Advise on buying SLK 280 with 80k miles

[Merc_SLK]

Hi -
Could someone please advise on what to look for or ask the dealer whilst buying SLK 280 (2005 onwards) with 80k miles?
Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

A most excellent choice of vehicle…

Check the engine doesn’t have balance shaft issues Here

Check the subframe isn’t corroding away from the inside
Check it’s on 16” wheels so your fillings don’t get rattled out
and check the service history that it’s been looked after.

Mines currently on 96K and is my daily

 

[Wighty]

If it hasn’t had a gearbox atf and filter change already it will need one , budget/negotiate for £250 ish .

 

[Wighty]

If it has SBC braking system , have a read up online about it ?

 

[Blobcat]

If it has SBC braking system , have a read up online about it ?

They don’t

 

[Chrishazle]

Airscarf, leather seats (heated) and memory seats (the manual adjusters, especially seat back, are hard work, wife can't use them!). Check that the roof operates correctly (and other electrics like wing mirrors etc). If one takes your fancy but is on 17's (like mine) rather than 16's (like BC's) test drive it, as I find the drive on 17's OK. Also be aware that the Comand (sat nav) system NTG2.5 MB have stopped issuing map updates, last one is 2019 but you need a 2009 firmware update to have been installed before you can install latest maps (cost me £100 as MB North Wales had not installed it when servicing the car they'd supplied!). Service history - especially if the car has been serviced away from MB or a decent MB indie, mine was missing quite a few things compared to the MB ESS - like spark plugs replacement! There was a facelift of the R171 for MY 2008 - mine is one of the first facelift models, and I love the look compared to the R170 (not sure if early R171's look the same). Also be aware that roof down the luggage space is limited, and that there can be very little space behind the front seats for jacket, manbag etc - I'm short so it's not too bad, but wife insists of having her seat all the way back then bitches that there's nowhere for the extra shoes, cardie, jacket etc - she's used to the 2+2 968 cab we used to have!

 

[Merc_SLK]

Thank you all for the advise.
I have been browsing Autotrader for SLK in the budget range up to 6k, not sure if I could get a decent one especially for the year between 2005 -2008

 

[Chrishazle]

My early 2008 early facelift R171 was not a long way over the top price you mention, so don't be discouraged. after research I had a long wish list and it took 18 months to find the car that ticked almost all the boxes, missed out on the memory seats but other than that it ticked all the boxes a 171 could for me. However, a full initial inspection found quite a few things the trader should have fixed (and many he did after I sent him the inspection report) and a good few that he wouldn't, that cost me £800 to correct. Things like spark plugs needing changing, small leak on transmission rear bearing requiring not only the seal replacing but also ATF and filter change. Detailed knowledge of the MB ESS when you check service history is a big help, plus do not necessarily believe a new MoT - how mine passed with a front NS shock absorber that was fubar'd is a mystery!

 

[Blobcat]

Thank you all for the advise.
I have been browsing Autotrader for SLK in the budget range up to 6k, not sure if I could get a decent one especially for the year between 2005 -2008

There’s loads in that price range, bit more challenging finding one with the essential toys - airscarf being the most important

 

[00slk]

Ours might be fitted with all the toys and mileage but not quite in your price range unfortunately