SLK - What to look out for before buying

[Bashir]

Looking to buy 10/12-year-old auto (80k/120k)SLK for my dear wife.

Besides the usual stuff, any advice would be welcomed on the main points to look out for.
Especially generic problems.
Many thanks
Bashir

 

[Blobcat]

Buy a V6 petrol, should be new enough not to have the balance shaft issue but it’s easy to check online. Much nicer than the IL4 and similar economy.
If you want comfort get one with 16” wheels, if fashion is your thing get one with 18” wheels.
Gearbox should be serviced every 37.5k miles.
Check subframe - although MB are replacing FOC if the rust is very bad.
I’ve done ~65k miles in mine in 4 years

 

[Bashir]

Buy a V6 petrol, should be new enough not to have the balance shaft issue but it’s easy to check online. Much nicer than the IL4 and similar economy.
If you want comfort get one with 16” wheels, if fashion is your thing get one with 18” wheels.
Gearbox should be serviced every 37.5k miles.
Check subframe - although MB are replacing FOC if the rust is very bad.
I’ve done ~65k miles in mine in 4 years

Thanks for your advice

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Bit of a problem model check it out on youtube

 

[Blobcat]

Bit of a problem model check it out on youtube

Exact opposite in my experience

 

[lewyboy]

Check the spec carefully, our 2013 SLK AMG line had horrible suspension. Honestly I couldn't drive it locally, the only time I ever enjoyed it was on a really smooth motorway.

In contrast our newly acquired MX5 rides like a dream.

 

[Chrishazle]

OP said 10-12 year old SLK, which I believe would make the car a facelift R171 same as Blobcat and myself. BC's is on 16's and rides comfortably (maybe a bit soft for spirited driving but good for his use as his daily), mine is on 17's, ride was a bit harsh initially, I changed the front tyres to GY Efficientgrip Performance and it improved, the rears (which I think have stiff sidewalls) still have a lot of wear in them, but I suspect changing them to GY's will improve things further.

 

[Uncle Benz]

55AMG is the pic of the bunch. Honestly, you’ll have a permanent grin!

Mine on a recent roadtrip. Honister pass. Zoom in on the background to see the hairpins.

 

[Blobcat]

Check the spec carefully, our 2013 SLK AMG line had horrible suspension. Honestly I couldn't drive it locally, the only time I ever enjoyed it was on a really smooth motorway.

In contrast our newly acquired MX5 rides like a dream.

What wheels and tyres did you have?

 

[Chrishazle]

Wonder if I'd be wrong in guessing 18's and sports suspension!!

 

[Blobcat]

Wonder if I'd be wrong in guessing 18's and sports suspension!!

Uncle Benz has 18”s however he has changed the suspension

 

[Chrishazle]

My rear suspension was changed a lot following the first inspection by my local indie - all 8 rear control arms, plus discs and pads, and later a cross member after the idiot trainee forgot to torque up the rear NS wheel bolts so the wheel fell off - at 40mph!!

 

[Bashir]

Check the spec carefully, our 2013 SLK AMG line had horrible suspension. Honestly I couldn't drive it locally, the only time I ever enjoyed it was on a really smooth motorway.

In contrast our newly acquired MX5 rides like a dream.

Thanks for your feedback

 

[lewyboy]

What wheels and tyres did you have?

I cannot recall, 18" I expect and whatever tyres MB put on at MOT time (Michelin ps4 I think), it was a 172 though.

It was the AMG line suspension that caused me the most discomfort, it felt brittle and even made the roof rattle it was so firm.

Our previous 170 SLK 320 on normal suspension was a dream and, as said, the MX5 is perfect.