Any advice for a would be SLK buyer ?

[neil3407]

Hello everyone , I`m a new member and I have made the wise(hopefully!) decision to buy a Mercedes SLK, I am looking at post 2000 year (as I gather the cars were improved after the year 2000) 200Ks or 230Ks is there any great benefits with the 230 over the 200?. I have checked out fuel consumption figures in Parkers guide and the 230 is just as economical as the 200 (around 28mpg they estimate) I do most of my miles up and down the motorways and stick to around 75 mph can I expect any better than 28 mpg? I also would prefer a manual gearbox but everything I read advises an auto, is the manual box really that bad?. Any advice on what I should look for with regards to the common problems with these cars would also be most appreciated , and any suggestions about which options I should look out for in particular thanks in anticipation of your expert advice, Neil

 

[SLinKyjoe]

I Had an 2002 (R170) model 200 with manual. The gearstick top came off in my hand once. it was atributed to a clip not being fastened.

it was not as fast as a 230 but would easily exceed 30mpg on a motorway. I also had a 2004model (R171) 200 with Auto and it did on several occasions 39mpg on motorways. Bear in mind that was a 1.8 and not a 2.0 like the older model.

The one i have now has done 34mpg on the motorway..once!!!! mind you, it isnt a 200.

The 6speed in the r170 isnt the worst 6speeder nor the best i have had, but it was okay. I liked that car as it was nice for comfortable cruising and has a much bigger boot than the latest models. and it had decent build quailty. as standard it had the alumium trim, where as pre 2000 they had some carbon effect. the 2000plus models had bodyclouor coded lower sills and indicators in the mirror housing.

 

[Wil]

I just picked up my SLK yesterday and realised my drivers side heated seat does'nt work, a very common fault on these apparently. I will be taking it back to get it sorted before my 3 months warranty expires.

 

[Seeker_UK]

The only thing that I didn't like about the SLK, and why I didn't buy one' is that with the hood down is that the boot is way to small.

 

[Shambolic]

I have bought a 54 plate (2005) slk 200 manual gearbox in may with 5400 miles. It is very easy to drive for my wife who uses it day to day.
I tend to take it for a "blast" now and again at weekends and you do need to work the box for quick acceleration but it is an involving drive which I like.
So to be honest you would get the best of both worlds although mines is the new model which I believe was greatly improved from the old!
As for the boot I dont find any probs if you load the boot then put the divider down b4 putting roof down, we get enough weekend luggage no problems and a weekly shop also fit too!!!
Anyway good luck and happy motoring

 

[SLinKyjoe]

the 2005 model is a lot more dynamic from a driving point of view than the older versions. but that doesnt mean it is bad. its okay just not a thoroughbred sports car.

the boot on the new one with the plastic diveder is only better when you need to roof down. you can get some decent sized luggage in it and still have your roof down, and if you move the seats forward you do have more cabin space for stuff.

the old one is rather poor in the boot if you want the roof down as well, altho you can get some stuff in if you have the right bags and learn how to pack, but its a least as big again and will take 2 decent sized suitcases plus other bags if you leave the roof up. it is far bigger than the new ones with the roof up. the cabin is more cramped but only because they pushed the seats further back in the new one.

if i get the chance, i may see if i can dig out a picture of the old and the new boots with and without luggage in. but dont hold your breath.

 

[neil3407]

thanks for the info folks, please keep it coming

 

[Tony]

I've got a 2001 320 manual. It's OK but it's not the most reliable car - doesn't compare to a Toyota. I'm on my fourth cat (this is mainly a 320 problem) and they are very expensive. There have been various electrical problems - oil guage sender unit, burglar alarm, light switches etc. Panel fit is also not good. Paint finish is not that great either and there is slight evidence of surface rust under the boot lid. These cars are not fully galvanised, amazingly, like any Vauxhall is. It's not a quality item in short. If you want quality get an MX5 - there's a new one out shortly with a folding tin top.

You'll get much more than 28mpg on the motorway - even the 320 does about 32mpg in these conditions. The manual box is OK. It's short throw and reasonably precise but a bit notchy and the 1 to 2 change can be a bit baulky especially when cold. This is improved by using synthetic oil. Mercedes don't know how to make manuals and it's not all the fault of the gearbox - the clutch can be fierce and the throttle calibration i snon-linear which doesn't help. Also second gear is too low. They've made it low to allow take-off in second, but it should be higher. It also spoils the acceleration figures as you need 2 gearchanges to get to 62mph - that's why the manual is no quicker than the auto. It's still better than the nasty slush pump IMO though.

Extras are all mainly included as standard - A/C, ESP, cruise, etc. Make sure it has leather (nearly all have except imports) and if possible go for 17" wheels. The 15" and 16" wheels don't cut it any more.

 

[toxic dave]

Go for it!! I had an older 2000W 230 Compressor (facelift model) and loved it so much I have just replaced it with the new 280!!! Have tried the 200 in both the old and new versions and they are sluggish compared to the 230/280 obviously, but it is very noticeable. If opting for the older version try for the facelift model it has a few more creature comforts and you can get the tiptronic gearbox, which means that you have the convenience of the auto but the fun of a manual if you need it. (I have the auto's due to a bad left knee!) Fuel consumption: I used to easily get 30+ from the 230 auto on longer runs and can get over 32 with the 280 auto. As for the boot space, well if you buy a sports car don't expect a big boot-pack light! We have just had one week's business/holiday in Scotland and there was plenty of room for everything in the boot. Have fun.