SLK Diesel ..... Yes or No
Discussion
I'm considering getting an SLK as second car. My early research suggests that the diesels are well reviewed but I'm not certain how a diesel sits with me in respect of a convertible, so I'm seeking input from SLK owners on what choice of engine they chose and why.
Im not anti diesel as my daily driver is a BMW 520d just to place that in context
All views appreciated
Im not anti diesel as my daily driver is a BMW 520d just to place that in context
All views appreciated
rgw2012 said:
A diesel in a convertible just goes against the grain - part of the open top motoring experience for me includes hearing a decent exhaust/induction note so I would rule out any diesel in any convertible, not just for an SLK
I've owned over 10 convertibles and never once have I bought it on the strength of its exhaust / induction note.swagmeister said:
rgw2012 said:
A diesel in a convertible just goes against the grain - part of the open top motoring experience for me includes hearing a decent exhaust/induction note so I would rule out any diesel in any convertible, not just for an SLK
I've owned over 10 convertibles and never once have I bought it on the strength of its exhaust / induction note.Miglia 888 said:
We've had 3 petrol SLK's, and currently have a MINI Cooper SD Convertible powered by a diesel engine similar to that in your BMW.
I'd also happily have a diesel SLK, or indeed a petrol MINI Cooper S Convertible.
If you want a diesel SLK, get one and enjoy it.
Thanks for that if buying another slk would you choose the diesel or petrol ?I'd also happily have a diesel SLK, or indeed a petrol MINI Cooper S Convertible.
If you want a diesel SLK, get one and enjoy it.
taxboy said:
Miglia 888 said:
We've had 3 petrol SLK's, and currently have a MINI Cooper SD Convertible powered by a diesel engine similar to that in your BMW.
I'd also happily have a diesel SLK, or indeed a petrol MINI Cooper S Convertible.
If you want a diesel SLK, get one and enjoy it.
Thanks for that if buying another slk would you choose the diesel or petrol ?I'd also happily have a diesel SLK, or indeed a petrol MINI Cooper S Convertible.
If you want a diesel SLK, get one and enjoy it.
The SLK 350 has a very sweet & tuneful revvy 300hp engine, however it's just a bit too light on low down torque for my taste.
If I was doing 10k+ miles a year in it, I'd take the SLK 250CDI - as quick as the 250 petrol, similar torque as the 55 but with half its fuel costs.
However, it's not about what I would choose, it's about what you like best - everyone's different.
Test drive some SLK's, both petrol & diesel, with the big & the smaller engines, and most importantly, with the top down, to see what is best for your needs - let us know how you get on. HTH
Miglia 888 said:
As a second car not doing many miles, with purchase & running costs no object, I'd choose the SLK 55 with its 420hp & 540Nm.
The SLK 350 has a very sweet & tuneful revvy 300hp engine, however it's just a bit too light on low down torque for my taste.
If I was doing 10k+ miles a year in it, I'd take the SLK 250CDI - as quick as the 250 petrol, similar torque as the 55 but with half its fuel costs.
However, it's not about what I would choose, it's about what you like best - everyone's different.
Test drive some SLK's, both petrol & diesel, with the big & the smaller engines, and most importantly, with the top down, to see what is best for your needs - let us know how you get on. HTH
The SLK 350 has a very sweet & tuneful revvy 300hp engine, however it's just a bit too light on low down torque for my taste.
If I was doing 10k+ miles a year in it, I'd take the SLK 250CDI - as quick as the 250 petrol, similar torque as the 55 but with half its fuel costs.
However, it's not about what I would choose, it's about what you like best - everyone's different.
Test drive some SLK's, both petrol & diesel, with the big & the smaller engines, and most importantly, with the top down, to see what is best for your needs - let us know how you get on. HTH
You are quite correct I do need to drive them both. It's sometimes certain models are known amongst owners as being much better / worse than others
Thanks for you input much appreciated
Mr Tidy said:
They seem a bit sluggish based on my experience on the A404(M) a couple of nights ago in my BMW E46 Compact. 
. I don't mind diesels, my 5 series is one but our SLK is the 350 and after driving each variant, I'm sure we made the right choice, especially as it's only doing 6/7000 miles per year.
The 200 was seriously lacking in low/mid range performance and the diesel just sounded bad, especially with the roof off.
The 350 sounds right, goes very well especially when extended, when it's surprisingly quick and can easily return 35mpg.
The diesel might be better if you're doing many miles, the cost benefit of that can be easily worked out but it's not the best variant on any other measure, IMO.
My mother has run two SLK250 diesels back to back and now runs a SLC300 petrol.
The diesels were fine. There was no joy to be had from the diesel powertrain but nor was it obtrusive or unpleasant. Both cars were perfectly reliable over the course of 30,000miles and two years each, although it is fair to say she didn't exactly hammer them.
The diesels were fine. There was no joy to be had from the diesel powertrain but nor was it obtrusive or unpleasant. Both cars were perfectly reliable over the course of 30,000miles and two years each, although it is fair to say she didn't exactly hammer them.
I've had two in succession - they're excellent. Absolutely loads of grunt and that makes for very easy A road overtaking.
I did 60,000 miles in mine and the economy made up for the engine note - commuting I got high 60s and occasionally over 70mpg. It was amazing.
Incidentally- all these people who go on about the engine sound of diesels - the way they go on you'd think that every petrol sounded like an F1 car. Which they don't.
I did 60,000 miles in mine and the economy made up for the engine note - commuting I got high 60s and occasionally over 70mpg. It was amazing.
Incidentally- all these people who go on about the engine sound of diesels - the way they go on you'd think that every petrol sounded like an F1 car. Which they don't.
Dog Star said:
Incidentally- all these people who go on about the engine sound of diesels - the way they go on you'd think that every petrol sounded like an F1 car. Which they don't.
True. But conversely every diesel will end up sounding like you're dragging a bag of spanners behind you...
Things have moved on a bit now. My wife has had two petrol SLK 200s and we had a choice as we bought new this time 200 or 250d. The 250d was more economical and quicker as well as being cheaper road tax so we went with that. I can't tell it is a diesel roof up or down and it goes for miles without needing a refuel. I agree a V8 would sound great but the smaller ones aren't really sports cars so are refined and quiet.
I have had my 250d for about 18 months. I do 30000 miles a year, its averaged 55mpg. Not the fastest car I have had but ticks a few boxes. Roof off even less diesel noise,roof up its a coupe. If your doing a few miles I would say yes go for it. As cheap to run as most mid range diesel cars.Has great mid range grunt for overtaking.
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