Looking to purchase - 1998 Mercedes SLK 230

[crunchie46]

Does anyone have or know someone who owns a 1998 - 2000 Mercedes SLK 230. I am looking at purchasing one for the wife and would like to get some information from someone who owns one.

From the information I gathered through other forums and reviews it seems like a reliable car. I realize that parts are on the more expensive side but if anyone has any information on average maintenance costs, reliability and general driving experience, that would help aid my decision.

I will definatly still be keeping my 2004 Mazda 3 as it it still as much fun to drive as when I purchased it.:cool

Thanks

[SKYMP3]

Wrong section...-> Other cars

[Default User]

It's actually a very decent car.
On occasion I drive my brothers 98 and the thing flies!

Things to watch for:
- Interior is prone to fading, peeling and chipping as ppl tend to leave the top down and the sun beats the he'll out of it. Watch for cheap spray paint touch ups
- Tranny fluid leak as they are over 10 years old and flanges, gaskets, etc have probably worn
- the power top mechanisms - listen for any noises
- the supercharger.

The good thing is, people that have bought these new, usually get them dealer serviced. Also it's considered a chick car, so probably not beaten.

Bad news, it's considers a chick car, so look for dings and scratches LOL.

Parts are expensive but IIRC, they share a lot of parts with Chrysler's Crossfire. Also, it was a huge seller so used parts should be readily available.


btw - I have a few sets of rims with tire for this model. :)

[crunchie46]

Thanks for the info. The interior problems are not an issue as that is something that I can fix myself. I don't know about average costs with this car so if your brother had work done at a shop, is replacing the gaskets, flanges on the transmission something that can get really expensive or is it about the same cost as any other car. Also, what is the average cost of general maintenance. I know it is more expensive at the dealership than an independant shop so any info would help aid my decision. You also mentioned the supercharger... What kind of problems and cost associated with it?

I have also read that if one of these is dealer serviced that they fill out a service book that came with the car so I will be looking out for that.


I would probably be interested in the rims and tires if I end up purchasing one of these.

Thanks again for the info.

[Default User]

We found that when you take it to an independent shop to get it fixed, you need to somehow let them know you bought it used at a price you couldn't resist LoL.

That being said - it wasn't anymore expensive than getting parts for a VW.

As far as the SC. you just want to make sure it actually works. Just like buying a turbo'ed car. It is one of the most expensive things to fix/replace.

[SirWanker]

There are some useful forums to check:

http://www.slkworld.com/
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/slk-class-r170-8/

[sol_searchin]

There a hit or miss, some people have zero problems others have major issues. Main failures are gaskets on these engines, than again there over 10 years old so they have done fairly well. As long as the oil changes have been done on time the engine/charger can take a beating.

[sol_searchin]

Also, chipping of interior buttons/trim happens on a lot of european cars, have to get use to it lol

[aris]

My parents have a 1998 c230 and it's got over 372,000km and still runs strong... The only thing is the rust is slowly starting

[crunchie46]

I will definately take the car to a trusted mechanic before purchasing to ensure that I don't purchase a lemon and that everything is in working order. And wow 372000km's is quite amazing. Thanks for all the information. I will post some pics if and when I find the right one.

[n00bMeiSter]

fun car, DU is right, chick car for sure lol
(good thing it's for your wife eh?)

also, http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?52158-D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y

[crunchie46]

Thanks spell check.... lol....and yes, it is for the wife as I am over 6ft tall and doubt I will even fit in this thing. Thanks for the info everyone. Will update if and when I make a purchase.

[r4BBiT]

I will definately take the car to a trusted mechanic before purchasing to ensure that I don't purchase a lemon and that everything is in working order. And wow 372000km's is quite amazing. Thanks for all the information. I will post some pics if and when I find the right one.

I think that's is quite normal for those cars if they are taken care of. Most of the engines are bigger displacement and low-reving, so they don't wore out as much as our Japanese high-reving toys :P

My dad owned at BMW 520 and when he sold it the car had 420,000km and it was still running just good.