Newbie Quick Question - SLK Reliability / problems

[oatcaker29]

Hello all.

Sorry if this question has been asked a thousand times!
I'm thinking of buying an SLK 230 and would appreciate any information on what to look out for when buying one. I will have enough cash for a 1999 - 2000 model.

Are there any major differences on the facelifted model and what gearbox is recommended (I've never been into Autos, but I'll be giving one a go in a few days time!).

Any common faults / cost to resolve would be appreciated too.

Thanks

Mike

 

[Tony]

I don't think there are any reliability problems in particular. It's fairly bullet proof mechanically. There have been some suggestions on the benzworld site that the 5-speed auto is prone to failure at very high mileages - attributed to the fact that the service schedule doesn't specify changing the oil (ever) - but I don't know if this is a realistic complaint.

The facelift model is preferable in that it has MUCH better seats and a generally better quality interior (still not particularly good). It also has a nicer steering wheel and body coloured cills and door handles. The auto also has a "tiptronic" function so that you can go up or down the gears sequentially by tapping the lever. The previous model required a fiddly movement of the lever.

Manual wasn't available on UK spec cars till the facelift (March 2000), so it's auto only - unless you get LHD. The 5 speed manuals were said to be pretty poor. The 6 speed manual, on the facelift models, is better, with a shorter throw. They are much rarer than the autos (20% of cars?). You would need to try it out. I have a manual and it's not as bad as some people say. There are dealers who won't touch manual Mercedes because they're difficult to sell (which means you might be able to get a good deal). I considered selling my 2001 SLK320 last year and the most I was offered (by a dealer) was £17k. For an immaculate 2 year old car with 12kmiles, with a list cost new of about £35k, that seemed a joke. So I've decided to keep it. There's not muchout there to compare with it anyway.