99 - SLK 200 & 230 Kompressor - Any guidance
Discussion
Hoping for a bit of advice here - The better half has been badgering me for a drop top for ages.
My first preference would be something TVR or similar (it's an itch I've wanted to scratch for a while) but she doesn't want a "soft" top (number of reasons and I can't change her mind on this one) so a lot of the usual PH favorites like S2000, MX5 that are out there in plentifull numbers are off the list.
We'd love an old 300 SL but I really don't want another project car and the good ones are way outside the budget so it's got to be late 90's to fit inside the budget and also mean that I don't have to spark the welder up/fix the car before every journey (I've a bit of a thing for older Opels with a six pot flavour)
So she's been looking at the megane, 206cc/207cc and I really don't want to go anywhere near them however she's started looking at SLK 200/230 Kompressors and the more I look at them the more I think they'd probably fit her criteria and apart from the bug eye'd look I actually think they look quite attractive and it seems there are a few out there with a manual box which would be my prefered option.
Any buying advice out there? - I assume the engine is shared accross other models so any faults are out there related to the engines?
Or is this one to steer clear off?
My first preference would be something TVR or similar (it's an itch I've wanted to scratch for a while) but she doesn't want a "soft" top (number of reasons and I can't change her mind on this one) so a lot of the usual PH favorites like S2000, MX5 that are out there in plentifull numbers are off the list.
We'd love an old 300 SL but I really don't want another project car and the good ones are way outside the budget so it's got to be late 90's to fit inside the budget and also mean that I don't have to spark the welder up/fix the car before every journey (I've a bit of a thing for older Opels with a six pot flavour)
So she's been looking at the megane, 206cc/207cc and I really don't want to go anywhere near them however she's started looking at SLK 200/230 Kompressors and the more I look at them the more I think they'd probably fit her criteria and apart from the bug eye'd look I actually think they look quite attractive and it seems there are a few out there with a manual box which would be my prefered option.
Any buying advice out there? - I assume the engine is shared accross other models so any faults are out there related to the engines?
Or is this one to steer clear off?
Avoid the manual box, it is rubbish and the SLK is more of a cruiser than a b-road weapon which means the auto suits it far more.
We have a 1999 V-reg 230K which my wife uses, its now done 40k in 2 1/2 years with us and 111k in all.
She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us. With the roof up, its like a little coupe and it is great for winter and security.
Some things to look out for from my experience and when I was buying:
Engine seems quite robust, ours (touch wood) has never needed any oil inbetween services. Make sure the supercharger works.
Auto box transmission fluid/filter change - should be done around every 40-50k - the box is good, but it does need this doing, many owners overlook it, it's not expensive.
Rust - not too bad, ours is just starting to get one or two bubbles in one of the rear arches. I've seen a lot worse though, arches and around the boot lock seem prone.
Check the roof works fully, check it again and then again.
We have a 1999 V-reg 230K which my wife uses, its now done 40k in 2 1/2 years with us and 111k in all.
She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us. With the roof up, its like a little coupe and it is great for winter and security.
Some things to look out for from my experience and when I was buying:
Engine seems quite robust, ours (touch wood) has never needed any oil inbetween services. Make sure the supercharger works.
Auto box transmission fluid/filter change - should be done around every 40-50k - the box is good, but it does need this doing, many owners overlook it, it's not expensive.
Rust - not too bad, ours is just starting to get one or two bubbles in one of the rear arches. I've seen a lot worse though, arches and around the boot lock seem prone.
Check the roof works fully, check it again and then again.
I have a 230K, and it's been pretty trouble free. I'd agree with pretty much all the previous poster wrote.
A few niggles with mine - oil leaks are a PITA and have to be watched carefully, since some of the leaks mean that oil gets into the loom, and if it gets as far as the ECU that is bad news. The cam position sensor at the front of the 230K engine is one to watch here - there is a fix for it that's really cheap, but its too late if the oil has started to work its way up the loom. Gearbox electrical connectors on the auto box are another source of these leaks.
Another thing to watch out for is peeling trim. The inside plastic trim is painted, and when this starts to peel the car can look really naff. It looks worse on the light coloured interiors, because the raw plastic is darker. You don't seem to notice it as much on the cars with darker trim.
Make sure the roof works properly too - it should cycle in about 20 - 30 seconds without any obvious mechanical straining. Have a look at the pump thingy that controls all this - it's on the right hand side of the boot under a cover and is prone to getting wet. If the top of this look all cruddy I'd be a bit careful as the bit costs a fortune to replace and controls the central locking as well as the roof. I think it does anyway.
A few niggles with mine - oil leaks are a PITA and have to be watched carefully, since some of the leaks mean that oil gets into the loom, and if it gets as far as the ECU that is bad news. The cam position sensor at the front of the 230K engine is one to watch here - there is a fix for it that's really cheap, but its too late if the oil has started to work its way up the loom. Gearbox electrical connectors on the auto box are another source of these leaks.
Another thing to watch out for is peeling trim. The inside plastic trim is painted, and when this starts to peel the car can look really naff. It looks worse on the light coloured interiors, because the raw plastic is darker. You don't seem to notice it as much on the cars with darker trim.
Make sure the roof works properly too - it should cycle in about 20 - 30 seconds without any obvious mechanical straining. Have a look at the pump thingy that controls all this - it's on the right hand side of the boot under a cover and is prone to getting wet. If the top of this look all cruddy I'd be a bit careful as the bit costs a fortune to replace and controls the central locking as well as the roof. I think it does anyway.
Oh yes, one other thing that I understand is quite common. If the brake lights aren't working, don't assume its just a bulb. As its an auto, they can sit with the brakes on quite a lot, this heats up the contact with the bulb, eventually causing the contact plate to warp and no longer touch the bulb. Only cure is a new light cluster, £90.
Highway Star said:
Avoid the manual box, it is rubbish and the SLK is more of a cruiser than a b-road weapon which means the auto suits it far more.
I'm used to very agricultural boxes (see profile) so if it's a bit of a long throw box and a bit agricultural it'll suit me very well - I have a large barge with a slush box - I'd prefer not to gain another car with a self changing gearboxHighway Star said:
We have a 1999 V-reg 230K which my wife uses, its now done 40k in 2 1/2 years with us and 111k in all.
She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us. With the roof up, its like a little coupe and it is great for winter and security.
I think that's a major consideration for Mrs BC - all year round useable and security (plus it'll live outside as garage space is reserved for other cars)She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us. With the roof up, its like a little coupe and it is great for winter and security.
Highway Star said:
Some things to look out for from my experience and when I was buying:
Engine seems quite robust, ours (touch wood) has never needed any oil inbetween services. Make sure the supercharger works.
Any way of checking? It's a belt driven one isn't it?Engine seems quite robust, ours (touch wood) has never needed any oil inbetween services. Make sure the supercharger works.
Highway Star said:
Auto box transmission fluid/filter change - should be done around every 40-50k - the box is good, but it does need this doing, many owners overlook it, it's not expensive.
Trying to avoid an auto buit if I end up with one I'll bear that in mind - I'm fairly able to do pretty much everything maintenance wise myself from general servicing and fault finding to a full engine rebuildHighway Star said:
Rust - not too bad, ours is just starting to get one or two bubbles in one of the rear arches. I've seen a lot worse though, arches and around the boot lock seem prone.
Check the roof works fully, check it again and then again.
Excellent - can't handle another car that disolves in the rain like an alka seltzer!!!Check the roof works fully, check it again and then again.
Highway Star said:
We have a 1999 V-reg 230K which my wife uses, its now done 40k in 2 1/2 years with us and 111k in all.
She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us.
That's excellent info - really usefull She loves it. I've kept the profile up to date, so that should give you an idea of what it's cost us.
One question - what's your wifes typical usage - town work or country/longer runs - I'm guessing here that with 40K in 2 1/2 years it gets longer runs and 29 mpg
The idea is that the car replaces a 2001 Polo GTi which is stunning of fuel either in town or on a run (although it's had more runs recently than it should because I managed to break the barge but that's nearly fixed now) so for long trips we take the 740 so it would mainly be used for shortish commuting and her "shopping" trips. It could have been used to replace the 740 but that's the tow car for the track car.
Starting to narrow down the choices - want to avoid the variable VED rate if I can so pre March 2001 is definate the cut off age wise.
The bhp difference between 200 and 230 Kompressor is surprising 163 for the 2.0 and 197 for the 2.3 so I'd prefer the 2.3
(Not a lot of bhp difference between the 2.3 & 3.2 V6 and I'm not a fan of V6's from a maintenance perspective)
Looks like the Manual option was 5 speed pre 2000 and 6 speed after so need to find a Post 2000 (before March 2001) in manual - preferably in black (although why I do this to myself I'll never know) with black leather. Although at this stage that's the target car if it exists - compromises on colour or trim can be made for the right car condition and history wise
Wonder how easy it will be to find one......
The bhp difference between 200 and 230 Kompressor is surprising 163 for the 2.0 and 197 for the 2.3 so I'd prefer the 2.3
(Not a lot of bhp difference between the 2.3 & 3.2 V6 and I'm not a fan of V6's from a maintenance perspective)
Looks like the Manual option was 5 speed pre 2000 and 6 speed after so need to find a Post 2000 (before March 2001) in manual - preferably in black (although why I do this to myself I'll never know) with black leather. Although at this stage that's the target car if it exists - compromises on colour or trim can be made for the right car condition and history wise
Wonder how easy it will be to find one......
Great cars - I used to have one and loved it (V reg 2000 SLK230 in bright red 
).
Engines are evidently utterly bombproof, more of a cruiser than a sportscar, all the other foibles have been mentioned above - only real ones to watch imo are potential rear arch and number plate area rust spots (mine had neither).
Very solidly built - mine was better put together than my R230 SL500.
).Engines are evidently utterly bombproof, more of a cruiser than a sportscar, all the other foibles have been mentioned above - only real ones to watch imo are potential rear arch and number plate area rust spots (mine had neither).
Very solidly built - mine was better put together than my R230 SL500.
I've got a 2002 230k. I have had a few problems with mine, mainly the roof. The rear quarter light window retractor went and the car ended up with classy plastic bag covering it until I could source one. Then after that was fixed literally a couple of days later one on the sensors went whilst the roof was being put down. Got stuck halfway. Luck would have it I was at OH's garage and he managed to manually put the roof back down. Had to wait for the sensor to come in! Sod's law these were parts you can only get from merc........ I've since heard the roof start to go wrong when it's not used often. This time of year it's not an issue but in winter months on a sunny day I stick the heated seats on and go for a blast!
I've got a little bit of rust on mine. As others have said common area is the wheel arches. I've had those sorted but the other main area is are the boot opening handle. I've got little bubbles on the roof, doors and bonnet. Nothing noticeable yet but I'm keeping an eye on it.
Oh and in ice and snow, it's nothing more than a pretty ornament! Luckily I can use the scooby then.
I've got a little bit of rust on mine. As others have said common area is the wheel arches. I've had those sorted but the other main area is are the boot opening handle. I've got little bubbles on the roof, doors and bonnet. Nothing noticeable yet but I'm keeping an eye on it.
Oh and in ice and snow, it's nothing more than a pretty ornament! Luckily I can use the scooby then.
Yes, the roof does like to be used. If not used for a while, ours sticks a little when retracting it, but using it regularly helps. When I get it serviced next, I will get the specialist I use to take a look at the mechanism and give it a service.
OP - our 40k was mainly done when the car was our main car - it was far more reliable than the Fiat Coupe Turbo I had at the time, so it did get a lot of long journeys (Italy two years ago, France last year). Now I need something more practical and have got an Octavia 4x4 estate, the SLK gets used less, for my OH's commute (15 miles, mainly back roads and then a crawl around the ringroad) and for trips on sunny days. We do try and give it a good run every month or so. She is off on business for two weeks soon, so I'll probably use it quite a bit.
There is quite a difference between the 200 and the 230K, the 200 is quite slow, the 230K is 'brisk' - it kept up with my old 220bhp Fiat Coupe Turbo from rolling starts off roundabouts.
OP - our 40k was mainly done when the car was our main car - it was far more reliable than the Fiat Coupe Turbo I had at the time, so it did get a lot of long journeys (Italy two years ago, France last year). Now I need something more practical and have got an Octavia 4x4 estate, the SLK gets used less, for my OH's commute (15 miles, mainly back roads and then a crawl around the ringroad) and for trips on sunny days. We do try and give it a good run every month or so. She is off on business for two weeks soon, so I'll probably use it quite a bit.
There is quite a difference between the 200 and the 230K, the 200 is quite slow, the 230K is 'brisk' - it kept up with my old 220bhp Fiat Coupe Turbo from rolling starts off roundabouts.
Highway Star said:
OP - our 40k was mainly done when the car was our main car - it was far more reliable than the Fiat Coupe Turbo I had at the time, so it did get a lot of long journeys (Italy two years ago, France last year). Now I need something more practical and have got an Octavia 4x4 estate, the SLK gets used less, for my OH's commute (15 miles, mainly back roads and then a crawl around the ringroad) and for trips on sunny days. We do try and give it a good run every month or so. She is off on business for two weeks soon, so I'll probably use it quite a bit.
OK considering the type of usage now the mpg figure is impressive and more than I would have expected.Highway Star said:
There is quite a difference between the 200 and the 230K, the 200 is quite slow, the 230K is 'brisk' - it kept up with my old 220bhp Fiat Coupe Turbo from rolling starts off roundabouts.
Yep - I'm 200K is of my list I think 30 odd bhp less would make it positively lethargic - I've had saloons with bottom of range engines - a Carlton with a 1.8i (115 bhp) compared to one with a 2.6 (150 bhp) makes a huge difference to drivability (without making much difference in fuel usage.Just trying to find a decent selection of cars to look at over coming BH weekend, Make some calls to establish accurate details on the cars and see about a road trip to view them
Having worked at a well known Mercedes dealership when they were new and having driven hundreds of them I can say they are terrible cars.
They always seemed to be in for warranty work and watch for the auto gearbox as when they need rebuilding it costs almost as much as the car.
But if you want a folding hardtop and not one that is french i suppose you have very limited options. The 200 also feels woefully underpowered.
ETA: I know i have gone against the grain and am in the Mercedes forum so will expect the flaming i receive but I can only speak from experience.
They always seemed to be in for warranty work and watch for the auto gearbox as when they need rebuilding it costs almost as much as the car.
But if you want a folding hardtop and not one that is french i suppose you have very limited options. The 200 also feels woefully underpowered.
ETA: I know i have gone against the grain and am in the Mercedes forum so will expect the flaming i receive but I can only speak from experience.
My mum has a slk230 on a 2001 W plate and to be fair she has had it about 5 years and its wanted for nothing, I have had the pleasure of driving it on a few occasions when the sun is out and its a great little car and quite nippy, feels a little heavy in the corners but genrally a good all rounder. My only other gripe is the sound the engine and exhaust makes although it does grow on you, and nothing a nice exhaust system couldnt sort out.
rb5230 said:
Having worked at a well known Mercedes dealership when they were new and having driven hundreds of them I can say they are terrible cars.
They always seemed to be in for warranty work and watch for the auto gearbox as when they need rebuilding it costs almost as much as the car.
Auto wouldn't be my prefered option but if it was I'm firmly in the camp of preventative maintenance - ie fluid and filter changes before boxes get too old or leggyThey always seemed to be in for warranty work and watch for the auto gearbox as when they need rebuilding it costs almost as much as the car.
I expect any secondhand car of 10 years old to not be free of problems as that's part of the fun of owning something older and well out of warrenty - were there any issues that were common to the model that with your inside knowledge you can share?
rb5230 said:
But if you want a folding hardtop and not one that is french i suppose you have very limited options. The 200 also feels woefully underpowered.
I'd like a TVR Tuscan (removable hard roof section) but it's outside my budget unless I sell a car or two and I'm not so good at selling them.....rb5230 said:
ETA: I know i have gone against the grain and am in the Mercedes forum so will expect the flaming i receive but I can only speak from experience.
I dont think you've said anything that would result in a flaming TBHI am sure it will be great in the sunshine with the roof down, but I think you should be looking at living the dream and go for the TVR, you only live once and its not hard to sell cars as long as they are reasonably priced, PH classifieds and ebay are easy peasy.
Good luck either way.
Good luck either way.
rb5230 said:
I am sure it will be great in the sunshine with the roof down, but I think you should be looking at living the dream and go for the TVR, you only live once and its not hard to sell cars as long as they are reasonably priced, PH classifieds and ebay are easy peasy.
Good luck either way.
Thanks for the advice - Couple of issues mind Good luck either way.
1. Mrs BC is the driver behind the purchase of a drop top and I've no idea if it will work out for the best so best to dip my toe in the puddle first rather than jump in the lake (expense wise)
2. I'd have to sell the Lotus in order to afford to buy a Tuscan - I'd rather not sell that right now (I fall in and out of love with it and I'm not sure which camp I currently fit in
and Mrs BC hates it (not quite as much as the Monza but it's fairly up there) - so once sold I'd probably never ever get anotherGassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff