an independent warranty, so although MB is more expensive, I guess I can trust it 100%.

 

[Jimbo2009]

Any fellow SLK 55AMG owners? Keen to get your input.

 

[C43AMG]

Are they AMG wheels ?

 

[Jimbo2009]

They are AMG Alloys.

 

[Doodle]

Those look suspiciously like Mandrus Regenmeisters to me...so where are the originals?

 

[C240Sport97]

They are AMG Alloys.

don't think so

 

[C43AMG]

Those look suspiciously like Mandrus Regenmeisters to me...so where are the originals?

That's what i thought.

 

[azaman]

Those look suspiciously like Mandrus Regenmeisters to me...so where are the originals?

 

[Gareth]

nice car, but it was a LOT cheaper on Pistonheads when the owner was selling it directly and I don't like the wheels.

 

[azaman]

Wheels may not be MB but I think they do look good. Got a nice chunky, aggressive look to them .

Does beg the question what happened to the originals as they must be worth a pretty penny...

 

[C240Sport97]

As they are a Porsche specialist, they have only offered me a 3month warranty, they were upfront enough to say they would not know how to look

RSJ Sportscars .. they have a decent reputation on pistonheads

 

[Jimbo2009]

Hmmm you have me worried now, they definitely have the AMG logo on them, & were factory fitted by Mercedes.