mac911

So how reliable were these 2001 230s? I have found one at a Mercedes dealership that has 98,000 miles, but it looks quite good. One owner.

Are these cars a money pit more often than not, or still reliable at this mileage?

Untertürkheim

It all depends on how well it was cared for. I would ask for a service history, but these engines are very good. The 2.3K is much better than the 1.8K that replaced it.

Untertürkheim

Take a look at the threads here dealing with service, there is a lot of good information.

mac911

Thanks all!

Any idea if you can take out the stereo and just plug and play a stock stereo from wherever I choose? It doesn't even have a cassette I don't believe. How is that possible? ha-ha.

DecoThom

My 2003 has a hidden casette player behind the face plate. I installed a cd changer in the trunk.

finalxgohan

I used to have a 2001 230SLK, and they are very reliable even at 80k miles. I would recommend that you learn to do the basic services on your own, because dealership likes to charge an arm and a leg for it. I learned to do basic maintainence real quick when I realize oil change will cost me 100 dollars instead of 40 when I got all the best stuff.

Warranty is also a good thing to get if you going to buy it from a dealership. Trust me...paying extra 1k or 2 is better off.

Untertürkheim

How could you do an oil change for $40? It would cost me $80 for the parts alone. I go to the dealership because they do a full inspection, chassis lube (important if you want to preserve your bushings) and a few other things for $150 or so (or I could get just an oil change for $100).

DecoThom

Thanks for the tips about chassis lube. What is involved? I have also heard that the top mechanism needs to be lubed. How about door hinges, hood and trunk latches, door locks, etc.? Are there any good websites that point out specifications for lubes such as place to lube, type of lube, special tools, etc.?

Untertürkheim

I do not know of the website or the product used, but I know it is part of the service according to the schedule.

Door/hood/trunk hinges and latches should be lubes, as well as the sunroof or folding top.

HBKHBK

mercedes benz can last up a million miles lol - thats the basic saying.

seriously. I had a 1999 ford mustang with miles 158.000, not one single issue..

my friend had a 190E benz, with almost 200.000 miles...it ran like new,no engine no transmission problem, nothing!

I know this guy from san diego, he has a 2000 slk 230, with 180.000 miles.
Still runs like new...all he kept doing was,chaning oil,fuel filter this and that,new brakes tires...tranny flushes etc....


My slk 2001 I bought it with 73k miles...the KBB vakue is 18K I paid 14k.
Runs excellent and I am planning to keep this car for a long long time!!!