Mercedes SLK Experience

[Vanguard]

Never buy a manual Mercedes would be my only advice

[Gareth-W]

Never buy a manual Mercedes would be my only advice

This ^^^^^

[alanm_3]

This ^^^^^

This, without a shadow of a doubt, buying a manual Merc will be probably the worst decision you'll make.
I had a brand new manual C200 manual hire car recently and it was shocking.

[Hammond]

Well....I'm glad I asked is all I can say! This really is quite overwhelming and almost unanimous against the manual. I think we'll have to try them back to back. There's a place only 4 miles up the road where we looked at a manual and he had a similarly specced auto so I'll ask to take the Pepsi challenge at the weekend.

Reassuring that the gearbox seems to be the only complaint though. Thanks for the input chaps.

As I said, not what you're looking for per say but as its only covered 7000 miles from new, I thought it might be worth a metion!

Can you PM me some details Dave? She has her heart set on the later model but I have tried to point her at the earlier one as it would be a slightly cheaper way in to ownership, and I think they still look alright for their age. Would be a hard sell I think but worth a try.

[mariod]

I have a R170 SLK 320 auto and am very pleased especially with the engine combined with the auto gearbox. Rust can be a problem as well as the electric (seats and seat heater). Check the motor for oil loss due to aged seals (especially the valve cover gasket). Not a big problem but seems to be quite common and can (and should) be fixed easily.

[Dave O'Sullivan]

Can you PM me some details Dave? She has her heart set on the later model but I have tried to point her at the earlier one as it would be a slightly cheaper way in to ownership, and I think they still look alright for their age. Would be a hard sell I think but worth a try.

Will do mate. That said, he is ex motor trade and with 7K miles and being like new (heated garage), I doubt it will be too cheap as an entry ;)

[Hammond]

and being like new (heated garage), I doubt it will be too cheap as an entry ;)

I did think that as I wrote it! Cheers though.

[lambros]

Never buy a manual Mercedes would be my only advice

+1

[paulpsz008]

I keep looking at 55's in the classifieds, must be good with a V8?

[afcneal]

+1 on the roof problems (potentially) my Brother has one (230 Comp) with 140k on it and it still drives well. Not a tarmac scorcher in any guise below SLK55 though!!

Auto is a must though as said already!!

BMW Z4 a better car IMO, but the Honda S2000 is worth a look too.

[rico]

Token and legitimate suggestion of a Boxster.

[Pubdweller]

I keep looking at 55's in the classifieds, must be good with a V8?

I've had mine for just under 4 years now. Bought it at 23k miles and is now at 42k
I added Kleemann headers /remap / cams so it's now about 420hp . The plan is to do the supercharger next and lsd
Even without the mods it's an incredible car, the likes of which we won't see again as manufacturers downsize engines and add turbos. The new slk (badged slc) will have a 3 litre V6 and actually produce 360 Hp (less than the current R172 's 420hp)
I did think about selling it but there's nothing I could replace it with, I looked at the R172 but even though it's got a great interior the looks don't do it for me