Thinking of buying an SLK - any advice, please?
Discussion
Look out for rear differential seals leaking, easily visible when looking underneath vehicle at the rear. NOt expensive to cure but is a common thing. Check for knocking from front suspesion they are also apparently prone to anti-roll bar links, and obviously make sure the kompressor is ok, i.e not making abnormally loud or harsh noises.
I used to have an SLK230 (well, it was the wife's, honest!). Things that went wrong with it were the air con compressor (common problem), a faulty air mass sensor and also a worrying gearbox problem that was never truly fixed. They're good cars but can eat up £000s in maintencne once they get over 50,000 miles.
I have owned a 230 Kompressor which I had for 3 years and it cost me a dash light bulb costing 80p.
I now have a 32AMG which goes like stink and has 74000 miles and has had no issues except for front ball joints and the steering damper which between them cost very little to sort out.
Just check that the heated seats work if fitted and that the roof works completely i.e. The windows wind down the roof goes into boot and the windows go up if you keep your finger on the button and also the reverse to close the roof.
The MAF can go (like many other car models) but can usually be rectified with cleaner rather than a replacement. There are lots of forums specifically for the SLK which cover everything that possibly can go wrong. My experience is they are as rock solid as any car and will only need money spent if they have been neglected or abused.
If you want one then get one you will not be sorry. Just take the usual precautions looking for accident damage etc...... once the sun comes out and the roof goes down you will love it.
I now have a 32AMG which goes like stink and has 74000 miles and has had no issues except for front ball joints and the steering damper which between them cost very little to sort out.
Just check that the heated seats work if fitted and that the roof works completely i.e. The windows wind down the roof goes into boot and the windows go up if you keep your finger on the button and also the reverse to close the roof.
The MAF can go (like many other car models) but can usually be rectified with cleaner rather than a replacement. There are lots of forums specifically for the SLK which cover everything that possibly can go wrong. My experience is they are as rock solid as any car and will only need money spent if they have been neglected or abused.
If you want one then get one you will not be sorry. Just take the usual precautions looking for accident damage etc...... once the sun comes out and the roof goes down you will love it.
slacker said:
The MAF can go
What is a MAF?
slacker said:
There are lots of forums specifically for the SLK which cover everything that possibly can go wrong.
Have you any links to the lots of forums?
I have had my 320 Xplate for 4 years now and the only money that I have spent on it besides cosmetics is for maintenance materials like brake pads,tyres, oil etc etc its been a fantastic car and very enjoyable.
cen said:
slacker said:
The MAF can go
What is a MAF?
Further reading can be found here.
Edited by Andrew D on Tuesday 8th May 15:29
One of the best forums is www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/ which has just about every issue that ever there was. There is www.slk32.com wih specific maintenance advice and http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/
Lawrence5 said:
Any mileage specific concerns - gf fancies one and a friend is selling but it has 115,000 miles on it 
Seemed tight considering but lots of scratches and dings - are the prone to this ?
Not really prone to it. The front can get stone chipped of course with that mileage but if it is scratched etc. it may be better looking for a tidier one with lower mileage.Seemed tight considering but lots of scratches and dings - are the prone to this ?
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