Mk1 SLK

[Sycamore]

Looking into a cheap 2 seater which can be had for somewhat of a bargain, and at face value the SLK seems a lot of car for little cash.

I've always liked the look of the SLK, and while I'd like a convertible, having a ragtop while living in the Midlands doesn't fill me with confidence, so the folding metal roof seems a plus.

What's the general perception on these cars? Driving dynamics aren't all too high on my list as I have a motorbike for thrills.

Cheers

[Smokey32]

Rust, and more rust.

[paulwirral]

I've had a couple , both 230 6 speed manual . They are great old cars and amazing value for money . Body panels do rust , they don't really handle that well but better than the knockers who have never owned one would have you believe , the manual gearbox isn't great , but as before , not as bad as people say . Parts a banger prices from euro parts or similar .
320 uses more fuel and isn't much faster than the 230 , although it doesn't sound like a concrete mixer full of bricks .
I bought a larger bottom pulley and re map from a guy in Germany and it made the car a lot better , surprisingly fast and returned 37mpg on a run . Basic engineering that's home spanner friendly too .
I used mine on a couple of euro trips , ring then San Sebastián and France , never a problem .
Annoyingly when I advertised it I only got 1 enquiry from a time waster , and it was the cheapest advertised , so I sold it to my mate for a hundred quid less than the electric seat option in my new car , the 230 had electric seats ! Effectively swapped a decent car for two electric seats and a nice lunch !

[f1nn]

I really like these, in launch spec I'd have one.

[slk 32]

Smokey32 said:

Rust, and more rust.

^^^^this

Specifically around the wheel arches and boot lock / number plate light

I've owned 2 R170's

Slk 230
Slk 32

All have bulletproof engines. I sold the 230 after a year. Quick enough but the 4 pot engine is a bit coarse . For the money I'd go for the 320 )not much quicker but much smoother)

I bought an slk32 in 2008 before swapping for an slk 55 in 2012.

The 32 is a different kettle of fish altogether with 350 bhp as standard.Mine had a kleemann pulley / remap and was over 400 bhp. I liked the fact that it didn't look much different to a 200 and had the ability to embarrass a lot more expensive cars. The wife now drives this and its now up to 100k. In all that time it's only ever needed routine servicing and consumables and the rust sorting

[Smokey32]

That's good going for a 32 AMG to not have anything go wrong on 100k especially with performance mods. There not the most reliable engine AMG have ever made. Like you say though proper sleepers, just rather rare.