FD or SLK?
06-16-05, 02:00 PM
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I'm thinking the older slk. You can pick those up for pretty cheap. I'd buy JC's FD, but I'm on a budget. Can't afford a blinged out FD.
06-16-05, 02:28 PM
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If you never driven an SLK go drive a new one. The 350's are surprizingly fast cars. You'll never look back. After the test drive your next question will be what's the cap cost and residual. 
For the 06 model year they're adding a 3 liter six to go with the 350. I don't think those are available yet. That one's called the 280SLK.
If you're looking for used, you may want to try the MB national database. There are good deals on that list AND most of them come with a starmark warranty. The 320's were nice, but I think the 2.3's were on the slow side. The AMG's are monsters, but they cost a boat load and they haven't been out long enough to get one that's come back from a short term lease.
For the 06 model year they're adding a 3 liter six to go with the 350. I don't think those are available yet. That one's called the 280SLK.If you're looking for used, you may want to try the MB national database. There are good deals on that list AND most of them come with a starmark warranty. The 320's were nice, but I think the 2.3's were on the slow side. The AMG's are monsters, but they cost a boat load and they haven't been out long enough to get one that's come back from a short term lease.
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06-16-05, 03:30 PM
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CLK. But I'm a little biased. The CLK needs practically no maintenance (fluids and filters for the first 100K). Compare that to the M3. If you're really looking, there's an '01 CLK55 sitting on a lot in Santa Monica. You could be the newest member of the AMG club for $31K.
The CLK needs practically no maintenance (fluids and filters for the first 100K). Compare that to the M3. If you're really looking, there's an '01 CLK55 sitting on a lot in Santa Monica. You could be the newest member of the AMG club for $31K.
06-16-05, 03:31 PM
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'97 M3. Now back to me. btw, A4Sport = teh 
I still have my Tanabe exhaust from when I still had Brenda, so I can use that again. SLK might be more trouble free, but Brendas are fun. Then again, SLK's can go topless.....
ok, gang. Discuss.
I still have my Tanabe exhaust from when I still had Brenda, so I can use that again. SLK might be more trouble free, but Brendas are fun. Then again, SLK's can go topless.....
ok, gang. Discuss.
06-16-05, 03:49 PM
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In addition to being trouble free, bone stock SLK350's do zero to sixty runs in under five and a half seconds. Drive one and the answer will be easy. If you drive test a 2.3 after the 3.5, you'll walk away in disgust.
06-16-05, 04:17 PM
#14
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Not bad... more info please... which lot? color?
I'd get a CLK55? For the price it probably has alot of miles.
Anyone know how a CLK handles?
I'd get a CLK55? For the price it probably has alot of miles.
Anyone know how a CLK handles?
Originally Posted by Marcus_F
CLK. But I'm a little biased. The CLK needs practically no maintenance (fluids and filters for the first 100K). Compare that to the M3. If you're really looking, there's an '01 CLK55 sitting on a lot in Santa Monica. You could be the newest member of the AMG club for $31K.
The CLK needs practically no maintenance (fluids and filters for the first 100K). Compare that to the M3. If you're really looking, there's an '01 CLK55 sitting on a lot in Santa Monica. You could be the newest member of the AMG club for $31K.Last edited by vchacon; 06-16-05 at 04:27 PM.
06-16-05, 05:00 PM
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well, the 350 is pretty pricey seeing as how you can get a used 230 for as low as $16k. But that prices it similarly with a nice FD. That's why I'm asking.
06-16-05, 07:50 PM
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I really don't like how the s2k looks. I can't imagine that a benzo will be worse than an FD. At least I don't have to worry about overheating. The FD is looking more an more appealing. Either way, I'll wait until I get my bonus and raise.
06-16-05, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by vchacon
Not bad... more info please... which lot? color?
I'd get a CLK55? For the price it probably has alot of miles.
Anyone know how a CLK handles?
I'd get a CLK55? For the price it probably has alot of miles.
Anyone know how a CLK handles?
The odometer showed 67K. I checked and there were no malfunctions logged on the monitor. It's black on black with chrome monoblocks. On top of the standard CLK 430 equipment, it has all the standard AMG upgrades – K3 (power sun shade, sunroof, and rain sensor wipers), K4 (Xenons w/washers, and heated front seats), the power pneumatic side, lumbar and thigh supports in the driver’s seat (this is in addition to the standard 10 way power seats), and the big brakes. It doesn’t have COMAND, a CD changer, Nav, or the phone (although it’s StarTAC wired).
I’ve driven both and aside from the brakes, the AMG CLK doesn’t handle any different than the CLK 430 – at least not on the 2001/2002 models (ESP was upgraded in ’01). The 430 has AMG sport suspension, but the springs and shocks on the CLK55 are different part numbers, so they may feel different on a track day. The 430 chassis is a 208.370, while the CLK55 uses a 208.374. The difference may be the drivetrain weight (about 250 more on the 55). Aside from the engine, the CLK55 uses the same transmission as the V12’s. That's only the handling though. Once you step on the loud pedal, there’s no mistaking the 430 for the 55. The 430 is very fast, but the 55 is blinding. Stock 208 CLK55 runs 5.0 zero to sixty sprints, and backs it up with 13 second quarter mile times .
06-16-05, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by pshaw118
I really don't like how the s2k looks. I can't imagine that a benzo will be worse than an FD. At least I don't have to worry about overheating. The FD is looking more an more appealing. Either way, I'll wait until I get my bonus and raise.
I can’t speak for SLK’s but the main problem with CLK’s is the $200 mass airflow sensor. On a CLK430 those die about every 40-50K miles. It wouldn't surprise me if SLK's had the same problem. The car still runs, but power and fuel economy go bad when the MAF dies. It takes 15 minutes to change one. Other than the MAF, those people who manually shift the Steptronic transmission should change the tranny fluid and filter every 30K. The owner’s manual says the transmission fluid doesn’t have to be changed until the major service at 100K, but in small print it says to change the tranny fluid with the B service if it’s used in “severe” conditions. Other than that, buy fuses.
Lastly, if you’re looking at a used Benz, tell the seller you want to see a copy of the VMI. That’s a report any Mercedes dealer can print for any Mercedes VIN. The Vehicle Master Inquiry will list all the equipment the car was originally shipped with, when it was first put into service, and everything Mercedes ever did to the car. It will have dates and mileage of regular service, any repairs, minor adjustments, warranty work, everything the car was ever at a dealer for will be listed. Since everything is covered for the first 50K (maintenance and anything other than brakes, windshield wipers, and tires), it's not uncommon for a VMI for a 50K car to be three pages long. For the owner it only makes sense for the dealer to make adjustments while he has the car for service. The owner gets a free loaner while its being serviced, so why not?
