SLK - what do I need to know?
Discussion
In a couple of months we should be in a position to buy a replacement car for Mrs Harrytsg. She currently has a Ford Focus tddi, which has been a good solid car, running her up and down the M11 to and from work, but it's getting on in age as well as mileage and is to be replaced by an SLK.
Budget will be up to £10k, so we're looking for a 2005-8 model, engine size isn't decided but she is no speed freak and consumption is a consideration so the 200 was my default position.
An SLK is her choice of car, alternatives are not an option (so I'm told).
Anything to consider or look out for, or advice would be appreciated.
Budget will be up to £10k, so we're looking for a 2005-8 model, engine size isn't decided but she is no speed freak and consumption is a consideration so the 200 was my default position.
An SLK is her choice of car, alternatives are not an option (so I'm told).
Anything to consider or look out for, or advice would be appreciated.
Airscarf is a must and most women seem to want heated seats, or at least my wife did! Her car was a 2004 and the car tended to let in a little bit of water along the front edge of the door windows, allowing it to seep down the door and (often) in to the door speaker!
Regularly adjusted but it always came back, usually due to the window pulling on the rubber when cold or frosty.
Regularly adjusted but it always came back, usually due to the window pulling on the rubber when cold or frosty.
Edited by StephenP on Sunday 11th August 18:07
StephenP said:
Airscarf is a must
Why does everyone say this? I don't rate it at all and reckon it's just a gimmick.If it's cold enough to need an airscarf (not that they work that well anyway) then you're not going to be driving in a state of undress. Even my OH, who I am sure is a lizard under her skin, doesn't rate it.
Similarly - in my experience don't pay a penny extra for COMAND; if you're buying an 08 car it simply means you've got a really crap satnav with five year out of date maps.
Love my air scarf, works really well on cooler days. Heating on, heated seats on (standard with air scarf), air scarf wafting warmth about the neck, lovely. I even use it in winter with the top up on really cold days. Because it's electric it starts pumping heat into the cabin far quicker than the normal heater (although that warms up pretty quickly).
Love my COMAND too, and the fact that when the car goes in for service they update it with the very latest maps so it's always in date.
Mine is an 09 car though, with the NTG 2.5 (I think) so I don't know if they do this with earlier cars.
Having had a 2005 200K SLK manual and a 2009 280 Sport SLK auto my thoughts would be.
Ignore all the crap about manual boxes being rubbish, my SLK manual had a great gearbox, so if you like manual, go for it. They're rarer though.
All manuals are 6 speed, the 200K has a five speed auto, the V6 cars have 7 speed auto. I tried an auto 200K and didn't like it, it changed down constantly and unnecessarily. The 7G in the current car is totally different and way better.
I wouldn't have a V6 SLK without auto. I wouldn't have a 200K with auto.
If you can stretch to a facelift the suspension is far nicer. The 200K was rock hard even on 16 inch wheels. My 2009, even with 18 inch wheels, is a far better ride.
When I bought my 200K everyone said it would be gutless and I should get a V6. It wasn't, it went well (similar performance to my previous MX5 2.0 Sport). I still changed it for a V6 though, and it is a nicer car for it.
Options.
Must have:
Heated seats, air scarf, leather, upgraded alloys (even if same size). The standard alloys on pre facelift cars look like wheeltrims.
Preferable:
Parking sensors are nice, very slopey bonnet.
COMAND on facelift cars is brilliant, it comes with voice control which works well and an excellent sat nav that split screens and puts a display up between the speedo and tacho if you want it. Don't know about pre fecelift, my 200K didn't have it.
Nappa leather is nice.
Harmon Kardon is awesome but rare.
Sport (on facelift) well worth having. Adds black headlining, red contrast stitching, red seatbelts, rear spoiler, 18 inch wheels, dark headlight surrounds and a few other nice bits. Makes the car look a lot more purposeful.
Buy a tube of Gumi Pfledge and apply to all the rubber roof seals, keeps them malleable and helps stop rattles. (More info on SLKworld)
Love my COMAND too, and the fact that when the car goes in for service they update it with the very latest maps so it's always in date.
Mine is an 09 car though, with the NTG 2.5 (I think) so I don't know if they do this with earlier cars.
Having had a 2005 200K SLK manual and a 2009 280 Sport SLK auto my thoughts would be.
Ignore all the crap about manual boxes being rubbish, my SLK manual had a great gearbox, so if you like manual, go for it. They're rarer though.
All manuals are 6 speed, the 200K has a five speed auto, the V6 cars have 7 speed auto. I tried an auto 200K and didn't like it, it changed down constantly and unnecessarily. The 7G in the current car is totally different and way better.
I wouldn't have a V6 SLK without auto. I wouldn't have a 200K with auto.
If you can stretch to a facelift the suspension is far nicer. The 200K was rock hard even on 16 inch wheels. My 2009, even with 18 inch wheels, is a far better ride.
When I bought my 200K everyone said it would be gutless and I should get a V6. It wasn't, it went well (similar performance to my previous MX5 2.0 Sport). I still changed it for a V6 though, and it is a nicer car for it.
Options.
Must have:
Heated seats, air scarf, leather, upgraded alloys (even if same size). The standard alloys on pre facelift cars look like wheeltrims.
Preferable:
Parking sensors are nice, very slopey bonnet.
COMAND on facelift cars is brilliant, it comes with voice control which works well and an excellent sat nav that split screens and puts a display up between the speedo and tacho if you want it. Don't know about pre fecelift, my 200K didn't have it.
Nappa leather is nice.
Harmon Kardon is awesome but rare.
Sport (on facelift) well worth having. Adds black headlining, red contrast stitching, red seatbelts, rear spoiler, 18 inch wheels, dark headlight surrounds and a few other nice bits. Makes the car look a lot more purposeful.
Buy a tube of Gumi Pfledge and apply to all the rubber roof seals, keeps them malleable and helps stop rattles. (More info on SLKworld)
Oh, and most importantly, it is a brilliant brilliant car! I'm on my second and will almost certainly have another (provided I can afford it!)
Nothing else gives coupe security and sophistication with proper drop top roadster-ness with the top down. Drives well, handles well, quiet, comfortable, quick, well put together, great driving position, sensible economy and looks fantastic!
There's nothing like it I don't think.
Nothing else gives coupe security and sophistication with proper drop top roadster-ness with the top down. Drives well, handles well, quiet, comfortable, quick, well put together, great driving position, sensible economy and looks fantastic!
There's nothing like it I don't think.
Agree (to an extent) with Dogstar concerning the Command, as I am disappointed with the satnav (it goes to the road not the position within road - also unable to put in seven digit post code).
Saying that - prefer it to having to have an after market sat nav on windscreen, and happy with the sound.
Air scarf - I personally like it, but then I drive with roof down at every opportunity, scarf was nice in the colder weather.
Also it is nice on a really cold day with roof up, to warm you up as you get in (with roof up)
Think it depends on your seating position, how close your neck is to vents as to how much benefit you get.
iPod/telephone - my car did not have the factory option. I have an aftermarket parrot kit which works, yet looks out of place on my dash, and I have all the buttons on the dash designed by Mercedes for phone which do not operate operate it. Will upgrade at some stage.
iPod control is limited - when I upgrade phone connectivity, aiming to get more control over what I want to play (think at moment it is just an av socket at moment).
Roof - with roof up was noisy with creaks. Understand this is common problem, and have used silicone grease to successfully silence.
http://www.wickes.co.uk/silicone-lubricant-grease-...
Overall, am very pleased with my car.
As ARI suggests, would also suggest looking at www.slkworld.com
Edited to add - I have a 2005 car - so newer cars may have ironed out my problems?
Edited by nike 5 on Monday 12th August 13:39
All
Much appreciate the comments, auto is the preference so what difference does the 300 vs 200 make to consumption, bearing in mind its largely plodding up and down the motorway combined with local journeys, its unlikely to get hooned unless my TVR decides it doesnt want to work?
Buying second hand may decide on the air scarf on our behalf, depending on what is available, though I suspect its preferred regardless of its affect.
I'll have a look here later (when not at work).
As ARI suggests, would also suggest looking at www.slkworld.com
Much appreciate the comments, auto is the preference so what difference does the 300 vs 200 make to consumption, bearing in mind its largely plodding up and down the motorway combined with local journeys, its unlikely to get hooned unless my TVR decides it doesnt want to work?
Buying second hand may decide on the air scarf on our behalf, depending on what is available, though I suspect its preferred regardless of its affect.
I'll have a look here later (when not at work).
As ARI suggests, would also suggest looking at www.slkworld.com
Edited by Harrytsg on Monday 12th August 14:14
nike 5 said:
Agree (to an extent) with Dogstar concerning the Command, as I am disappointed with the satnav (it goes to the road not the position within road - also unable to put in seven digit post code).
Saying that - prefer it to having to have an after market sat nav on windscreen, and happy with the sound.
I suspect that with the 2011 onwards SLKs they'll be selling a lot less COMANDs; the addon Becker satnav module is very good indeed (got mine for £225 brand new from a seller in Germany), does all the voice control, split screen, display between clocks. Also full bluetooth phone/music, USB storage (with album art) etc etc. That's with the standard sound system. It's a little black box the size of a fag packet that plugs into a slot at the back of the glove box. Saying that - prefer it to having to have an after market sat nav on windscreen, and happy with the sound.
ETA : I've just updated mine with speed cameras and "danger zones".
(Obviously that's no help if you're pre 2011).
I'm on my third folding top Merc now, 2000 R170 SLK230, 2002 R230 SL500 and 2012 R172 SLK250. I don't anticipate a different car next year when I get another.
Love them. Still won't be speccing airscarf though
Dog Star said:
Why does everyone say this? I don't rate it at all and reckon it's just a gimmick.
If it's cold enough to need an airscarf (not that they work that well anyway) then you're not going to be driving in a state of undress. Even my OH, who I am sure is a lizard under her skin, doesn't rate it.
Similarly - in my experience don't pay a penny extra for COMAND; if you're buying an 08 car it simply means you've got a really crap satnav with five year out of date maps.
Because it does work If it's cold enough to need an airscarf (not that they work that well anyway) then you're not going to be driving in a state of undress. Even my OH, who I am sure is a lizard under her skin, doesn't rate it.
Similarly - in my experience don't pay a penny extra for COMAND; if you're buying an 08 car it simply means you've got a really crap satnav with five year out of date maps.
The one on my wife's car worked brilliantly she won't have another without it. Maybe yours was broken?
Harrytsg said:
All
Much appreciate the comments, auto is the preference so what difference does the 300 vs 200 make to consumption, bearing in mind its largely plodding up and down the motorway combined with local journeys, its unlikely to get hooned unless my TVR decides it doesnt want to work?
Buying second hand may decide on the air scarf on our behalf, depending on what is available, though I suspect its preferred regardless of its affect.
I'll have a look here later (when not at work).
As ARI suggests, would also suggest looking at www.slkworld.com
Being a geek, I can help you there. Bear in mind I work from home, so my driving is either short journeys to shops, friends, etc or realy long journeys (100 miles minimum).Much appreciate the comments, auto is the preference so what difference does the 300 vs 200 make to consumption, bearing in mind its largely plodding up and down the motorway combined with local journeys, its unlikely to get hooned unless my TVR decides it doesnt want to work?
Buying second hand may decide on the air scarf on our behalf, depending on what is available, though I suspect its preferred regardless of its affect.
I'll have a look here later (when not at work).
As ARI suggests, would also suggest looking at www.slkworld.com
My 2005 SLK 200K manual, over 12 months averaged 31.53mpg (roughly!
) Best was 39.8mpg (long gentle empty motorway run), worst 24.3mpg (mostly round town mileage). I'm going to guess (but don't know) that a 200K auto wouldn't be anything like as good. My 2009 SLK 280 Sport auto (facelift - important as the facelift engine is slightly more efficient) over 12 months (but with less long runs) is currently averaging 26.69mpg with a best of 36.4mpg (long A roads and motorways journey) and a worst of 15.5 (but that is very much the exception. It was basically used for a couple of weeks for very short runs, and never ran warm then filled for a long journey).
The 3.0 auto doesn't like round town work (in terms of MPG at least, it's a great car in town otherwise, very relaxing). If I'm not doing any medium to long runs so it's all round town stuff I'll expect 20-25mpg. But the flip side is that by definition, I'm not going far at that fuel burn rate so I'm not that bothered (although occassionally I'll cringe at the fact that my partner's Golf diesel hits 30mpg on her trip computer from a cold start by the end of her road!
)On a run of over 50 miles it'll almost always hit 30mpg and by the time I reach 100 miles it's generally hovering at 32-33mpg.
A few weeks ago I had a rather "spirited" run home, 100 miles, roof down (bad for aerodynamics), air con on (it was very hot), all A roads and plenty of big throttle openings. I still got 26mpg.
I think, for the weight and style and performance, it's very good.
Should also say that the MPG is worked out "properly" via mileage and fuel fills, not by the trip computer. For the record, my 2005 car over-read by 10% (so 33mpg would be 30mpg real). My current car is absolutely spot on! What I calculate, it shows, unless I've not been accurate brimming the tank.
Edited by Ari on Monday 12th August 15:37
StephenP said:
Because it does work
The one on my wife's car worked brilliantly she won't have another without it. Maybe yours was broken?
It was definitely not broken (on my old SL that was probably the only thing that DIDN't break The one on my wife's car worked brilliantly she won't have another without it. Maybe yours was broken?
) My point is that I wouldn't be paying a premium for it on a used Merc. (A good idea is to get last years/the years before that) upgrade discs; they're a fraction the cost of the latest ones. ISTR getting mine from some place in Scotland.
Anyway - I have hijacked the OPs thread; apologies OP
Dog Star said:
It was definitely not broken (on my old SL that was probably the only thing that DIDN't break ) My point is that I wouldn't be paying a premium for it on a used Merc.
(A good idea is to get last years/the years before that) upgrade discs; they're a fraction the cost of the latest ones. ISTR getting mine from some place in Scotland.
Anyway - I have hijacked the OPs thread; apologies OP
Apologies, see what you mean and I agree, I wouldn't expect a car to cost more because of it but I would try to get one with it fitted.) My point is that I wouldn't be paying a premium for it on a used Merc. (A good idea is to get last years/the years before that) upgrade discs; they're a fraction the cost of the latest ones. ISTR getting mine from some place in Scotland.
Anyway - I have hijacked the OPs thread; apologies OP
Ari said:
Being a geek, I can help you there. Bear in mind I work from home, so my driving is either short journeys to shops, friends, etc or realy long journeys (100 miles minimum).
My 2005 SLK 200K manual, over 12 months averaged 31.53mpg (roughly! ) Best was 39.8mpg (long gentle empty motorway run), worst 24.3mpg (mostly round town mileage). I'm going to guess (but don't know) that a 200K auto wouldn't be anything like as good.
My 2009 SLK 280 Sport auto (facelift - important as the facelift engine is slightly more efficient) over 12 months (but with less long runs) is currently averaging 26.69mpg with a best of 36.4mpg (long A roads and motorways journey) and a worst of 15.5 (but that is very much the exception. It was basically used for a couple of weeks for very short runs, and never ran warm then filled for a long journey).
The 3.0 auto doesn't like round town work (in terms of MPG at least, it's a great car in town otherwise, very relaxing). If I'm not doing any medium to long runs so it's all round town stuff I'll expect 20-25mpg. But the flip side is that by definition, I'm not going far at that fuel burn rate so I'm not that bothered (although occassionally I'll cringe at the fact that my partner's Golf diesel hits 30mpg on her trip computer from a cold start by the end of her road! )
On a run of over 50 miles it'll almost always hit 30mpg and by the time I reach 100 miles it's generally hovering at 32-33mpg.
A few weeks ago I had a rather "spirited" run home, 100 miles, roof down (bad for aerodynamics), air con on (it was very hot), all A roads and plenty of big throttle openings. I still got 26mpg.
I think, for the weight and style and performance, it's very good.
Should also say that the MPG is worked out "properly" via mileage and fuel fills, not by the trip computer. For the record, my 2005 car over-read by 10% (so 33mpg would be 30mpg real). My current car is absolutely spot on! What I calculate, it shows, unless I've not been accurate brimming the tank.
Air, My 2005 SLK 200K manual, over 12 months averaged 31.53mpg (roughly!
) Best was 39.8mpg (long gentle empty motorway run), worst 24.3mpg (mostly round town mileage). I'm going to guess (but don't know) that a 200K auto wouldn't be anything like as good. My 2009 SLK 280 Sport auto (facelift - important as the facelift engine is slightly more efficient) over 12 months (but with less long runs) is currently averaging 26.69mpg with a best of 36.4mpg (long A roads and motorways journey) and a worst of 15.5 (but that is very much the exception. It was basically used for a couple of weeks for very short runs, and never ran warm then filled for a long journey).
The 3.0 auto doesn't like round town work (in terms of MPG at least, it's a great car in town otherwise, very relaxing). If I'm not doing any medium to long runs so it's all round town stuff I'll expect 20-25mpg. But the flip side is that by definition, I'm not going far at that fuel burn rate so I'm not that bothered (although occassionally I'll cringe at the fact that my partner's Golf diesel hits 30mpg on her trip computer from a cold start by the end of her road!
)On a run of over 50 miles it'll almost always hit 30mpg and by the time I reach 100 miles it's generally hovering at 32-33mpg.
A few weeks ago I had a rather "spirited" run home, 100 miles, roof down (bad for aerodynamics), air con on (it was very hot), all A roads and plenty of big throttle openings. I still got 26mpg.
I think, for the weight and style and performance, it's very good.
Should also say that the MPG is worked out "properly" via mileage and fuel fills, not by the trip computer. For the record, my 2005 car over-read by 10% (so 33mpg would be 30mpg real). My current car is absolutely spot on! What I calculate, it shows, unless I've not been accurate brimming the tank.
Edited by Ari on Monday 12th August 15:37
Many thanks for the comprehensive reply, I'm not sure the money will stretch to the facelift, but as I get closer I will certainly bear it in mind.
It should be freezing in a couple of weeks (probably) so prices may drop...........or maybe it's too much wishful thinking.
No apologies necessary Dog Star, to be honest I hadn't even thought about the in built sat nav, I very much doubt we will get anywhere near a 2011 car so making sure the sat nav works and checking how up to date it is is another thing to bear in mind.
Edited by Harrytsg on Monday 12th August 19:21
Harrytsg said:
Air,
Many thanks for the comprehensive reply, I'm not sure the money will stretch to the facelift, but as I get closer I will certainly bear it in mind.
It should be freezing in a couple of weeks (probably) so prices may drop...........or maybe it's too much wishful thinking.
You're welcome.Many thanks for the comprehensive reply, I'm not sure the money will stretch to the facelift, but as I get closer I will certainly bear it in mind.
It should be freezing in a couple of weeks (probably) so prices may drop...........or maybe it's too much wishful thinking.
Prices of the R171 facelift are coming down all the time (Grrr..!!), I guess as the current shape one filters onto the used market.
I'd not noticed much seasonal shift in price when I was looking but you never know.
I can certainly vouch for Ari's advice as I followed it when getting my 280 in June. I spent a couple of grand more than I originally intended to get a facelift but I'm so glad I did having tried both, the main difference being ride quality.
The 7g auto box has taken a little getting used to, mainly when coming off dual carriageway roundabouts where it feels in too higher gear. A slightly heavier right foot or as I do, driving in "sport" mode everywhere
soon sorts this out.
Averaging 26mpg since we've had it and certainly haven't hung around in it. It's a competent, comfortable cruiser when needed and a bit of an animal when you let loose.
The essential option has to be parking sensors, I still can't fathom how long the bonnet is.
The 7g auto box has taken a little getting used to, mainly when coming off dual carriageway roundabouts where it feels in too higher gear. A slightly heavier right foot or as I do, driving in "sport" mode everywhere
soon sorts this out. Averaging 26mpg since we've had it and certainly haven't hung around in it. It's a competent, comfortable cruiser when needed and a bit of an animal when you let loose.
The essential option has to be parking sensors, I still can't fathom how long the bonnet is.
- goes off to browse slk55's **
And............didn't buy either.
One was black, auto, airscarf, but tatty seat, and a couple of scratches
The other silver, manual, better tidier car, .......
And then she saw a VW Eos ... And have now spent the rest of the day going round and round in circles.
I suspect the SLK will win the day...... Watch this space.
One was black, auto, airscarf, but tatty seat, and a couple of scratches
The other silver, manual, better tidier car, .......
And then she saw a VW Eos ... And have now spent the rest of the day going round and round in circles.
I suspect the SLK will win the day...... Watch this space.
Harrytsg said:
And............didn't buy either.
One was black, auto, airscarf, but tatty seat, and a couple of scratches
The other silver, manual, better tidier car, .......
And then she saw a VW Eos ... And have now spent the rest of the day going round and round in circles.
I suspect the SLK will win the day...... Watch this space.
Carefull with the EOS. Plenty with leaky roof seals, the dealers struggle curing them. If your going VAG better with a TT roadster. (for my money I'd still have an SLK)One was black, auto, airscarf, but tatty seat, and a couple of scratches
The other silver, manual, better tidier car, .......
And then she saw a VW Eos ... And have now spent the rest of the day going round and round in circles.
I suspect the SLK will win the day...... Watch this space.
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