R171 SLK55 buying advice
Discussion
Hi guys. So the mrs has decided she is fed up of her CLC220 cdi and the terribly poor low end. So, in response to this, naturally, I have convinced her that her low end power problems would be solved by an SLK55 AMG - and to my surprise she has agreed.
So the plan is that, in approx 2-3 months, we'll start looking and get her in one just in time for the weather to be getting better.
I currently own a modified SL55 AMG which seems to share little other than the engine block with the car, so know very little about the must haves and must watch out for.
So what options are an absolute must have? I would want the air scarf, heated seats, parking sensors, xenon lights - are these all options or standard?
What are other must have options? Keyless is nice to have, so is pano roof - is this available on the SLK?
How easy are these cars to live with? The mrs doesn't put her foot down other than when on a motorway, but I do. In all honesty, the last month has resulted in my SL55 having 3 useful gears due to wheelspin - how is the SLK?
Any advice appreciated!
So the plan is that, in approx 2-3 months, we'll start looking and get her in one just in time for the weather to be getting better.
I currently own a modified SL55 AMG which seems to share little other than the engine block with the car, so know very little about the must haves and must watch out for.
So what options are an absolute must have? I would want the air scarf, heated seats, parking sensors, xenon lights - are these all options or standard?
What are other must have options? Keyless is nice to have, so is pano roof - is this available on the SLK?
How easy are these cars to live with? The mrs doesn't put her foot down other than when on a motorway, but I do. In all honesty, the last month has resulted in my SL55 having 3 useful gears due to wheelspin - how is the SLK?
Any advice appreciated!
First off does your mrs drive your SL55 ? if she is like mine then the thought of driving a 'pretty little two seater' goes out the window when they feel the performance on tap. Mine does not like driving ours says it's too fast 'and scary' (??). What i'm saying is she might have no idea that these are serious machines. Maybe a SLK200 is more suited if she is not a speed freak.
However, the good stuff and reply to your post.
The entire engine is shared minus the supercharger. so, more than you think.
Air scarf is a must. Mbenz wind deflector very good amd easily available on ebay. if one included, bonus.
Xenons are standard on SLK55. Park Tronic was an option but should be on most SLK55's - think it was a cheap option when new. No such thing as keyless on R171. Factory remote roof opening from fob a rare option nice to have, but easily fixed via SmartTop install
Lots of parts are shared with Similar age CLK/C class, so not much 'AMG' stuff to consider and servicing etc pretty cheap/good. no ABC or air suspension. pretty simple underpinnings.
If you can get Harmon Kardon sound, it's good.
No Panoramic roof, not even an option.
Beware of worn front discs, Two-part floating discs are not available aftermarket (if you get 2005-2007 model) and cost a fortune, £1500 fitted at MB, reckon at least £1300 at indy. There are alternatives, see my thread in readers cars.
roof seals need regular attention. like your SL55.
Lots of silver and black, a few blue. I personally didn't like it in silver but colour is so personal.
2nd cat delete liberates a bit of noise. probably enough for the Mrs if it's her main driver.
2nd cat delete and X-Pipe in place of resonator gives TVR rivaling noise. maybe too much for the Mrs but depends if she likes that sort of thing.
Stone chips on the bonnet common. easy repair but worth checking.
Heated seasts (lower element where your backside goes) prone to failure, very common R171 fault. easy fix available on web using webbing electirc elements, OEN replacements are £700 a side - ouch!
not bad on fuel, on cruise control on motorway at 70 you can get 28 MPG according to computer.
Low mileage doesn't mean best car. always go for history and with this sort of car it's more the buyer your buying from than the car in some instances. They are very rugged though and drivetrains are bulletproof.
However check for a jerk between 2nd and 3rd on 7G-Tronic. if it's still there after warm up walk away. can be costly to fix. Some big cost M113 Motor reparis can be main crank seal gone (gearbox off job) and valve cover clean & replace. Also with 16 plugs make sure they got done at 40k miles and the gearbox oil and filter has been done. hey are not best left 'sealed for life' as per MB.
If you can get one before the weather picks up you might get a bargain. Prices can go up in spring !
If you can get the car to a good MB Indy before purchase that will be a good idea, dont bother with AA/RAC.
Some pics of mine. i'm 13 months in and love it. i looked at three before coming accross this. wasn't like this when i got it, needed a deep detail.
However, the good stuff and reply to your post.
The entire engine is shared minus the supercharger. so, more than you think.
Air scarf is a must. Mbenz wind deflector very good amd easily available on ebay. if one included, bonus.
Xenons are standard on SLK55. Park Tronic was an option but should be on most SLK55's - think it was a cheap option when new. No such thing as keyless on R171. Factory remote roof opening from fob a rare option nice to have, but easily fixed via SmartTop install
Lots of parts are shared with Similar age CLK/C class, so not much 'AMG' stuff to consider and servicing etc pretty cheap/good. no ABC or air suspension. pretty simple underpinnings.
If you can get Harmon Kardon sound, it's good.
No Panoramic roof, not even an option.
Beware of worn front discs, Two-part floating discs are not available aftermarket (if you get 2005-2007 model) and cost a fortune, £1500 fitted at MB, reckon at least £1300 at indy. There are alternatives, see my thread in readers cars.
roof seals need regular attention. like your SL55.
Lots of silver and black, a few blue. I personally didn't like it in silver but colour is so personal.
2nd cat delete liberates a bit of noise. probably enough for the Mrs if it's her main driver.
2nd cat delete and X-Pipe in place of resonator gives TVR rivaling noise. maybe too much for the Mrs but depends if she likes that sort of thing.
Stone chips on the bonnet common. easy repair but worth checking.
Heated seasts (lower element where your backside goes) prone to failure, very common R171 fault. easy fix available on web using webbing electirc elements, OEN replacements are £700 a side - ouch!
not bad on fuel, on cruise control on motorway at 70 you can get 28 MPG according to computer.
Low mileage doesn't mean best car. always go for history and with this sort of car it's more the buyer your buying from than the car in some instances. They are very rugged though and drivetrains are bulletproof.
However check for a jerk between 2nd and 3rd on 7G-Tronic. if it's still there after warm up walk away. can be costly to fix. Some big cost M113 Motor reparis can be main crank seal gone (gearbox off job) and valve cover clean & replace. Also with 16 plugs make sure they got done at 40k miles and the gearbox oil and filter has been done. hey are not best left 'sealed for life' as per MB.
If you can get one before the weather picks up you might get a bargain. Prices can go up in spring !
If you can get the car to a good MB Indy before purchase that will be a good idea, dont bother with AA/RAC.
Some pics of mine. i'm 13 months in and love it. i looked at three before coming accross this. wasn't like this when i got it, needed a deep detail.
Edited by rgv250ads on Wednesday 21st January 16:26
Edited by rgv250ads on Wednesday 21st January 16:31
Edited by rgv250ads on Wednesday 21st January 16:34
Edited by rgv250ads on Wednesday 21st January 16:52
All good advice from RGV250.
I bought mine in June 2012 and must have looked at half a dozen before making the purchase. They are getting on a bit now with the oldest cars coming up to 10 years old- this means that they've fallen into what Quentin Willson always called ' white sock' territory- that is some are falling into hands of those that scrimp on servicing and maintenance.
Just as there are some dogs out there - persevere- I found mine- owned by an elderly accountant who never drove it in winter and cherished it with 23k on when I bought it - I've now got it up to 38k
Bad points: the interior is a bit plasticky and certainly not what you would expect in a car that was £50k + new. I went for the duo tone leather to try and brighten it up. You can get some stunning designo colours ( mocha looks stunning - like a black with a brown flake in it) I even saw a yellowy / green one - think it was chablis with a tan interior- stunning- most however seem to be black or silver.
I bought mine in June 2012 and must have looked at half a dozen before making the purchase. They are getting on a bit now with the oldest cars coming up to 10 years old- this means that they've fallen into what Quentin Willson always called ' white sock' territory- that is some are falling into hands of those that scrimp on servicing and maintenance.
Just as there are some dogs out there - persevere- I found mine- owned by an elderly accountant who never drove it in winter and cherished it with 23k on when I bought it - I've now got it up to 38k
Bad points: the interior is a bit plasticky and certainly not what you would expect in a car that was £50k + new. I went for the duo tone leather to try and brighten it up. You can get some stunning designo colours ( mocha looks stunning - like a black with a brown flake in it) I even saw a yellowy / green one - think it was chablis with a tan interior- stunning- most however seem to be black or silver.
I test drove a black one with cream/beige interior. SLK55, 2005.
Was really smart and i have kept a search on ebay for seats and door cards and dash in the hope i can get an interior one day and swap it over.
As SLK32 said, Designo interiors really rare but if you find one lucky you, i've seen one at a few Merc Meets and they are very very tasty.
Was really smart and i have kept a search on ebay for seats and door cards and dash in the hope i can get an interior one day and swap it over.
As SLK32 said, Designo interiors really rare but if you find one lucky you, i've seen one at a few Merc Meets and they are very very tasty.
RGV250 has covered the main points. Absolutely fantastic cars, I love mine. There are plenty of good examples if you look hard enough. I didn't think I would, but I found myself preferring the car in silver. Performance is impressive and the noise is unreal if you get the xpipe fitted. Mileage has little influence on these, lower actually isn't necessarily a good thing. 2005 models carry much cheaper tax than later examples.
Edited by CaptainRAVE on Wednesday 21st January 22:03
I'd try and avoid the <£15k cars though - I've seen 3 now and none were much good. I'm aware that they're 10 years old and had 75k and above mileage, but even considering that, I was disappointed.
Yet stretch to £16-17k and you can get <50k miles and ones in much nicer condition. Prices will be starting to firm up now that Christmas is over and spring is getting close...
Another point to add - the cars made within the first 18 months had the six pot caliper brakes- after that they went to four with the 6 being a cost option - most buyers did not take this up. Also, as has aeady been mentioned tax- after April 2006 it goes up to £485 as opposed to £285 on the earlier cars
Find a good one and you won't regret it
Find a good one and you won't regret it
Thanks for the info guys, it seems there's little to put me off buying one as all comments seem generally positive.
How many miles of mixed use driving will the discs last? I will be getting an early car so the earlier brakes will have to be lived with, but I'd like an idea of longevity.
ETA I once saw a lovely SLK55 in a pearlescent white colour that the mrs loved - any idea if it was an MB colour or aftermarket?
How many miles of mixed use driving will the discs last? I will be getting an early car so the earlier brakes will have to be lived with, but I'd like an idea of longevity.
ETA I once saw a lovely SLK55 in a pearlescent white colour that the mrs loved - any idea if it was an MB colour or aftermarket?
Edited by vinnie83 on Thursday 22 January 15:13
vinnie83 said:
Thanks for the info guys, it seems there's little to put me off buying one as all comments seem generally positive.
How many miles of mixed use driving will the discs last? I will be getting an early car so the earlier brakes will have to be lived with, but I'd like an idea of longevity.
ETA I once saw a lovely SLK55 in a pearlescent white colour that the mrs loved - any idea if it was an MB colour or aftermarket?
Mine were at 44k miles before changed they were on their last legs. Beyond minimum thickness and terribly corroded, seemed dangerously so to me, snap enducing levels of corrosion.How many miles of mixed use driving will the discs last? I will be getting an early car so the earlier brakes will have to be lived with, but I'd like an idea of longevity.
ETA I once saw a lovely SLK55 in a pearlescent white colour that the mrs loved - any idea if it was an MB colour or aftermarket?
Edited by vinnie83 on Thursday 22 January 15:13
You can get White SLK55's in later years, i think '08 onwards. It is most likely wrapped though if it's an earlier car.
Will be very interested to follow your purchase stories and experiences. keep us updated !
rusticRob said:
I am just about to replace the 2 piece discs on mine at 70,000 miles (original discs I believe)
Have been quoted, supply only £920 for a pair of discs from my local MB dealer.
Is it likely you'll go for that or try the other option of modding CLK55 Discs to fit? Saving of £800....Have been quoted, supply only £920 for a pair of discs from my local MB dealer.
Japeries said:
As a daily driver I would be looking at the 350 rather than the 55. Cheaper to buy and maintain, better ride quality and you lose very little apart from the V8 noise! V6 does sound pretty good when pressing on anyway.
Other than petrol cost, the 55 costs very little more to maintain (unless you have the expensive front discs, but even then that is a change that you don't make often). In terms of performance, the 55 is in another league. CaptainRAVE said:
Other than petrol cost, the 55 costs very little more to maintain (unless you have the expensive front discs, but even then that is a change that you don't make often). In terms of performance, the 55 is in another league.
In the real world you can't even use the full performance of the 350 so any on paper increase that the 55 has is academic unless you take it on track, in which case there are much better cars to be looking at. In daily use the increased fuel consumption could be significant, depending on mileage and the OP is buying for his wife who isn't a fast driver anyway so what's the point apart from the pose factor?If money is no object then get the 55 and enjoy the V8, but the OP is looking at an early one so clearly doesn't have unlimited funds, in which case a newer lower mileage 350 would be a better option for his wife in my opinion.
I have an SL500 and my good lady has a R171 SLK350 and it's a fantastic fun car. Oddly enough she's recently mentioned a desire for an SLK55 and we have been looking(ish) but she's only had the current SLK for 6 months so we probably won't change it until the summer (if at all).
The 350 is a respectable performer, until I bought my SL I had a TVR Chimaera and always thought the SLK was "there or thereabouts" in real world performance and a massive leap in comfort.
We looked a a lot of R171s before buying hers, and even then the one we bought had the usual broken seat heating element (as mentioned, an easy/cheap repair at £60 for a carbon fibre insert). Her airscarf is lovely (wish I had that in the SL) and that was a 40k miler.
I'd recommend test driving a 350 and a 55, you may find the 350 is more than enough and the insurance is a little cheaper too.
In silver with a black interior it's a good looking car. we'll be taking it in to Infinity exhausts next Saturday to have some exhaust mods (her one complaint is that it is too quiet).
The ride quality on the SLK isn't as good as the SL, no that's probably unfair, the ride quality feels a little harsher in the SLK but that may be because the SL is heavier and therefor pounds all of the bumps into submission.
I'd definitely recommend trying them both and now is a good time to do it as with the roads being a little "slippery" she'll get a good feel for how they both cope in those conditions.
The 350 is a respectable performer, until I bought my SL I had a TVR Chimaera and always thought the SLK was "there or thereabouts" in real world performance and a massive leap in comfort.
We looked a a lot of R171s before buying hers, and even then the one we bought had the usual broken seat heating element (as mentioned, an easy/cheap repair at £60 for a carbon fibre insert). Her airscarf is lovely (wish I had that in the SL) and that was a 40k miler.
I'd recommend test driving a 350 and a 55, you may find the 350 is more than enough and the insurance is a little cheaper too.
In silver with a black interior it's a good looking car. we'll be taking it in to Infinity exhausts next Saturday to have some exhaust mods (her one complaint is that it is too quiet).
The ride quality on the SLK isn't as good as the SL, no that's probably unfair, the ride quality feels a little harsher in the SLK but that may be because the SL is heavier and therefor pounds all of the bumps into submission.
I'd definitely recommend trying them both and now is a good time to do it as with the roads being a little "slippery" she'll get a good feel for how they both cope in those conditions.
It's not unfortunately!
See here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
So I need to find a replacement before she can swap!
See here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
So I need to find a replacement before she can swap!
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