Buying an R171 SLK

[grahamwoodward]

Hi. My wife is looking to replace her 2001 R170 SLK 200 with an R171 model. We have a budget of £6-7k so would hope to get a 2006/7/8 car. Question is whether to go for an early SLK280 or a facelift SLK200. Our other car is a V6 E-class W211 (3.2 petrol) so the 280 is preferred. I've read that there are problems with the balancer shafts on the early 280, and cam-chain issues on the pre 2008 200 models. Can anyone advise us?

 

[Blobcat]

Get a 280 you know it makes sense - just check that the engine hasn't been fitted with the chocolate balance shafts.

I am of course biased having had one for nearly a year. The V6 is much much nicer than the IL4 and makes a very nice noise when it goes.

Also all of the IL4's can have cam chain issues...

 

[sl500amgsport]

My daughter has the R171 SLK200 (2010), sounds meatier than my SL500 up to 3000rpm and with the supercharger is quite nippy too, I suspect the SLK200 would be quick enough for your wife but recommend a test drive first.

She has owned hers for 4 years trouble free, so either models should be fine.

Mercedes SL500 R231

 

[grahamwoodward]

Thanks guys. The 280 is my personal preference. How do you check the balance shafts? Is there an 'after' engine number to check for?

 

[LostKiwi]

The I4s are known for timing sprocket issues. The V6 is known for balance shaft issues (though seemingly less commonly reported on here and only an issue on a group of engine numbers).
There is likely little in it for performance between the bigger I4 and smaller V6 but thecV6 is streets ahead in refinement.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks guys. The 280 is my personal preference. How do you check the balance shafts? Is there an 'after' engine number to check for?

How to check for balance shaft issues - M272

 

[Blobcat]

One other thing to watch for on all is a rusty rear subframe, although not particularly common but if it has it then it's an expensive fix.

worth a read

 

[Mark A]

Try the 350 also.

 

[sonic]

We have had two SLK200K's a 2004 one & a 2010 one which still have. Nothing went wrong with either, sold the 2004 one with 90K on the clock. Fuel consumption is not great about 32mpg over the year, I understand the 280 & 350 are only a couple on MPG's worse.

 

[Blobcat]

We have had two SLK200K's a 2004 one & a 2010 one which still have. Nothing went wrong with either, sold the 2004 one with 90K on the clock. Fuel consumption is not great about 32mpg over the year, I understand the 280 & 350 are only a couple on MPG's worse.

I’m averaging 31.5 in a 280 so 0.5mpg worserer

 

[sonic]

I’m averaging 31.5 in a 280 so 0.5mpg worserer

The economy in the 200K is not great.

 

[Blobcat]

The economy in the 200K is not great.

You need a V6 then...

 

[lexington013]

I bought an 08 plate last year, it was still on its original battery (replaced after being stored for4 monthsoverthe winter). It’s a fun second car. Still looks fresh for its age.