carole75

Hi all,

I am about to acquire a 1997 SLK 200 R170. However before proceeding to the acquisition I have several concerns which I hope can be answered with your assistance. Please help me if you have the answers. I really appreciate it. Thanks.

1. The Mileage for this car is only 48,000km. This is considered LOW in Singapore as most cars will clock at least 25,000km/year. Can the Digital Odometer reading be easily adjusted by someone?

2. Do you guys experience alot of problems in the leaking roof?

3. Do you have problems closing and opening the roof, such as faulty switch, etc.?

4. A friend of mine told me that there will be gear box problem after reaching 80,000km mileage. Is this true?

5. What is the most common problem you face when maintaining the SLK? Is there any part that requires frequent replacements or repairs?

Pardon me for asking so many questions as I am a lady with limited knowledge on sports cabriolets.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Carole

mastermind

Hi Carole

I have a 1997 230 with 66,000 km

As with any used car it is important to get a complete service documentation which may also re-assure of the mileage (this can be easily manipulated, whether mechanical or electronic).

The clutch should last well over 80,000. The suppercharged models had problems in that regard but yours isn't. However, depends again who drove the car how before.

The roof is usually sturdy - roof switches may, however start to fail in older cars depending again how often the roof mechanism had been engaged. The switches are easy to replace.

A nagging probelm are the poorly-designed brake lights - the contacts easily rerode over time and lead to malfunction, necessitating complete exchange of the rear light unit(s). I had to change both at ~60,000 km, so have many others.

Another weakness are the heated seats. The bottom or back parts frequently fail after a few years, mostly on the driver's side as that seat is more often used. If you have that feature check it out before signing the dotted line, and make sure that both bottom AND rear heat matts work. Repair includes complete seat exchange which is expensive unless you can find a working sample on a scrap yard.

Lastly, the battery will only last 5-6 years. Inquire whether it was replaced recently.

Otherwise, this should be a relatively risk-free purchase. Especially the non-suppercharged R170 leads the Mercedes statistics for reliability, and is much fun to drive.

Good luck
Tom

carole75

Tks Tom.

Is the Odometer that easily adjusted?

bazzle

No

Buy it... Enjoy it

Bazzle

carole75

Tks. I paid a deposit. kekek.

mastermind

Yup, unfortunately. That's why it will be important to check older service documents.

carole75

oh dear, is that true? I am hopping my girlfriend will be able to help me to find out about the car history on Monday. Let's hope nothing major goes wrong manz.

I asked around, and many mentioned it can be adjusted but its not going to be that easy via a normal workshop, unless the ECU is being replaced. Not sure if this is true.

I went back to the car mart to view the car again. Just cant take my eyes off it. wonder if anyone shares the same sentiment? The car is indeed a babe!

mercs-c

Saw one selling at sgcarmart

http://www.sgcarmart.com/main/info-2ELufRw6-1059.html

mastermind

Unfortunately, you can buy devices e.g., on ebay that allow you to program any odometer reading you like. The ECU does not back up the mileage in the SLK. So it's just prudent to try to get some past service records to check against. Peace of mind....

eddietham

hi there! WTTC. glad to know there is another SLK member in Singapore!! I also own a SLK200 non compressor and it is also a 1987 car! any issues, do let's share information!! welcome!! (eddie tham)

page62

The car probably has low mileage since most owners buy these cars and keep them as weekend toys. Even in Singapore. Hopefully, this is the case with your car too. I'm betting that it is...

troyconwell

I have a 1998 and have had to replace the controller for the lights because the back up lights didn't work. The drivers side window rolls up too high and have had the window replaced but it still goes too high. The dealer said the motor needed replacement. I didn't replace it. I leave it down a crack so the door shuts. The locking actuator in the roof failed and oil rained on me one day. I replaced the O-ring in the actuator myself. I have also had problems with the rear light contacts and replaced them once.