SLK 230 - ownership experience

[don]

Hi

I am considering purchasing a used SLK 230K. I am looking for a reliable convertible that does not leak (no garage) and, whilst not necesarily a full blown sports car, has reasonable performance / handling characteristics.

In looking for information on the net I have seem some negative (and some positive) comment.

The concensus seems to be the MB quality has dropped off over the years and I have seen read of issues with roof rattle / leakage with the model that I am considering.

If any of your members can tell me of their experiences with this car (good and bad) I would appreciate this very much.

 

[Dave B]

SLK 230

You could have a look at the car reviews at  

www.parkers.co.uk

or

www.4car.co.uk/advertorial/virgin/index.jsp

They'll give you some basic info.

 

[Arnie]

SLK 230

By an SL.

Now that the new model is out, there are some good deals on the old ones.

They are far classier and built like tanks, in the traditional mercedes way.

The fixed hard top means no leaks in winter and you then get a classic rag-top for summer. They'll keep their value better in the long run too.

 

[Tony]

SLK 230

I've got an SLK320 which I bought new (from a Merc dealer with a £2k discount). It's 18 months old now and has done 10k miles. The only problem I've had so far is a faulty oil level sender unit. Admittedly though that's one more problem than I had with my Toyota MR2 which I had for 10 years.  

I think some of the disillusionment with Mercedes quality comes from the fact that they're selling into a much wider market now because they've moved downmarket. People who sell their Toyota Corolla and buy an A-class think that they're going to get  a better made car, but I'm afraid the fact is that cars don't come much better made than a Toyota. So they're disappointed.

The three-pointed star means squat to me. I never expected the SLK to be better made than my old MR2, because that would have been unrealistic. I bought the SLK because, to me, it's basically what a modern day MGB would be if the British car industry hadn't gone to pot. I've always loved the MGB and I think the formula is perfect - take your average unexceptional family saloon (Morris Oxford), cut and shut the floorpan, lower it, stick a smart 2 seater convertible body on it, tighten the suspension and there you are. You've got a fast, cheap, reliable car that's fun to drive. A sports car isn't necessarily a car that's got the ultimate in roadholding or the ultimate in power - don't try and tell me that the Mitsubishi Evo VII is a sports car - it's a two-seater convertible that's fun to drive and I think this means rear wheel drive. The MGB had this in spades despite it's feeble engine and low grip.

There aren't so many cars around nowadays that fit this formula because of this obsession with front wheel drive. It's only Mercedes and BMW who can pull this trick. Other mass manufacturers have to design a car specially (Mazda MX5) or turn the power train round and call it a mid-engine (like the MR2 and the MGF). Sadly I don't think a transverse engine can ever be called a mid-engine. By the time you've dialled out all the snap oversteer you get an understeering car that isn't much fun.
 
The SLK is basically a cut and shut C class (last generation) with an amazing roof. The problem with your average rag top is that they're noisy, draughty and you can't see out of them. So you put a hard top on. The hard top is slightly less noisy, but it creaks over bumps and damages your paint work. And it's such a pain to take on and off that you end up leaving it on all year round. The SLK's roof gets round all these problems. When it's up it's just like a saloon - no wind noise and no rattles, creaks or leaks. On the one day in a hundred that you want a convertible you just hit the button. It never ceases to amaze me. Mercedes deserve a lot of credit for the design and engineering that has gone into this roof. The traditional soft top is dead.

If you get an SLK just make sure you get the face-lifted model (March 2000 on) if only because the seats on the earlier version are an absolute disaster. And don't pay ths sticker price - there's plenty of room for negotiation now.              


(Edited by Tony at 2:34 pm on June 27, 2002)

 

[R10RGT]

SLK 230

Heh heh

Dosn't this just sum up the whole Mercedes experience?! An SL owner gets snotty about these new up-starts, not being built like they were in my day...

And an SLK owner with a real world view of things!!

(I have also come from an MR2 and agree, Toyota know how to build cars well!!)

I suspect that most SLK buyers aren't in a position to say "or shall I get an SL?!" or would even want to.

I have been watching auction prices on SLKs and can confirm that they are holding their values like, well, only a Merc Convertible can. In fact, in terms of holding value, it has to be

1. SL/SLK
2. Merc Estates
3. The rest!!!

Tony has it spot-on in his assessment, and in terms of lifetime running costs I dare say his SLK will turn out to have cost less than, say, the same money spent on something more run-of-the-mill?!!

A word of caution about magazine reviews - I have found owners views - such as those found here!! - much more helpful and realistic!!!

Cheers!!

 

[R10RGT]

SLK 230

Heh heh

Dosn't this just sum up the whole Mercedes experience?! An SL owner gets snotty about these new up-starts, not being built like they were in my day...

And an SLK owner with a real world view of things!!

(I have also come from an MR2 and agree, Toyota know how to build cars well!!)

I suspect that most SLK buyers aren't in a position to say "or shall I get an SL?!" or would even want to.

I have been watching auction prices on SLKs and can confirm that they are holding their values like, well, only a Merc Convertible can. In fact, in terms of holding value, it has to be

1. SL/SLK
2. Merc Estates
3. The rest!!!

Tony has it spot-on in his assessment, and in terms of lifetime running costs I dare say his SLK will turn out to have cost less than, say, the same money spent on something more run-of-the-mill?!!

A word of caution about magazine reviews - I have found owners views - such as those found here!! - much more helpful and realistic!!!

Cheers!!

 

[Arnie]

SLK 230

Who says I'm an SL owner?

I have, though, been considering both of these cars. For the same money you could either get a 3 year old SLK230 or a 6-year old SL320.

How many SLKs do you see on the road and how many SLs? If you put the two cars side-by-side, you'll see that a lot more detail engineering has gone into the SL; after all, its original price was up to £102k, compared to the 30k odd of an SLK. So, if you'd like something a bit rarer, with more road presence and, in my opinion more classically styled, for the same money, get an SL.

The last generation SL has been around for 12 years. It doesn't have the SLKs revolutionary roof, but they've had plenty of time to sort out all the bugs, so you can be sure it won't leak. Of course, you'll need extra space to store that hardtop and probably insurance, etc will be more on an SL.

That's not to say that there is anything wrong with the SLK. It too, is a lovely car.

 

[R10RGT]

SLK 230

I agree, the SL is the better engineered car. I just don't take myself too seriously. Nor do I expect you to...

Cheers!

 

[Nikki]

SLK 230

Hi Don,

Don't know wether it counts for much, but I have had a 230SLK from new, now showing 29,000 miles and have had a few niggling little problems, but overall ownership has been very enjoyable.

After 2000 miles, drivers side front indicator body popped out and disappeared down a ditch somewhere, was only doing 40mph at time. Evans, my local dealership, refitted it under warranty after words were exchanged.

Other thing, which as reoccured, is passenger side plastic panels inside wheel arch. Damn things keep disappearing under speed.

By the way, I have always 'used' my SLK and regularly run long distances at high speeds, throw it around bends, allowing for the understeer which is inherent in these cars, in all weathers and can soundly recommend the SLK as a capable sportscar. If you're gonna go for a recent one it must have full dealership history, anything else for this age of car is just excuses. My SLK has stood on a driveway all its life in all weathers, it's waxed every fortnight, inner and under areas Waxoyled and to date, not a mark or sign of degradation on her, so don't fret about leaving it outside. I would like to garage her but that's reserved for the '69 280SL (pride & joy), but that's another story.

Oh yes, nearly forgot, you must open the roof at least once a month, as it has a tendency to 'seal' itself against the rubber at the top of the windscreen, particularly if it's to be left outside. Have tried rubber treatments to alleviate this, but it still seems to stick and you're left with the sound of the motors whirring but no action from the roof, don't know wether this is common, just experienced it myself.

Hope I've helped.

 

[mbzslk230k]

SLK 230

Apologies for late reply - just joined ...

I have had a SLK230 from new (1998) and it has been fantastic ,,, but it has been built to a price for sure !

Anyone seen the new SLK scooped in AUTOCAR this week ?  Deposit going down at dealers on Monday !

 

[MarkSL]

SLK 230

I've had my 300SL for a few months now - and I love it!

It is used daily by my wife, and socially by me whenever I can get the keys! The build quality is superb and due to its slightly rarer status I dont expect to lose a lot of money in depreciation.
I would imagine that with stealership prices there wont be a huge difference in servicing costs and the insurance and running costs are certainly reasonable for such a good vehicle.

I will keep this one for a couple of years until I can afford on of the "final edition" 500's


Mark

 

[Tony]

SLK 230

I saw the Autocar article. The new SLK looks a bit like a smaller SLR. I'm not convinced by the new F1 nose. I wonder if it'll make it into production like that. What happened to the twin power bulges that are one of the car's best features. The back end is an improvement, but it's still not quite right. If they're going to start being adventurous (instead of just making basically the same shape of car in big, medium and small) Merc need the help of a really good stylist - preferably Italian.

The other worrying thing is that, having largely rationalised the model names for their cars, Merc are now screwing it up again. So there'll be the SLK200 which is a 1.8, and SLK230 which is a supercharged 1.8 and an SLK350 which is a 3.7 - to be followed by an SLK35 which is a supercharged 3.7. This is daft. In any case I think the ideal engine for the SLK is a V6 with about 200 bhp. This means about 3 litres. It doesn't need more than 200 bhp unless it's to be used on the track - in which case buy a Caterham instead.  

Still, if they put a GOOD sequential manual box in it, I also might put a deposit down.

(Edited by Tony at 8:41 am on Oct. 15, 2002)


(Edited by Tony at 9:38 am on Oct. 15, 2002)