I now have a '06 S320 that I love & has been low maint compaired to what I see on the S Class forum. But I have been eyeing up the SLK320 over the last few months. What are your feelings on reliability (compaired to other MB)
I'm sure they ride & drive way different but what about power, handleing etc? How are they on the road on long trips of lets say 3-6 hundred miles?
I'm talking used 1999 up . At this time I'm looking at a '01. Are there any problem areas I should look at while shopping? Hope to sell the S Class and buy an SLK within a few month...
Drive On

 

The SLK's have turned out to be pretty reliable, especially compared to more recent models. Sometimes, the hardtop won't work right due to a bad switch. And the PSE controller can fail due to water getting in it...but those are about it for major potential issues. Also, these cars due have a slight tendency for wind noise -- a minor annoyance at best.

The 320 is a better highway cruiser than the 230, IMHO. The engine is smoother. With regards to power, the 320 is plenty quick, but it's not what I would call "fast" like a late-model Corvette.

 

I drove mine from the east coast all the way to California with no problems. I've had the car for a year and a half now with no problems. The only thing I've replaced is one tail light. But now Mercedes Is going to replaces thoes under warranty. It handles and stops great. I really like the car. I just wished I had more time to drive it.

Ken

 

The SLK is a lot of fun... but it's really a short trip nippy roadster. It isn't designed for long commuting. I regularly do a 600km trip (about 400 miles) and have to say that after the trip (SLK 230), you are pretty tired and need a drink. It's noisey. There's still a lot of wind noise even with the roof up. No hands free phone in the SLK I'm afraid.

The comparison is so different to my 911/996 or CL600 where you arrive fresh and ready for action.

Although I do like the SLK, I have been thinking about trading the SLK230 for an SL350. For exactly these reasons.

If you like the S320 and have got used to the ride, then you will find the SLK too small, noisey and without the features you have got used to. I would advise you to go for a used SL350 or CL500.

 

well.... I own a 2001 SLK320 with little over 45000 miles of combined driving. This car was baught brand new by my dad, and I ended up keeping it almost 2 years ago... regardless, ive been in charge of it (washing, service..etc) since day 2.......... its a great car. but imo, it ages horribly. the suspension is weak, front end of these cars dont hold up like other MBs do... bushings and such things.... I AM VERY PICKY ABOUT THESE THINGs... known issues are MAF sensor failur, taillights gone bad, roof not working, etc... all in all, no MAJOR issue and car has NEVER failed to start & run..

my BIGGEST complain and the thing I know is going to make me change my SLK sooner that what I would want to is the Interior.... road noise is BAD, I do 70% of my driving on high way so it really affects me, before you notice...you behin getting all lkinds of rattles and queaks, alot of people complain about the seats and the back support, im 5' 7" and have a 32-33 waist... not problems at all with the seats imo.... the overal finish of the interior is the worst ive seen in a mercedes.... the dash and console peels (i recently fixed everything).... leaks will eventually happens.. etc.

dont get me wrong, I LOVE THIS CAR, i have a sentimental attachment to it, i drive it, mod it and take care of it like if everyday was my last day with it, but what I tell everyone is that these cars are NOT for everyone. its an enthusiasts car, a car that requires patience and knowledge to be able to enjoy it and take care of it... you have to look beyond many of the little defects to really enjoy it... but one things I can say, I get compliments everywhere i go, and valet parking never fails to park it at the front of almost everywhere I go...... next the the newest and hottest benzos

 

I am very happy with my SLK230 (1998)

I can fix most problems myself, easy to work on if you have a bit of mech nouse.

I have taken mine on lots of long distance runs and find it very comfortable and a competent high speed tourer.
Last run was a 5000 kilometer journey.

Bazzle

 

The 2001 I am most interested in has 27k miles on it. While looking several people have mentioned I can get an extended warrenty. I Beleive one man said if it has less than 50K on it they will do extnded.... Do you know if this is true,is there an age limit ( seeing its a '01 ). I'm also guessing they will want to do some serious checking before giving the warrenty. Any experiance here? How far out do they extend it? What type of cost am I looking at.
Thanks in advance.

Drive On

 

Do not buy the extended warranty. When I bought my car they pushed me into buying it. When I got the paper work in the mail. I found out its not worth the paper its writen on. I paid $1800 for it. I cancled it. After 8 months I got my money back. First the warranty company sent me $500. So I called them AND SAID WHAT THE HELL IS THIS. And they said thats there end of the money. Then the dealer ship kept giving me the run around on the rest of the money. Until I said I will sue them. Then they sent me $1300.
As you can see the sales man makes all the money on this, Thats why there pushing it so hard.

Ken

 

The profit on extended warranties are tremendous, many times they can site abuse or neglect and not honor the repair or if a part needs replacing but they can to a temporary cheap fix that will get them out of the problem they will or use used parts. Figure that the payback is going to average 10 cents on the dollar. On the other hand, these cars can be expensive to repair if you don't know what you are doing. I've seen dealers charge $800+ for a MAF sensor replacement where you could have spent 10 minutes cleaning it for $6. On my kid's SLK, the radio was replaced under the extended warranty, $750, but realistically you could have gotten a used radio for $50. Even my blinker module that went out, an $1,100 repair was a 10 minute repair and a salvage yard part for $125.

 

Save your money. The best extended warranty you'll EVER have is forums like this!

 

I know this forum has been a great help with my S320. So I think your probably right. Besides I'm guessing it will cost more than I would be willing to pay.
Thanks

Drive on