Thinking of buying an SLK

[mun802]

Hi, I'm have abudget of £8k was thinking of an SLK. When were they facelifted and what did this entail? Also are they generally a reliable vehicle?

Thank you.

 

[pammy]

Mine's been very reliable. Had some issues with the roof that turned out to be the boot lock that had shifted out of alignment and had two rear speed sensors go other than that she's a doll.

If you're thinking of one then do check out the roof works well and insist on a full service history although not necessarily MB - but an MB specialist as a minimum.

I think facelift was around 1999 - but look for indicators in the mirrors, colour coded body kit and door handles and for the boot lock to be tucked up under the handle and not on the back panel itself.

 

[crammy69]

After reading an column in Classic Cars by Quentin Wilson on these (he bought his daughter a 50k mile facelift-February 2000- model with leather interior for £8000/£8500 IIRC) I got went on the search for one. I think they are lovely little cars and it was going to me my first Mercedes, but however hard I tried, there just wasnt quite enought seat travel to get comfortable (Im 6ft 1) so I abandoned the idea (also partly due to having 2 kids!) and got the CE instead. But were I a tad shorter (and slimmer!) I'd go for one like a shot.

Im sure the experts on here will post real life experience, but the Mercedes Enthusiast magazines buyers guide (Jan 2007 issue) mentions in their what to look out for:
Roof - Rarely does anything major go wrong its normally electrical micro switches - however all you can really check is that the roof works at the time of buying.
Engine - At high mileages the supercharger (whilst generally reliable) should have the main bearing checked over to check its not worn, if its on its way out there will be a screeching noise.
Rear Lights- Not uncommon for the rear lens holder to melt, not expensive to replace.
Alloy wheels - The laquer peels and these can often be corroded - common but not too expensive to refurb (approx £60 per wheel)

There are plenty of SLK's with history, worth going for IMHO, I think the facelift one is the better looking car with the indicators on the wing mirrors and the colour coded skirts.

Good luck!

 

[pammy]

but however hard I tried, there just wasnt quite enought seat travel to get comfortable (Im 6ft 1) so I abandoned the idea ........

Engine - At high mileages the supercharger (whilst generally reliable) should have the main bearing checked over to check its not worn, if its on its way out there will be a screeching noise.
Rear Lights- Not uncommon for the rear lens holder to melt, not expensive to replace.
Alloy wheels - The laquer peels and these can often be corroded - common but not too expensive to refurb (approx £60 per wheel)

It's a good idea to check out the car with your height but it depends where your height is - body and/or leg length. I know people over 6' who can easily fit in - and smaller people who can't.

Not all SLKs have a supercharger - ie the 320

Alloy wheel corrosion is not specific to the SLK it's common across all marques and models - it's just wear and tear. Easily replaced.

Never heard of the rear lense holder melting I have to say. Is that peculiar to any model or age?

 

[Piff]

I'm considering an SLK for her indoors, but probably not until 2009.
I did some viewing on Auto Trader a few weeks ago for convertibles.
I was taken by an SL 320 and a Porsche Boxter - both insurance group 19. I then checked insurance prices & was shocked how reasonable they were (£300 - £350 fully comp).
However, with our friendly chancellor putting up road tax, these cars are in the top group, coupled with specialist servicing requirements, mpg, etc, I decided the sensible option would be an SLK. I was looking at 2000 to 2002 and either 200K or 230K.
I was going to pose the question here in a few months time but as this thread is aready started - what are the pro's & con's of the 200K and 230K engines?

 

[pammy]

230 has a lot more get up and go. That's about it.

 

[Bazzle]

Tail lights have issues around the stop globe holder, the heat from the globe and arcing on the track both make open circuit and int ermittant issues. MB USA did a recall. Other markets , well you/we just suffer. i ended up putting in the new complete led tailights.

Have a look here under Tech stickys at top of page.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/

Bazzle

 

[w124coupe]

Mr Wilson's daughter (who is called Mercedes) still has the SLK (complete with private plate) - she is at my daughter's school in the 6th form.

 

[gary350]

Before I bought my first SLK many moons ago I was a bit concerned with seat travel but saw a guy get out of one and he must have been at least 6ft 4"+. My son is 6ft 3" and has no trouble leg wise in fact there is more room in the R171 than my dear departed R171.

gary

 

[KateBlundell]

Well I now (very reluctantly) have mine up for sale.. 22K miles MB SH.. everything you would expect and more... I love it but was probably a bt unrealistic about the running/insurance costs.. and we're planning a baby sometime soon and both have 2 seater cars.. so something's gotta go ((

 

[KateBlundell]

I found it's also worth looking on pistonheads and pre-loved in addition to autotrader.

 

[SimonsMerc]

How much are you asking Kate? Do you have a link to photos etc?

 

[KateBlundell]

have a look on pistonheads

here's the link
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/495047.htm

if you're interested - you are very welcome to come have a look - I'll even make you a cup of tea and cake

 

[Seamster15]

here's the link
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/495047.htm

if you're interested - you are very welcome to come have a look - I'll even make you a cup of tea and cake

Very nice car.

 

[KateBlundell]

yep.. reluctant sale..!

 

[Matt32AMG]

I'm considering an SLK for her indoors, but probably not until 2009.
I did some viewing on Auto Trader a few weeks ago for convertibles.
I was taken by an SL 320 and a Porsche Boxter - both insurance group 19. I then checked insurance prices & was shocked how reasonable they were (£300 - £350 fully comp).
However, with our friendly chancellor putting up road tax, these cars are in the top group, coupled with specialist servicing requirements, mpg, etc, I decided the sensible option would be an SLK. I was looking at 2000 to 2002 and either 200K or 230K.
I was going to pose the question here in a few months time but as this thread is aready started - what are the pro's & con's of the 200K and 230K engines?

230K all day long if that's the choice. The 200 is a little asthmatic, and, no offense to current owners, maybe harder to move on when the time comes to change.

 

[Piff]

here's the link
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/495047.htm

if you're interested - you are very welcome to come have a look - I'll even make you a cup of tea and cake

Exactly what I would be interested in - the car (although the tea & cake would be nice too!) - but not until next year

 

[KateBlundell]

230K all day long if that's the choice. The 200 is a little asthmatic, and, no offense to current owners, maybe harder to move on when the time comes to change.

yes I agree the 230 has just a little more kick and because it says in whatcar etc. that the 200s are less popular it's almost a pre-requisite for them being so..

 

[Matt32AMG]

yes I agree the 230 has just a little more kick and because it says in whatcar etc. that the 200s are less popular it's almost a pre-requisite for them being so..

Shame you gotta sell yours, I used to have one exactly like it before my current steed...

 

[KateBlundell]

Shame you gotta sell yours, I used to have one exactly like it before my current steed...

needs must - I just want someone to get it who will enjoy it as much as I have !