SLK/R170: Purchase advice...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
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From: Hollister, CA
1988 Corvette, 35th Anniversary
Purchase advice...
My wife has a Chrysler Sebring that is in need of replacement. I was going to buy her a Chrysler Crossfire mostly because of it's similarity to the Mercedes SLK. But today I had an epiphany... My son and I jumped into the Vette and went car shopping and in the process, I drove a 2002 SLK320 and fell in love. I want one bad.
Here's my question... What are the major differences between the R170 (earlier models) and R171 (2004 to present)?
The prices (especially in todays economy) on the earlier cars are excellent, but I don't mind spending a little more for the right reasons.
I swear, if I was killed today while driving that 2002 (I put over 100 miles on it during the test drive), at least I would have been smiling from ear-to-ear.
Thanx in advance for your advice.
Jim
Here's my question... What are the major differences between the R170 (earlier models) and R171 (2004 to present)?
The prices (especially in todays economy) on the earlier cars are excellent, but I don't mind spending a little more for the right reasons.
I swear, if I was killed today while driving that 2002 (I put over 100 miles on it during the test drive), at least I would have been smiling from ear-to-ear.
Thanx in advance for your advice.
Jim
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Joined: Jan 2008
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slk
Great cars, No issuse to speak of.
Just have to make sure you keep the roof drain clear ( PSE can get wet )
The PSE is in the trunk, and has control of many things on the r170, Make sure all the doors and trunk unlock on the key fob, And when you close the door the interior light fades out when it turns off.
Make sure the roof opens smooth and repeat a few times.
Have a look round the plastic trim inside, Its painted and can mark or peel.
R170 or r171 its done to your taste.
The r170 has the retro feel about it.
The r171 has..... errm..... duno... not really a fan.
Just have to make sure you keep the roof drain clear ( PSE can get wet )
The PSE is in the trunk, and has control of many things on the r170, Make sure all the doors and trunk unlock on the key fob, And when you close the door the interior light fades out when it turns off.
Make sure the roof opens smooth and repeat a few times.
Have a look round the plastic trim inside, Its painted and can mark or peel.
R170 or r171 its done to your taste.
The r170 has the retro feel about it.
The r171 has..... errm..... duno... not really a fan.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 335
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From: Cromwell, CT
SLK 350
why not try a R171 and you will see the different yourself !!!
What kind of price range are you looking for?
If it doesn't have too much different, I will get the most powerful engine with the money, because you are driving a sport car.
Overall, SLK is still a Conv. It doesn't matter which one you chice, 170 or 171. You will get some roof noice somehow. However, the top down fun is no subsituation.
What kind of price range are you looking for?
If it doesn't have too much different, I will get the most powerful engine with the money, because you are driving a sport car.
Overall, SLK is still a Conv. It doesn't matter which one you chice, 170 or 171. You will get some roof noice somehow. However, the top down fun is no subsituation.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
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From: Hollister, CA
1988 Corvette, 35th Anniversary
I was actually looking at a newer 'Crossfire' until I noticed that the fabric top is exactly that... fabric. Not even a headliner, as in our Sebring. When I drove the SLK and hit the button to drop the otherwise silent hard top, I was blown away.
With the top up - there was no wind noise, no rattling of the top components, nothing. With the top down - there was very little turbulance (compared to the Sebring or even my Corvette). What a sweet ride.
The more I look, the more l like the lines of the earlier cars (R170). I've seen a few with very low miles (13,000 to 36,000) that can be had for $21K to $23K. That's very reasonable.
I really like the 'sport' model (specifically the 2002 year) with the AMG rims. And I've totally fallen for the two-tone interior (which was an option, I believe), Black and Tan. Woooohooooo.
Now I've just got to decide what to do with the Sebring and Corvette. We're currently a 7 car family with only 3 licensed drivers (must be California).
Thanx for the advice, I'll be lurking on the forums for a while gathering more education.
Jim
With the top up - there was no wind noise, no rattling of the top components, nothing. With the top down - there was very little turbulance (compared to the Sebring or even my Corvette). What a sweet ride.
The more I look, the more l like the lines of the earlier cars (R170). I've seen a few with very low miles (13,000 to 36,000) that can be had for $21K to $23K. That's very reasonable.
I really like the 'sport' model (specifically the 2002 year) with the AMG rims. And I've totally fallen for the two-tone interior (which was an option, I believe), Black and Tan. Woooohooooo.
Now I've just got to decide what to do with the Sebring and Corvette. We're currently a 7 car family with only 3 licensed drivers (must be California).
Thanx for the advice, I'll be lurking on the forums for a while gathering more education.
Jim
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 180
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From: Wausau, Wis.
'04 CL500 '08 ML320CDI
We picked up an '01 with 16,500 miles on the clock last fall, and absolutely love it! Other than perhaps getting projector style headlights for it, I can't think of one thing I'd change about the looks. Even the "mere" 215hp goes like hell, but being a guy, more is always better. We were at the dealer the other day & they just took in an '06 with 5000 on the clock: it's a darker silver, has the 3.5 and the airscarf...but the wife, whose primary car it is, says she'd rather we keep the '01. It's a toss-up, but you get a R170 and save some cash... Good luck, you'll love it!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
You can't compare the Crossfire to an SLK, there's nothing like a hardtop convertible. The R171 is a fantastic car, the SLK350 is almost as fast as the old SLK32. BUT, as you said, there's a big price difference between the two. You can get an AMG SLK32 for less than an R171 SLK350.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
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From: Hollister, CA
1988 Corvette, 35th Anniversary
OK, here's a question... With my Corvette there are a series of RPO codes that explain the options on the car. Does Mercedes have something similar and are they posted anywhere here on the forum (Specifically for the 2002 SLK 320)? I've searched for "option list" and the like, but cannot find what I'm looking for.
For example, I believe that the 'sport' option actually includes several sub-options as a package, but what are they?
I've seen some 320's that have the heated seats and some that don't, is this a typical 'comfort' package or was that just a single option that was specified on that particular car? I really like the sport version, but I'm curious what that package includes (ie 17" AMG wheels, but not really an AMG car). I understand that it includes some body modifications (for example I noticed there are mesh screen surrounds around the fog lights). Are there any factory suspension upgrades (swaybars etc...) in the sport package?
Thanx again.
For example, I believe that the 'sport' option actually includes several sub-options as a package, but what are they?
I've seen some 320's that have the heated seats and some that don't, is this a typical 'comfort' package or was that just a single option that was specified on that particular car? I really like the sport version, but I'm curious what that package includes (ie 17" AMG wheels, but not really an AMG car). I understand that it includes some body modifications (for example I noticed there are mesh screen surrounds around the fog lights). Are there any factory suspension upgrades (swaybars etc...) in the sport package?
Thanx again.
