SL or SLK?

[roscoc180]

Looking to replace my s reg c240 sport with either an slk or sl 320? My budget will be around 6k ish. 99-2000 slk for this ammount or 95 sl. I do most of my own servicing but do worry about the increased price of parts for the sl, i have heard qoutes of 1000 plus for a cat 1500 for a roof etc etc. I used to own a slk 230 1998 and it was a fun drive, my commute is around 30 miles a day I got rid of the slk because i noticed a couple of rust bubbles beginning to start and thought it was the right thing to do. Any advice appreciated. By the way what is my 240 worth 118000k average condition.

Thanks

 

[drivinggod09]

id go for an sl still look great and built a bit better than the 2000 era mercs IMO , how many times are you going to change a cat once if your unlucky go for it

 

[roscoc180]

When mentioning the rust I meant to say will this be a problem with all slk's around this age or just luck of the draw?

Thanks again

 

[brianbrian]

Hi,SL and keep it.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Hi,SL and keep it.

As Brian says - I would go for the SL. A very good choice of these on the market at present in the price range you mentioned. A piece on them in the April edition of Mercedes Enthusiast.

You should be able to find one quite easily with FSH, hardtop (check for rust around rear quarters) and softop (make sure you see it and have a demo of up/down) and a wind deflector. The owner may well also have a stand for the hard top (with a soft cotton cover). A good one will cruise through these checks without hesitation.

Many of these cars have been cherished and pampered. Now is an excellent time to buy.

 

[roscoc180]

Hi,
Thanks for your thoughts on this, thew next question is what engine? I have heard the straight six suffers from oil leaks and head gasket snags. I take it 1998 is when the v6 went in which is a better engine. I love the sound of the 500 but what will it cost to run!!!!!!!!!!

 

[antijam]

No two ways about it, the SL is more car than the SLK. One key point is whether or not you value the convenience of the retractable metal roof; any SLK will have one - a '95 SL will not. If you want to be able to enjoy one of those odd winter days when the sun is out and you drop the lid, turn the heater up and go for a blast, then quickly swapping the SL hard top for the hood is not the preferred option......

 

[television]

The V6 came out 08/98 re the CATS they go noisy and rattle, I and many others just cut them out, and no problems doing that, mine ran fine without them. On a 95 and on the windows should drop as you open the doors, and a different trim inside. A 08/98 on would be the best bet as all extra's thrown in

 

[foof1]

I bought a R129 SL 320 V6 in Dec 08. I have been delighted with the vehicle. It is superb to drive, plenty of power with a great engine sound! These vehicles are rock solid and don't give much problems as long as they are well maintained. SL's also function as a great every day car with good boot space for that type of vehicle.

 

[roscoc180]

Thanks all, I don't think my budget will go to a 98 model but am thinking about the 500. Do these cars given the year suffer like others for rust? My 240 is showing signs around the arches and very strangely in the centre of the rear quarter panel and the centre of one of the rear doors.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Thanks all, I don't think my budget will go to a 98 model but am thinking about the 500. Do these cars given the year suffer like others for rust? My 240 is showing signs around the arches and very strangely in the centre of the rear quarter panel and the centre of one of the rear doors.

Good choice - others have said that if you can, go for the 500 - the performance is just so effortless and the difference in running costs is marginal - "if you don't do it, you will always regret it" has been expressed in other threads.

I have a 1994 SL500 which is completely rust free and I very much doubt if I am alone in that. Cars manufactured 1998-2003 were prone to rust, which I guess is what you are finding with your 240?

 

[roscoc180]

Thanks, I think I will look for one between 95 and 98 by the info I have been given.

Cheers

 

[Quick Silver]

I have a 1990 300 SL straight six had it for 3 years now and never regretted buying it but I did have to replace the complete exhaust , not cheap but I have friends in the trade so fitted a genuine MB replacement . Mine has cloth seats which was a special order , I've never seen another one with cloth seats .

The head problems I think apply to the 320 24 valve jobbie if I'm wrong somebody will no doubt correct me . Apart from the exhaust the only other parts that I've replaced is the OVP relay and stoplight switch .It had 49K on the clock when I bought it and it has 71K on it now.

The earlier models are also much easier for DIY repairs.

 

[roscoc180]

Hi, What about the sl 280? A lot of the 500 are out of my range i think. Are the engines ok?

 

[st4]

SL. A mans car. SLK a womans car.

Be a man :mrgreen:

 

[Alex M Grieve]

SL. A mans car. SLK a womans car.

Be a man :mrgreen:

You may be right, but I have an SL500 and like to think that I have never lost touch with my feminine side!

 

[st4]

You may be right, but I have an SL500 and like to think that I have never lost touch with my feminine side!

Try an SL60amg (129) and that will rid you of your femine side for good.

 

[foof1]

Never a truer word said!!!!

 

[cockyapple]

quote


The V6 came out 08/98 re the CATS they go noisy and rattle, I and many others just cut them out, and no problems doing that, mine ran fine without them


how does this effect the emissions test at MOT time ????

 

[television]

quote


The V6 came out 08/98 re the CATS they go noisy and rattle, I and many others just cut them out, and no problems doing that, mine ran fine without them


how does this effect the emissions test at MOT time ????

The 10 cars that I know of have all passed the MOT with no problems,,you still have the upper CATs