SLK 320 - purchase advice?

[Julesx]

Hi

I am considering buying either an SLK 320. Around the 2000/2001 model.

Any advice/ownership highs or lows that I should be aware of?

Can anyone point me to any good links for a buyers guide.

Many thanks.

Jules

[5 wh]

Usual rust,electrical gremlins,and FSH a must.The 320 engine and auto gearbox are reliable and easy to maintain if they have been looked after.
There was a buyers guide a few months back,I think it was in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine.

[Julesx]

Thanks for that...............I'll look for a copy.

[74merc]

I wouldn't put too much faith in anything technical printed in Mercedes Enthusiast. Have a browse on www.mbclub.co.uk and you'll find all you need. From memory check the following:
Roof goes up and down ok
Rust on body
Rust underneath
Check everything works especially electrics
Check for wear on the interior trim

[Monkeylegend]

[quote=5 wh]Usual rust,electrical gremlins,and FSH a must.

Agree with the last one but not the first two.

[nickwilcock]

There's a six page 'Used Road Test' in the February 2009 edition of Mercedes Enthusiast. The car they tested was a 2000 X plate with 100000 miles on sale for £8750 with non-standard 235/40 tyres on 18" AMG wheels. This was their overview:

"With a brilliant V6 engine this charming roadster isnanfun drive, the original R170 SLK still an appealing prospect with droptop thrills and hardtop security - and now it also has really rather accessible prices too."

They loved it!

See http://www.mercedesenthusiast.co.uk/cgi-bin/get_is...

Edited by nickwilcock on Thursday 5th February 23:22

[Julesx]

"With a brilliant V6 engine this charming roadster isnanfun drive, the original R170 SLK still an appealing prospect with droptop thrills and hardtop security - and now it also has really rather accessible prices too."

It's comments like this that makes me want to rush out and buy one! ...............and why not...........I just need to make my mind up I suppose!!

I have driven a 200 kompressor and I liked it but I want at least a V6............

Thanks for your input, I'm off to the newsagents.

Cheers

Jules

[nickwilcock]

There's a chap on this site who wants to let his low mileage 320 go for a bargain price:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/142...

[Orb the Impaler]

Rust? On an old shape SLK?

I don't think so!

[lonny]

My 99 SLK - well looked after, always garaged etc - has rust inside all 4 wheelarches and this is common on early models. Apparently the paint was too thin in this area and leads to problems. If you are lucky MB will fix it under the coraosion warranty but mine hasn't been near an MB dealer in years so they won't fix it as I lack the service stamps.

Another common area is round the rear number plate although thankfully mine doesn't have this.

[GregE240]

Another thing to bear in mind is that the V6 has a dual spark engine, so theres 12 plugs in there, and they need replacing every 50,000 miles, so if you're somewhere near there, budget for a £200 bill from your Merc dealer (yes, I speak from experience...)

Also, the gearbox is better for regular oil changes (Merc will say it doesn't ned one, then gladly fit you a replacement for 2 grand when it sludges up and goes bang). Budget for about £150 for this.

[Orb the Impaler]

lonny said:

My 99 SLK - well looked after, always garaged etc - has rust inside all 4 wheelarches and this is common on early models.

Mine was a 2000 'V' (pre-facelift) and there wasn't a spot of rust on it; got rid of it last September at 107K.

This is in contrast to Mrs Orb(s) 2002 C220CDi Sportcoupe which is breaking out in scabrous patches all over the place - it's truly shocking. This is despite being garaged too.

[nickco201]

I am seriously considering a SLK 320 manual vs a porsche boxster to buy.... they both have their high points.... ! Any thoughts ?

[zenman63]

We almost got a Boxter until I read thay have engine problems, you just cannot better the roof on the slk anyway.


We are now selling the SLK 320, a link is on here.
but we need to sell it for a saloon again.
It als has Tip auto for manual changes.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Edited by zenman63 on Sunday 15th February 15:18

[nickwilcock]

JulesX, the chap on Benzworld.org is now only asking £8400 for what looks like a very nice 38000 mile 2003 SLK320 (new MoT and tax)........

[pneumothorax]

i've just bought one of these. 320 slk 81000 miles.silver. quite cheap i think at £6750 . car does have what sounds like usual rust on all four arches and a patch above number plate. these fora are invaluable as you really wouldnt think the car would have a patch on it, it looks pristine. not sure how quickly i'd need to get the arches done as it would appear that the rust is static, ie has anyone actually seen the problem spread on to the wings ? my other car has the same problem also a prestige marque. amazing how cars can be painted without extra protection in this area no?

[5 wh]

Orb the Impaler said:

Rust? On an old shape SLK?

I don't think so!

Youre kidding arent you.

Ive probably sold in excess of 20,maybe even 30 old shape slks and at least half have required remedial work for rust.

[jargle]

Jules, I just bought an '01/Y 320, took very helpful advice from Nick on here. Fantastic engine, you won't regret it. It had a patch of rust above rear boot button, and in arches, which I had done. If you ignore the rear arches they will rot through, metal is quite thin there. Really smooth cruiser, suprisingly quick and eats the miles. I saw that article, it sings their praises. Also, the headlamp units seem to hold moisture - I took mine part and replaced the inner gaskets which had become brittle. I'm not mechanically-minded, fortunately there are loads of tips on Benzworld.

It's a sporty car, rather than a sports car but I have been throwing it around corners and it is unfazed so far.

A hidden gem, classic looks, just watch out for the dodgy colour combos.

Happy hunting.

[nickwilcock]

Yes, a very nice car and I hope you enjoy many happy years with your SLK320.

If you're considering using your car for touring, you might be interested to know that you can buy fitted 'roadsterbag' luggage for the boot which will fit with the luggage cover screen in place - so you can go touring with the top down:



You can buy them on-line from http://www.roadster-concept.de/.

Mine served me well last year during a trip to the continent - and I'm off again in a few weeks to Lake Constance.....hurrah!!

Edited by nickwilcock on Wednesday 1st July 21:55

[Classy6]

My first post on this site. Wouldn't usually be of this description but it's my opinion & a-joined with some advice.

Just to get it out the way, I'm not a fan of the 170! No offence to those Owners, it's JUST an opinion.
Personally think the entire car looks very dated for the 00' era. They also use steering boxes still which I still can't get my head around.

Anywho... Things to look out for: Rust as aforementioned. However this goes for any Merc of the era, 210s (00 E class) are the worst culprits. They also seem to peel lacquer off the wheels a lot to leading to more corrosion. Steering dampers are very very common, although a two second fix. Lower ball joints also very common. Occasional Coilpacks & HT leads become brittle leading to misfires. Roof faults seem to be the most common though, typically a limit switch preventing the roof operation so don't forget to check that!

All in all, there not (mechanically) bad cars. Transmission is the standard 5 speed auto typically which in most respects is bullet proof. Can't go wrong a manual either. Definitely go for the 320 or 32 AMG. The kompressor is un-powered IMO & definitely won't give you that "I'm driving a MB sports car"

However it's a lot of car for the money these days