Scottish SLK

[MBZ1503]

Long term Merc owner over the years. Looking at a purchase of a late model 53 plate R107 SLK 230 kompressor.
Have researched YT and read the guides on here.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Rust is the only major issue with an R170

 

[dry run]

Welcome

 

[Chrishazle]

I think 2003 is close to the start of the R171 which is galvanised (the R170 is not) so rust is far less of a problem, I'd suggest you look for an R171 rather than a 170. If you look at a V6 petrol also be aware of the potential early engine problems and check the engine number against info on this site.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome
We've had the 170, 171 and 172.
I preferred the 170, it was a good car, but did suffer rust. The 171 was rust free, but the earlier ones I hear have rust issues on the rear subframes.

 

[grahamcol]

I have a R170 which is almost mint. It doesn’t get used much at all, but it’s terrific fun. There can’t be many left that are in really good condition and yes its fondness to rust is the big problem. But find a good one, look after it and it should serve you well.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome
We've had the 170, 171 and 172.
I preferred the 170, it was a good car, but did suffer rust. The 171 was rust free, but the earlier ones I hear have rust issues on the rear subframes.

They’re also starting to get rust on the front wings… the internal bracket to the chassis was poorly (not at all) painted/rustproofed from the factory - this bracket rusts and rusts through the wing from the inside - people are staring to hassle MB about it - same as the subframes so (fingers crossed) they’ll start replacing wings on 171’s

 

[SmartAmg]

 

[MBZ1503]

Thanks. Well took it for a test drive. On acceleration there is some hesitancy, revs dropping slightly at all speeds? Any thoughts? Its low mileage hasnt been used much. Thanks.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks. Well took it for a test drive. On acceleration there is some hesitancy, revs dropping slightly at all speeds? Any thoughts? Its low mileage hasnt been used much. Thanks.

When was is last serviced?

230k’s accelerate very well when they’re in good fettle

 

[MBZ1503]

Not been serviced for about 3 years from what i can see. Was laid up for 2 years in 2017. Only done 500 miles in last 2 years.
Bas/esp light on.

 

[MBZ1503]

Think im just going to bite the bullet and save up for a 13 plate or thereabouts SLK250 cdi R172…..and purchase in a couple of years when i should have about 7k to spend.

 

[grahamcol]

The hesitancy might be MAS.
I’ll lay odds on favourite that the BAS/ESP light on will be the lateral acceleration sensor. It was on mine and I’ve heard of this before on the R170.
As stated above, the 230k goes very well when properly sorted.

 

[MBZ1503]

Hi pardon my ignorance what is MAS? Is this MAF sensor?

 

[grahamcol]

Yes, sorry the MAF. Different terminology. If it is that, and if I’m correct about the lateral acceleration sensor, l don’t think it would cost that much in the greater scheme of things, although a proper diagnostic on star is probably the way to go. In my experience any used car is going to need a little money spent to bring it up to scratch and as you’ve identified faults then perhaps an allowance can be made should you decide to proceed. That or get them to fix it before you purchase. I note you're probably going to wait and go for a later model.

 

[00slk]

Think im just going to bite the bullet and save up for a 13 plate or thereabouts SLK250 cdi R172…..and purchase in a couple of years when i should have about 7k to spend.

Wow, if we could get 7k for our 14 plate SLK250 in 2 years time, you can have ours