Which SLK

[Jax66]

Hi Everyone, I'm new here (although, probably don't belong quite yet). I have a little question that I really could use some expert help with. I don't have a Merc yet but am now on the look for one - I really thought I knew what I want/ed and it is/was: The SLK 200 - manual - silver - all grey or black interior - your with me so far??? Anyhow I was asked yesterday why the 200 and not the 230 or anyother - so can you please help . Besides the engine size what are the other differances and are the bodies any differance - size wise.
And before I get any smart answers - Yes I know it seems a dumb question - - No I'm not blonde - - And No I don't have anyone who can help me -.
Thank you in advance
Jackie

 

[television]

Jackie you fit in perfectly, and welcome.

All SLK cars say the 170 use the same body shell and most refinements are all the same.

Could I ask why a manual as against an auto, what kind of mileage do you do and town or country driving

 

[darrenb1707]

Maybe a good compromise with the gearbox is maybe the tiptronic auto....kinda best of both worlds if you can find a SLK with one.

Personally I would go for the 230K over the 200K. Not much difference in price and the extra performance is much better without any significant impact on the fuel economy

 

[Jax66]

Hi Malcolm,
Thank you for your welcome.
My driving is country and motorway - and I would say about milewise about 6000 a year. As for the maunal gear box - just a preferance really, I enjoy driving and it's always just for pure pleasure and I can't imagine me not having that feeling of gear change.
Regards
Jackie

 

[television]

I see there is a SLK200, a 200K or the 230k, just looked and only the manual or auto

 

[Jax66]

Here is another thought - does the manual gearbox put extra pressure on the drive shaft as with the manual compared to the auto in the Jag???????

 

[television]

Not really you would have to be quite hard footed to do that.

The cars have whats known as the 716 and 717 manual boxes, they can be hard work when cold shifting from 1-2, the other thing is that the cars have a foot parking brake, so you need 3 legs or feet to take off on a hill easily.

The tiptronic auto box is so easy to drive with a manual over ride, its always in the right gear at the right time and a very good box.

Why not take a test drive in both, and were you talking about the 200 or the 200K, but as above the 230k must be the best option

 

[Jax66]

I was talking about the 200 ( dumb question again - what is the differance) but am being driven towards the 230 with tiptronic auto... Decisions, decisions... at least I was honest and said I needed help. I want to get it right.
Thanks
Jackie

 

[television]

The basis 200 is an engine without a super charger or compressor as its known and that is what the K stands for, it makes the car go much quicker. The advantage of the 230K is that it is a mid range engine, a good one at that.

The tiptronic box will probably only be available on a later car, and I must check on that, though you should get more replies tomorrow.
95% of all MB's sold are auto, so that speaks for some thing, I know it is a sports car, but I drive the SL500 and I would never go back to pushing my left leg up and down every few mins in town.

I asked a lot of questions when I got my first MB, and that is the best way to go, Do not rush, its going to be a buyers market for a long time.

The other advantage of a later car is that the pump that drives the top up and down has been modified.

Its also hard to know what any advertised car has in the way of extra's and to know the build date. MB's have a 17 figure VIN number bottom passenger side of the wind screen. If you feed that number into this link, all details of the car will be shown

http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

 

[busby20]

Having 2 SLK230's and a CLK320, I would say that you should go for either the 230k Tiptronic, or if you want a manual gearbox, probably the SLK320 - though there's not much differance in performance.

The 230k has a supercharged 2.3 engine, and the 320 is a 3.2 naturally aspirated V6. The 230 is known to have an oil seal problem which can lead to fairly expensive wiring loom / ecu problems and problems fouling the MAF, so on that basis the 320 is probably less problematic.

Either model is fun to drive and still provide an element of wow factor, but handling is not as good as the performance - BMW handle much better, so if you use a lot of minor / B roads be aware of the poorer handling.

 

[Jax66]

Thank you for all your help you have been a wee diamond. It seems as though it has been the K that I have been looking at.
Hope to speak again soon - Safe driving.

 

[television]

Having 2 SLK230's and a CLK320, I would say that you should go for either the 230k Tiptronic, or if you want a manual gearbox, probably the SLK320 - though there's not much differance in performance.

The 230k has a supercharged 2.3 engine, and the 320 is a 3.2 naturally aspirated V6. The 230 is known to have an oil seal problem which can lead to fairly expensive wiring loom / ecu problems and problems fouling the MAF, so on that basis the 320 is probably less problematic.

Either model is fun to drive and still provide an element of wow factor, but handling is not as good as the performance - BMW handle much better, so if you use a lot of minor / B roads be aware of the poorer handling.

Good point on that seal Busby, unless she buy one thats been done. I had the 320 engine in my 129 SL and that was faultless

 

[Jax66]

Thanks for that busby20 - living up here north of the border you will know what some of the roads are like. Funny you should mention BMW - It was a toss up between the SLK and the Z4 - The SLK has won me over as I think it is just a tad more girlie.

 

[busby20]

Thank you for all your help you have been a wee diamond. It seems as though it has been the K that I have been looking at.
Hope to speak again soon - Safe driving.

On that point, have a spare 230k (which has had all seal faults etc. fixed) which I'm ready to sell at this time, hasn't got the tiptronic gearbox but is still excellent all round, if interested can e-mail you details etc. (fairly local to you) just PM me, if not, happy hunting anyway

 

[busby20]

Thanks for that busby20 - living up here north of the border you will know what some of the roads are like. Funny you should mention BMW - It was a toss up between the SLK and the Z4 - The SLK has won me over as I think it is just a tad more girlie.

Ehhhm - funny you should say that, it's the wife's car she wanted a bigger car with four seats and convertible, so bought a CLK320 last year but didn't have the heart to dispose of the wee yin:razz: But i've got a 230k tiptronic as well and I love it - faults an all! did consider the BM Z3 at the time - but mercedes just gets in your blood and you tend to ignore the niggly things- don't underistimate this car, it may appear "girlie" etc. but it is a serious sport's car and has serious performance! enjoy!

 

[Jax66]

Although tempted - I think I need to find out a little more to help me make up my mind. In less that three hours I have gone from 200k manual to 230k with triptonic. I'm glad I joined here, I have been given some great insight to my queries.

 

[Jax66]

I used to race cars and build alot of kits (a long time ago) so it really is the performance that I'm going for - by 'Girlie' I actually meant more suitable for a female than the Z4 (which you have to admit) is a guys car, as in it looks better on a male than a female.
I'm digging myself in deeper trying to explain this one - aren't I ???

 

[busby20]

Although tempted - I think I need to find out a little more to help me make up my mind. In less that three hours I have gone from 200k manual to 230k with triptonic. I'm glad I joined here, I have been given some great insight to my queries.

Check your insurance on these, you might find that insurance is a lot less than you think, also compare for BMW which I think could be more expensive

 

[Jax66]

I have been told that the insurance is group 18 but haven't checked for myself yet. I know for the small car I have now I'm group 16

 

[Mackers_87]

i dont like disagreeing with people more experienced than me in things BUT. i have the 2002 c-class se coupe with the tip-tronic auto box. i cant give you any advice on engines but if you love the joy of driving and changeing the gears get a manual. the tip auto box is very good and relaxing but is nowhere near close to getting the same feel as a manual. i love manual cars but went with the auto because of the deal i got with my car, and sometimes i realy do regret not getting a manual.

the auto box is a more relaxing drive and nice in heavy trafic, but if you love a manual you will definately miss it.