I've been eyeballing a 2001 SLK320 roadster at a Chrysler dealership (no extended warranty). It has approx. 27,000mi and appears to be in good condition. I took it to my local mechanic and the only thing that he could find was that "the rearend diff. housing gasket and pinion seal leaking gear oil" and that the "front brakes at 40% with rotors badly grooved". This is a hot looking car. I keep getting whiplash everytime I drive by. I have only owned Hondas and love the reliability that comes with them. I have little knowledge of how cars work and how to fix them. Can anyone attest to the reliability of this car and what to watch out for. I'm loosing sleep over this car. Please help with any info! Should I?????Shouldn't I??????

 

I'm kinda dissappointed that no one has anything to say. I was hoping that someone would have some advise about the rear-end differential. Please and Thank you.

 

I have 110,000 miles on my 2001 SLK 320. my front diff seal leaks too. Just enough to make me fix it when I have the fluid changed. Have someone check the fluid level and show you a sample of the fluid. Mine was still nice and clean and smelled OK even with all those miles. Call the dealership and ask the service advisor to quote the seals and replacement diff fluid...THEY should do it. MB's all use special fluids for everything and the wrong stuff will shorten the life of the car.

Really, it is a great car. Expect to do the brakes and please do them with stock original parts at least. No aftermarket junk anyway. Someone MAY have been hot roding the car to wear out the brakes. ( I don't know your mileage). They should last at least 50,000 in front, but it depends on your driving habits.

Thanks for joining the forum!

 

Thank you for responding. I'll take any advise I can get. I've never bought a car before and have been saving my pennies for a good fun car.

 

I am an original owner of a 2002 SLK320 with 70,000 miles. It is great and we like it so much, we also have a 2006 SLK350! We do maintenance at the Benz dealership by the computer and nothing in between to include leaks. I would be concerned with that but not mechanic.

 

The brake rotors are reasonably soft on these. The grooving is normal and isnt a concern unless disks worn to min thickness.
Some people have been known to change them on 2nd set of pads. Prices are fair.
I changed mine for Brembo rotors and fitted Porterfield pads to reduce dust. Good combination so far.

Bazzle

 

how much is the dealership asking for the car?