SLK up grade to SL

[00slk]

I think the time is nearing for the wifes 320SLK to be replaced with the more sleek (in our own opinion) SL500. The SLK has been an obsolutely brilliant car in everyway, but now time for that change. I know some of the ins and outs of the R230 series and what we should really go for. However, as this is always the case haven't the funds for the best of these models, so are looking at a 03 with 100,000mls. (have to leave funds available for maintainance and surprise malfunctions )
What to look for first with these earlier models would be greatly appreicated, so as not to look a complete novist when asking the first few questions. We will be limited for choice as we would like a blue colour with a cream interior.
We will be making our first enquiry Monday on this blue SL500.
It is to us a strange omen, as when we bought the SLK is had the exact same mileage, same age and exact same colour body as this one, except the SLK had the added black to the cream interior.
Many thanks in advance.
Peter

 

[television]

With an SL, it will cost you more to put the inside straight than the bodywork.

The car should be standing something like level when running and parked up.
The rear wheel arches are the weak point, not too bad with the rust is confined to the inner edges, but once its on the outside, then that side has to be painted.

Wear and tear on the drivers seat bolster can be dealt with easily.

Engine wise the mileage seems to make no difference, the 113 just goes on and on and they seldom if ever use any oil, engine mount can fail, but again some do but some do not. Nothing to report on the 722.6 gearbox. Front disc cost £140 the pair, the rears are cheaper.

Roof / boot leaks are easy to fix, others will mention other things. My 2002 is now at 89k miles.

There is a lot of know how info on here on ever known fault.

 

[00slk]

Many thanks Television for your response, that makes it very reassuring to have a few inside steps. We have had SL's in the past, but the '70's range and many compacts and big S Classes. I still rate myself as an amature when it comes to buying Mercedes, although I have been very likely in the past with my purchases. The SL500 we are looking at is very clean inside and without signs of wear, and the body is as clean if not better than our SLK.
I will let you know the out come with this one.
Many thanks
Peter

 

[television]

That is sounding a nice car Peter look forward to an update.

 

[Philedge]

A 100k car needs a proper inspection before you buy. Have a search on the forum for SL buying advice and you'll find loads of things that need checking over. Print off a list and arrange with the seller to take the car to you local independant merc garage for them to check it over- that will be the best £60-80 you'll ever spend.

Without the check over you can easily rack up bills that would have allowed you to buy a newer model with fewer miles

 

[Malcolm Johnson]

I always like to see a good list maintenance expense, gives a indication of whether the car has been looked after. i would expect to see a bill for 6/7 litres pentosin and filter.

 

[SL63 Mark]

A 100k car needs a proper inspection before you buy. Have a search on the forum for SL buying advice and you'll find loads of things that need checking over. Print off a list and arrange with the seller to take the car to you local independant merc garage for them to check it over- that will be the best £60-80 you'll ever spend.

Without the check over you can easily rack up bills that would have allowed you to buy a newer model with fewer miles

That's what I did - an inspection from W Gates saved me from an expensive mistake when buying mine, because I simply did not have the 230 expertise at the time. Now I would have a bit more confidence.

 

[00slk]

Thanks guys, we are going to check the car out this weekend.
In the mean time we will prepare the SLK for sale, just needs a wash and good clean inside.
Where would be the best place to advertise our SLK?
Regards
Peter

 

[television]

Autotrader and Piston heads are good.

 

[00slk]

Autotrader and Piston heads are good.

Thanks Malcolm

 

[alexanderfoti]

Check:

The boot floor is dry and that the PSE pump that lives in the bottom left compartment in the foam is also dry. If it has been chronically leaking, then the pump may be damaged and is £1000 odd from Mercedes.

As Malcolm, check the bodywork, especially the rear arches for rust.

Check the inside for water leaks and that the roof operates smoothly and doesn't make any odd noises.

 

[00slk]

Many thanks, yes very good advice, I will make a small list now so not to miss anything.
Peter

 

[Philedge]

Many thanks, yes very good advice, I will make a small list now so not to miss anything.
Peter

Its not such a small list. Search the forum and all will be revealed as the list has been written out loads of times already and the posts above have only just scratched the surface!!!

 

[television]

Its not such a small list. Search the forum and all will be revealed as the list has been written out loads of times already and the posts above have only just scratched the surface!!!

Some might commit suicide if they had the problems that I had, 2 x struts leaking, 2 x front SAM's, 2 x door controllers, CAN bus not sleeping, roof leaking, noises in the roof, rear wheel arches, ABC ECU, ABC sensors,gear selector, comfort seats, but the PSE pump has not been touched

 

[00slk]

I have purposely used a small piece of paper so can't add too much to the list. I don't want to scare myself off...
If this turns out anything like the SLK for reliablity and share joy I will be well pleased.
Here's hoping the viewing will be another joyist occassion, and I can return with a SL500.
Cheers Peter

 

[television]

They are wonderful cars, nothing else quite like them

 

[Gkinghorn]

They are wonderful cars, nothing else quite like them

What he said. .. but your check list on these isn't small. ..

Sent from my SM-P605 using Tapatalk

 

[Philedge]

What he said. .. but your check list on these isn't small. ..

Sent from my SM-P605 using Tapatalk

Exactly. Only checking a few of the known issues could well end in tears!!

 

[00slk]

I will keep my fingers crossed, so far the pre-questions are coming back without fault. At the end of the day it will be me that has the last say. Money can stop in back pocket, although that will be so hard to do especially when hearts rule over brain......I know my rose tinted glasses are somewhere............................

 

[drmw]

The list could be endless, but my shortlist starter for ten:

Suspension:
All ABC struts dry
ABC lifts & drops correctly
Car sits level
No leaks of fluid (pay particular attention to underneath NSF)
Check last MOT for advisories – particular attention on front balljoints

Boot:
Lift out boot tray & spare wheel – feel the underside of the big grey foam block on the left – make sure it’s dry - PSE lives in there

Electrics:
Try every switch – twice over
Raise & lower roof – twice
Seat Adjustment works both sides & if comfort seats, massage function works
Central locking & boot soft close work (particularly if keyless, does it lock when you press the little square black button on the driver’s door handle).
Open storage box behind driver’s seat, lift out false floor – check the PSE fuse (just left of centre) is yellow 20Amp
Make sure there are two keys

Try the metal key in boot & doors – make sure it locks/unlocks them

Bodywork – rear wheel arches can corrode – check for rust or recent/bad repair

Other than that, it’s like any other car so be vigilant & try to let your head have some influence over your heart!