Thinking of a SLK280

[stella000]

Looking to buy a SLK280 either new or a nearly new one. what do they drive like (havent got round to arranging a test run yet) what are the Autos like against the manuals. Had a A3 Audi with DSG and loved it. Need some advice from you guys please.

 

[Tony]

The manual on the new SLK is reckoned to be pretty good. It's got a rod linkage nowadays so the change is more precise. I haven't driven one but I sat in a demonstrator and the thing that occurred to me was that the handbrake is in a stupid position and will get in the way of the gearchange - anyone else notice this? The auto isn't a patch on DSG by the way. This is a torque convertor auto and I just don't feel that they match a sports car - which the SLK is, despite what some say.

 

[Shambolic]

I have a manual on my 200k Slk and it is a good box if a bit short geared in first and second. Good 6 speed box though...may be better for the auto on the 280 as more power .
Test drive both I am sure the dealer will find models for you to test.
May be hard to find a manual 280 as most are auto!!

 

[stella000]

Thanks for your advice trying to arrange a test drive for this week end. Just finding dealers in my area that have a 280. I have seen from the used car stock that most of the 280 s are auto.

 

[mlc]

I would expect that an slk280 would be a very rare car. I would also expect it to be less valuable when you come to trade it in, MB has a reputation for super autos and unwanted manuals.

Once you have driven the auto version you will not be interested in the manual. finally the 280 will be powerful enough to handle any loss of power through the auto box.

Good luck with the search.

Mark

 

[Tony]

I have a manual on my 200k Slk and it is a good box if a bit short geared in first and second.

That's true. Mercedes have made the second ratio low enough that you can start off in it and it's closer to first gear than third instead of being in-between. It also spoils the 0-60 time on the manual because it takes 2 changes to get there. Most manufacturers make sure their sports cars can at least hit 100kph in second for exactly this reason. Maybe Merc just wanted to make sure that the manual didn't have better acceleration figures than the auto, which it would do with the right gear ratios.

BTW, if you want to read views on the manual you should try benzworld.org. There's a forum for the R171 and, very surprisingly, there are a lot of Yanks who buy the SLK in manual form - probably a greater proportion of manuals in the US than over here, which you wouldn't expect. The Yanks love to be able say they have a "stick shift". They think it makes them a proper driver.

 

[Shambolic]

The 280 is a strange one as all the cars look the same-ish and people wanting power and looks would go for a 350!
We personally didnt need the power as it is a second car for my wife and is very rarely driven so it would have been a waste.
The other way to look at it is "the best of both worlds"
Your money you decide but best of luck with it!

 

[dava]

Check this link out;
http://www.slkworld.com/
I have a R171 200 and when I bought it I tried all three out, the 350 for me was fast the 280 was fast and the 200 fast enough. I doubt you'll find a 280 sport manual, like some one said, manuals are not that common and to be fair the auto box, it's a seven speed on the sport, is very good. You realy need to try them and also look at the resale and running costs on all, as there are a load of 350 out there, so they may loose money quicker. I'm about to change mine in the next six months and when I do it will be a 280 sport as they look good value for money, the only down side is they only do them in black and silver and mine is a black one and I'm not wild on silver mercs.
Hope this helps

 

[stella000]

Thanks again for all your help and advice on an SLK.
I got it last Saturday (Not the best weather to take delivery of a new car)
SLK 280 Sports Edition Auto in silver with some toys on.
Finding it hard reading the manual though. Want to see the speed I am doing in the Lcd screen in miles but it will only show me in Kms any ideas how I can do this. The manual says on UK cars it should only show the out side temp. Help needed.

 

[Shambolic]

Thanks again for all your help and advice on an SLK.
I got it last Saturday (Not the best weather to take delivery of a new car)
SLK 280 Sports Edition Auto in silver with some toys on.
Finding it hard reading the manual though. Want to see the speed I am doing in the Lcd screen in miles but it will only show me in Kms any ideas how I can do this. The manual says on UK cars it should only show the out side temp. Help needed.

Mines is Kilometres too I dont believe you can change it there was a thread on here about this a while back will look for you!

 

[Shambolic]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20766&highlight=miles+display


Here mate this will explain it ...mibbee!!