SLK 200 1st to 2nd gear problem

[Flaggy]

I have a SLK 200 Kompressor (oct 2002) with 17.500 which I love to bits, however i find 1st to 2nd gear realy knotchy and hard to select. I have taken it to my MB dealer 4 times and I keep being told its normal. I get the ususal technical stuff including its the way the gear box is designed to slide under the car if there is a front impact, yet I find it hard to believe that a car that has cost me more than my first house has a gear box worse than a mini I owned 20 years ago.
Be gentle with me boys (and girls) I'm new to this, just need some advice and reassurance that my gearbox isnt going to drop off 2 days after the waranty expires. (I dont want to buy an automatic, and couldnt afford one any way)

 

[nicky]

This is not normal in this car,all the gears should be easy to select.....I would get a second opinion.....PS welcome to the forum......

 

[pascal]

Hi there Flaggy,
Welcome to the forum'

There have been many complaints about that same SLK gearbox. Although I've not read about one 'dropping off' or failing totally.

Manual gearboxes are just an afterthought as far as MB is concerned it seems.

Reading the end of your post Flaggy, I suppose I cannot really recomend an auto, but I am anyway:lol:

See this thread from only last week also: http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=10579

Pascal

 

[Flaggy]

Thanx for taking the time to reply, as my baby is due for a service very shortly I might take her to another MB garage and ask their opinion and see what they say. Apart from this problem she is sooooo sweet I love her to bits, a joy to own. (although, I might take a test drive in an automatic if and when I decide to sell)
Kind Regards Flaggy

 

[SLinKyjoe]

i had a 6sp manual slk. it wasnt the best changing gearbox i have ever had but it wasnt the worst either. the description you give should be sorted by someone who knows what they are doing. as far as the MB response of it being normal, this is easy to test. have a go in another one, from them. then you will know and so will they.

apparently the new one has a sorted manual...so i bought an auto coz i have got wise now.