Might be getting an SLK 32 AMG
Discussion
As the title says it looks as though I could be getting an SLK 32 AMG and I'm interested to know if anybody here has had one and, if so, what did you think? Before it's mentioned I know it's not going to be in the same handling class as my old Boxster but I'm happy to accept that. Any things I should be looking for when I go viewing?
Thanks
Rotaree
Thanks
Rotaree
I used to have a SLK320 whilst looking around for a '32. Last August I was able to find a low mileage 2003 reg SLK32AMG. The power is astonishing and I'm still getting used to it!
Plus points: POWER, it comes with all the toys as standard (including the Bose stereo), sports seats etc...
Negative points: The AMG SpeedShift automatic can be a bit abrupt when downshifting. Ride is rather firm and the steering isn't the most precise out there!
But it's great overall. A true Q-car with 0-60 in less than 5s and effortless cruise in 3 figures (where legal, ossifer!). It is possible to drive economically if you use less than about half throttle and less than 2900 rpm (e.g. cruising at 130 kph). Plus it is becoming a rare model to find, which means that most people hang on to them! For example, only 29 2003 models were officially imported into the UK!
You won't be given the looks of derision which Porker owners get - believe me, you will like the car!
More info here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=96&t=164713&h=0
Plus points: POWER, it comes with all the toys as standard (including the Bose stereo), sports seats etc...
Negative points: The AMG SpeedShift automatic can be a bit abrupt when downshifting. Ride is rather firm and the steering isn't the most precise out there!
But it's great overall. A true Q-car with 0-60 in less than 5s and effortless cruise in 3 figures (where legal, ossifer!). It is possible to drive economically if you use less than about half throttle and less than 2900 rpm (e.g. cruising at 130 kph). Plus it is becoming a rare model to find, which means that most people hang on to them! For example, only 29 2003 models were officially imported into the UK!
You won't be given the looks of derision which Porker owners get - believe me, you will like the car!
More info here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=96&t=164713&h=0
Edited by nickwilcock on Saturday 15th July 10:58
Sorry to drag this out of the PH cellars but I'm still thinking of getting a 32 AMG. I was let down selling my car when this thread originated but to cut a long story short I'm going to look at one of Friday. So is there anything specific I need to be checking? I have been sent a few photos and the car looks great; the only thing concerning me at the moment is that it doesn't have the usual wheels fitted to these cars but has the 5 spoke AMG wheels instead. Although I actually prefer them (and imagine they must be easier to keep clean!) should I worry that it doesn't have the usual style? - were the five spokes fitted as an option?
I will definitely be getting a check of some sort (AA/RAC?) done it so that should rule out any potential pitfalls but I'd still be grateful for any other advice anyone can offer.
Thanks and a Happy New Year!
Rotaree
I will definitely be getting a check of some sort (AA/RAC?) done it so that should rule out any potential pitfalls but I'd still be grateful for any other advice anyone can offer.
Thanks and a Happy New Year!
Rotaree
Rotaree said:
Sorry to drag this out of the PH cellars but I'm still thinking of getting a 32 AMG. I was let down selling my car when this thread originated but to cut a long story short I'm going to look at one of Friday. So is there anything specific I need to be checking? I have been sent a few photos and the car looks great; the only thing concerning me at the moment is that it doesn't have the usual wheels fitted to these cars but has the 5 spoke AMG wheels instead. Although I actually prefer them (and imagine they must be easier to keep clean!) should I worry that it doesn't have the usual style? - were the five spokes fitted as an option?
I will definitely be getting a check of some sort (AA/RAC?) done it so that should rule out any potential pitfalls but I'd still be grateful for any other advice anyone can offer.
Thanks and a Happy New Year!
Rotaree
I will definitely be getting a check of some sort (AA/RAC?) done it so that should rule out any potential pitfalls but I'd still be grateful for any other advice anyone can offer.
Thanks and a Happy New Year!
Rotaree
Hi Rotaree, 5 spoke AMG's are fine [see my profile].More important is specification,Sat nav is a must, and despite what was said before Bose is an worthwhile extra as is keyless go and park distance control.Full main dealer history is essential,and on that model service intervals would be every 9000-12000 miles,or if very low mileage every 2 years.
Mark.
Edited by markbe on Wednesday 27th December 12:34
I've just spoken to the dealer selling it and he tells me that on an 02, 24,000 mile car it has two stamps in the book, one main dealer and one local specialist, they plan to use the same local specialist to service the car when it is sold. From what has been said it sounds as though I should walk away, but if it checks out with an AA/RAC check shouldn't it be OK? They will also warranty the car for at least three months. Are there any particular pitfalls with these cars that I need to be aware of? The problem I have is that I'll be travelling 120 miles each way to view the car - if it was local I could pop in to see it a couple of times before leaping in feet first!
Not sure that Satnav is really a 'must' - unless the cartography is up-to-date. I'd just go for a Garmin nüvi 660.
Full MB service history is vital - and I would recommend the best additional warranty you can get.
The only thing which has gone wrong with my SLK32 AMG over the last 16 months was a non-AMG component - one of the rear quarterlight electric windows stuck down with a failed cable.
You won't be disappointed!
Tell the dealer that you want a full MB 12 month used car warranty as part of the deal!
Full MB service history is vital - and I would recommend the best additional warranty you can get.
The only thing which has gone wrong with my SLK32 AMG over the last 16 months was a non-AMG component - one of the rear quarterlight electric windows stuck down with a failed cable.
You won't be disappointed!
Tell the dealer that you want a full MB 12 month used car warranty as part of the deal!
Edited by nickwilcock on Wednesday 27th December 17:20
Thanks Nick, don't suppose you have any idea how much a MB warranty would be have you? I'd find out myself in the morning but I'll be on the road at 6.30 to go and see this so that I can get back for a friends drinks party at lunchtime 
Edited to say that I've decided to go and look at it and, if I like it enough, I'll get a MB used car check done on it and, while it's there, they can service it too which should restart the 'proper' service history - I'll just have to negotiate with the dealer to see how much each of us will end up paying for the check and service!
Edited to say that I've decided to go and look at it and, if I like it enough, I'll get a MB used car check done on it and, while it's there, they can service it too which should restart the 'proper' service history - I'll just have to negotiate with the dealer to see how much each of us will end up paying for the check and service!
Edited by Rotaree on Wednesday 27th December 18:55
I've got a C32 AMG, great car (when it's working well). It's a 2002 with 40K on it.
Had a couple of issues which affect the 32AMG engine. Intercooler pump failed which results in the S/Chr not playing and significant loss of power. It's well documented on the net, and now it's using (or loosing) water. Currently under investigation with MB but they haven't found the issue yet.
Bloody ace car, goes like hell. For an unbadged estate (Mines the C Class estate) it can certainly surprise quite a few !
Just make sure you get the warrenty !
Had a couple of issues which affect the 32AMG engine. Intercooler pump failed which results in the S/Chr not playing and significant loss of power. It's well documented on the net, and now it's using (or loosing) water. Currently under investigation with MB but they haven't found the issue yet.
Bloody ace car, goes like hell. For an unbadged estate (Mines the C Class estate) it can certainly surprise quite a few !
Just make sure you get the warrenty !
Excellent - but the week will pass very slowly until you pick up your '32!
And you will most definitely need that box of lemons - when the supercharger starts working (more than about half throttle and/or 2900 rpm, I gather) you'll need to chew a lemon every mile or so to take the grin off your face!
And you will most definitely need that box of lemons - when the supercharger starts working (more than about half throttle and/or 2900 rpm, I gather) you'll need to chew a lemon every mile or so to take the grin off your face!
nickwilcock said:
Excellent - but the week will pass very slowly until you pick up your '32!
And you will most definitely need that box of lemons - when the supercharger starts working (more than about half throttle and/or 2900 rpm, I gather) you'll need to chew a lemon every mile or so to take the grin off your face!
And you will most definitely need that box of lemons - when the supercharger starts working (more than about half throttle and/or 2900 rpm, I gather) you'll need to chew a lemon every mile or so to take the grin off your face!
You're absolutely right - time does seem to have just about stopped at the moment and now I understand the lemons comment! During my test drive I tried the 'holding the gear lever to the left technique' and then floored it at about 50 and the traction control was working overtime!
The car went into Mercedes yesterday for its service and check so I can't wait to hear the results - everything crossed! LA - I don't wish to sound too smug but it is exactly what you have been looking for - black on black!
Rotaree said:
[quote=nickwilcock]During my test drive I tried the 'holding the gear lever to the left technique' and then floored it at about 50 and the traction control was working overtime!
What's this technique ? Not sure I know that one ! I've only owned it since September !!!!
May sound like a complete muppet here...
I know you can knock the gears up / down. Annoyingly if you put it say in 3rd and floor it the darned thing still kicks down rather than pulling away smoothly using the wall of torque.
Another good reason for a Mercedes service is that they will check the VIN against the database and check whether any upgrades are required. Last time mine had an upgraded relay fitted which controls the cold start bypass system - all done free of charge!
I don't know what tyres your car has, but I would recommend Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s when you need to replace them. On the old Pilot Sports, there was a fair bit of tramlining - but the PS2s have totally cured this.
Oh - and whatever you do, do NOT be tempted to turn off the traction control! All that power and a short wheelbase can make things rather too interesting!
I don't know what tyres your car has, but I would recommend Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s when you need to replace them. On the old Pilot Sports, there was a fair bit of tramlining - but the PS2s have totally cured this.
Oh - and whatever you do, do NOT be tempted to turn off the traction control! All that power and a short wheelbase can make things rather too interesting!
blackscooby said:
Rotaree said:
[quote=nickwilcock]During my test drive I tried the 'holding the gear lever to the left technique' and then floored it at about 50 and the traction control was working overtime!
What's this technique ? Not sure I know that one ! I've only owned it since September !!!!
May sound like a complete muppet here...
I know you can knock the gears up / down. Annoyingly if you put it say in 3rd and floor it the darned thing still kicks down rather than pulling away smoothly using the wall of torque.
If you hold the gear lever to the left for a second or so it 'kicks down' the appropriate number of gears to be in the optimum gear for acceleration to overtake meaning that when you do floor it it doesn't need to kick down any more but just takes off!
LA - it wasn't on Autotrader, I found it on the 'net though, I think it was on Yahoo cars or some such fairly obscure site. I said I had been searching!!
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