SLK 350 daily drive

[gra001]

I`m considering the above together with a couple of other marques which are much more expensive to purchase and run so this option is attractive. I`ve done the usual search for info` but would, again, appreciate owners views. May purchase used so is there a "right year" (facelift?) and a big concern are reports of the roof and boot leaking water. Other stuff of interest is:
-Suspension..standard or sports?
-Wheel size?
-Get paddleshift?
-Is a new model imminent, 350 going?

All other info`/advice welcome...thanks guys.

Edited by gra001 on Sunday 13th February 19:19

[chris333]

New model was announced in January: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...

So, wait for the new one, or try to get a really good deal on the old one!

[eldar]

Roof is normally bulletproof unless abused. Sports suspension is good unless you hit a lot of speedbumps or bad roads, then standard may be better. Paddle shift also has slightly more aggressive software for the gearbox ecu. Airscarf is a must.

[dobinn]

I got mine just before Christmas and love it. It even seems to return good economy considering the power.

I’d advise spending some time in one to make sure you are happy with the seats. I find them comfortable enough but they aren’t the most supportive (no lumbar).

Paddles are a good option but I wouldn’t make it a deal breaker as shifting with the stick in manual is almost as good and in some instances easier to access.

Airscarf is great. Should be a definite on the list. Heated seats also good to have.

If it is an auto do some driving at very low speeds in ‘s’ mode to make sure the changes are smooth. The step down to first can be problematic.

Check for roof noise / squeaks / rattles as slow speeds and over rough ground. They are quite prone to some noise and these can be hard to trace and fix. Mine had a rattle after purchase which nearly drove me mad. Is now sorted after many trips back to MB.

[SEL4.5]

If you are buying used there are very few 350's for sale - i expect about 90% of facelift SLK's on the market are 200's. As a result getting too hung up on specific extras will be a problem - very few cars were specced with airscarf - good luck if you can find one but a colour you like and the COMAND system are more important.
I dont know what other cars you are looking at but the SLK 350 is a great GT car but not really a sports car that you would buy to drive on track days.
I have owned mine since Nov and have been impressed by the build quality.
There should be some good deals around with the replacement model coming in June(?)