SLK Owners

[Frekey]

Am thinking of buying an SLK320, 2001, 35k and one owner (Channel Islands). Any thoughts from those who've had one?
The year 2001 appears to be bang in the middle of MB's rusty period but I can see nothing (where should I be looking?). Also wary, perhaps, of a 3.2ltr pootling around an island with a maximum speed limit of 35mph, and often 25mph. Again, anyone with thoughts?

[jfdi]

I've had a 2001 SLK230 for about 5 years I did try a 320 when we were looking and yes the engine sounds so much nicer but i was warned by a Mercedes specialist that the 320 have 3 cats in the exhaust that have a tendency to disintegrate internally and rattle. Replacement of the cats can be as much as your paying for the car. They are also only very slightly quicker than the 230.
Rust is definitely an issue, mine does have a bit on the inside of the arches and front of the wings but still looks very clean. One 320 we viewed in black had a full MB dealer history and was mechanically perfect but the paint was pealing of the panels in big sheets, obviously something had gone very wrong in the paint prep.

[fistofsteel]

Arches are obviously prone and strangely the boot handle area. Looked at a few of these when getting one for my other half a few years ago, paintwork state was a complete lottery.

It would never be far from the sea air on Jersey!?

[purenrg]

Hello
Just returned home after annual new year trip to guernsey. My friend has a ferrari 458 so we flew round the island at low altitude a few times taking care to observe the 25 and 35mph speed limits. Another friend has an R170 Slk lovely car for islands roads.
I would recommend an slk32amg, the rarest of all models sure to be an appreciating classic I have had one for many years.Rustwise they are older cars so pick wisely.
Good luck with your search

[allan howell]

Hi Guys, Iv'e just bought an SLK an R172 which is a beautiful car and I have a question, Can you operate the roof while the car is moving slowly, I had an F Type which you can put the roof up or down up to 30mph but it was only a cloth roof which is not secure, Many Thanks, Allan

[The Mad Monk]

allan howell said:

Hi Guys, Iv'e just bought an SLK an R172 which is a beautiful car and I have a question, Can you operate the roof while the car is moving slowly, I had an F Type which you can put the roof up or down up to 30mph but it was only a cloth roof which is not secure, Many Thanks, Allan

Below 16 mph - or summat like that.

[allan howell]

Thank You Mr Monk very appreciated, Allan

[Ari]

allan howell said:

Hi Guys, Iv'e just bought an SLK an R172 which is a beautiful car and I have a question, Can you operate the roof while the car is moving slowly, I had an F Type which you can put the roof up or down up to 30mph but it was only a cloth roof which is not secure, Many Thanks, Allan

Only up to about 2mph I believe. Pretty sure they only introduced a roof you could operate on the move with the SLC.

[clarki]

Fastest I've managed is 7mph, then it'll just stop operating. So you can be on the move, but only very, very slowly.

I've a question for SLK owners out there. Anyone fitted a LSD? Decided the car is staying (think it's a keeper tbh) so umming and ahhing about getting a diff fitted. Was watching the C63 owners thread about the same subject and opinions seemed to be very positive, really improves the drive. Any advice/experience greatly appreciated.

Edited by clarki on Saturday 4th January 17:25

[595Heaven]

clarki said:

Fastest I've managed is 7mph, then it'll just stop operating. So you can be on the move, but only very, very slowly.

I've a question for SLK owners out there. Anyone fitted a LSD? Decided the car is staying (think it's a keeper tbh) so umming and ahhing about getting a diff fitted. Was watching the C63 owners thread about the same subject and opinions seemed to be very positive, really improves the drive. Any advice/experience greatly appreciated.

Edited by clarki on Saturday 4th January 17:25

Mine had a Quaife LSD fitted by a previous owner. Not driven one without, but it does put the power down very well (particularly on the new PS4s I fitted) and I’ve only seen the ESC warning light a couple of times - it is active much more often on standard cars I’m lead to believe... (I might just be driving it too gently though!)

[WJNB]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Check out the UK SLK owners Club Forum for observations from both sides of the Atlantic about these Smart-Tops. For some reason the Forum seems to promote their installation ( I suspect a Stateside member has a vested interest) yet there are scary stories of roofs stuck in the open position. The ability to raise the rear quarter windows with the roof down is useful as it marginally reduces in-cabin turbulence. Being able to operate the roof from a distance is a bit of a silly pose unless you like showing off but you will look a prat doing it.
For many though such fannying around is too risky.
As standard the SLK roof will raise & lower up to an indicated 3mph.
The SLC roof will operate up to about 30mph AND the rear quarter windows can be activated all as standard.

[psi310398]

We've had both R170 (230) and R171(350). Both are perfectly pleasant vehicles to drive.

I'd suggest trying either out on an extended drive to see if you can get on with the seats if you intend spending more than an hour in the car at a time. The seats are good enough for nipping down to the hairdresser but I've the misfortune of schlepping the car from London to North Italy and back again and it crucifies me.

BTW, the fitted luggage sets you can get from ?Roadsterbag are really worth having if you want to do any touring or even weekends away. They optimise space usage while permitting use of the hardtop.

[Jimbeaux]

I have an R172, SLK 350 here in the states. I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far.