Old shape SLK, anything to watch out for?
Discussion
Not much apart from checking the roof mechanism.
Do watch for rust around the rear arches - I'm not talking C class levels here - it starts on the underneath lip and could work its way round onto the exterior part. No big deal and not really any worse than any other car.
I've heard of rust round the boot release - my 2000 had no sign whatsoever even at 110K.
Note that in March 2000 they were very lightly facelifted - easiest way to check is look at the door mirrors - if the indicators are built into the mirrors then it's facelifted.
Most parts (shocks, discs, filters and general consumables) cost peanuts from GSF. The cars themselves - if you are so inclined - are pretty DIY friendly.
Great cars - and they still retain the 1990s Merc solidity. I'd say the one I had was the best ownership experience of any car I've ever owned. Loved it - ok it's not the best handling of it's peer group and some complain of the auto box (which is nice) not being "sporty" but they're an excellent car.
Do watch for rust around the rear arches - I'm not talking C class levels here - it starts on the underneath lip and could work its way round onto the exterior part. No big deal and not really any worse than any other car.
I've heard of rust round the boot release - my 2000 had no sign whatsoever even at 110K.
Note that in March 2000 they were very lightly facelifted - easiest way to check is look at the door mirrors - if the indicators are built into the mirrors then it's facelifted.
Most parts (shocks, discs, filters and general consumables) cost peanuts from GSF. The cars themselves - if you are so inclined - are pretty DIY friendly.
Great cars - and they still retain the 1990s Merc solidity. I'd say the one I had was the best ownership experience of any car I've ever owned. Loved it - ok it's not the best handling of it's peer group and some complain of the auto box (which is nice) not being "sporty" but they're an excellent car.
Issues we have had with my wife's SLK320 (2000 Model Year/71,000 miles/owned for 4 1/2 years):
Rusting inner wheel arches.
Rusting around boot lock.
Power steering aux. belt failure.
Air con compressor failure.
Squeaky passenger seat (whatever position it is in).
Brake light bulb failure (you need tiny, tiny hands to access the bulb holder).
Don't bang your head (as I do EVERY time) when the boot is open and catch the lock mechanism on your skull.
Headlamps settings on dip beam - check level of beam.
Alloys can appear 'cloudy' if not cleaned/well maintained:
Other than the above, she loves it and we have been very pleased with the SLK.
Rusting inner wheel arches.
Rusting around boot lock.
Power steering aux. belt failure.
Air con compressor failure.
Squeaky passenger seat (whatever position it is in).
Brake light bulb failure (you need tiny, tiny hands to access the bulb holder).
Don't bang your head (as I do EVERY time) when the boot is open and catch the lock mechanism on your skull.
Headlamps settings on dip beam - check level of beam.
Alloys can appear 'cloudy' if not cleaned/well maintained:
Other than the above, she loves it and we have been very pleased with the SLK.
Edited by RESSE on Tuesday 7th September 14:45
Ow! That used to hurt - problem being it sticks out like the head of an axe. Hurts like the head of an axe too.Check the roof works. And then check again, and again.
Make sure the transmission fluid and filter have been changed.
Brake lights blowing is a common fault as people tend to sit on the brakes at the lights and the contact plate heats up. Eventually the contact plate gets so hot it comes away and the whole light cluster needs replacing.
Good cars though, my wife has always been really pleased with hers and we don't plan on changing it soon. You can look at costs etc. in my profile.
Make sure the transmission fluid and filter have been changed.
Brake lights blowing is a common fault as people tend to sit on the brakes at the lights and the contact plate heats up. Eventually the contact plate gets so hot it comes away and the whole light cluster needs replacing.
Good cars though, my wife has always been really pleased with hers and we don't plan on changing it soon. You can look at costs etc. in my profile.
Edited by Highway Star on Tuesday 7th September 15:53
RESSE said:
Issues we have had with my wife's SLK320 (2000 Model Year/71,000 miles/owned for 4 1/2 years):
Rusting inner wheel arches. - AGREEE
Rusting around boot lock. - AGREE
Power steering aux. belt failure.
Air con compressor failure. - AGREE
Squeaky passenger seat (whatever position it is in).
Brake light bulb failure (you need tiny, tiny hands to access the bulb holder).
Don't bang your head (as I do EVERY time) when the boot is open and catch the lock mechanism on your skull. - AGREE & AGREE!
Headlamps settings on dip beam - check level of beam.
Alloys can appear 'cloudy' if not cleaned/well maintained:
Other than the above, she loves it and we have been very pleased with the SLK.
I'd echo sentiments posted by others and see agreements above.Rusting inner wheel arches. - AGREEE
Rusting around boot lock. - AGREE
Power steering aux. belt failure.
Air con compressor failure. - AGREE
Squeaky passenger seat (whatever position it is in).
Brake light bulb failure (you need tiny, tiny hands to access the bulb holder).
Don't bang your head (as I do EVERY time) when the boot is open and catch the lock mechanism on your skull. - AGREE & AGREE!
Headlamps settings on dip beam - check level of beam.
Alloys can appear 'cloudy' if not cleaned/well maintained:
Other than the above, she loves it and we have been very pleased with the SLK.
Edited by RESSE on Tuesday 7th September 14:45
Last month in Merc forum there was a query theer on SLKs - I posted the following to add to the comments here..
"my wifes slk 230k has done 90k since buying 2nd hand in 06/2003 as a MY2001 (Y).
followed full service schedule and has been mechanically very reliable - one rear suspension joint at 90 quid and a locking rear caliper.
problems - needed a new heater blower last year and we had a very slow gearbox oil leak which lead to a suprious engine emissions light warning and then a safety lock out of box. a new seal and oil top up fixed it at a specialist. also bonnet latch jams due to dust and crap coming in through radator grill - needs a regular clean or you have problems shutting bonnet.
driving wise - recirc ball steering is crap (IMHO) as compared to my BMWs. quite comfy as a cruiser as such get an auto boxed one."
Ran one for 60,000 miles. The 230 sounds like a sewing machine sadly so the 320 would be my weapon of choice if I ever bought another. I had lots of niggly problems; squeaky parcel shelf, electrical gremlins and something expensive went wrong with the driveshaft, although the guy that fixed it pointed the finger at an earlier botched repair. I did love it though, comfy, relaxed, easy on fuel and better to drive than many would have you believe.
Edited by bennyboydurham on Wednesday 8th September 02:35
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