SLK Purchase Question
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Dodge Viper RT/10, MB SLK32 AMG, KBS Mk5
SLK Purchase Question
I've been thinking about getting a SLK 32 AMG as a daily driver. I drive about a mile to work, so I really don't put a lot of miles on my cars.
My current daily driver is Chrysler 300M. My "garage queen" car that I bring out on the weekend (only when the sun is shining) is a Dodge Viper RT/10. I race an F-5 in the SCCA on the weekends, so I've got this little horsepower to weight ratio thing that lead me to the SLK AMG. I told my wife I thought I would sell the Viper if I bought the SLK, but she nixed selling the Viper, so I get to have another toy in the stable.
Inasmuch as miles are not that big a deal for me, I'll probably buy a used SLK.
A couple of questions:
Are there any model years of the SLK 32 AMG I should absolutely stay away
from?
What range of miles do problems typically start showing up in this model?
Anything special I should look at or have inspected to make sure I'm not
getting a car that's been rode hard and put up wet?
What sort of problems develop with this car?
Any likes or dislikes?
Thanks.
--
Mark Lindsey
My current daily driver is Chrysler 300M. My "garage queen" car that I bring out on the weekend (only when the sun is shining) is a Dodge Viper RT/10. I race an F-5 in the SCCA on the weekends, so I've got this little horsepower to weight ratio thing that lead me to the SLK AMG. I told my wife I thought I would sell the Viper if I bought the SLK, but she nixed selling the Viper, so I get to have another toy in the stable.
Inasmuch as miles are not that big a deal for me, I'll probably buy a used SLK.
A couple of questions:
Are there any model years of the SLK 32 AMG I should absolutely stay away
from?
What range of miles do problems typically start showing up in this model?
Anything special I should look at or have inspected to make sure I'm not
getting a car that's been rode hard and put up wet?
What sort of problems develop with this car?
Any likes or dislikes?
Thanks.
--
Mark Lindsey
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Dodge Viper RT/10, MB SLK32 AMG, KBS Mk5
Wow,
I would have thought I would have received a few comments as to what to look for. We do it all the time on the Viper Club website for people wishing to join the brotherhood.
The only thing I've seen so far, on another link, is an SLK that appears to be a total lemon. There not all like that are they?
He mentioned:
Flooded lights
Cracking leather
Peeling wood dash
Noisy supercharger
Pulsing sound from the fuel pump
Is this typical?
I would have thought I would have received a few comments as to what to look for. We do it all the time on the Viper Club website for people wishing to join the brotherhood.
The only thing I've seen so far, on another link, is an SLK that appears to be a total lemon. There not all like that are they?
He mentioned:
Flooded lights
Cracking leather
Peeling wood dash
Noisy supercharger
Pulsing sound from the fuel pump
Is this typical?
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
SL500
Since no AMG owners are replying, I will give you my 2 cents. I don't own an slk but I do drive a Mercedes. The slk is one of MB's "hit or miss" cars. Some owners have had no problems at all and others have had a laundry list, it's the luck of the draw.
I can tell you to purchase the latest model possible, earlier models had problems with the roof not working properly and the interior pealing. If I were you I'd go for either an 03 or 04. Keep in mind they are redesigning the SLK and throwing the V8 powered CLK engine in it. 04's can be had for a very attractive price since the new model is set to debut later this year.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
I can tell you to purchase the latest model possible, earlier models had problems with the roof not working properly and the interior pealing. If I were you I'd go for either an 03 or 04. Keep in mind they are redesigning the SLK and throwing the V8 powered CLK engine in it. 04's can be had for a very attractive price since the new model is set to debut later this year.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
I think MBZman hit the nail on the head. This car is very inconsistant when it comes to being problematic. I have sold a few SLK32's and have been fortunate to only hear one horror story on the Service level. Just be careful and make sure you get one as new as possible. If you would like some help, I have one Brilliant Silver and one Black in stock and will be very, very aggressive on pricing!! Let me know if I can be of any assistance and can truck the car to your front doorstep. 
