Koru_Kinshi

So obviously, one set of years sports a 5 speed transmission, and the newer set of years sports a 6 speed transmission.

Also, the newer model has 7 more hp than the older engine.

In any case, my question is this: Is there a notable difference between the two cars. I'm getting to the point where I grudgingly am considering sacrificing the 6 speed transmission to just get a manual SLK.

The old M111 variant I'm familiar with is the 2002 C 230 sportcoupe. So finding an '01 or newer SLK 230 with a manual would be ideal. Am I being too picky?

leapyfish

The SLK230 Kompressor went on sale in the U.S. in January '97 as a '98 model. Starting with this as a base:


Changes for the '98 model year (build dates starting November 1, 1996):
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- Everything

Midyear production changes for '98 model year:
- On cars built after August 1, 1997, a fixed-mast antenna is mounted on the driver's side rear quarter-panel due to customer complaints that the antenna hidden in the bumper gave poor radio reception. Some cars built before this date had the antenna retrofitted at the request of the owner.
- On cars built after August 1, 1997, exterior color Polar White is replaced with Glacier White.


Changes for the '99 model year (build dates starting June 1, 1998):
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- Brake Assist is added.
- Auto Dimming interior and driver's side rear view mirrors are added.
- Anti tow-away feature is added.
- Storage net is added to the left side of the passenger footwell.
- New audio system is introduced with fiber optic link to the optional CD changer and cellular telephone. (CD changers and cellular phones are not compatible between '98 and '99 models).
- Package K1--Integrated mobile cellular telephone and CD changer option--is dropped.
- Package K2--Integrated portable cellular telephone and CD changer option--are slightly different and have the new fiber optic connection.
- Exterior color Imperial Red is replaced with Magma Red.
- Exterior color Black Opal metallic is dropped.
- Exterior color Firemist Red metallic is added.
- Exterior color Calypso Green metallic goes from a standard color to a special order color.
- Exterior color Obsidian Black metallic becomes a special-order color.
- Interior color Navy/Charcoal goes from a standard color to a special-order color.
- Package SP1--AMG "Sport" styling package option--is added. The package includes 5-spoke AMG wheels in 7.5Jx17 with 225/45ZR17 tires front and 8.5Jx17 with 245/40ZR17 tires rear, body-colored AMG front and rear bumpers and body-colored AMG side skirts.
- 5-speed manual transmission is an available option (note that initially, the manual transmission is not available with cruise control).

Midyear production changes for '99 model year:
- Cruise control is added to all manual transmission SLKs built after October 19, 1998.


Changes for the '00 model year (build dates starting June 1 1999):
------------------------------------------------------------------
- Scheduled maintenance is included in the purchase price.
- Designo Electric Green package available.
- Designo Copper package available.
- Package K2-Ditital integrated portable cellular telephone and CD changer--now includes a Motorola Startac digital telephone, replacing the analog portable phone. (Note that the digital phone is compatible with and can be retrofitted into '99 models).
- Package K2a-Voice-activated digital portable telephone and CD changer--is available.

Midyear production changes for '00 model year:
- The SLK230 "Limited Edition" is introduced in 12/99. This model has the following features in addition to or in place of the standard model year '00 SLK: Obsidian Black exterior with Oyster/Charcoal interior, polished aluminum 6-spoke 7.5Jx17ET37 EVO II Wheels with 225/45ZR17 tires front and rear, polished stainless steel exhaust tip, two tone oyster/charcoal leather shift knob, "Limited Edition" floor mats, "Limited Edition" key chain, "Limited Edition" badge on decklid, and Package K2--CD Changer and Digital Cellular Telephone--is standard equipment.


Changes for the '01 model year (build dates starting February 1, 2000):
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Exterior, all SLKs:
- Restyled front bumper with body-colored apron and new fog lights.
- Restyled rear bumper with body-colored apron.
- Side skirts in body color are added.
- Polished stainless steel exhaust tip is added.
- Trunk latch release is moved from right side of the trunk to the center of the trunk just above the license plate.
- Body-colored door handles are added.
- Turn-signals are integrated into exterior mirrors (replacing the white signal lenses in the front fenders).
- Tail light lenses are mildly re-styled.
- Exterior color Sapphire Blue becomes a special order color
- Exterior color Calypso Green is discontinued.

Interior, all SLKs:
- New interior light with integrated telephone microphone, garage door opener, and interior intrusion sensor.
- New Steering wheel in two-tone color to match interior.
- New shift knob (automatic and manual).
- Chrome button on handbrake.
- New interior colors: Sienna Beige/Charcoal, Crimson Red/Charcoal Citrus Yellow/Charcoal (special order), Marlin Blue/Charcoal (special order).
- Discontinued interior colors: Navy Blue/Charcoal, Salsa Red/Charcoal, Oyster/Charcoal.
- New seats with better support.

Other Equipment, all SLKs:
- Electronic Stability Program is added.
- Tele-Aid emergency call system is added.
- New rear stabilizer bar.
- 6-speed manual transmission replaces 5-speed manual.
- TouchShift is standard with automatic transmissions.
- Gear selector display near odometer for automatic transmissions.
- Fuel tank capacity increased by 1.5 gallons
- K4 Package-Xenon headlamps, heated headlamp washers, and heated seats--is optional. (Note this means that heated headlamp washers are no longer standard equipment as they were on '98 - '00 models.)
- SP1 Package now includes silver painted radiator and intercooler grills.
- K2 and K2a packages not available on early production SLKs.

Equipment specific to SLK230:
- New 6-spoke wheels, 7.0Jx16 front, 8.0Jx16 rear.
- Machined aluminum interior trim.
- New door sill panels with "SLK" logo.
- Engine: Supercharger clutch removed. power output increase to 190HP.
- K1 package--6-way adjustable power seats and manual telescoping steering wheel--is optional. (Note this means that the manually adjustable telescoping steering wheel is no longer standard equipment on the SLK230 as it was in '98 - '00 models)

Equipment specific to SLK320:
- Unique front apron
- Birds-eye Maple wood interior trim standard with Crimson/Charcoal, Marlin/Charcoal, and Citrus/Charcoal interiors.
- Eucalyptus wood interior trim standard with Solid Charcoal and Sienna/Charcoal interiors.
- New door sill panels with "V6" logo.
- New 5-spoke wheels, 7.0Jx16 front, 8.0Jx16 rear.
- Engine: 3.2L V6 with 215HP, 235lb-ft.
- Standard 6-way adjustable power seats.

Koru_Kinshi

Thanks. So it looks like the '01 SLK 230 is better than the '00 and older 230. Now it's a question of do I wait and keep searching for a 230, or do I accept compromise and get a 320. Is there a pretty big difference in mpg between the two?

leapyfish

Get a 32AMG!

Koru_Kinshi

I already have a C 32 AMG. :p

That would defeat the purpose of economical second car, heh.

Paul Lyons

There is a really good site for comparing cars called http://www.autocomparison.com