Mercedes Benz SLK's any good ?

[rfuerst911sc]

I'm thinking of selling the 914/6 GT clone and getting something somewhat sporty but also comfortable and easy to drive. I like the idea of a hardtop convertible. I would be buying used so interested in the general feedback on these cars. Whether kompressor four or normally aspirated V6 not sure yet. How good are these engines ? And the auto transmission ? Seems like there are a lot of them in the Atlanta area for 10k or less. Would probably be a daily driver but only 10 miles total each day. So let me know what the scoop is on these. Thanks

[Z-man]

My friend here at work has a first gen (IIRC) SLK 32AMG. The car zings very nicely, and the AMG's have a slightly tighter suspension than the rest. He has gone through a variety of SLK's and has had no issues with them. (BTW: I work for MBUSA home office, which would explain why my buddy can 'go through a variety of SLK's).

The SLK weighs a lot more than your 914. While compared to other cars, the SLK is pretty nimble, it will feel like a boat to you.

The car in general is expensive to maintain, but it is a solid and fun little car.

-Z-man.

[Por_sha911]

Like most high end cars, the cost of the car is in maintenance and repair. They are not DIY cars like your 914.
Why not get a Boxster and locate a hardtop?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I have a 2001 that I've owned since 2006. Fabulous car all around. Fun, quick, enjoyable, reliable. I opted for the V6 320 rather than the 4-cyl 230 Kompressor. It has a real 6-speed manual (not a glorified slushbox) which enhances the roadster driving experience immensely. It's a car that brings me a lot of pleasure to drive and I plan on keeping it and using as my DD for the foreseeable future.

The AMG cars are a hoot and they're actually kind of affordable now - you can pick up a good, un-abused SLK32 for the high teens. That's a lot of car for the money. The "plain vanilla" SLK suits me fine - you can find one today in good shape for the low teens.

Despite what's been said here, I find them to be relatively easy to work on. Too many electronics and such but the mechanical bits are just like any other car and if you're mechanically inclined its not anything to be scared off by. Drop me a PM or email and I'll run through some of the particulars with you but generally I'd say they're very, very underrated cars and will bring you many miles of fun, enjoyable driving for a pretty low entry price.

[ChemMan]

Had an slk230 for several years. Great car. Roof can be problematic at times. Other than that, great engine. It was very easy to work on. Our's had a manual transmission. I would like an slk32 AMG but I do not believe they come with a manual transmission.
My wife's E55 AMG has the same engine as in the slk55 AMG. The E55 is scary fast. I can only imagine what the lighter slk55 AMG is like.

[Por_sha911]

Clarification concerning DIY: my experience with MB has been complex electronics and HVAC systems, higher priced parts and not as much knowledgeable support as what I've found with Porsche through Pelican.

[notmytarga]

Several years ago I did the Exotic car tour out of La Jolla. I drove two Ferraris, an R8, a Diablo an M5 and a CLK AMG. Despite the relatively pedestrain look of the MB - I liked the feel and power better than all the others. It felt like I was in firm control vs being taken for a ride. I know that these cars were all beyond daily driver types - but I have had an eye out for a nice SLK because I trust it would be a comparable experience.
I hope you find a nice one.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Only rivaled by a Boxster on the Fun/$ ratio. Super cheap but probably keep $1K + in reserve for things that need to be taken care of.

1998 Mercedes Benz SLK Kompressor c230 AMG *updated*

2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK

1999 Mercedes - Benz SLK Sport roadster / convertible - 5 speed manual

2002 230SLK KOMPRESSOR 85K BLACK

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Funny, the day I bought mime I'd gone to the dealer with a Boxster S already picked out from their online inventory. It had sold a few hours earlier so I looked at the other "similar" offerings - hadn't previously considered the SLKs but after test driving and doing a little homework I inked a deal for it that night.

Maybe I'll trade ya... A 914/6 might thrill me.

[Nostril Cheese]

MBZ does NOT want you working on your own car. They build the cars in a way that makes it very difficult for the DIYer.

As for the SLK, they are not really sporty cars. They are heavy, kind of slow and expensive to maintain. The roof will give you grief.

[mossguy]

I don't have one either,

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

MBZ does NOT want you working on your own car. They build the cars in a way that makes it very difficult for the DIYer.

As for the SLK, they are not really sporty cars. They are heavy, kind of slow and expensive to maintain. The roof will give you grief.

This must apply to anything newer than 1995, and I have friends with a 2006 E500 that has had TONS of work done by the dealer, thankfully under warrantee.

My 94 wagon is a joy to work on and parts are relatively inexpensive.

[Bamberg96]

My wife had a 2002 2.3 kompressor for about 4 years. Ignition switch and interior plastic getting scratched were only issues. Fairly quick and great gas mileage. Was very reliable and solid at high speeds. Used an oil extractor for easy oil changes. It had that Mercedes quality feel. She had knee surgery so getting in and out became too difficult so we sold it. We really misses the 30 second top down driving experience.

[Mookster]

Sold the Porsche and have owned a SLK 280 and SLK 55.

Get the AMG version!

The SLK 280 was fun but lacked the get up and go factor, good car once at speed. The SLK 350 with a manual is said to be a good ride. The SLK 55 is much sportier then the the 280/350, but not a Porsche. The MB is a good middle of the road GT vehicle with every day fun factor.

I have 60K miles on the SLK 55 and no issues. The MB has been way cheaper to maintain mile for mile then any Porsche I have owned.

From my experience, when the AMG versions become available they go fast.

Test drive one and you decide.