I in the process of selling my C320 estate and when I do, I am looking to purchase something not so sensible for myself as a replacement. With a max budget of about £15k, I can get either a 5 -6 year old R171 SLK with lots of toys (essential) or a slightly older[FONT="] R230 SL . What do those of you with experience of these cars advise? Obviously I will have to decide for myself and try them but are there any known joys/pitfalls of ownership of these cars that I ought to be considering as a part of the homework before I decide? Not interested in super powerful models - I can't see where I could use the power legally and safely, much as I could easily lust after a 5.5AMG. Thanks.
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Can't speak to the other models , but I have lots of fun in my R129 300SL-24 , which I've covered almost 40,000 trouble free miles in since getting it 15 months ago . My car was a very cheap project car which is an ongoing restoration , but £15 K will buy a really mint R129 . Although a neighbour has a R230 , I can't comment on the differences , but many say the 129 is better built .
After a couple of times removing and refitting the hardtop , I now just leave it in the garage ; the soft top is completely waterproof ( although I wouldn't go through a car wash with it ) and I have it down most days
I spoke to a R171 owner who said , in retrospect , the car was too small for him and he regretted not getting a SL... Another friend who has a 1st generation SLK 320 loves his , with the only issue being rust , but nothing serious .
I think the 300-24V engine is the best as it just loves to be revved , has the best character for a 'sports car' , sounds wonderful , and yet returns around 30mpg when driving sensibly with 400-450 miles on average between refuelling .
So far I've replaced the wrong steering wheel which was on the car when I got it , new battery , tyres , exhaust . The only failure has been the non original ignition coil , correct part now fitted and running fine , have also done discs/pads/shoes all round and routine oils/plugs/filters . Am just about to do front lower ball joints and ARB bushes to hopefully address a squeak from the front end , and just suffered a cracked windscreen last week , getting done next week .
Then there's been the audio installation , new speakers in the doors , CD changers and electronics in the boot , upgraded head unit , still have to fit sub above passenger footwell which is the only available space . This job is a subject in itself .
To do list will include respray , new front wings ( 1 starting to rust ) new hood ( cosmetic ) , retrim front seats , fix central locking which is only thing not working .
All in all the car has been thoroughly enjoyable and a great DIY project .
