buying slk

[dave freeman]

hi all im new to this forum
i am thinking of buying a slk 230/200 99/2000 wondered if any owners had any advice what to check/look for,any known problems or nigles also which is the best engine.
an idea of service costs would also be appreciated.
thanks all dave.

 

[42852]

SLK Buying?

Dave Hi
I bought a 230 K auto eleven months ago because it's allegedly harder to mistreat an auto engine but I miss the manual as a driving pleasure (out of traffic.)
Niggles I've encountered (apart from the poor dealership)
BAS ASR fault lamp on permanently caused by brake pedal switch.replaced.
Heated screen washer blocked permanently and replaced.
Battery failed. replaced.( Dealer alleged to have fitted new one a year ago).Quoted by dearship £88 plus the acid for another £11
Sticks in first when accelerating, kickdown module replaced. still does it sometimes very embarrasing!!
Front wheel arch access cover not fitted or fallen out,replaced.
Front fog lights prone to corrosion.
Internal door trim falls away from fixings.
Cockpit draught buffer/baffle rips into holes very easilly.
Check the roof mechanism works properly.
Don't know exactly what the service charges are, I change the oil, filters plugs and grease up the moving external linkages etc myself but I suspect expensive, judging by what they tried to charge me for Signature warranty work?
Good Luck
Peter

 

[dave freeman]

cheers for that peter all very useful info.

 

[Tony]

The 320's the best engine - 10% more power and much smoother but it gets through 10% more fuel. They're also harder to find. There are no real weak points but the roof's expensive if it goes wrong. Servicing costs used to be very cheap but now that Mercedes have bought up most of the dealers aroung me (Herts) the costs have sky rocketted. £250 to change the oil and filter (A service). £540 to change oil, filter and wiper blades (B service).