SLK 320 reliability / maintenance costs

Slicer · 10-26-2007

I'm new to roadsters, Mercedes, and buying used cars. I'm really interested in getting a roadster and after doing a little research the SLK looks to fit my needs. I love the look and the hard top convertible.

I'm leaning towards a 2003 SLK 320. I'll probably test drive it this weekend and get a feel for the actual car.

However, I do worry about reliability and maintenance costs for this car. When reading the forums and user reviews, seems like people either love 'em or hate 'em. Seeing comments like "better get an extended warrantee" or "stay far away from this car" makes me worry. These cars already have a higher than average cost and having high maintenance costs isn't something I want to jump into.

How does the SLK stack up to other vehicles you've owned in respect to reliability and maintenance? Basically, I don't want to buy this thing and have it be more trouble than it's worth.

**etyu** · 10-26-2007

Welcome Slicer. Let us know where you're located. There are plenty of R170 owners that may be able to help you from Australia to Europe.

Slicer · 10-26-2007

I'm in the Dallas, TX area.

**etyu** · 10-26-2007

Tslick has the 2004 SLK 32 AMG and 320SLK has the 2004 SLK 320. Perhaps others too will chime in soon.

**alroumi** · 10-27-2007

Welcome to the forum Slicer.

320slk · 10-27-2007

I have a 2004 slk320, it's a great car, lots of fun and handles great. I have had the top adjusted three times and for the last three weeks it has been at the dealer. It seems that adjustable steering column would move even when locked down. The entire steering column is being replaced and the parts, in Germany of course. I am so glad to have a warranty!!

In spite of this I am very glad to have this car. The only question remaining is, what to do when the warranty runs out.

mtiede · 10-27-2007

I had the SLK 320 and now have the SLK 350. I really, really liked that SLK 320. But (and I hope I don't offend anyone) I LOVE the SLK 350. The 350 is a GREAT car. If I were faced with a decision between the two, there is NO question of my decision. I would get the SLK 350.

I had no trouble that I remember with the SLK 320 and none yet with the SLK 350.

MCFaisal · 10-27-2007

Hey slicer,

This is a very hot topic you are bringing up and I stand by your decision to carefully think before you buy. I personally own a SLK230 and I hear good things about long term reliability and what not. I usually do not hear good things about the 320 in terms of reliability but I constantly hear how great a car it is. In terms of maintenance - its not your everyday honda - parts are expensive. You have to face it, the engines are built for performance and sporty characteristics. I have had my 230 for about 1.5 yrs and I have put in around 3000 outside of the used car warranty. Oil changes aren't 20 bucks , there around 100 minimum. Expect at least 1000 a year for maintenance.

MCFaisal · 10-27-2007

Also make sure your car has been thoroughly serviced throughout its history, I was cheated into buying a car that hadn't been serviced in 20,000 miles. I went for an oil change and they called me 2hrs later saying they have a list of problems with my car. I went in and it was a bill for around 1500 dollars. I was extremely mad, contacted the manager and he took care of 1100 of those dollars. So make sure that you know your car has regularly been serviced. What I told the dealer to get my money back was this, " I thought that your used cars go through a 1000 point inspection, so how is it that your technicians overlooked all these problems(engine belt, spark plugs, steering column, air filter, some valve some more forgot...) to which he said, I will pay for...". Other than that if your vehicle has a clean service history than don't expect to pay more than 1000 every 20,000 miles. Around 60K is when everything needs to be replaced(spark plus, engine belt, few parts on the steering, filters etc, coolant flush, transy flush) So make sure all this is done by the dealer before you buy.

Slicer · 10-27-2007

Thanks to everyone for your comments!

MCFaisal .. 100 for an oil change? That's pretty steep, isn't it? I wasn't really expecting that kind of price for a simple service. I generally spend $35 for an oil change at the dealer for my 01 Acura TL. Obviously a Mercedes is a class higher than an Acura TL but roughly 3x as much .. wow! $100 by itself isn't a huge deal but I can only imagine the costs for something more involved.

This is really the kind of information I'm looking for to help determine if I should buy or not.

Also, I'll definately ask the dealer about the 60k service. I'm actually looking to choose between an SLK320 and an SLK350. I was leaning towards the 320 because it's 10k cheaper and still a very nice car. However, my wife saw the 350 and really likes that one so .. still trying to decide. Anyway, both are in the low-mid 50k mileage range and if they haven't done the 60k service sounds like that's an expense I'd have to take on fairly soon.

Does anyone know if there's something on the web that lists the different services needed for the 320 & 350 with approximate costs? I'll do some searching myself but if someone knows offhand that would be cool.

Thanks again for all the comments! They're both really nice cars .. now I just need to justify the maintenance costs.

MCFaisal · 10-27-2007

Unfortunately there isn't a list that has approx. costs for each service on it because it varies from vehicle to vehicle. If you can afford a SLK350 go for it, if not I would try to find a low mileage SLK320. Im surprised you found a 320 for 10K cheaper than a SLK350, thats ridiculously overpriced, I wouldn't pay more than 25K for a used SLK320 to be honest, the market value is dropping like crazy on the R170(SLK230,320,32), so don't pay more than 30K for any of those models. The advantage you have with the SLK350 would be the warranty, which is a must when you buying a sports car. The reason why the oil change is around 100 dollars is because the quality of the oil they use is extremely high, and depending on the motor, the vehicle is designed to run on a specific type of oil which is never cheap when it comes to a mercedes. The advantage of spending 100 dollars is that the oil lasts around 10,000 miles which is great. I would go for a low mileage SLK320, and if your lucky a low mileage SLK32AMG which I think is the most exciting AMG vehicle mercedes has ever created. The SLK350 is going to be much more refined than the SLK320 not to mention much faster. Its a excellent sports car and attracts alot of attention. If you have any specific questions about either model feel free to ask.

MCFaisal · 10-27-2007

Also the service intervals are different from vehicle to vehicle, the car is so advanced it adapts to the drivers style in too many ways to mention. So, I am assuming you have found a used SLK350 with 50K on it? wow, thats hefty. Notice how the dealers always have vehicle in the mid 50s range mileage wise, it is most likely due for a service soon. Don't back out of your purchase in light of spending a lot on a service, all that won't matter once you start driving the vehicle on a daily basis. It shouldn't be too bad, if its through a mercedes dealer then you can't go wrong because the dealer has to protect its name and integrity. Don't go for a used mercedes in through a "3rd party" seller because the car would have most likely been abused in its past. I would ask the dealer these questions to make sure, because if they lie to you there screwed there is no other way of putting it.

**Gabus** · 10-28-2007

Actually there is a list

- in German

Take a look and see if it makes any sense......

http://tinyurl.com/36uk77

100 Euro (EU

= 143.879 US Dollar (USD)

One thing that makes the prices a bit hard to compare, is that a lot of Germans bring their own oil ...

Changing the sparkplugs on a 320 costs twice as on a 350, 'couse the 320 got 12 of them

Slicer · 10-28-2007

Here's the cars I found:

'03 slk320, 52,692 miles, $22,500
'05 slk350, 54,665 miles, $31,500

Trying to decide between the two. My wife really likes the decked out 350 (as do I) however, the 320 is still a very nice car and 10k cheaper. So yea, the 320 is under 25k; I guess the 350 is less than you expected (because of the miles, I guess). It's interesting that both cars are less than a year away from the 60k service.

A $100 oil change isn't bad if it's done every 10k miles. The dealer that has these two vehicles only sells used Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Jag. They also service and detail these vehicles. I'll ask them more details about the services due on these cars and pricing.

MCFaisal · 10-28-2007

the 350 seems a little shady, thats just my opinion. You have to ask yourself, does it bother you that it has done 50K in 2yrs

MCFaisal · 10-28-2007

Makes no sense what so ever (the list) and it seems as though users post the mileage and service done on their vehicle and how much they paid. Also, slicer is looking for a spec sheet from mercedes that has a list of all the service intervals and the specific costs of each service.

10-26-2007	#1 (permalink)
Slicer SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb) Posts: 9 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	SLK 320 reliability / maintenance costs I'm new to roadsters, Mercedes, and buying used cars. I'm really interested in getting a roadster and after doing a little research the SLK looks to fit my needs. I love the look and the hard top convertible. I'm leaning towards a 2003 SLK 320. I'll probably test drive it this weekend and get a feel for the actual car. However, I do worry about reliability and maintenance costs for this car. When reading the forums and user reviews, seems like people either love 'em or hate 'em. Seeing comments like "better get an extended warrantee" or "stay far away from this car" makes me worry. These cars already have a higher than average cost and having high maintenance costs isn't something I want to jump into. How does the SLK stack up to other vehicles you've owned in respect to reliability and maintenance? Basically, I don't want to buy this thing and have it be more trouble than it's worth.

10-26-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Welcome Slicer. Let us know where you're located. There are plenty of R170 owners that may be able to help you from Australia to Europe. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

10-26-2007	#4 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Tslick has the 2004 SLK 32 AMG and 320SLK has the 2004 SLK 320. Perhaps others too will chime in soon. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant., EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled. Last edited by etyu; 10-26-2007 at 08:15 PM.*

10-27-2007	#5 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Welcome to the forum Slicer. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

10-28-2007	#13 (permalink)
Gabus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Søgne Vehicle: 96 SLK 230K Other Toys: Volvo L3314N Posts: 427 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 63 Times in 44 Posts	Actually there is a list - in German Take a look and see if it makes any sense...... http://tinyurl.com/36uk77 100 Euro (EU = 143.879 US Dollar (USD) One thing that makes the prices a bit hard to compare, is that a lot of Germans bring their own oil ... Changing the sparkplugs on a 320 costs twice as on a 350, 'couse the 320 got 12 of them __________________ Gabus The Rolls Royce is the Mercedes amongst cars To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-26-2007	#3 (permalink)
Slicer SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb) Posts: 9 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm in the Dallas, TX area.

10-27-2007	#6 (permalink)
320slk SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: L.A. CALIF Vehicle: 2004 MBZ SLK320 Other Toys: 2001 HD Heritage Softail, 2004 Honda ST1300abs Posts: 9 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have a 2004 slk320, it's a great car, lots of fun and handles great. I have had the top adjusted three times and for the last three weeks it has been at the dealer. It seems that adjustable steering column would move even when locked down. The entire steering column is being replaced and the parts, in Germany of course. I am so glad to have a warranty!! In spite of this I am very glad to have this car. The only question remaining is, what to do when the warranty runs out.

10-27-2007	#7 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,645 Thanks: 101 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	I had the SLK 320 and now have the SLK 350. I really, really liked that SLK 320. But (and I hope I don't offend anyone) I LOVE the SLK 350. The 350 is a GREAT car. If I were faced with a decision between the two, there is NO question of my decision. I would get the SLK 350. I had no trouble that I remember with the SLK 320 and none yet with the SLK 350.

10-27-2007	#8 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hey slicer, This is a very hot topic you are bringing up and I stand by your decision to carefully think before you buy. I personally own a SLK230 and I hear good things about long term reliability and what not. I usually do not hear good things about the 320 in terms of reliability but I constantly hear how great a car it is. In terms of maintenance - its not your everyday honda - parts are expensive. You have to face it, the engines are built for performance and sporty characteristics. I have had my 230 for about 1.5 yrs and I have put in around 3000 outside of the used car warranty. Oil changes aren't 20 bucks , there around 100 minimum. Expect at least 1000 a year for maintenance.

10-27-2007	#9 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Also make sure your car has been thoroughly serviced throughout its history, I was cheated into buying a car that hadn't been serviced in 20,000 miles. I went for an oil change and they called me 2hrs later saying they have a list of problems with my car. I went in and it was a bill for around 1500 dollars. I was extremely mad, contacted the manager and he took care of 1100 of those dollars. So make sure that you know your car has regularly been serviced. What I told the dealer to get my money back was this, " I thought that your used cars go through a 1000 point inspection, so how is it that your technicians overlooked all these problems(engine belt, spark plugs, steering column, air filter, some valve some more forgot...) to which he said, I will pay for...". Other than that if your vehicle has a clean service history than don't expect to pay more than 1000 every 20,000 miles. Around 60K is when everything needs to be replaced(spark plus, engine belt, few parts on the steering, filters etc, coolant flush, transy flush) So make sure all this is done by the dealer before you buy.

10-27-2007	#10 (permalink)
Slicer SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb) Posts: 9 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks to everyone for your comments! MCFaisal .. 100 for an oil change? That's pretty steep, isn't it? I wasn't really expecting that kind of price for a simple service. I generally spend $35 for an oil change at the dealer for my 01 Acura TL. Obviously a Mercedes is a class higher than an Acura TL but roughly 3x as much .. wow! $100 by itself isn't a huge deal but I can only imagine the costs for something more involved. This is really the kind of information I'm looking for to help determine if I should buy or not. Also, I'll definately ask the dealer about the 60k service. I'm actually looking to choose between an SLK320 and an SLK350. I was leaning towards the 320 because it's 10k cheaper and still a very nice car. However, my wife saw the 350 and really likes that one so .. still trying to decide. Anyway, both are in the low-mid 50k mileage range and if they haven't done the 60k service sounds like that's an expense I'd have to take on fairly soon. Does anyone know if there's something on the web that lists the different services needed for the 320 & 350 with approximate costs? I'll do some searching myself but if someone knows offhand that would be cool. Thanks again for all the comments! They're both really nice cars .. now I just need to justify the maintenance costs.

10-27-2007	#11 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Unfortunately there isn't a list that has approx. costs for each service on it because it varies from vehicle to vehicle. If you can afford a SLK350 go for it, if not I would try to find a low mileage SLK320. Im surprised you found a 320 for 10K cheaper than a SLK350, thats ridiculously overpriced, I wouldn't pay more than 25K for a used SLK320 to be honest, the market value is dropping like crazy on the R170(SLK230,320,32), so don't pay more than 30K for any of those models. The advantage you have with the SLK350 would be the warranty, which is a must when you buying a sports car. The reason why the oil change is around 100 dollars is because the quality of the oil they use is extremely high, and depending on the motor, the vehicle is designed to run on a specific type of oil which is never cheap when it comes to a mercedes. The advantage of spending 100 dollars is that the oil lasts around 10,000 miles which is great. I would go for a low mileage SLK320, and if your lucky a low mileage SLK32AMG which I think is the most exciting AMG vehicle mercedes has ever created. The SLK350 is going to be much more refined than the SLK320 not to mention much faster. Its a excellent sports car and attracts alot of attention. If you have any specific questions about either model feel free to ask.

10-27-2007	#12 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Also the service intervals are different from vehicle to vehicle, the car is so advanced it adapts to the drivers style in too many ways to mention. So, I am assuming you have found a used SLK350 with 50K on it? wow, thats hefty. Notice how the dealers always have vehicle in the mid 50s range mileage wise, it is most likely due for a service soon. Don't back out of your purchase in light of spending a lot on a service, all that won't matter once you start driving the vehicle on a daily basis. It shouldn't be too bad, if its through a mercedes dealer then you can't go wrong because the dealer has to protect its name and integrity. Don't go for a used mercedes in through a "3rd party" seller because the car would have most likely been abused in its past. I would ask the dealer these questions to make sure, because if they lie to you there screwed there is no other way of putting it.

10-28-2007	#14 (permalink)
Slicer SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb) Posts: 9 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here's the cars I found: '03 slk320, 52,692 miles, $22,500 '05 slk350, 54,665 miles, $31,500 Trying to decide between the two. My wife really likes the decked out 350 (as do I) however, the 320 is still a very nice car and 10k cheaper. So yea, the 320 is under 25k; I guess the 350 is less than you expected (because of the miles, I guess). It's interesting that both cars are less than a year away from the 60k service. A $100 oil change isn't bad if it's done every 10k miles. The dealer that has these two vehicles only sells used Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Jag. They also service and detail these vehicles. I'll ask them more details about the services due on these cars and pricing.

10-28-2007	#15 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	the 350 seems a little shady, thats just my opinion. You have to ask yourself, does it bother you that it has done 50K in 2yrs

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10-28-2007	#16 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Makes no sense what so ever (the list) and it seems as though users post the mileage and service done on their vehicle and how much they paid. Also, slicer is looking for a spec sheet from mercedes that has a list of all the service intervals and the specific costs of each service.