Used AMG SLK32 - what to look for?
Discussion
Hi,
A friend is interested in buying a used AMG SLK32. What are the known weaknesses, if any ;-), and what sort of things should they be checking in an inspection/test drive?
Is a FMBSH essential, or if the book has been stamped by an independant, is that OK?
I've had a brief trawl through the forum archives and found that a few of you own / have owned these pocket rockets, so hope that you might be able to help.
Cheers,
Steve.
-- edited to add:
Before anyone comments, I *have* seen Denno B's thread "slk amg????" but I think these are slightly different questions, so I'd appreciate any info you can give.
A friend is interested in buying a used AMG SLK32. What are the known weaknesses, if any ;-), and what sort of things should they be checking in an inspection/test drive?
Is a FMBSH essential, or if the book has been stamped by an independant, is that OK?
I've had a brief trawl through the forum archives and found that a few of you own / have owned these pocket rockets, so hope that you might be able to help.
Cheers,
Steve.
-- edited to add:
Before anyone comments, I *have* seen Denno B's thread "slk amg????" but I think these are slightly different questions, so I'd appreciate any info you can give.
Edited by steve_j on Wednesday 28th March 17:37
1. Heated seats. Make sure they work. The drivers seat base is prone to failure. They have a bum and back heater in both seats and all should get hot (just cus the light comes on does not mean it works)
2. Supercharger coolant pump can be a problem. Causes poor performance but is relatively easily sorted.
3. Service history is important but IMHO a main dealer or specialist is equally as good I use Andy Gale in Smethwick and he is about 60% the price of a main dealer using MB parts.
4. Eats tyres if driven hard.
5. Check brake discs for grooving as can be expensive to replace.
6. Obviously the roof must work cleanly each time with no sticking.
7. Make sure front bumper grills are in place as they cost £100+ each side. Fogs should also be in good order as they cost £160+
This is on top of the usual data check and dodgy seller avoidance. There weren't many imported to the UK so you don't see them too often and usually they are owned by devoted drivers who look after them well.
2. Supercharger coolant pump can be a problem. Causes poor performance but is relatively easily sorted.
3. Service history is important but IMHO a main dealer or specialist is equally as good I use Andy Gale in Smethwick and he is about 60% the price of a main dealer using MB parts.
4. Eats tyres if driven hard.
5. Check brake discs for grooving as can be expensive to replace.
6. Obviously the roof must work cleanly each time with no sticking.
7. Make sure front bumper grills are in place as they cost £100+ each side. Fogs should also be in good order as they cost £160+
This is on top of the usual data check and dodgy seller avoidance. There weren't many imported to the UK so you don't see them too often and usually they are owned by devoted drivers who look after them well.
I definitely agree with SLacker - I bought my SLK32 a couple of months ago and have had to have the heated seat and the intercooler pump replaced! However as I bought the car from an independent I had Mercedes service the car and carry out a used car check before I bought it, this then entitled me to put a Mercedes warranty on it so both of the faults have been sorted under that. It is a fairly expensive warranty (about £700) so I'm not sure I've 'won' financially but as it effectively became a Mercedes approved used car it does give me a lot of peace of mind.
Edited by Rotaree on Thursday 12th April 09:20
Rotaree said:
I definitely agree with SLacker - I bought my SLK32 a couple of months ago and have had to have the heated seat and the intercooler pump replaced! However as I bought the car from an independant I had Mercedes service the car and carry out a used car check before I bought it, this then entitled me to put a Mercedes warranty on it so both of the faults have been sorted under that. It is a fairly expensive warranty (about £700) so I'm not sure I've 'won' financially but as it effectively became a Mercedes approved used car it does give me a lot of peace of mind.
I think you have at least broke even. The seat cover is £350 because the heater is sewn into the leather cover so you end up replacing both. They are also prone to going again and again. There is one guy on benzworld who has had his go 6 times...... Nice tip about getting the warranty though. Will have to remember that one
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