SLK 230K - V - SLK 320.???
Discussion
Hi Folks
Im in the market for a SLK .Well the "other arf" is...
We,de rather have a facelift version..
BUT
Which one to go for.. 230K or 320.??? Unfortunately cant stretch to an AMG version....We,ve got approx £15K to spend...
What could i get for that....
The other option is a Honda S2000.????
Hope somebody can help us in our decision ...
Im in the market for a SLK .Well the "other arf" is...
We,de rather have a facelift version..
BUT
Which one to go for.. 230K or 320.??? Unfortunately cant stretch to an AMG version....We,ve got approx £15K to spend...
What could i get for that....
The other option is a Honda S2000.????
Hope somebody can help us in our decision ...
I have just been in the same position and brought a 230 after driving several examples of each. The 320 is a better car - it was more expensive when new and now is only about £1,000 more than the 230 so is better value. However, the performance is not much different and the 230 is a lot more economical. Its also easier to service. The 320 engine has problems with catalysts which put me off a little.
I would have had either but I am delighted with my 230.
I would have had either but I am delighted with my 230.
Mercedes Enthusiast of Aug 2003 had a Buyer's Guide to the SLK. In it they say:
"In an ideal world there's little doubt that the V6 is the one to go for, both in terms of smoothness when you're cruising and vocal accompaniment when you're pressing on. The performance difference between the 320 and the 230K is less than you might imagine but baritone V6 is much more pleasing to the ears."
The Times online also say that the 320 with automatic transmission is the one to buy.
From the SLK brochure:
0-62.5mph (100kph) times for the cars are:
230K: 7.2(Man), 7.3(Auto)
320: 7.0(Man), 6.9(Auto) - yes, the Auto is quicker!
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):
230K: 28.0(Man), 28.8(Auto)
320: 24.8(Man), 26.7(Auto)
For £15-£16K you could probably find a 2000 model SLK320 Auto at a M-B main dealer. But a few £K more will substantially increase the selection available.
For example:
2002 SLK320
Lazulite Blue Metallic with Sand/siam
Registered: 2002/02
Mileage: 22341
Price: £18990
Body style: Cabriolet
Engine capacity: 3199 cc
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: Petrol
Equipment:
AMG Alloys
Cruise Control
Electric Windows
Electrically Operated and Heated Wing Mirrors
Fog Lights
Headlamp Wash
Immobiliser
Leather Trim
Multiple airbags
Power Steering
Retractable hardtop
CD Player
Electric Seats
Electrical folding wing mirrors
ESP
Front Centre Armrest
Heated front seats
Leather Covered Steering Wheel
Metallic Paint
Outside Temperature Indicator
Remote central door locking
That one is for sale at main dealer in Norfolk. The photos on the M-B website look gorgeous!
S2000 - it has a cloth top and isn't anything like as practical. The SLK 'Vario' roof is a tremendous asset!
>> Edited by nickwilcock on Tuesday 14th February 20:37
"In an ideal world there's little doubt that the V6 is the one to go for, both in terms of smoothness when you're cruising and vocal accompaniment when you're pressing on. The performance difference between the 320 and the 230K is less than you might imagine but baritone V6 is much more pleasing to the ears."
The Times online also say that the 320 with automatic transmission is the one to buy.
From the SLK brochure:
0-62.5mph (100kph) times for the cars are:
230K: 7.2(Man), 7.3(Auto)
320: 7.0(Man), 6.9(Auto) - yes, the Auto is quicker!
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):
230K: 28.0(Man), 28.8(Auto)
320: 24.8(Man), 26.7(Auto)
For £15-£16K you could probably find a 2000 model SLK320 Auto at a M-B main dealer. But a few £K more will substantially increase the selection available.
For example:
2002 SLK320
Lazulite Blue Metallic with Sand/siam
Registered: 2002/02
Mileage: 22341
Price: £18990
Body style: Cabriolet
Engine capacity: 3199 cc
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: Petrol
Equipment:
AMG Alloys
Cruise Control
Electric Windows
Electrically Operated and Heated Wing Mirrors
Fog Lights
Headlamp Wash
Immobiliser
Leather Trim
Multiple airbags
Power Steering
Retractable hardtop
CD Player
Electric Seats
Electrical folding wing mirrors
ESP
Front Centre Armrest
Heated front seats
Leather Covered Steering Wheel
Metallic Paint
Outside Temperature Indicator
Remote central door locking
That one is for sale at main dealer in Norfolk. The photos on the M-B website look gorgeous!
S2000 - it has a cloth top and isn't anything like as practical. The SLK 'Vario' roof is a tremendous asset!
>> Edited by nickwilcock on Tuesday 14th February 20:37
The latest one has a nice photo of the SL-facelift.
Slaver, drool....
And there's a road test next month!
Interesting that they haven't gone for a 'SLK/Formula'-look nose. Perhaps they're having second thoughts about the wisdom of that decision for the R171?
However, the R170 SLK still looks, well, classic!
I was very happy with my SLK320, but the SLK32 AMG is something else!
Slaver, drool....
And there's a road test next month!
Interesting that they haven't gone for a 'SLK/Formula'-look nose. Perhaps they're having second thoughts about the wisdom of that decision for the R171?
However, the R170 SLK still looks, well, classic!
I was very happy with my SLK320, but the SLK32 AMG is something else!
nickwilcock said:
Interesting that they haven't gone for a 'SLK/Formula'-look nose. Perhaps they're having second thoughts about the wisdom of that decision for the R171?
Hardly. R171 is outselling the Z4 at a rate of 3:1 in some markets for example. I saw a quote in a German magazine that said they wanted to make sure the SL didn't just look like a larger SLK, but retain its own individuality. It's one of the best features of the styling in any case, and one of the reasons why R170 looks so dated.
"R171 is outselling the Z4 at a rate of 3:1 in some markets for example"
Perhaps more due to the fact that the styling of the Z4 is, as with all current BMWs, utterly hideous?
Light colours seem to suit the R171; however, I still think that the front of the SLK55 AMG looks untidy - as though designed by different people who couldn't agree...
But this is a R170 query. Go for the V6!
Perhaps more due to the fact that the styling of the Z4 is, as with all current BMWs, utterly hideous?
Light colours seem to suit the R171; however, I still think that the front of the SLK55 AMG looks untidy - as though designed by different people who couldn't agree...
But this is a R170 query. Go for the V6!
Now after doing a bit of resurch..
I believe there are 2 types of 3.2,s a V6 + a straight 6.. Am i correct..+ Which is the better version...
Is there anything to look out for when buying one ie "achilese heel" etc
Ive heard that the cats can be a problem on the 3.2,s???
Also my father has a E320CDI my2000, + his car has a few rust spots forming.. did Mercs have a problem with there paint/ corrosion resistance, around 2000 ish.???
Nick
Do you have a copy of the report/ buying guide of the SLK you could let me have.???
Ta,DW.
>> Edited by Big 968 Dave on Thursday 16th February 00:40
>> Edited by Big 968 Dave on Thursday 16th February 00:41
I believe there are 2 types of 3.2,s a V6 + a straight 6.. Am i correct..+ Which is the better version...
Is there anything to look out for when buying one ie "achilese heel" etc
Ive heard that the cats can be a problem on the 3.2,s???
Also my father has a E320CDI my2000, + his car has a few rust spots forming.. did Mercs have a problem with there paint/ corrosion resistance, around 2000 ish.???
Nick
Do you have a copy of the report/ buying guide of the SLK you could let me have.???
Ta,DW.
>> Edited by Big 968 Dave on Thursday 16th February 00:40
>> Edited by Big 968 Dave on Thursday 16th February 00:41
Big Dave - the only 6 cyl engines are both V6. The SLK320 has a normally aspirated V6 giving 215 bhp; the SLK32 AMG has a modified version with a Lysholm-type supercharger (a completely different design compared to the Eaton-type 'Kompressor' as fitted to the SLK230K) - this raises the power to a mere 354 bhp. Yes, three hundred and fifty four!
The SLK was never fitted with a straight six engine.
Some more words, this time from the Sunday Times:
Times Online Used cars
Mercedes SLK by Jason Dawe of the Sunday Times:
Introduced in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz SLK was the first of the latest generation of convertible cars with a folding hard top. Initially launched with a 2.3 litre supercharged engine, the SLK (Sportlich, Leicht, Kompakt — sporty, light and compact) would accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1sec and carry on to a top speed of 148mph. But enthusiastic drivers were disappointed by the sound of the coarse four-cylinder engine and the intrusive whistle from the supercharger.
Mercedes-Benz remedied the situation as part of the car’s midlife facelift in February 2000, introducing a 3.2 litre V6 putting 218bhp through the rear wheels. On paper the larger V6 engine provides only fractionally more performance than the 2.3, but its delivery is smoother and the engine note more satisfying.
With prices for a used SLK320 only about £1,100 more than for an SLK230, it represents the best used buy, but drivers will pay a small penalty at the pumps, where the V6 manages about 5mpg less than the 230 Kompressor.
In addition to the new engines these facelifted cars also sit slightly lower on the road and come with revised front bumpers, mesh-covered air intakes and colour-coded sills. The overall effect is to give the Merc a more muscular stance.
As the name suggests, the SLK is a relatively compact car, shorter than a VW Golf or Ford Focus, but cabin space is good. With the roof up and the height-adjustable seat down it will easily accommodate a six-footer, and the surprisingly broad cabin has space for a comfortable centre armrest with useful storage.
The dashboard has a retro feel with its large dials and chrome surrounds, but despite being trimmed in leather the overly large steering wheel — adjustable for reach only — detracts from the car’s sporty feel.
As with all Mercedes-Benz cars the standard equipment can be a little sparse. Although alloys, antilock braking and sports seats are standard, used-car buyers should seek out models with the all-important leather upholstery, air-conditioning and metallic paint to make the car feel like a “proper” Mercedes-Benz.
It was initially only available with an automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual box was introduced, along with a revised auto-box, to coincide with the 2000 facelift. While a manual gearbox may seem the obvious choice in a sports car, it’s the automatic SLK that has the best performance — with both the 2.3 litre and V6 models posting faster 0-62mph acceleration times.
The majority of SLKs will have enjoyed a relatively sedentary life but they still need careful checking. Put the roof up and down a few times to check for sticking motors, particularly on cars that are outdoors all year round, listen for gearbox noises and feel for a heavy clutch on cars with manual gearboxes.
It’s also essential to check the bodywork carefully. SLKs are fully galvanised and come with the unique Mercedes-Benz 30-year warranty, so any repair should be carried out by an authorised repairer using genuine parts, or this precious warranty could become invalidated.
Unfortunately the August 2003 Mercedes Enthusiast edition with the Buyer's Guide for the SLK is out of print now - and the only photocopier I have access to is currently u/s.
In a nutshell the 230K is fine, but the V6 is even better, in my opinion.
The SLK was never fitted with a straight six engine.
Some more words, this time from the Sunday Times:
Times Online Used cars
Mercedes SLK by Jason Dawe of the Sunday Times:
Introduced in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz SLK was the first of the latest generation of convertible cars with a folding hard top. Initially launched with a 2.3 litre supercharged engine, the SLK (Sportlich, Leicht, Kompakt — sporty, light and compact) would accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1sec and carry on to a top speed of 148mph. But enthusiastic drivers were disappointed by the sound of the coarse four-cylinder engine and the intrusive whistle from the supercharger.
Mercedes-Benz remedied the situation as part of the car’s midlife facelift in February 2000, introducing a 3.2 litre V6 putting 218bhp through the rear wheels. On paper the larger V6 engine provides only fractionally more performance than the 2.3, but its delivery is smoother and the engine note more satisfying.
With prices for a used SLK320 only about £1,100 more than for an SLK230, it represents the best used buy, but drivers will pay a small penalty at the pumps, where the V6 manages about 5mpg less than the 230 Kompressor.
In addition to the new engines these facelifted cars also sit slightly lower on the road and come with revised front bumpers, mesh-covered air intakes and colour-coded sills. The overall effect is to give the Merc a more muscular stance.
As the name suggests, the SLK is a relatively compact car, shorter than a VW Golf or Ford Focus, but cabin space is good. With the roof up and the height-adjustable seat down it will easily accommodate a six-footer, and the surprisingly broad cabin has space for a comfortable centre armrest with useful storage.
The dashboard has a retro feel with its large dials and chrome surrounds, but despite being trimmed in leather the overly large steering wheel — adjustable for reach only — detracts from the car’s sporty feel.
As with all Mercedes-Benz cars the standard equipment can be a little sparse. Although alloys, antilock braking and sports seats are standard, used-car buyers should seek out models with the all-important leather upholstery, air-conditioning and metallic paint to make the car feel like a “proper” Mercedes-Benz.
It was initially only available with an automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual box was introduced, along with a revised auto-box, to coincide with the 2000 facelift. While a manual gearbox may seem the obvious choice in a sports car, it’s the automatic SLK that has the best performance — with both the 2.3 litre and V6 models posting faster 0-62mph acceleration times.
The majority of SLKs will have enjoyed a relatively sedentary life but they still need careful checking. Put the roof up and down a few times to check for sticking motors, particularly on cars that are outdoors all year round, listen for gearbox noises and feel for a heavy clutch on cars with manual gearboxes.
It’s also essential to check the bodywork carefully. SLKs are fully galvanised and come with the unique Mercedes-Benz 30-year warranty, so any repair should be carried out by an authorised repairer using genuine parts, or this precious warranty could become invalidated.
Unfortunately the August 2003 Mercedes Enthusiast edition with the Buyer's Guide for the SLK is out of print now - and the only photocopier I have access to is currently u/s.
In a nutshell the 230K is fine, but the V6 is even better, in my opinion.
nickwilcock said:
Big Dave - the only 6 cyl engines are both V6. The SLK320 has a normally aspirated V6 giving 215 bhp; the SLK32 AMG has a modified version with a Lysholm-type supercharger (a completely different design compared to the Eaton-type 'Kompressor' as fitted to the SLK230K) - this raises the power to a mere 354 bhp. Yes, three hundred and fifty four!
The SLK was never fitted with a straight six engine.
Some more words, this time from the Sunday Times:
Times Online Used cars
Mercedes SLK by Jason Dawe of the Sunday Times:
Introduced in 1996, the Mercedes-Benz SLK was the first of the latest generation of convertible cars with a folding hard top. Initially launched with a 2.3 litre supercharged engine, the SLK (Sportlich, Leicht, Kompakt — sporty, light and compact) would accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1sec and carry on to a top speed of 148mph. But enthusiastic drivers were disappointed by the sound of the coarse four-cylinder engine and the intrusive whistle from the supercharger.
Mercedes-Benz remedied the situation as part of the car’s midlife facelift in February 2000, introducing a 3.2 litre V6 putting 218bhp through the rear wheels. On paper the larger V6 engine provides only fractionally more performance than the 2.3, but its delivery is smoother and the engine note more satisfying.
With prices for a used SLK320 only about £1,100 more than for an SLK230, it represents the best used buy, but drivers will pay a small penalty at the pumps, where the V6 manages about 5mpg less than the 230 Kompressor.
In addition to the new engines these facelifted cars also sit slightly lower on the road and come with revised front bumpers, mesh-covered air intakes and colour-coded sills. The overall effect is to give the Merc a more muscular stance.
As the name suggests, the SLK is a relatively compact car, shorter than a VW Golf or Ford Focus, but cabin space is good. With the roof up and the height-adjustable seat down it will easily accommodate a six-footer, and the surprisingly broad cabin has space for a comfortable centre armrest with useful storage.
The dashboard has a retro feel with its large dials and chrome surrounds, but despite being trimmed in leather the overly large steering wheel — adjustable for reach only — detracts from the car’s sporty feel.
As with all Mercedes-Benz cars the standard equipment can be a little sparse. Although alloys, antilock braking and sports seats are standard, used-car buyers should seek out models with the all-important leather upholstery, air-conditioning and metallic paint to make the car feel like a “proper” Mercedes-Benz.
It was initially only available with an automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual box was introduced, along with a revised auto-box, to coincide with the 2000 facelift. While a manual gearbox may seem the obvious choice in a sports car, it’s the automatic SLK that has the best performance — with both the 2.3 litre and V6 models posting faster 0-62mph acceleration times.
The majority of SLKs will have enjoyed a relatively sedentary life but they still need careful checking. Put the roof up and down a few times to check for sticking motors, particularly on cars that are outdoors all year round, listen for gearbox noises and feel for a heavy clutch on cars with manual gearboxes.
It’s also essential to check the bodywork carefully. SLKs are fully galvanised and come with the unique Mercedes-Benz 30-year warranty, so any repair should be carried out by an authorised repairer using genuine parts, or this precious warranty could become invalidated.
Unfortunately the August 2003 Mercedes Enthusiast edition with the Buyer's Guide for the SLK is out of print now - and the only photocopier I have access to is currently u/s.
In a nutshell the 230K is fine, but the V6 is even better, in my opinion.
is the engine in yours the same as in the C32 AMG?,been in 1 of them recently and if its the same(which by the sond of it, it is) thats 1 great engine to have in a little SLK!!!!!
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