Discussion
Not sure if this is 'normal', but I went and looked at an SLK55 at the weekend (see my thread below). While peaking at the service history, the previous owner had a 23k service (3rd in 5 years) at MB which included a change of spark plugs. There was LOTS of 'jargon' on there, but it came to a shade over £1000 and didn't seem to include anything out of the ordinary, other than filters, oil etc. The previous two services came to approx £400, but not sure what was included in those as I was too busy trying to work out how they'd arrived at £1000!
From the bits of research that I've done, the front brake discs are the most expensive consumable by far, about £500 each for the fronts. The facelifted, post 2008 models are much cheaper as they're only 4 pots. They last about 40k miles, so check the wear.
Xtreme UK, who are selling the one I looked at, said they searched high and low for alteratives, and found nothing. Even Brembo refused to sell them direct, as they were licensed only to MB...its criminal, IMO - £500+ for a metal disc? They probably knock them out for £50 each.
Spark plugs - that will push the bill through the roof.
I've got an advisory note on one of the service bills from my SL500 (8 cylinder, 16 plugs) from Mercedes and it says the plugs need doing next service (this was from the previous owner)... £363. Plus VAT. In 2007.
I did those myself (using the proper plugs) with a discount from GSF for 47 quid (if memory serves). Easy.
I've got an advisory note on one of the service bills from my SL500 (8 cylinder, 16 plugs) from Mercedes and it says the plugs need doing next service (this was from the previous owner)... £363. Plus VAT. In 2007.
I did those myself (using the proper plugs) with a discount from GSF for 47 quid (if memory serves). Easy.
MattyB_ said:
Bennno, impressive history of cars there, I commend some fine choices.
How do you find the SLK55 compared to some of the other stuff you've owned? Particularly the T350, Elise, etc
It makes a great sound and is very grunty, not as individual as a t350 but can be used each day and bits don't fall off. In character in many ways it's more like much more advanced Griffith 500 with 20% more speed but 20% less character.How do you find the SLK55 compared to some of the other stuff you've owned? Particularly the T350, Elise, etc
Elise totally different proposition. Only slight issue is Slk has ladies who lunch image, think 55 is ok just...
Bennno
Dog Star said:
Spark plugs - that will push the bill through the roof.
I've got an advisory note on one of the service bills from my SL500 (8 cylinder, 16 plugs) from Mercedes and it says the plugs need doing next service (this was from the previous owner)... £363. Plus VAT. In 2007.
I did those myself (using the proper plugs) with a discount from GSF for 47 quid (if memory serves). Easy.
Who and where are GSF please?I've got an advisory note on one of the service bills from my SL500 (8 cylinder, 16 plugs) from Mercedes and it says the plugs need doing next service (this was from the previous owner)... £363. Plus VAT. In 2007.
I did those myself (using the proper plugs) with a discount from GSF for 47 quid (if memory serves). Easy.
Yeah, I've been getting a bit of jip from mates about selling the Exige and looking at SLK55's - but I think alot of it comes down to the fact that most have never seen the '55, only the 200's or similar. I think it does a good job of shrugging off the slightly effeminate looks.
bungie said:
Who and where are GSF please?
http://www.gsfcarparts.com/I had a s/c Honda Elise 135r before my slk55 which I have Owned for over 2 years now. I never miss the Elise although I do occasionally hanker over a manual shift car but in the end I can't find anything that suits my needs better. People get fixated by the disc price but its par for the course for a two piece rotor.
Tyres are the biggest consumable after fuel of course but I avoid the stealers as they are really overpriced for servicing.
Most verts get dubbed ladies car but it never bothered me and still doesn't. I see the car as a sporty gt and that suits fine. One weak spot is traction so I fitted an LSD and f1assys which Has made it acceptable. Reliability has been good with only minor issues. Unless your looking for 911 feedback then I suspect You would like it.
Tyres are the biggest consumable after fuel of course but I avoid the stealers as they are really overpriced for servicing.
Most verts get dubbed ladies car but it never bothered me and still doesn't. I see the car as a sporty gt and that suits fine. One weak spot is traction so I fitted an LSD and f1assys which Has made it acceptable. Reliability has been good with only minor issues. Unless your looking for 911 feedback then I suspect You would like it.
Thanks Kilarney - interesting that you came from a Honda S2, that was another consideration of mine. The Elise makes a great argument in terms of performance, cost and enjoyment, but as I'm going back to one car, getting in and out of one with a suit and then 'rolling out' onto the floor when meeting clients never looks great...
Indecentally, does anyone know how well these cars handle the mileage? From my experiences, I'm guessing the dash and interior wont wear well, but how does it hold up under the skin? I suspect the engine will go for many miles, being unstressed and in a relatively light car. But what about suspension, bushes, clutches, autobox etc? I'm not adverse to high mileage cars, there's even one on ebay with 101k on the clock for £16,800...
Indecentally, does anyone know how well these cars handle the mileage? From my experiences, I'm guessing the dash and interior wont wear well, but how does it hold up under the skin? I suspect the engine will go for many miles, being unstressed and in a relatively light car. But what about suspension, bushes, clutches, autobox etc? I'm not adverse to high mileage cars, there's even one on ebay with 101k on the clock for £16,800...
Honda elise is one i wouldnt go near especially the s/c version as I much preferred my car in 135r std spec. A classic case of fast doesnt equal enjoyment if ever there was one.
The slk 55 will do the miles im certain including the interior as the interior may lack perceived quality but its solid non the less. To come back to my lotus which had so many parts in 10k miles like 3 racks numerous joints and so on with an interior that wore quickly you can forget all this the merc is in a different place and easily equals the Porsche BMW etc std.
For long term reliability imo you need to budget on tranny filter / lube change every 35k not just once as merc suggest plus the dampers on the rear especially are pretty rubbish so change them for bilstein b6 as i have which is not expensive and easy to do.
The slk 55 will do the miles im certain including the interior as the interior may lack perceived quality but its solid non the less. To come back to my lotus which had so many parts in 10k miles like 3 racks numerous joints and so on with an interior that wore quickly you can forget all this the merc is in a different place and easily equals the Porsche BMW etc std.
For long term reliability imo you need to budget on tranny filter / lube change every 35k not just once as merc suggest plus the dampers on the rear especially are pretty rubbish so change them for bilstein b6 as i have which is not expensive and easy to do.
pureguilt said:
I paid £570 for my last major service on my SLK55 and this included the spark plugs at MB Glasgow. Haggle and you will be surprised at what MB will do to get your business.
+1.i find it amazing how many owners on here avoid main dealers like the plague; i have found my main dealer excellent; everything is open to haggling...i assume it's just a scottish 'thing' to haggle!
i negotiate the price of every part and every labour quote at my MB branch; i do the exact same at Ferrari also. In both cases the discount is substancial. It may seem petty, but a 10 minute chat can save a lot of cost.
strike up a good working relationship with your service manager, and it will pay you back in spades; when you have set your stall out that you are not a mug and will be a repeat customer, i find they will go the extra mile to keep you happy.
pop into your local dealer, meet the service manager, tell him what you are planning on buying and tell him you want them to look after the car; ask what he would do to get your repeat custom;.. in the current climate with hard targets to meet, i doubt he will not try hard to please you.
If the car is in warranty I would use the dealer, but I have to say I have never been that impressed by local MB dealer, so a lot is down to confidence, although saying that looks like I might be using them to flash over my gearbox ecu as changes are a bit abrupt (and there is a later patch to sort this from MB).
Update: Gearbox now goes into neutral (no gears) until switched off and restarted so will be getting it sorted asap.
Update: Gearbox now goes into neutral (no gears) until switched off and restarted so will be getting it sorted asap.
Edited by Biggriff on Wednesday 13th April 12:15
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