I live in Southern California near the ocean and am considering a convertible. The SLK , Z4 , Boxter or SC 430 only for reliability reasons. The SLK is my favorite style of all but a couple of points. I am probably not going to go beyond 2005 but I found the new body style has a few problems for me compared to old. One it is hard to rest your arm on the door which i enjoy and the seats are pretty hard. So i thought i should ask owners as I haven't bought a used car in a long time and recently had 2 BMW 3 series and Audi A4. What are the maintenance issues on the SLK as that is a very important point ?

 

We have a 2001 SLK230, have had it for 5 years, bought it off ebay without test driving it, it was kind of a risk, but with 65K on it for 8000 it was a heck of a deal. So far, now this is with me doing the work, we have had only a few things break lateral yaw sensor, which is under the center console, brake switch which is behind the brake pedal, secondary air bypass valve, O2 sensor and that's about it. All in I think in 5 years without counting new tires and oil changes and the such we have less than $200 in repair parts.

 

wow very good i wonder what that would cost if you didn't do the work ?

 

I would bet that the only real pricey one for a shop to do would be that yaw sensor since it involved removing the center console. The o2 and bypass valve are easy to get to under the hood, really require nothing to be taken off to get to them. maybe 1.5 for those and 4 hrs for the yaw sensor, so add another $800ish total for a shop to do those things

 

All of the cars you are looking at have "high" repair costs. I went through the same process that you are going through before I bought my 2001 SLK320. if you go the SLK route get a 2001-2004 (facelift) lowest mileage car you can find. The premium that you pay for a low mileage car is much less than what you will spend on a high mileage car for repairs. I considered the same cars that you are looking at. Did you know that Top Gear (UK) chose the SC 430 as the worst car ever made? I guess I am biased since I think the 2001-2004 SLK is one of the best looking cars ever.

 

This is great to here. Oddly enough the older body style pre 2005 is my favorite. I like to rest my arm on the door and the 2005 up is uncomfortable. Surprised to hear that about the SC as the general consensus is Japanese is far more reliable than German i am coming out of 2 BMW's and Audi but they were new. Haven't bought a used car since i was a teen. When you say low milage what what number are you thinking ?

 

Top Gear dumped on the SC because of styling, lack of handling, and just being generally boring. I am similar to you, other than an MG, I had not purchased a used car since my teen years (except a Saab 900 for my daughter). You can get a nice SLK with well under 50 K for around 14K or less. I prefer the 320 with the V6, but the 230 Kompressor is a good performer also. If you want to spend a few thousand more, the SLK32 AMG is a real beast if you want great performance. They are pretty reliable cars, and compare well with other European cars that I have owned that have reasonably modern technology. You will have to replace the hydraulic top cylinders eventually (if they have not already been replaced) as the seals will leak due to age. There are rebuilt ones available, which will cost about $300-400 from Top Hydraulics, with $800-1000 for labor from an Independent MB shop. Many owners do it themselves, but not everyone has the time, space, or aptitude for it since it takes about 10-12 hours or more on the first try.

 

wow you know your stuff ! Yeah the SC has beautiful luxury but i can't believe the handling and performance and i keep saying when i drive it why don't I just get a 4 seat convertible instead of like a 3 series as it doesn't have anything to do with a roadster. Although on the Lexus forum owners really defend it ? I guess Lexus hit their target and patterned it after yachts in the riviera and it certainly feels like a boat. How do you rate the Z4 against the SLK minus the hardtop as the Z is certainly fun ? Lastly what can I expect to spend a year on a SLK used in good condition on maintenance as that is my major consideration I don't want a maintenance career. Tried to force myself to get a Miata but couldn't do it !!

 

I was considering a Miata also since I have owned a lot of small sporty cars (2 MGB, Triumph TR6, Lotus Elan, BMW2002 tii) but my wife and daughter told me I could not buy a "chickmobile". I strongly considered a Z3 or Z4 since the Z3 was originally built in the town where I live, but I really did not like the styling on the Z4, I found the ride was little harsh (probably the run flat tires) and it just did not hit me the way the R170 model SLK did. I do not know if you have visited it, but there is a very active group on the R170 forum at slkworld also. As far as maintenance you did not say if this was going to be daily driver or a "fun car". MB uses the FSS system which calculates time and mileage driven, so it will tell you to have routine maintenance done every 10,000 mi or 2 years. So much depends on mileage etc. of a particular car and just dumb luck. Most importantly after selecting a good car, find a good independent garage that does a fair amount of Mercedes service work. After warranty, I stay away from dealers since they tend to have little or no respect for my checking account. I usually think if I have a car after warranty that averages less than a $ 750-1000/yr. including routine maintenance, tires, and repairs, that I am doing ok.

 

wow you and I are on the same page. There are those that say the SLK at least the earlier body style is a "Chick" car like the Miata compared to a Z4. I have tried so hard to love the Z4 body style but like the SC I haven't been able to make it. I will tell you the pickings are really sparse unless you can go Ferrari

 

This is the model you want for a more "masculine drive". Will turn about 110 in 1/4 mile. Bulletproof AMG built engine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-SLK-Class-3-2-AMG-2003-mercedes-benz-slk-32-yellow-blk-low-miles-1-owner-/380756560841?forcerrptr=true&hash=item58a6dc0bc9&item=380756560841&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

 

great price wow love the yellow !! yeah i tried the AMG new body style but that has a rough ride no ? Really AMG engine is more bullet proof than regular ? Also question I know we are talking roadsters but don't you think the SLK is a bit cramped especially for a trip ?

 

just called the dealer waiting for a call back. Here is the repair history. One owner car which is nice.

11/12/2003 1,856 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Pre-delivery inspection completed
06/10/2004 Dealer Inventory
Maryland Vehicle sold
06/10/2004 1,873 Maryland
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Silver Spring, MD
Title #34675164 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Loan or lien reported
06/28/2004 2,173 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Tire condition and pressure checked
Lug nut(s)/bolt(s) replaced
12/02/2004 7,265 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Front wiper blades/refills replaced
09/15/2005 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Brake light switch replaced
09/11/2006 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Computer(s) checked
Battery charged
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Fuel injection system checked
10/18/2006 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Tail light assembly replaced
03/06/2007 22,663 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Tail light assembly replaced
06/02/2007 Maryland
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Silver Spring, MD
Title #34675164 Registration issued or renewed
09/26/2007 29,630 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Blower motor replaced/repaired
Brake fluid flushed/changed
04/08/2008 33,313 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Vehicle serviced
06/27/2008 36,211 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Vehicle serviced
04/17/2009 41,782 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Steering damper replaced
Air filter replaced
Brakes checked
Fuel filter replaced
Power steering hose(s)/line(s) replaced
05/07/2009 Maryland
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Silver Spring, MD
Title #34675164 Registration issued or renewed
07/15/2009 44,293 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Tire repaired
06/18/2010 50,003 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Transmission serviced
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Valve cover gasket(s) replaced
05/14/2011 Maryland
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Silver Spring, MD
Title #34675164 Registration issued or renewed
12/23/2011 64,096 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Recommended maintenance performed
Fuel injection system flushed/serviced
Rear differential fluid flushed/changed
Front brake pads and rotors replaced
07/10/2012 68,147 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Oil and filter changed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Wheel bearings repacked
08/14/2012 68,926 Euro Motorcars
Bethesda, MD
888-656-0350
euromotorcars.com Battery replaced
Battery/charging system checked
06/04/2013 Maryland
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Silver Spring, MD
Title #34675164 Registration issued or renewed
07/08/2013 73,191 Auto Auction
Eastern Region Listed as a dealer vehicle
Sold at auction


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The AMG engines have a great rep, but M-B engines at large have a very good rep and my experience bears that out. The ride depends a lot on the type of tire and rim you select, a high performance, very low profile tire is going to ride like crap. I would not call the SLK a good long distance trip car. For top down use, soft sided, duffel bag style luggage is the only thing that really works. It sort of depends on your age and desire for comfort vs. style. For trips, I usually take my E320 Bluetec diesel. For long distance cruising a CLK or SL is way better, but then you lose the "sporting factor". When I was younger, I would take 500 mile trips in my MGB, but now it would probably kill me.

 

cool I am 66 wow 500 miles in a MG Yeah things change slightly as you get older I used to race boats. I drove the CLK when I was shopping roadsters and it didn't do anything for me but maybe now how is the reliability ? The BMW 3 series seemed to be a much better drive than the CLK ? Interesting balance Comfort vs. sport probably if I had my choice it would be a SL 500 but that is a maintenance nightmare no ?

 

That is quite the coincidence, I happen to be 66 also. This may be blasphemy, but a 3 series (like a 335i ) is a better driver than a CLK (but not as much panache) and almost as sporty as an SL. The SL must be a pretty good car, since the owner (ex M-B service manager) and one of his mechanics drive them, another drives a CLK. I was very close to buying an SL until I measured my garage, and then thought about where I was going to store the hardtop.

 

interesting ! I have a situation i have never used ebay before but happen to have my daughter's account logged in my computer so when i looked at the car it opened on her account and i pushed a button by mistake and it said i bought the car. I just sent the dealer an email and tried to call them to cancel based on my mistake. I can't believe i am legally obligated but i guess my daughter could get a black mark ? Do you know anything about this - crazy stuff !

 

it's all handled spoke to dealer !

 

regarding SL meant the ones with retractable hardtop i know the older ones are like tanks but the newer lots of electronic problems !

 

Isn't the SC430 more inline with the SL, 6-Series and XLR? The exterior styling was meh (still better than 6-Series and XLR), but I think the interior was one of the nicest in its class. And yes it feels like driving a boat. But it's quarter mile time was faster than the SL500.

Quarter Mile Time
2004 BMW 645Ci: 13.7
2004 Cadillac XLR: 14.2
2002 Lexus SC430: 14.2
2003 Mercedes SL 500: 14.8

Anyways, sorry for going off topic, back to SLK.

My friend is also looking at one, a 99 with 56k.

 

amazing statistics on SC quarter mile certainly doesn't feel that way

 

Yeah I think its because of its styling. It looks round and bubbly and isn't sleek like the SL500 :/

 

yeah and the ride.

 

Either way, I don't think the SC430 is an awful car that everyone is making it out to be. I think that honor goes to the Cadillac XLR :p

 

you might be right never drove one.