SLK manual box that bad?

[maxp]

I've been looking closely at slk's around the £8-9k mark (1stgen/R170) but i've been told that the manual gearboxes have a lot to be desired. Is there much truth in the matter? Thanks!

[Not Ideal]

maxp said:

I've been looking closely at slk's around the £8-9k mark (1stgen/R170) but i've been told that the manual gearboxes have a lot to be desired. Is there much truth in the matter? Thanks!

1st gen ones yes. Notchy, heavy and slow.

[barne065]

I have an SLK 280 manual, the gears are a little heavy especially when cold, but my previous car was a MG TF 160 and now that I have driven the SLK for a while I love the gearbox.

[angusc43]

Bear in mind manual Mercs in general can be hard to sell on.

[74merc]

Does the SLK have a hand operated parking brake (handbrake) or a foot operated parking brake? If it's the latter, I would avoid. Trying doing a hill-start quickly after coming to a halt at traffic lights and you'll see what I mean.