SLK 280 2008 facelift - looking to buy

SLK 280 2008 facelift - looking to buy

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Discussion

3anascooter

Original Poster:

310 posts

194 months

Sunday 30th January 2022
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Having discovered i cant push the seat back far enough in a 986 Boxster I thought (for a few hours) about an SL from 2005/6 before concluding the running costs might be horrible, on what was originally a pretty expensive car

So have now got the 280 SLK in my sights (previously had a Mk2 Audi TT cabrio), from late 2008 onwards when i believe there was a facelift and reliability improvements to the V6

Wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom and also whether you feel it would be comfortable enough for a road tip to Venice and on to the Budapest F1 GP, for the wife and I...thanks

psychoR1

1,082 posts

194 months

Monday 31st January 2022
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Seats are quite hard in them so not sure how you would get on with distance?

I have a 2009 350. I went for the 350 as it has the 310bhp motor. I like it, enough grunt and sounds nice in a waffly sort of GT way.

Ive had a few ragtops, A4 Cab, MX5, S2000 and found all of them a bit claustrophobic. I then had an Mr2 Mk2 and realised I prefer something less enclosed.

The tin top convertible is a good compromise. can be more secure and quiet than a ragtop but then topless in secs.

Generally I think they're pretty robust engines and boxes. There are some issues with rot in the rear subframes but Merc are doing a lot of goodwill replacements on old cars.

Go for one that's well spec'd Heated seats, air scarf and parking sensors come in handy!

TR4man

5,320 posts

181 months

Monday 31st January 2022
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Is bodywork rust an issue like it was in the previous model? I’m thinking particularly the front wings.

Rockets7

423 posts

137 months

Monday 31st January 2022
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TR4man said:
Is bodywork rust an issue like it was in the previous model? I’m thinking particularly the front wings.
Yes. Front wings and arches, same for rear. Insist on a rear subframe check. MB do some replacements FOC.

psychoR1

1,082 posts

194 months

Sunday 6th February 2022
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No body rot on my 09.
Places to watch are the from wing to bumper bracket that rots inside out.
In perspective I would say they’re far better than the mk5 golf and fords I’ve had for rot….

3anascooter

Original Poster:

310 posts

194 months

Sunday 6th February 2022
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Well to put some closure on this, today I bought a 2012 250CD AMG diesel thingy. Never had a diesel and not sure a) in current climate its the best idea and b) that a diesel sports car is a bit of a contradiction, but there we go. Hopefully is a frugal way,to get tomvenice and Budapest later in the year

psychoR1

1,082 posts

194 months

Wednesday 16th February 2022
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sounds good - would be interested in what you think of it - they're supposed to go well with a remap!

Ari

19,534 posts

222 months

Saturday 19th February 2022
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A bit late now, but for anyone picking this up in a search, a good review and drive of an 09 SLK280 here