SLK/R170: looking to get a 98-99 SLK, need your input
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
'00 SLK 230 Sport, '00 Infiniti G20t
looking to get a 98-99 SLK, need your input
Hi,
I have loved this car since it came out in 98 and am finally looking to get one.
I've been reading about common problems etc. I like to work on my cars myself, unless it involves something major like removing the tranny or engine. Has anyone put the manuals online?
So far, I've read problems with the Air Mass Sensor, the roof microswitches, rear tail lights burning out, interior finish rubbing. If an SLK is properly maintained, is the supercharger expected to go out at a certain milage? Whats your experience with superchargers going out? should i worry about this?
I would like to opt for a 99 sport (they look so much better IMO), but may not be able to find one in my price range. I hate the flat black bottom trim on the exterior of the non-sport pre 2001 SLKs. Whats up with that? Couldn't they at least match the body color? Has anyone painted these? If I get sideskirts, do you install them on top of the current trim or have to remove it?
Any other concerns, comment, suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Zo
I have loved this car since it came out in 98 and am finally looking to get one.
I've been reading about common problems etc. I like to work on my cars myself, unless it involves something major like removing the tranny or engine. Has anyone put the manuals online?
So far, I've read problems with the Air Mass Sensor, the roof microswitches, rear tail lights burning out, interior finish rubbing. If an SLK is properly maintained, is the supercharger expected to go out at a certain milage? Whats your experience with superchargers going out? should i worry about this?
I would like to opt for a 99 sport (they look so much better IMO), but may not be able to find one in my price range. I hate the flat black bottom trim on the exterior of the non-sport pre 2001 SLKs. Whats up with that? Couldn't they at least match the body color? Has anyone painted these? If I get sideskirts, do you install them on top of the current trim or have to remove it?
Any other concerns, comment, suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Zo
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I drive a 99 slk.
Make sure you open and close the roof a few times before you buy one. I found 3 that didn't open smoothly and passed them up. One of them had the interior peeling problem anyway. look closely for signs of peeling.
I have had no major problems with mine but as many, I do have the rattle in the rear deck.
Make sure you open and close the roof a few times before you buy one. I found 3 that didn't open smoothly and passed them up. One of them had the interior peeling problem anyway. look closely for signs of peeling.
I have had no major problems with mine but as many, I do have the rattle in the rear deck.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: Rancho Mirage
2011 E63, 2018 AMG GT Convertible
Slk
My wife has a 98 SLK and she loves it! She is 5'5" and it fits her perfectly. I am 6'2" and it is not all that comfortable for me. We are now considering the new SLK as I DO fit in that one. 
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
'00 SLK 230 Sport, '00 Infiniti G20t
thanks for the replies. Great to see that this is an active board. I've been able to find forums for each car i've owned and it's been really beneficial. I hope I become a regular here soon...
There are two SLKs I'm looking at. One is a 98 and the other a 99 sport. both about the same price: ~14.5K
The 98 has 65k mi and the 99 sport has 101k. a bit high. I just spoke to the owner of the 99 and he got a rebuilt tranny at 92k, and the supercharger clutch changed.
the 98 has less miles but the 99 has the amg package.
Does the tranny go out on these around 90k? if so, maybe the 99 may be better since it was changed already.
As far as looking for an older, higher milage slk...If I had 25k+ to spend on one, obviously I'd go for a newer one and perhaps the 320..but at this point I can't.
Is the price good for each? Any input would be much appriciated. let me know what things you would check for when taking a look at one.
Also, I test drove an SLK230 for the first time yesterday. It was at some used car dealer. honestly, i wasn't too impressed with the power... the car felt heavy and I had to really push the accelerator to feel any decent power. the shifts seemed slow and i found myself shifting the auto to make it feel right. hopefully, this was only true for this specific slk. I wouldn't buy a car from this dealer, something just didn't feel right. the car was picked up at an auction so go figure i guess.
Anyway, thanks in advance,
-Zo
There are two SLKs I'm looking at. One is a 98 and the other a 99 sport. both about the same price: ~14.5K
The 98 has 65k mi and the 99 sport has 101k. a bit high. I just spoke to the owner of the 99 and he got a rebuilt tranny at 92k, and the supercharger clutch changed.
the 98 has less miles but the 99 has the amg package.
Does the tranny go out on these around 90k? if so, maybe the 99 may be better since it was changed already.
As far as looking for an older, higher milage slk...If I had 25k+ to spend on one, obviously I'd go for a newer one and perhaps the 320..but at this point I can't.
Is the price good for each? Any input would be much appriciated. let me know what things you would check for when taking a look at one.
Also, I test drove an SLK230 for the first time yesterday. It was at some used car dealer. honestly, i wasn't too impressed with the power... the car felt heavy and I had to really push the accelerator to feel any decent power. the shifts seemed slow and i found myself shifting the auto to make it feel right. hopefully, this was only true for this specific slk. I wouldn't buy a car from this dealer, something just didn't feel right. the car was picked up at an auction so go figure i guess.
Anyway, thanks in advance,
-Zo
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
2002 SLK32 AMG
230 vs 320
Originally Posted by Turbozo
the 98 has less miles but the 99 has the amg package.
Originally Posted by Turbozo
Also, I test drove an SLK230 for the first time yesterday. It was at some used car dealer. honestly, i wasn't too impressed with the power... the car felt heavy and I had to really push the accelerator to feel any decent power. the shifts seemed slow and i found myself shifting the auto to make it feel right. hopefully, this was only true for this specific slk. I wouldn't buy a car from this dealer, something just didn't feel right. the car was picked up at an auction so go figure i guess.
