SLK55 (R171) 2004 - 2010: SLK200K, SLK280, SLK350, SLK55, SLK55 Black Series

Advice on purchase of 2005 SLK55, reliability and pricing guidance

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 20, 2026 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
alpinaturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 63
Likes: 20
E63 Wagon
Advice on purchase of 2005 SLK55, reliability and pricing guidance

I am looking to purchase a 2005 SLK55, with 110K miles, in California.
Silver, no accidents, few minor things to be done mechanically and cosmetically.

Mechanically, it needs front latch hardtop cylinder replaced, and I think it's best to replace at least all 3 activating the top.
I have a question here: is there any sense in replacing the "oil-lines" or just buy aftermarket (rebuilt) cylinders and replace them - using quick connect fittings?

The left paddle on the steering is falling out: I found a company in UK that sells metal paddles, that they claim are easy to fit without even removing the steering.
I am also considering finding a Facelift steering with metal paddles, having it trimmed in Alcantara (black to match).

The front bumper has the very bottom scuffed, and even a small tear right at the center. Functionally - no concern- this area likely gets easily damaged anyways. Visually annoying: I do plan to have it sorted.

One fog-light bulb is burned out.

Serviced since current owners ownership 2 years, at well known independent Merceds service.
Aside from following ABC, it had a hard-starting issue which was diagnosed as failing alternator, and it was replaced. They also recommended replacing radiator which was seemingly starting to weap (Maybe white spot at the edge of plastic end tank? So it was replaced.

Between the lines, I think the owner was starting to get concerned with cost of maintenance, as the Hardtop Hydraulic Cylinder was diagnosed leaking at the same time: car was in for C-service, and adding Alternator, Radiator, and potentially hardtop (quoted $1700 for front cylinder), was starting to add up.

No rust, damage, paint is nice, headlights are "sun fogged" but obviously can be polished out.
Interior is clean and minimal wear, besides the left paddle which is held now by some tape.


What else goes wrong, between 100 and 150K miles?
What goes wrong in general?


What would you pay for such a car?

Thank you for your feedback and advice, really appreciate it.

Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:56 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE