R172 SLK Prospective purchase advice

[Speddyp]

Hi All

Looking at purchasing an SLK, was in mind made up mode but then from some reading online there are a few potential issues with the model we were looking to buy!?

We have seen a 2012 SLK 250 CDI, its an AMG blue efficiency model, 27000 miles with full MB Dealer history. Main areas of concern are roof leaks! The car we are looking at has a solid colour roof not the panoramic or vario roof. The owner says they have had no issues with leaks but how common is the issue with these roofs? Is it a case of when not if?

Any advice from owners appreciated, we intend to keep the car a long time and it will be used in all weathers and parked outside so the leak issue is a real concern putting us off purchasing at the mo :-/

[alex_gray255]

Had an issue with mine after 8 years of ownership.

Only happened 2 times and was fixed reasonably simply by replacing/reenforcing a couple
of rubber seals

[Speddyp]

alex_gray255 said:

Had an issue with mine after 8 years of ownership.

Only happened 2 times and was fixed reasonably simply by replacing/reenforcing a couple
of rubber seals

Good to hear you were able to repair, which roof does your slk have, the glass or plastic type?

[WJNB]

Around 2012 Mercedes changed the roof material from some sort of plastic type to metal or for some models glass, on the SLC sometimes dimmable.. The leakage problem was a known problem at the time & if you were lucky as was I Mercedes freely swopped plastic roofs for glass but the moment the warranty expired tough luck.
Seals can be changed but a good dose of the approved lubricant usually solves the problem.
Your choice re. diesel but they are the models gathering dust on the forecourts especially if they are poorly specified i.e.no Airscarf, plain black interior, manually folding mirrors etc. Thus mega bargains for some plus the prestige of the badge.. The Derv's go well rarely leaving you embarrassed & all for less than a little MX-5.

[Dog Star]

I’ve had two of the R172 diesels - great cars, bonkers torque.

Roof was solid on first one and then on the second one it was the glass roof but covered inside as standard. You can convert this to a pano roof for a couple of hundred quid by replacing the interior trim.

I’ve had a number of SLKs, an SL and other convertibles- never ever had a leak issue. The secret is to keep the seals clean, and then lubricate with gummi pfledge (some Sonax stuff).