SLK nuts here too?

[blackmercedes]

As we can't afford an SL less than 8-10 years old, my wife is shopping for a gently used SLK.

Any SLK specific (top etc) issues anyone know of?

Thanks!

[G-Benz]

It's funny, I rarely see anybody post problems about their SLK.

Perhaps it's a testament to their reliability?

What do you have against an SL that is 8 to 10 years old? It's still twice the car an SLK is---and I LIKE SLK's quite a lot. But a 129 SL is just the top of the heap.

Travis

[blackmercedes]

As much as I would like an early '90's R129 SL, my wife would not have such a thing. Huh?

1. Too old for Signature Class warranty. A $35-40K car without warranty isn't in the budget.

2. No folding hardtop. That little feature is a HUGE seller to my wife. She loves the idea of having that top.

3. Four banger engine. V-8's tend to be costly to service, repair and feed with gasoline.

With the R230 on the market, there are some cherry SL's on the fresh trade market, but she likes the SLK lots.

What can I say? She's the one who has to decide; I find the top on my 129 to be one of the most elegant pieces of machinery I've ever used. I guess the folding hard top would be better in some ways, but it doesn't look as good to me. The 129 top seals perfectly and uses only one muscle (right index finger) to raise and lower. I don't see how a 4 banger could be any more reliable than my 12...it has yet to have its first problem. I haven't owned a V8, but would expect it to be Mercedes-reliable also. I consider extended warranty a waste of money (you do realize that they make money on those policies, don't you?) so it just isn't an issue with me. The SLK is a cute little car but if a 129 can be had for the same money, I know which line I'll be in. Drive them both for a couple of days, then decide. But, bottom line, she needs to get the one she likes. Best of luck.

Travis

[ericdee]

Didn't some guy in China take a bat to one (SLK)? I believe he had it fixed 6 times in the first year of ownership.

John

If your still interested in a SLK, you might be interested in one coming up for auction at Michener Allen in Edmonton on Oct 26. I don't know anything about the car except the picture in their catalog, is a blue one and is a 1999.

Bill

[AJG382]

John,

I am fortunate to own both a SL and a SLK. I love both cars, the SL is my car for long trips, and the SLK is my drive it for fun car.

If I had to choose between then I would be hard pressed to decide, as they each have there own positives and negatives.

Your wife will most likely love the SLK.

Regards,

[elau]

John,
The SLK is much smaller than the SL. I took one out to test drive and I feel really cramp in the cabin. I am not a big guy, but the extra elbow room does make long trip more enjoyable. Not to mention storage space, you will have the space behind the seats for luggages if needed. The SLK does not has that extra space.