slk280

2241 Views 21 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Martin_L, Jan 11, 2016

Reggie

Discussion Starter · Dec 25, 2015

Hi everyone and a Merry Christmas to you all.

I have been studying the SLK range of cars quite a bit now, really like the R170 facelift and if you shop around you can can find some very nice examples at a very reasonable price out there.
Trouble I foresee is they are getting a little old now, so I turned my attentions to the R171, love that new bonnet shape though didn`t fancy the idea of the 1.8L engine, or for that the 3.5L.
Arrived at the decision that the SLK 280 might be just what I`m looking for, can I therefore ask for any advice on what to look for and what to expect from this model.

Cheers in advance.

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jbanks15

· #2 · Dec 25, 2015

you posted this in r172 so I moved it to R171 since that is what you referred to above

jbanks15

· #3 · Dec 25, 2015

check the owner's manual, get a free datacard when you find one.

Owners Manual: A Go-To Source for Information on your Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz

R171 (2004–2010)[edit]
R171
Mercedes-Benz R171 front 20080801.jpg
Overview
Production 2004–2010
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Body and chassis
Platform Mercedes-Benz R171
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L I4
3.0 L V6
3.5 L V6
5.4 L V8
Transmission 5-speed (SLK 200)
7-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 95.7 in (2,431 mm)
Length 4,087 mm (160.9 in)
AMG: 4,093 mm (161.1 in)
2009–2011: 161.5 in (4,102 mm)
2009–present AMG: 161.4 in (4,100 mm)
Width 1,788 mm (70.4 in)
1,793 mm (70.6 in)
Height 1,298 mm (51.1 in)
2004–08 AMG: 1,270 mm (50.0 in)
2009–2011 AMG: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Curb weight 1,495 kg (3,296 lb)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz R171

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 pre-facelift

2004–2008 SLK 280 pre-facelift
The R171 features a number of revisions compared to its predecessor, the R170: a 30mm longer wheelbase, increased length (72mm) and width (65mm),[13] 40% increased use of high strength steel,[13] seven-speed automatic transmission, adaptive two-stage airbags, head/thorax sidebags and a revised roof mechanism (marketed as the Vario roof) deployable in 22 seconds (previously 25 seconds) with a rotary-pivoting rear window enabling a more compact folded roof stack and trunk storage increased by 63 litres with the roof retracted.[13] Optional features include remote operation of the retractable hardtop as well as a forced air, neck-level heating system integral to the headrests, marketed as Airscarf.[13]
The fully galvanized bodywork, which features 19 percent improvement in static bending and 46 percent improvement in torsional strength with the roof down, also features a 3% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, with a Cd value of 0.32.[13] The design has been aerodynamically optimized to minimize interior draughts with the top retracted and includes a fabric windblocker which can be pulled up over the two roll-over bars.[13] Mercedes marketed the R171's tapering front end styling by designer Steve Mattin as "Formula One-inspired".[13]
Models of this SLK include:
SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) I4 supercharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 300 (known as SLK 280 in some markets) – 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
SLK 350 – new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph ou 250 km/h(electronically limited).
SLK 55 AMG – 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph (249 km/h). A modified version of this model was used in Formula One as its Safety Car during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.[14] The SLK55 AMG was also the first Mercedes tuned by AMG's Performance Studio to create the new "Black Series".
R171 facelift (2007)[edit]
In January 2008 at the Detroit Motor Show, the SLK-Class facelift was launched, following pre-show announcements in December 2007 with the first American owner being James Glass on Johnson City TN.[15] The R171 facelift included new engines, with a particular improvement to the SLK 200 and 350 with more power and better fuel efficiency. The exterior changes were subtle, with alterations limited to the front bumper design and new wing mirrors.[16]
SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 supercharged engine
SLK 350 – 3.5 L (3498 cc) 224 kW (305 PS; 300 hp) DOHC V6 engine
SLK 300 and 55 AMG retained their existing engines

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jbanks15

· #4 · Dec 25, 2015

There is no 280 in the r172, just the 300

R172 range[edit]
SLK 200 (2011-2015) – 1.8 L 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.1 seconds, top speed of 149 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 200 (2.0) (2015–present) – 2.0 L 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.8 seconds, top speed of 149 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 250 (2011-2015) – 1.8 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.4 seconds, top speed of 152 mph.
SLK 250 CDI (2012-2015) – 2.1 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged diesel engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.5 seconds, top speed of 152 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 250d (2015–present) – 2.1 L 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged diesel engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.4 seconds, top speed of 152 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
SLK 300 (2015–present) – 2.0 L 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.6 seconds, top speed of 155 mph.
SLK 350 (2011-2015) – 3.5 L 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
SLK 55 AMG – 5.5 L 310 kW (421 PS; 415 hp) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.1 seconds,[22] top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). In the SLK55 AMG R172 Mercedes-AMG introduced the all-new naturally aspirated 5.5 L V8 engine. This engine is based on a naturally aspirated variant of the twin-turbocharged M157 V8 engine, the M152.[23]

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Iridium

· #5 · Dec 25, 2015

The 280 is a 350 with a few changes:

3.0 liter engine instead of 3.5 (and commensurately lower horsepower, slightly better fuel economy)
smaller wheels/taller tires (lower performance but softer riding, last longer, less expensive)
fewer high-end gadgets and features

The engine is nearly identical except for the displacement and a few technical variations, so no difference in reliability.

Having owned both, I prefer the 280. In my routine driving the higher performance of the 350 was meaningless (rarely got a chance to fully use it) and I enjoy the softer ride of the 280 when driving around town. The only thing I liked better about the 350 was the styling of the wheels.

The 280 can still come with the options I value: heated seats, Airscarf, choice of transmissions, digital climate control, etc. so the choice was a no-brainer for me. But if you value high performance, the 350 will smoke the 280 any day.

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jbanks15

· #6 · Dec 25, 2015

Iridium said:
The 280 is a 350 with a few changes:

3.0 liter engine instead of 3.5 (and commensurately lower horsepower, slightly better fuel economy)
smaller wheels/taller tires (lower performance but softer riding, last longer, less expensive)
fewer high-end gadgets and features

The engine is nearly identical except for the displacement and a few technical variations, so no difference in reliability.

Having owned both, I prefer the 280. In my routine driving the higher performance of the 350 was meaningless (rarely got a chance to fully use it) and I enjoy the softer ride of the 280 when driving around town. The only thing I liked better about the 350 was the styling of the wheels.

The 280 can still come with the options I value: heated seats, Airscarf, choice of transmissions, digital climate control, etc. so the choice was a no-brainer for me. But if you value high performance, the 350 will smoke the 280 any day.

right. but only in the r171. There is no 280 in the R172

kingronnie

· #7 · Dec 25, 2015

Not sure what age/price you're looking at, but note that in the UK the post facelift r171 3 litre model was known as the 280 and then changed to the 300. There was no difference apart from the badge, but worth remembering if you're searching Autotrader, ebay, etc.

What to look for? Options! Seeing as you're in the UK I wouldn't buy one without airscarf or heated seats. Personally I would look for one with the three mode auto box (most 280/300s I looked at didn't come with the 'manual' mode). Apart from that I'd look for as many toys as possible.

Having just spent 8 months looking for the 'right' 171 in the UK I'm happy to give you what advice I can, feel free to ask.

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jbanks15

· #8 · Dec 25, 2015

SLK 300 (known as SLK 280 in some markets) – 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)

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kingronnie

· #9 · Dec 25, 2015

jbanks15 said:
SLK 300 (known as SLK 280 in some markets) – 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)

Saw that Jeff, just thought I'd clarify that it was known as both in the UK. Not sure if that was the case in all markets.

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jbanks15

· #10 · Dec 25, 2015

Thanks. Reggie said he saw some 2009 fl 280 for sale. Is that possible? since they were not made facelift?
i suggested he gets the vins to pull datacards to really see what they have

kingronnie

· #11 · Dec 25, 2015 (Edited)

I tested a 2009 facelift 280 last month, so they definitely exist.

Edit:
This is the car I tested, which is overpriced, so don't buy it!

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jbanks15

· #12 · Dec 26, 2015

wow. fl 280s. must of been the last of the batch of the 2008 runs.

kingronnie

· #13 · Dec 26, 2015

jbanks15 said:
wow. fl 280s. must of been the last of the batch of the 2008 runs.

Possible, it was registered on 30th April 2009.

Terminal

· #14 · Dec 26, 2015

Check the engine number for any early 272 engined car. Potentially soft balance shaft gear - expensive engine-out repair.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_engine#Balance_Shaft_Gear_Issues

Avoid the issue altogether - buy a 55

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Reggie

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 26, 2015

kingronnie said:
I tested a 2009 facelift 280 last month, so they definitely exist.

Edit:
This is the car I tested, which is overpriced, so don't buy it!

Hey thanks for that, phew have to say prices are all over the place with SLK`s, perhaps they think the 19k mileage justifies the price, not for me that`s for certain.

Have looked at this one online

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371512290724?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Though not keen on the stark grey colour and bland black interior.

This car looks ok but again price might be a tad in their favour, still with no part ex I might be able to do a deal.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271969391139?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

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kingronnie

· #16 · Dec 26, 2015 (Edited)

No airscarf, no sale. Sorry, but unless you're only going to drive it in the summer I wouldn't go there.

2nd one looks much more interesting. Loads of toys. Manual box is a matter of taste, I won't start that discussion again though!

However, if you can get a deal on this then you'll have a virtually unique car:

Brabus SLK280

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Reggie

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 26, 2015

kingronnie said:
No airscarf, no sale. Sorry, but unless you're only going to drive it in the summer I wouldn't go there.

2nd one looks much more interesting. Loads of toys. Manual box is a matter of taste, I won't start that discussion again though!

However, if you can get a deal on this then you'll have a virtually unique car:

Brabus SLK280

Thanks for that, I prefer the manual gearbox and take your point re the air scarf,

Have already looked at the Brabus for sure it`s a unique vehicle.

Beekster

· #18 · Dec 27, 2015

I own one, so I'll chime in. The 280 is slightly slower in a straight line than the 350, but I've never had trouble keeping up with Dave54's 350 in the twisties and he doesn't outrun me by much when accelerating or passing on the freeway. Now that Sunilde has a Bilsten B12 suspension she can run away from many of her siblings when the going gets twisty, even on humble 16s. It's not about power; it's about balance and grip. Fuel economy is indeed excellent; Sunhilde easily delivers 32-34mpg on long highway runs with cruise control on up to 70mph. You don't need heated seats or Airscarf; Sunhilde has neither and I've been comfortable down to 27 degrees F with a warm jacket, fur-lined aviator's cap, driving gloves, and the heater cranked to 75. Attached is a photo of me & Sunhilde a year ago doing just that. Check the threads on fixing busted heated seats and Airscarf and then decide if they are must-have options. And stick with the stick, the manual 6-speed. Real driving requires the use of three pedals on the floor.

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GeeJay

· #19 · Dec 27, 2015

If I were looking for a 280/300 I would seek a facelifted (08 reg to 60 reg) with a 6-speed manual gearbox and sport pack. Sport pack includes bigger brakes, 18" rims, lowered suspension, lip spoiler. Without sport pack, the 280 has 16" rims and brakes that can be a little stressed on brisk runs in the twisty stuff.

Didn't have air scarf or heated seats in our SLK200 and never missed either.

An OEM Perspex wind deflector is very useful.

As for the 1.8 Litre four-banger, it pulls harder than many people expect but I do understand the appeal of a V-6.

Good luck in your hunt.

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Reggie

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 27, 2015

GeeJay said:
If I were looking for a 280/300 I would seek a facelifted (08 reg to 60 reg) with a 6-speed manual gearbox and sport pack. Sport pack includes bigger brakes, 18" rims, lowered suspension, lip spoiler. Without sport pack, the 280 has 16" rims and brakes that can be a little stressed on brisk runs in the twisty stuff.

Didn't have air scarf or heated seats in our SLK200 and never missed either.

An OEM Perspex wind deflector is very useful.

As for the 1.8 Litre four-banger, it pulls harder than many people expect but I do understand the appeal of a V-6.

Good luck in your hunt.

Hey thanks for the info, I`ve had a few soft tops and managed ok without an air scarf system, I do prefer a manual gearbox for the drive.
Whilst taking note about the bigger brakes on the 18" rims, I read somewhere that the 16" rims gave a better ride, I`ll certainly be looking at that when test driving a car.

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