Slk32 Amg

[gaz_l]

Greetings, citizens.

Since selling my C43 some 18 months ago, I've been pootling around in a V5 Golf. It's a perfectly pleasant way of getting from A to B, and despite being bought as a cheap runabout it's been very reliable. But I miss the Merc..

So I've been thinking about what I'd like next, and although I'd really like a C55, with my realistic hat on the budget won't stretch that far. So, a C32 - maybe? But, with a midlife crisis galloping over the horizon, the idea of an SLK has suddenly leapt to the fore.

Even assuming I can find one (ME magazine suggests a figure of around 270 produced, even rarer than the C43), what should I be looking out for? I'm guessing the engine is pretty much the same as the C32, but that's a very different kettle of fish from the (normally-aspirated) V8 that I had in the C43. I've had several turbocharged cars over the years, but never run anything with a supercharger. Do they go bang? Do they need anything special in terms of maintenance?

The SLK is also a bit of an unknown quantity.. they're not an out-and-out sports car - I don't think anyone with an Elise will be too bothered by an SLK looming up in their mirrors - so are they wafty boulevard cruisers or can you get out on a twisty road and hustle? I like the idea of the folding steel roof but I'd imagine they can be a royal pain if they go wrong?

Questions, questions. If anyone has any input I'd appreciate it.

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Nice choice!!

Engine is indeed shared between C32 and SLK32.

The intercooler pump is the main the to look out for. There's no mistake when it's dead though, so easy to diagnose, and not too costly to fix.

See here for more on the C32, but some of which carries across:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36576&highlight=intercooler+pump

PS I started looking at the SLK32, but couldn't get comfy on the tombstone seats, so do have a proper drive before you sign on the line.

 

[gaz_l]

I've never owned a two seater, but the idea of the wind whistling through my hair appeals - while I still have some...

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[DSLiverpool]

What about an R129 ? - loads at sub £10k

 

[gaz_l]

The R129 is quite a big car in comparison.. I just think the R170 would be more nimble on the twisty stuff.

I don't know if the flat seating position will suit me, either. Will have to sort out some test drives!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[c955]

What about an R129 ? - loads at sub £10k

I think the SLK32 is also one of the few 'affordable' MB ways to get to 60 in under 5secs IIRC

 

[Adam230K]

SLK is a bit of a hairdressers car (no offence intended, honestly!), maybe if u want wind in whats left on your head, then you should get the C32 and keep the sunroof open?

 

[fyonn]

I had an slk320 (same engine, sans supercharger I think) and it was a very fun car. perhaps not the most dynamic of vehicles, but not completely unhappy on the twisties. I could fairly easily get the tail out on my 320 (with the TC rescueing), on the slk32 it should be a piece of cake.

one thing, apparently the seat heaters on the slk32 *always* break. something to do with really bad design. you can get the seat heating loom from the normal slk hacked in, and that's fine, but the original ones lifetime is apparently measured in months.

The folding hardroof of the SLK is great, makes it a proper coupe with the roof up and yet still a 'vert.

the boot is surprisingly big, both with the roof up and down. I have a standard size airline flight case, and I could fit two of them plus other bags and coats etc with the roof up, and one with associated bags and coats with the roof down.

I'd say, go for it, it's a lovely car.

dave

 

[PAPA]

Had my slk for 3 years no money spent, Its been a great car and will never be sold, the heated seats are a prob on the 32 but fit the 320 heaters and your good to go. Not many roof prob at all on the slk have not heard of many that fail, the thing to do is keep the drains clear if water get in the boot it kills the pse pump that controls the roof as well as other things.

The 32 is a very quick car, the lotus will be dead if its a straight road, loads of tuning parts for the r170 to give it more if you feel the need

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The heated seats problem stems from the fact that the element is integrated with the seat cover. Fix is to replace cover, or insert a separaet element (pad).

I say this a lot, and it's equally true of all but the very latest AMGs, the SLK32 is not a sports car, it's a hot rod. If that's your bag, you'll love it.