Numerous owners suggested a V-6 engine as the best solution, like the silken unit employed in the M-Class, but Mercedes chose to fit the four-cylinder for weight and packaging reasons. Our staffers were disappointed with the engine's rough aural character and limited output. It is in this higher rpm zone that the SLK becomes lively, with the excitement hitting a 5800-rpm redline wall. As the revolutions climb to 4000 rpm, the supercharger whirs and the engine produces a raspy snarl that increases to a whiskey-voiced banshee scream. The Sunburst Yellow two-door zips to 60 mph in a swift 6.9 seconds, despite initial throttle laziness common on current Mercedes products. Leaving a normal ragtop out in the weather just isn't smart.Although known only by impersonal initials, the SLK's middle-name is certainly "Fun." Under the sloping hood lurks a 2.3-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine invigorated by a Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger and an air-to-air intercooler, producing 185 horsepower. And not as crazy about open air driving as I am. The folding hardtop makes parking lot security much easier. My gal drives 120 miles a day, so mileage is important. Not a big deal, but I'm used to power as of the acquisition of the 129. I don't think one of you blond haired Adonis types about 6'6 could even drive one of these little roller skates ! I also noticed the seats were totally manual in this car. While I'm only 5'8", the wind still hit me coming over the top of the windshield unlike my 129 or 107. I'm used to V8 and of course the legendary V12 in my 600. 4 cylinder is more than sufficient for a spirited drive. SWMBO is in love with it, so I may be working a deal.ĭriving impression: tight little car. I really prefer the 2002 sport, but they are a bit hard to find in red without the goofy two tone. The dealer wants $11k, which is a couple grand more than KBB lists for a dealer car. The car is the perfect Red without that goofy two tone interior. the other was the infamous dash paint in an area the size of a nickel. Not really noticeable to probably anyone other than guys like us. The only issues I could find was a touch of wheel rash that looked more tire machine than curb. We drove a 1998 today with 60k on the clock. Most spares are surprisingly reasonably priced but Mercedes labour is not cheap so the SLK is a tinkerers car, body, interior, electrical for the DIY'er and few major mechanical issues that need a garage/dealer. The gearbox had a multiplug electrical connection that was replaced by Mercedes, if it's not done the box leaks oil all over your driveway but mine was done ( parts free! ) at 85 000 miles The R170 series ( thats the 230 320 and 32 ) suffer panel corrosion around the wheel arches, a few small electrical issues that are fixable with basic diy knowledge and a few other things. Around town as a commuter vehicle it is a hell of a lot better than most and seems to go from one oil change to the next on zero maintenance. My current one has 115 000 on it and will occasionally give a 130 mph blast just for the fun of it. The 230 Kompressor is a cracking mechanical setup. I'd look around for a later model, as late as 2004 when the new R171 shape came in instead.īuy a car with 60 to 80 000 on it and you'll have a car that will last another 8 to 10 years with just regular oil, brake and tyre maintenance. I seem to get blocked windscreen washer jets continuously!!!! The drivers seats bolsters collapse, carpets are worn, lift struts lose 'push' and things are generally well advanced. There are lots of SLK 's about and a car with 130 000 on it will be 'tired' and starting to get a bit worn about the edges cosmetically at the very least. The one you are looking at would appear to have been run pretty much full time since new. SLK's will run to 150 000 or 160 000 miles without major challenges.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |