2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 2.0

Summary:

Excelent car, feel cheated as it required more maintenence than I would have expected

Faults:

The front tyres needed replacing at 8,000 miles, as they were worn on the outside edge. I was told by the dealership that this a common problem with the vehicle.

Again at the first 10,000 mile service I was advised that the front brake pads needed replaceing.

General Comments:

I bought the car as I expected quality with the Mercedes name. I would have expected the tyres and brakes to have lasted a lot longer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd December, 2003

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 2.30 Kompressor

Summary:

A low quality rip-off. Never buy a mercedes. Please

Faults:

Boot lid failed to close after shutting roof

Excessive engine noise (clattering)

Squeaks from roof

Squeaks from seat

Rattles from center console

Reverberation from road surface

Dent added in side panel by dealer

Massive depreciation

Excessive wind noise

All problems acknowledged by dealer, but took ages to fix or not fixed at all.

General Comments:

Worst car I have ever owned, with the exception of the one I swapped it for, which was a C320 estate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th June, 2003

10th Jun 2003, 19:38

If you have an SLK320, you would have a 3.2 Liter V6. If you have a 2.3 Liter I4 Turbo, you would have an SLK230.

30th Mar 2005, 02:33

The slk 230 has no turbo! It is supercharged!It has a compressor which is mechanically connected to the crankshaft. So the compressor does not have to wait for the exhausts to build up the pressure to compress the air like a turbo does. Power can be increased readily at lower RPMs than a turbo. so, no more talking about turbos in a slk 230;-)

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2300CC SUPERCHARGED

Summary:

A Convertible for all Seasons

Faults:

The current SLK (Nov 2002) - nothing so far.

My previous SLK (pre 1999) - side indicator relay became faulty at 36,000 miles

Also central locking failed at 42,000 miles

Both faults repaired under warranty by local dealership.

General Comments:

Post 1999 models are superior.

Mercedes revised the roll bar settings on the new SLK, which have improved the road holding noticeably. The seats on the newer models have much more lateral support. The newer models have a better (tiptronic) auto transmission, which I think is one of the best on the market.

The 230K is quick and has plenty of torque. The steel folding roof is like magic.

I wouldn't consider a 200K model. I feel that the 230K offers the best compromise of value for money for performance. The 230K is practically as quick as the 320, albeit not so smooth as the V6 engine. I love the raw power of the supercharger on the 230K.

The build quality and materials are of a high standard.

Residual values are excellent.

Rear tyres last 10,000 miles, and fronts about 12,000 miles.

Averages 23-25 miles per gallon. Servicing surprisingly reasonable- the most expensive service having been about £300 on my previous SLK (55,000 miles when sold)

I would highly recommend a post 1999 SLK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2003