SLK 320 advice please
Discussion
Hi Roy, I have owned a SLK320 from new year 2000 (well nearly new with 3000 miles on the clock) and its been and still is fantastic. I cannot comment on the Auto / Manual scenario simply because mine is an auto and I have not driven a manual SLK.
However, when I bought it I was one of those that said I would never have a auto but I am converted now. The tiptronic box is simply awesome given you the choice of driving the car in either manual or auto mode.
The only work that I have done to the car in the ten years that I have owned the vehicle is servicing brake pads oil etc although, I did spend money to what I consider to be a cosmetic change in that I fitted a reiger bodykit and upgraded the original 16 inch wheels to 17's. There was no real need to spend the money only for personal preference.
I would consider 170k miles on the clock to be over and above what I would personnaly look to buy however, thats a matter of choice. There are a lot of SLK's out there for sale with low mileage (reasonably priced)so you may consider looking at others like the R171 updated model which fall later than 2001, 2002 however, it could be that you are looking at a bargain buy I don't know without more details.
Good luck its a great car all year round being a convertable for good weather use and a coupe for bad weather.
My motor ten years old and a genuine 45k on the clock
However, when I bought it I was one of those that said I would never have a auto but I am converted now. The tiptronic box is simply awesome given you the choice of driving the car in either manual or auto mode.
The only work that I have done to the car in the ten years that I have owned the vehicle is servicing brake pads oil etc although, I did spend money to what I consider to be a cosmetic change in that I fitted a reiger bodykit and upgraded the original 16 inch wheels to 17's. There was no real need to spend the money only for personal preference.
I would consider 170k miles on the clock to be over and above what I would personnaly look to buy however, thats a matter of choice. There are a lot of SLK's out there for sale with low mileage (reasonably priced)so you may consider looking at others like the R171 updated model which fall later than 2001, 2002 however, it could be that you are looking at a bargain buy I don't know without more details.
Good luck its a great car all year round being a convertable for good weather use and a coupe for bad weather.
My motor ten years old and a genuine 45k on the clock
Edited by SLKen on Friday 5th November 14:02
Edited by SLKen on Friday 5th November 17:29
I had a 2001 car. 75000 miles and Manual.
The only problems I had were with the roof. It went to Merc three time to finally sort it out. I forget how many sensors and switches involved in opening and closing it, but it was bloody expensive to get right.
It should be smooth and not "hang" too long when the roof leaves the front frame.
FWIW, I had a 6 speed manual and I wouldn't want it again. For ever changing gear with not enough in each gear. Also, if manual, you will probably want to fill in the cubby hole where the little slide is. There is a gap which my elbow always found when ready to change gear. I made a small suede covered block to fill the gap.
Also, for that kind of car, the milage is too high. A lot of these cars will be low milage and pampered. Try to find one of these.
The only problems I had were with the roof. It went to Merc three time to finally sort it out. I forget how many sensors and switches involved in opening and closing it, but it was bloody expensive to get right.
It should be smooth and not "hang" too long when the roof leaves the front frame.
FWIW, I had a 6 speed manual and I wouldn't want it again. For ever changing gear with not enough in each gear. Also, if manual, you will probably want to fill in the cubby hole where the little slide is. There is a gap which my elbow always found when ready to change gear. I made a small suede covered block to fill the gap.
Also, for that kind of car, the milage is too high. A lot of these cars will be low milage and pampered. Try to find one of these.
I think if you buy well, and keep it clean and tidy, you won't loose a lot on it. I can't see them getting much cheaper.
Try as many as you can, get used to the roof and how it moves so you know what to look at.
The only other problem I had was the radio. The ariel is stuffed into the rear bumper and I was told it gets wet and fails.
Lovely cars though, mine had the turn signals in the mirrors, which I think was a face lift model.
Try as many as you can, get used to the roof and how it moves so you know what to look at.
The only other problem I had was the radio. The ariel is stuffed into the rear bumper and I was told it gets wet and fails.
Lovely cars though, mine had the turn signals in the mirrors, which I think was a face lift model.
Unlike Jabb luckily I have had no problem with the roof or any other feature on the car however, I am an electrical engineer and would have no difficulty in fault finding around the control sensors therefore, it does not sway me.
Jabb I have always wondered where the ariel is located, now I know thanks although I have never had any problems, not a stock radio in my motor though.
The R171 is fitted with a more enhanced triptronic system than that of the R170 with tiptronic control on the steering wheel rather than that of the gear lever, also it is a 7 speed auto.
You will also note that bog standard the 350 over the 320 has a greater bhp with 303 to 218 retrospectively therefore, a bit of a beast.
Thanks for the comment on the looks of my car, I am thinking about upgrading to either a 350 or 55 probably will do next year sometime now though as I have recently been laid off work and need to secure employment.
Roy another thought, there is a specific forum for SLK's : slkworld.com
Why not post the same question on thier site to get a wider view in matters?
Jabb I have always wondered where the ariel is located, now I know thanks although I have never had any problems, not a stock radio in my motor though.
The R171 is fitted with a more enhanced triptronic system than that of the R170 with tiptronic control on the steering wheel rather than that of the gear lever, also it is a 7 speed auto.
You will also note that bog standard the 350 over the 320 has a greater bhp with 303 to 218 retrospectively therefore, a bit of a beast.
Thanks for the comment on the looks of my car, I am thinking about upgrading to either a 350 or 55 probably will do next year sometime now though as I have recently been laid off work and need to secure employment.
Roy another thought, there is a specific forum for SLK's : slkworld.com
Why not post the same question on thier site to get a wider view in matters?
Edited by SLKen on Saturday 6th November 11:28
SLK32
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