Thinking about an SLK (AMG?)
Discussion
Hi all
For various garage size and better-half-would-like-an-auto reasons I'm thinking about getting an "old model" SLK. I'm keen to understand what they're really like to drive (I appreciate that the outdated steering mechanism and auto box mean they're no Ferrari, but then I'm no Michael Schumacher either), and whether its worth seeking out and spending more on an SLK32 AMG over a 230K/320?
Are maintenance costs significantly higher for the AMG, and how "easy" is the AMG to drive (my girlfriend's a relatively inexperienced driver, so I don't something that's too daunting)?
Thanks in advance!
GreenMan
For various garage size and better-half-would-like-an-auto reasons I'm thinking about getting an "old model" SLK. I'm keen to understand what they're really like to drive (I appreciate that the outdated steering mechanism and auto box mean they're no Ferrari, but then I'm no Michael Schumacher either), and whether its worth seeking out and spending more on an SLK32 AMG over a 230K/320?
Are maintenance costs significantly higher for the AMG, and how "easy" is the AMG to drive (my girlfriend's a relatively inexperienced driver, so I don't something that's too daunting)?
Thanks in advance!
GreenMan
I've had an AMG for a few months now and I think it's fantastic. It is very easy to drive although I'm not sure I'd recommend one for an inexperienced driver - it is bloody fast with 354bhp and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. They do command a fair premium over the non AMG models although they are pretty well specced (air-con, leather, Bose Stereo etc. etc.) so perhaps it would be better finding a non AMG with plenty of toys instead.
I've got a C32 AMG, admittedly not the same car, but same engine. Perfect to drive, very very easy despite it's pokey engine. 0-100 in less than 11s, 60 in around 4.6 if you believe Autocar figures.
Would I let anyone "inexperienced" drive it... not bloody likely, scares the pants off me in the wet. Can very easily have a big twitch at 70+ if you just hoof it.
Look out for Intercooler pump issues causing loss of power, and it using coolant (more than likely the intercooler leaking into engine). Both have plagued me and are common in the C32 for sure...
Would I let anyone "inexperienced" drive it... not bloody likely, scares the pants off me in the wet. Can very easily have a big twitch at 70+ if you just hoof it.
Look out for Intercooler pump issues causing loss of power, and it using coolant (more than likely the intercooler leaking into engine). Both have plagued me and are common in the C32 for sure...
Edited by blackscooby on Wednesday 30th May 21:55
petermansell said:
I'm not one hundred percent sure but I don't think AMG made an SLK that didn't have a 5.5ltr engine 
so the cars you may be looking at badged AMG are in fact MB cars with the AMG body kit rather than all the AMG features such as revised suspension and engine etc.
I've already said I own one so I'm a bit miffed that you think I must be stupid enough not to know what my own car is! so the cars you may be looking at badged AMG are in fact MB cars with the AMG body kit rather than all the AMG features such as revised suspension and engine etc. 
Anyway, calming down HERE is one from the classifieds to show you. It might be the later SLK that you are thinking of - as mine is called an SLK 32 (NOT 320!) and they are called SLK 55s that would seem to make sense.
ETA. HERE is a better one from the classifieds showing the engine to prove the point!!
Edited by Rotaree on Thursday 31st May 09:28
GreenMan said:
How about the 230K or 320? Obviously they forego a lot of the AMG's pace, but how do they perform otherwise
There won't be much in it between the 230K and 320 in performance terms; it's 197bhp vs. 218bhp and the 320 is up on weight. Just so you're aware, the 230K is a supercharged 2.3 straight-four, and the 320 an NA 3.2 V6. I'd like to recommend the 320 as it's a quality motor; very smooth, refined and relaxed. But I think I'd go with the 230K, as I happen to like the supercharger induction note (a lot of people don't though) and I expect it would be more responsive, as the 320 can be a little too relaxed sometimes. I'd probably avoid the 200K though, unless you're only wanting something to cruise in, as it's too far down on power.
As regards transmission, I'd certainly go for an automatic. The Mk.1 SLK will never be at home doing hot laps of the 'Ring, so you may as well play to it's strengths as an effortless wafting roadster.
Andrew D said:
GreenMan said:
I happen to like the supercharger induction note (a lot of people don't though) .
To be fair it's one of the reasons I love the AMG. The S/C whine is mental but only from the outside. Causes people to turn around at a fair distance.SLK320 sounds a cracking package.
I used to own a SLK320 and now own a SLK32AMG. Reliability of both was very good, although a rear threequarter window mechanism went twang in the 32AMG. Nothing else, touch wood.
Insurance, surprisingly, was only slightly more for the 32AMG.
The 32AMG is quite rare; only 29 were imported into the UK in 2003, for example. It has a HUGELY more powerful engine, beefier tyres, wheels and suspension and is a real Q-car. The performance is quite fantastic; until the SLR came along, the AMG32 was the fastest M-B sportscar.
But although it is quite easy to drive gently, the AMG-modifications to the automatic gearbox make it a bit fidgety at times. And DO NOT turn off the ESP/BAS unless you really know what you're doing!
The SLK320 is a very nice car to drive, has plenty of power ('only' 215 bhp compared to 354 bhp for the 32AMG) and is a more relaxing car altogether than the 32AMG. I'm told that the 230K isn't anything like as smooth as the 320, although the performance is very similar.
As for toys, yes, the 32AMG comes with pretty well everything including the Bose stereo (which isn't much better than the standard system, to be honest), leather, air-conditioning, heated sports seats, sports steering wheel, bird's eye maple wood trim (rather than turned aluminium), etc etc.
So, the cheaper, smoother 320 or the fire-breathing 32AMG?
No contest. It has to be the 32AMG!
Go on - you know you want to!!
And don't forget you'll need to buy a box of lemons. Suck one every 10 minutes to take the grin off your face!
Insurance, surprisingly, was only slightly more for the 32AMG.
The 32AMG is quite rare; only 29 were imported into the UK in 2003, for example. It has a HUGELY more powerful engine, beefier tyres, wheels and suspension and is a real Q-car. The performance is quite fantastic; until the SLR came along, the AMG32 was the fastest M-B sportscar.
But although it is quite easy to drive gently, the AMG-modifications to the automatic gearbox make it a bit fidgety at times. And DO NOT turn off the ESP/BAS unless you really know what you're doing!
The SLK320 is a very nice car to drive, has plenty of power ('only' 215 bhp compared to 354 bhp for the 32AMG) and is a more relaxing car altogether than the 32AMG. I'm told that the 230K isn't anything like as smooth as the 320, although the performance is very similar.
As for toys, yes, the 32AMG comes with pretty well everything including the Bose stereo (which isn't much better than the standard system, to be honest), leather, air-conditioning, heated sports seats, sports steering wheel, bird's eye maple wood trim (rather than turned aluminium), etc etc.
So, the cheaper, smoother 320 or the fire-breathing 32AMG?
No contest. It has to be the 32AMG!
Go on - you know you want to!!
And don't forget you'll need to buy a box of lemons. Suck one every 10 minutes to take the grin off your face!
Check the heated seats work. Don't rely on the lights just turning on. The pads are sewn into the base and back of the seat and the base is especially vulnerable to breaks. They are expensive to replace as you need a new seat cover as well. I believe the base is £350 + VAT. You have 4 pads (2 per seat) make sure they heat up and don't take any excuses from the seller.
I have had mine for two years now and can tell you they are pretty bulletproof and go like stink especially in 'manual mode'. In fact it is the first car I have had where I have to consider whether to floor it or not such is the pace at which the car moves if you do.
I have had mine for two years now and can tell you they are pretty bulletproof and go like stink especially in 'manual mode'. In fact it is the first car I have had where I have to consider whether to floor it or not such is the pace at which the car moves if you do.
Edited by SLacKer on Monday 4th June 16:02
Edited by SLacKer on Monday 4th June 16:02
Yes - bare dry road yesterday, recent new tyres. The dork in front was pottering along at 43 mph on a clear NSL road. Speedshift, pull out, foot down - and the ESP warning light flashed to tell me even at 55-60 it was having to curb my power demand to stop wheelspin....
It is a REALLY quick car - but quite docile to drive until you give it a serious poke in the whatsits. Then it goes like stink!!
It is a REALLY quick car - but quite docile to drive until you give it a serious poke in the whatsits. Then it goes like stink!!
I'm currently looking for a SLK32 AMG, so its been really interesting reading your experiences.
Certainly nothing to put me off. Won't mention the 354bhp to wife but perhaps suggest she uses W mode when she is the driver ?
One question she did ask "Does the 'sonar' parking come as part of the standard SLK32 package ?"
Nick
Certainly nothing to put me off. Won't mention the 354bhp to wife but perhaps suggest she uses W mode when she is the driver ?
One question she did ask "Does the 'sonar' parking come as part of the standard SLK32 package ?"
Nick
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