[docbass]

Dear list

I'm new here. I'm 47 years old and live in Singapore
and am about to embark on the MB adventure
after owning VOlks-Passats/Audis up to now.

I;m looking at either
a) a 15 year old SL 300 with 100k on the clock
vs a
b) 3 year old SLK200 AMG.
(it will be the 2nd /fun car in the family)

I;m told the SL is a classic but am worried about the older car thing
and am leaning towards the SLK cos it's a newer car.

I Tried the SLK200 yesterday and thought it was
a) slightly sluggish especially in city driving and up slopes
but on gearing down (it's an Auto) with steptronic
it did have a little kick but much less than the Passat Turbo 1.8T.
(I do realise i m looking at the Base model with an SLK 200..)

and
b) noisy and slightly rougher ride than the SL300.
Also the brand new (newest model SLK 200) that i tested
seemed more refined.

Any advice...will be appreciated from this newbie.
ie fuel consumption, maintenanc, problems with the model,
too underpowered?, simple mods to improve performance.

thanks very much again

Doc
[email protected]

 

[slk320amg]

go for either the slk 320 or 32 amg, lighter than the sl and definitely quicker than the 200.

 

[Bazzle]

Or ask re the SL here

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/

BAzzle

 

[page62]

The 1992 SL300 is what we politely refer to as a "future classic." The R129 cars are still in depreciating in terms of value, and tend to be somewhat unloved by some due to their conservative, boxy styling. Personally, I find myself uncomfortable in these cars due to the surprising lack of room in such a large cabin!

Like the SLK200, you will probably find the SL300 slightly underpowered. The 3-liter straight six is challenged by the sheer bulk of the R129 chassis and body. Both of the cars you are looking at are the base-model cars with the lowest-power engine option. ("AMG" is merely a styling package in the SLK200.) Neither car was ever offered for sale in the USA.

At the very least, try an SLK230 if you can find one. And an SL500. You will find the difference in power quite striking!

 

[docbass]

Dear all

Thanks very much for the "guarded"advice .
i shall look out accordingly for an SLK 230.

Doc