hello people - i'm about to check out and possibly buy this car from mercedes-benz direct in the next couple of days:
http://www.directmercedes.co.uk/Medi...281/281151.jpg
it's a 2003 320slk, looks nice, costs a lot but isn't so bad as a part-exchange.

before i go ahead, i thought i'd ask your opinion on the mercedes-benz direct dealership (any bad / good experiences?), and just see if you are all generally happy with your slk's, and if there are any specific things i ought to look out for when i check out the car.

many thanks for your help. looking forward to finally owning a merc.

 

I have an SLK and it's a GREAT CAR, never had so much fun driving a car before.
Things to ask for would be all the maintenance done to the car. The car is under warranty therefore any work done would be by an authorized mercedes dealer. From the link this is in the UK so I am not sure if you have Carfax reports or the equivelant. That would show if the car has had any reported claims or damage. I would make the dealer put it up on a rack(lift) and look under to ensure there is no major welding or any signs of it being in a accident.
Also look at the fenders and hood line, they should be symetrical...any signs of paint over spraying stuff like that. If you can get the name of the previous owner it would be a big plus.
Good luck, mine is black too, it's a 230.

 

thanks for the advice. incidentally, i hear that black slk's are a lot harder to get hold of nowadays. (i'm not sure if that's just sales spiel coming from the dealer though).

 

black is a very hard color. It scratches easily and shows the dirt a lot.

 

I recently totaled my 97 BMW M3 4 door and then purchased an SLK as a replacement. Although the M3 is faster and handles better, the SLK is way more fun and women absolutely love it, (and there are three in my immediate family). The only real problem I can find with it is the sunburn I now have on my face. (Mercedes didn't think of that)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

 

I drive a Black 2001 SLK 320 every day, I love it. It gets about 3000 miles per month. I plan to wear it out.

For Black, hand wash only!

You might take it to a reputable detailer and have it polished ad take care of it yourself from then on. Also take good care of the interior leather, especially if you live in a damp area.

You might install K & N engine air filter elements which will save you $ in the long run. I also change the oil filter between oil changes which are no farther than 8000 miles instead of the 12000 that is recommended. I would also service the transmission (if automatic) just to inspect the fluid and change the filter.

Enjoy your car!