Looking for an SLK - advice needed
Discussion
Hi all, looking for a car and trying to learn more..
Looking to spend up to £8K, the car is for daily use, I've been trying to find out about this facelift that happened in 2000? Was it just an engine range change (2 litre got a supercharger I see), or did they sort a few things out? Should I only get a facelift model? Also I assume I'll go auto as the manual gets slated (and I have a fun car tucked away so cruising mode fine), nonetheless should I get a 230 or a 320?
Looked at immaculate 'S' plate (29K miles) and a tatty 'W' so far. Was thinking of silver, with black interior as the light interiors seem to wear around the door pulls and ignition pretty quickly.
Appreciate any guidance!
Looking to spend up to £8K, the car is for daily use, I've been trying to find out about this facelift that happened in 2000? Was it just an engine range change (2 litre got a supercharger I see), or did they sort a few things out? Should I only get a facelift model? Also I assume I'll go auto as the manual gets slated (and I have a fun car tucked away so cruising mode fine), nonetheless should I get a 230 or a 320?
Looked at immaculate 'S' plate (29K miles) and a tatty 'W' so far. Was thinking of silver, with black interior as the light interiors seem to wear around the door pulls and ignition pretty quickly.
Appreciate any guidance!
320 is slightly quicker and only slightly thirstier - and didn't come out until after the facelift:
Auto:
230K: 0 to 62 in 7.3, combined mpg 28.8
320: 0 to 62 in 6.9, combined mpg 26.7
Man:
230K: 0 to 62 in 7.2. combined mpg 28.0
320: 0 to 62 in 7.0, combined mpg 24.8
But the 320 is much smoother and more refined. It also has more torque and 218 bhp against 197 for the 230K. You'll probably find that a used 320 has more toys than a used 230K as well.
Go for the best spec'd, best kept 320 you can find; mileage isn't really an issue on these cars.
Auto:
230K: 0 to 62 in 7.3, combined mpg 28.8
320: 0 to 62 in 6.9, combined mpg 26.7
Man:
230K: 0 to 62 in 7.2. combined mpg 28.0
320: 0 to 62 in 7.0, combined mpg 24.8
But the 320 is much smoother and more refined. It also has more torque and 218 bhp against 197 for the 230K. You'll probably find that a used 320 has more toys than a used 230K as well.
Go for the best spec'd, best kept 320 you can find; mileage isn't really an issue on these cars.
Edited by nickwilcock on Sunday 17th May 15:14
Having gone for a 230K for my wife's SLK, I would suggest going for the 320 and getting that extra torque. The 230K is fine for a cruiser, but it could do with a bit more grunt.
Other than that, check all the electrics work, especially the roof - try it several times when testing and make sure if folds up/down fully and that the windows and quarterlights move as they should. Check for any signs of seal damage/water ingress. SRS airbag lights can be an issue, as can some connectors/contacts in the rear brake lights. Look out for bolster wear on the driver's seat and rust in the arches, but really just get the best condition one you can find - there should be plenty of choice in your price bracket.
Our SLK is our first Merc and we both are very pleased with it (especially my wife who absolutely adores it and is vowing never to part with it), so much so I'm looking to get a Benz of my own (W124 320 CE). The SLK really is an all-year round car, its our main day-to-day car and in the winter with the metal roof up for weeks at a time, it really is like a little Coupé. It even coped well with the snow (well, as well as any RWD auto would!).
Other than that, check all the electrics work, especially the roof - try it several times when testing and make sure if folds up/down fully and that the windows and quarterlights move as they should. Check for any signs of seal damage/water ingress. SRS airbag lights can be an issue, as can some connectors/contacts in the rear brake lights. Look out for bolster wear on the driver's seat and rust in the arches, but really just get the best condition one you can find - there should be plenty of choice in your price bracket.
Our SLK is our first Merc and we both are very pleased with it (especially my wife who absolutely adores it and is vowing never to part with it), so much so I'm looking to get a Benz of my own (W124 320 CE). The SLK really is an all-year round car, its our main day-to-day car and in the winter with the metal roof up for weeks at a time, it really is like a little Coupé. It even coped well with the snow (well, as well as any RWD auto would!).
Only one problem with the 320 - the extra 136 bhp of the SLK32 AMG will soon come to your attention! It attracted mine - and the 0-60 in 4.8 sec pocket rocket is now mine!
Classic MB colours and always popular for resale! Plus you'll have a greater choice if you stick to those colours.
The best 2 accessories I bought for my SLK were a Garmin 'automotive' dash top mount for my GPS and a set of Roadster Concept 'Roadsterbags' - fitted luggage which optimises the boot space even with the top down!
jargle said:
Was thinking of silver, with black interior...
Classic MB colours and always popular for resale! Plus you'll have a greater choice if you stick to those colours.
Highway Star said:
The SLK really is an all-year round car, its our main day-to-day car and in the winter with the metal roof up for weeks at a time, it really is like a little coupé. It even coped well with the snow (well, as well as any RWD auto would!).
Amen to that! Last year, I decided to drive over to Germany just after Easter - only to encounter the worst weather for over 30 years. But not once did my '32 feel tricky or dangerous on icy Autobahns - IF driven wth respect for the conditions. When I drove from Bingen to Ulm, by the time I arrived in Ulm the car had a 'Bismark' ice moustache - which explained why it was running in the top of the water temperature range.The best 2 accessories I bought for my SLK were a Garmin 'automotive' dash top mount for my GPS and a set of Roadster Concept 'Roadsterbags' - fitted luggage which optimises the boot space even with the top down!
Edited by nickwilcock on Monday 18th May 19:34
Does it have to be an SLK? We have a 320 auto, and frankly it's utterly boring to drive.
Not that quick, lifeless steering, not great handling, and engine not in the same class as a BMW 3.0i.
Had a 3.0 Z3 that was miles better to drive, and you also didn't lose half the boot when the roof is folded.
Would have a Z3/Z4, or Boxster before an SLK. Wife loves it though!
Not that quick, lifeless steering, not great handling, and engine not in the same class as a BMW 3.0i.
Had a 3.0 Z3 that was miles better to drive, and you also didn't lose half the boot when the roof is folded.
Would have a Z3/Z4, or Boxster before an SLK. Wife loves it though!
Problem is, everyone hates BMW and Porsche drivers! The cloth roof on those cars is soooooooo last century - the SLK's metal roof is more secure and doesn't look like a Silver Cross pram either.
Fine car for cruising, although if cornering on the door handles is your thing, then I agree it isn't an out and out sports car. But it was never intended to be.
Fine car for cruising, although if cornering on the door handles is your thing, then I agree it isn't an out and out sports car. But it was never intended to be.
Edited by nickwilcock on Tuesday 19th May 08:19
I've had my SLK32 coming up for 2 years now and before that I had a SLK 230 6 years before that. Obviously the 32 is much faster and coupled with the AMG suspension it is a much harder ride but I just love her and would not part with her for anything else.
Make sure you look at the usual common places of possible corrosion particularly wheel arches and the boot (above the back number plate where the boot lock is - look at this closely preferably with the boot open at eye level!)
Whatever model you go for, good luck with your search (Oh I just wished I had my old one still, it was one of the originals but it was mint with very low mileage for its age!)
Make sure you look at the usual common places of possible corrosion particularly wheel arches and the boot (above the back number plate where the boot lock is - look at this closely preferably with the boot open at eye level!)
Whatever model you go for, good luck with your search (Oh I just wished I had my old one still, it was one of the originals but it was mint with very low mileage for its age!)
Thanks for the tips on what to look out for everyone, this is really helpful. I must confess I have a 993 in the garage, so that is my cross-country sprinter. The SLK will be a daily driver/sunny cruiser, and I understand that it is more of a GT than out-and-out sports car, but that's fine - my wife will use it also. Didn't know it had the AMG suspension, must see how that feels when I drive it. I noticed a nice 320 in the classifieds that has disappeared, so will keep looking. I shall let you know what I get!
The SLK32 AMG is the only SLK with the AMG suspension - the SLK320 has normal M-B suspension.
The SLK32 AMG also has a more fidgety 'speedshift' automatic gear box programme - but you eventually get used to it.
The SLK320 offers a more comfortable ride than the SLK32 AMG - but the extra bhp of the AMG from that supercharger is soooooooooo much fun!
The SLK32 AMG also has a more fidgety 'speedshift' automatic gear box programme - but you eventually get used to it.
The SLK320 offers a more comfortable ride than the SLK32 AMG - but the extra bhp of the AMG from that supercharger is soooooooooo much fun!
Bought it! 320, 2001, low mileage and it's exactly as you all described. Brilliant Silver, black leather, your comments about it being a GT car are spot on (and what I was looking for), wafting along when you want to, not a squeak or rattle and when I pressed down to overtake some cars two things happened, 1) it took off 2) I beamed. Great call on the engine. Couple of things to sort, the original (!) tyres (Michelin Pilots) will go soon, and bits of rust..as spookily predicted by Mystic Mercedes Meg
Now the search for a decent wind deflector begins..
Mercedes Lady said:
Make sure you look at the usual common places of possible corrosion particularly wheel arches and the boot (above the back number plate where the boot lock is - look at this closely preferably with the boot open at eye level!)
And...my wife turned to me smiling and said, 'You know, this so much nicer to be a passenger in than your Porsche!'Now the search for a decent wind deflector begins..
Edited by jargle on Wednesday 27th May 14:18
jargle said:
Bought it! 320, 2001, low mileage and it's exactly as you all described. Brilliant Silver, black leather, you're comments about it being a GT car are spot on (and what I was looking for), wafting along when you want to, not a squeak or rattle and when I pressed down to overtake some cars two things happened, 1) it took off 2) I beamed. Great call on the engine. Couple of things to sort, the original (!) tyres (Michelin Pilots) will go soon, and bits of rust..as spookily predicted by Mystic Mercedes Meg
Now the search for a decent wind deflector begins..
Try an S2000 deflector it is as effective and can be left up all the time with no rear visibility issue.Mercedes Lady said:
Make sure you look at the usual common places of possible corrosion particularly wheel arches and the boot (above the back number plate where the boot lock is - look at this closely preferably with the boot open at eye level!)
And...my wife turned to me smiling and said, 'You know, this so much nicer to be a passenger in than your Porsche!'Now the search for a decent wind deflector begins..
jargle said:
bits of rust..as spookily predicted by Mystic Mercedes Meg
We've just had a warranty claim agreed on a 52 plate SLK 230k for rust in the same place. Might be worth popping into your local MB dealer to see if they can get it done FOC for you. Worse case the might contribute towards the cost.Mercedes Lady said:
Make sure you look at the usual common places of possible corrosion particularly wheel arches and the boot (above the back number plate where the boot lock is - look at this closely preferably with the boot open at eye level!)
The paint man I spoke to talked about the possibility of MB recifying it, but you need to have owned the car for at least 6 months. You can get away without full MBSH. He has taken several cars back on behalf of owners, all bar one were subsequently paid for by MB. According to him it is something to with Indian steel not having the right level of zinc treatment. Thanks for raising this, I had no idea it might have been a possibility before I took it to the bodyshop.
Wind deflector - that S2000 one looks quite good. I've read loads of different opinions on the web. I'll look around at other SLKs - funny how you see more of them when you've bought one!
Wind deflector - that S2000 one looks quite good. I've read loads of different opinions on the web. I'll look around at other SLKs - funny how you see more of them when you've bought one!
I've just changed the tyres on my SLK - another set of Micehiln Pilot Sport PS2s. MUCH better than the original tyres, less tramlining and less road noise. Seem to have good overall recommendations.
As for the 'boot flap rust', this is where it appears:
Hope you enjoy your nice new car!
As for the 'boot flap rust', this is where it appears:
Hope you enjoy your nice new car!
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