2006 SLK 280

[Belle427]

I’ve spotted this locally and quite fancy a look.
Anything to watch out for on them?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...

[georgeyboy12345]

Rust

[paulguitar]

Rusty rear sub frames.

Also, go for the 350 rather than the 280 if possible.

[Belle427]

paulguitar said:

Rusty rear sub frames.

Also, go for the 350 rather than the 280 if possible.

It will be a daily car so I think the V6 isn't really the best choice but thought it was worth a look as it appears very tidy.

[paulguitar]

Belle427 said:

paulguitar said:

Rusty rear sub frames.

Also, go for the 350 rather than the 280 if possible.

It will be a daily car so I think the V6 isn't really the best choice but thought it was worth a look as it appears very tidy.

The V6 is essential in my view, lovely engines. But, as I said, better to hold out for a 350 if possible. You get a useful amount more power and torque with no penalty in terms of VED/fuel consumption.

I had a 350 and enjoyed it. The subframe rust has become a well-known issue over the last few years though, so whichever one you go for, check for that carefully.

[Eddie Twadds]

I've had a similar era SLK200. 37mpg on a motorway run - 25mpg around town. Used it as a 14,000 mile per year commuter for 18 months and it was great. Nice noise but underpowered.

I now have a 2008 350 as a weekend toy. This is has 305bhp vs earlier 350s that had 272bhp. This does 33mpg on the motorway at 75ish. Around town expect 20 - 25mpg.

The 280 only has 230bhp yet drinks like the 350 so it makes much more sense to go for the extra ponies of the 350.

And rusty subframes as mentioned are a known issue. In some circumstances MB is doing FoC goodwill replacements. Join SLKWorld for more detailed info.

[braddo]

These m272 V6 engines have an issue with the balancer shaft until revision in later years. It seems to be when, not if. It turned me off getting an e class estate with the engine which is a shame as otherwise it seems a lovely engine.

Setting that aside, the 280 is plenty quick enough so I don’t agree that you should hold out for a 350 if you have this nice 280 nearby.

[Belle427]

I'd agree, the missus will be driving it most of the time and although I'd usually go for the biggest and best I think it will be enjoyable.
I did consider looking for a 200K but I don't think the running costs would be much different.

[paulguitar]

Belle427 said:

I'd agree, the missus will be driving it most of the time and although I'd usually go for the biggest and best I think it will be enjoyable.
I did consider looking for a 200K but I don't think the running costs would be much different.

I would definitely opt for the 6-cylinder, sweeter and sounds lovely. Perhaps a 280 will indeed fit the bill, the reason I'd suggested the 350 is that you get a very decent amount of extra grunt with no penalty, but the 280 might be just fine for the intended use of the car.

As advised above, watch out for the balance shaft issue. Check the VIN and avoid if it's within the range of potential failure. If it happens the result is a complete rebuild and a bill running into several thousand.

https://www.mercedesmedic.com/check-my-mercedes-be...

[Belle427]

Thanks for that, I may check it out but that does put me off it now.
Will see if the seller is ok with me doing the checks, I'm guessing as its an early car it may well be affected and if so I'd walk.

[cologne2792]

It's a September 06 car with an 05 plate - It comes up on Autotrader with £360 VED but in reality, it's £615.

Examine the rear subframe - carefully poke it with a very small screwdriver.

Balancer shaft issues would probably have shown up by now (60-80k miles) but be careful.

Check the roof works properly.

Check everything electrical works properly.

Look for rust, everywhere. They were galvanized from 2004 but, being Mercedes, they weren't done very well. Look for little rust bubbles on the front wings in particular.

It does have heated seats and airscarf though which is cool...or nicely warm as the case may be.

[Belle427]

cologne2792 said:

It's a September 06 car with an 05 plate - It comes up on Autotrader with £360 VED but in reality, it's £615.

Examine the rear subframe - carefully poke it with a very small screwdriver.

Balancer shaft issues would probably have shown up by now (60-80k miles) but be careful.

Check the roof works properly.

Check everything electrical works properly.

Look for rust, everywhere. They were galvanized from 2004 but, being Mercedes, they weren't done very well. Look for little rust bubbles on the front wings in particular.

It does have heated seats and airscarf though which is cool...or nicely warm as the case may be.

I wasn’t aware the tax is £615, excuse my stupidity but how so?
Edited to add I have looked online and it does seem as if it’s £615, will confirm with seller.

Edited by Belle427 on Monday 19th September 15:22

[cologne2792]

Belle427 said:

I wasn’t aware the tax is £615, excuse my stupidity but how so?

It didn't help that Auto Trader was basing it on the car being an 05, so it's easily missed.

Band K is capped at £360 from 01 March 2001 to 23 March 2006
After that, it jumps to £615.

I'm looking for an SLK / CLK but pre March 06 for that reason, as at that age it's a fair percentage value of the car.

If you buy a newer SLK, from 2008 they're direct injection (CGI I think Mercedes call it) and it drops back to £360. The economy improves considerably too.

[Belle427]

cologne2792 said:

Belle427 said:

I wasn’t aware the tax is £615, excuse my stupidity but how so?

It didn't help that Auto Trader was basing it on the car being an 05, so it's easily missed.

Band K is capped at £360 from 01 March 2001 to 23 March 2006
After that, it jumps to £615.

I'm looking for an SLK / CLK but pre March 06 for that reason, as at that age it's a fair percentage value of the car.

If you buy a newer SLK, from 2008 they're direct injection (CGI I think Mercedes call it) and it drops back to £360. The economy improves considerably too.

Thanks for that, saves some wasted time.

[trevalvole]

cologne2792 said:

Belle427 said:

I wasn’t aware the tax is £615, excuse my stupidity but how so?

It didn't help that Auto Trader was basing it on the car being an 05, so it's easily missed.

Band K is capped at £360 from 01 March 2001 to 23 March 2006
After that, it jumps to £615.

I'm looking for an SLK / CLK but pre March 06 for that reason, as at that age it's a fair percentage value of the car.

If you buy a newer SLK, from 2008 they're direct injection (CGI I think Mercedes call it) and it drops back to £360. The economy improves considerably too.

The 280 tends (perhaps depending on tyre size) to have a CO2 of less than 225g - that's why it is £360 tax. The pre-2008 350 has CO2 greater than 225g, so after 23/3/06 it is £615. My understanding is that the 2008-on 350 has CO2 of less than 225g, but isn't direct injection.

The second post in the following has the engine no/s for the balancer shaft problems (the first mentions that the CGI engine has up to 292PS, so can't be in the 2008-on 350 which has >300PS): https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/the-complete-m...