Buying an SLK350 R171 (2008)
Discussion
I think I have managed to convince my wife to have an SLK350 instead of a Honda S2000. Looking around the internet this looks like a robust choice with no serious issues reported. Or maybe my google skills are crap. I think the must have options are heated seats, airscarf and parktronic.
So the question - can anyone comment on reliability or issues or point me to a buyers guide ? The ones I have found so far pretty much just say 'make sure the roof works' and 'get it inspected' but dont mention any particular issues.
Also what is Cruisetronic ? Depending on which website you look at its cruise control, or its auto follow cruise control or its a tiptronic gearbox with cruise control or its something else - I tried looking at the online SLK user manual but it doesnt say.
Kind of quirky that MB put the word 'tronic' after stuff, very 60's feel .....
So the question - can anyone comment on reliability or issues or point me to a buyers guide ? The ones I have found so far pretty much just say 'make sure the roof works' and 'get it inspected' but dont mention any particular issues.
Also what is Cruisetronic ? Depending on which website you look at its cruise control, or its auto follow cruise control or its a tiptronic gearbox with cruise control or its something else - I tried looking at the online SLK user manual but it doesnt say.
Kind of quirky that MB put the word 'tronic' after stuff, very 60's feel .....
Check the headed seats work (squab and back), AC works, and gearbox shifts up and down smoothly.
Mine has a heated steering wheel which I find very pleasant on cold mornings. I'm not sure if Harmon Kardon was an option on 2008 models, it sounds quite good if audio is your bag.
They are awesome cars, the engine sounds great and I think they look pretty good too, like a mini-jet fighter.
Mine has a heated steering wheel which I find very pleasant on cold mornings. I'm not sure if Harmon Kardon was an option on 2008 models, it sounds quite good if audio is your bag.
They are awesome cars, the engine sounds great and I think they look pretty good too, like a mini-jet fighter.
I've got an early MY07 SLK 280 as my daily drive, purchased in March this year. I wanted the 350 but couldn't find one with the spec I wanted locally so settled for the 280. Typically, now there are loads available!
The only thing I found to really watch out for was the balance shaft issue, but this won't affect the 2008 model. Apart from that, provided the auto gearbox shifts smoothly, the AC works and the roof works as it should I think they are pretty robust cars.
I love mine. Best all round car i've owned. In three months, mixed driving including commuting in and out of a city most days and some B-road blasts has given me an average fuel consumption of 29.9mpg according to the car. Longer, non-motorway drives see 33/34mpg and legal cruising on a motorway/dual-carriageway will see 35/36mpg. Amazing really, given it goes quite well when prodded.
Auto gearbox is a love/hate thing. 95% of the time I love it, it's super smooth and just what I need on a commute or cruising to a nice pub of an evening. However, when pushing on it can change gear when I don't want it to and the manual override isn't great - it's far from instant and hitting the stick left/right to change up or down does not come very naturally. However, it's a small complaint and I just leave it in Drive all the time!
Roof down on a cold morning, air scarf and heated seats on = lovely!
There are only two cars I'd want to change it for now; a similar aged SLK 55AMG or the later style SLK with the 350 engine. Maybe in a couple of years!
The only thing I found to really watch out for was the balance shaft issue, but this won't affect the 2008 model. Apart from that, provided the auto gearbox shifts smoothly, the AC works and the roof works as it should I think they are pretty robust cars.
I love mine. Best all round car i've owned. In three months, mixed driving including commuting in and out of a city most days and some B-road blasts has given me an average fuel consumption of 29.9mpg according to the car. Longer, non-motorway drives see 33/34mpg and legal cruising on a motorway/dual-carriageway will see 35/36mpg. Amazing really, given it goes quite well when prodded.
Auto gearbox is a love/hate thing. 95% of the time I love it, it's super smooth and just what I need on a commute or cruising to a nice pub of an evening. However, when pushing on it can change gear when I don't want it to and the manual override isn't great - it's far from instant and hitting the stick left/right to change up or down does not come very naturally. However, it's a small complaint and I just leave it in Drive all the time!
Roof down on a cold morning, air scarf and heated seats on = lovely!
There are only two cars I'd want to change it for now; a similar aged SLK 55AMG or the later style SLK with the 350 engine. Maybe in a couple of years!
MauiJim said:
Auto gearbox is a love/hate thing. 95% of the time I love it, it's super smooth and just what I need on a commute or cruising to a nice pub of an evening. However, when pushing on it can change gear when I don't want it to and the manual override isn't great - it's far from instant and hitting the stick left/right to change up or down does not come very naturally. However, it's a small complaint and I just leave it in Drive all the time!
Paddle shift option sorts the manual change, it has slightly different software in the 7G box, and changes quicker...Here's my thoughts on our 2009 350, from my profile:
Rev-happy revised 305hp engine makes it a pleasure to use all of the revs to the 7200rpm red line, all the time.
More oomph than the soft top alternatives, and none of those cosset their occupants with a hardtop roof, or ride over rough roads with such aplomb or control.
0-62mph in 5.4secs, with £280 road tax and 30mpg if you want it to.
Much quicker in a straight line, but less nimble through the twisties than our MINI Cooper SD...
A welcome addition which brings a very different and complementary set of talents to the fleet.
Other things to add:
Avoid "sports" suspension with 18" wheels, if you like a smooth ride.
Heated seats and Air Scarf is very nice - your wife will love it.
Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system is nice too, as is a transparent draught stop between the headrests.
Facelift 08 onwards cars shouldn't be affected by the earlier M272 engine balance shaft issues:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_en...
Check for evidence of leaks around all four side windows, and that the heater fan blows on all speeds.
Wonder if a paddle shift steering wheel & software update could be retro-fitted? I will have to investigate this for ours.
Enjoy the 7200rpm red line, and tunnels...
HTH.
Rev-happy revised 305hp engine makes it a pleasure to use all of the revs to the 7200rpm red line, all the time.
More oomph than the soft top alternatives, and none of those cosset their occupants with a hardtop roof, or ride over rough roads with such aplomb or control.
0-62mph in 5.4secs, with £280 road tax and 30mpg if you want it to.
Much quicker in a straight line, but less nimble through the twisties than our MINI Cooper SD...
A welcome addition which brings a very different and complementary set of talents to the fleet.
Other things to add:
Avoid "sports" suspension with 18" wheels, if you like a smooth ride.
Heated seats and Air Scarf is very nice - your wife will love it.
Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system is nice too, as is a transparent draught stop between the headrests.
Facelift 08 onwards cars shouldn't be affected by the earlier M272 engine balance shaft issues:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_en...
Check for evidence of leaks around all four side windows, and that the heater fan blows on all speeds.
Wonder if a paddle shift steering wheel & software update could be retro-fitted? I will have to investigate this for ours.
Enjoy the 7200rpm red line, and tunnels...
HTH.
With 2008 you are right on the facelift of the R171. Mines a 280 Sport facelift and I had a pre facelift 200 before.
Main facelift differences are the re-profiled nose, especially under the bumper, "tuning fork" indicator repeaters in the mirrors, squarer exhausts, stubby radio aerial, tinted rear lights, round front foglights with chrome bezels. Subtle, but effective.
You also get a more modern interior (black instead of silver buttons etc), nicer steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The COMAND system is updated (NTG2 I think it's called) and apparently is a big improvement (I never had the earlier version).
The suspension is way better in the facelift models too.
If you're buying a 280 (don't rule it out, same (limited) top speed and barely any slower to 60) the engine in the facelift is more efficient (economy/emissions) and in auto form sneaks into a much lower road tax bracket.
Sport spec well worth having, rear spoiler, diffuser, sexy 18 inch wheels, black headlight surrounds, black headlining, paddle shifters for the 7 speed auto (get auto), carbon interior trim, red stitching to black leather seats and wheel and red seatbelts (fantastic!).
Get COMAND, air scarf (heated seats standard with airscarf), leather (preferably Nappa). Dynamic steer fantastic if you can find one with it (two turns lock to lock).
Brilliant brilliant car, in Sport spec with Dynamic Steer its the thinking man's Boxster.
Main facelift differences are the re-profiled nose, especially under the bumper, "tuning fork" indicator repeaters in the mirrors, squarer exhausts, stubby radio aerial, tinted rear lights, round front foglights with chrome bezels. Subtle, but effective.
You also get a more modern interior (black instead of silver buttons etc), nicer steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The COMAND system is updated (NTG2 I think it's called) and apparently is a big improvement (I never had the earlier version).
The suspension is way better in the facelift models too.
If you're buying a 280 (don't rule it out, same (limited) top speed and barely any slower to 60) the engine in the facelift is more efficient (economy/emissions) and in auto form sneaks into a much lower road tax bracket.
Sport spec well worth having, rear spoiler, diffuser, sexy 18 inch wheels, black headlight surrounds, black headlining, paddle shifters for the 7 speed auto (get auto), carbon interior trim, red stitching to black leather seats and wheel and red seatbelts (fantastic!).
Get COMAND, air scarf (heated seats standard with airscarf), leather (preferably Nappa). Dynamic steer fantastic if you can find one with it (two turns lock to lock).
Brilliant brilliant car, in Sport spec with Dynamic Steer its the thinking man's Boxster.
Edited by Ari on Wednesday 28th May 17:56
Get yourself over to SLKWorld.com.
Loads of information and advice freely available and very friendly members.
I've had an '04 350 and now a '09 55.
Airscarf and Comand are must haves for resale but try and get one with as many toys as possible.
Much is retro-fittable but parts can be pricey. Again lots of DIY advice on the forum.
If your budget can cope, its well worth going for a facelift (post '08) model. Easily identified by the front bumper "missing tooth".
Later satnav is much better (NTG 2.5) and Logic 7 is worth having, though not a deal breaker.
"Cruisetronic" - I suspect it refers to the speed limiter. You can set a maximum speed so that you're always legal through roadworks etc
Good luck in your search.
Russ
Loads of information and advice freely available and very friendly members.
I've had an '04 350 and now a '09 55.
Airscarf and Comand are must haves for resale but try and get one with as many toys as possible.
Much is retro-fittable but parts can be pricey. Again lots of DIY advice on the forum.
If your budget can cope, its well worth going for a facelift (post '08) model. Easily identified by the front bumper "missing tooth".
Later satnav is much better (NTG 2.5) and Logic 7 is worth having, though not a deal breaker.
"Cruisetronic" - I suspect it refers to the speed limiter. You can set a maximum speed so that you're always legal through roadworks etc
Good luck in your search.
Russ
Still searching, widened the scope to include 280/300 as well as the 350 . Nearly all cars seem to be with Dealers and they tend to be rather over optimistic with their pricing. Seen 3 2008/2009 cars so far (latest today) all looking rather manky and sad with really bad paintwork and kerbed wheels. For the top money they are asking I'd like something that at least looks like its been cared for rather than used and abused.
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