Looking somewhat seriously at a 1998 SLK 230 for my wife. 92k miles. in really good interior and exterior shape. This would be a "toy" car, not daily driver- just something for the sunny days and canyon rides. She also has the ML 350 for a real car.

I have read about the top pumps but I an concerned about some flags waving from a pal who says he knows about them. Here is a list, comments welcomed and thanks for all:

Lower Control Arm Bushings. Weak and wear out. Leak their hydraulic fluid out.
Top has weak hinges and tiny cables to move the pieces around- trouble.
Struts likely shot at this mileage
All rubber bits (bushings-fittings etc)in peril- Germans not good with Rubber (?)
Auto Transmission is or will be leaking
Clutch Packs loose- getting sloppy
Air Mass Sensor- (not MAF)
A/C Compressor if not yet replaced, probably will need it soon.
Motor mounts flat/Trans Mounts too.
Top Micro Switch rubber covers get stiff and fail to release causing pump to keep running then fail.
and a few minor things.
He says he is just being honest and does not have a case against M-B. He worked there many years... has been an auto mechanic 28 years. Trying to be helpful

But seriously folks... ever heard of any of these, either individually or collectively, being a problem?

He also says my dealer's price of $9.8k is unrealistically high.

Thoughts?

 

No struts on any SLK
No oil in controll arm bushings

 

alot of check engine lights ...i would stay away.

 

No Struts?

Then what keeps the wheels from hitting the tops of the fenders?

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