Mercedes SLK ....RR inspiration needed!

[dangermouse]

I put this on Mx5nutz but got the impression the SLK isn't hardore enough for them and didn't get much help but as we all know on RR everything has potential -

After getting some bad but not surprising news about my back, I think I might have to sell the Eunos and get something slightly more sensible which is curse word as I've wanted it for years and have only had mine for about a year. I've always felt squashed in it (6'4) but thought I could do something about that with seats etc.. but 3 sets of seats later and with a back less wanting to function as a back, I fear nows the time to move on I had thought about low set buckets with a snap off wheel but even that would prove difficult to get out of. And as much as its more interesting to have a 20 year old Eunos and a 30 year old Mercedes, keeping on top of both of them is proving a frustrating experience!

The problem is I don't want to leave the 2 seater convertible world though as living next door to the Yorkshire moors is what it's all about!! I may well regret not just getting something boring and easy to get in and out off but I test drove a Mercedes SLK yesterday and it was lovely, it was the 320 with a surprisingly loud V6! It was far from a raw driving experience but even with the garage man beside me, it felt quite pointy and nimble. Everything in the interior was typically German, much higher up waistline so I didn't feel like an oversized giant driving it.

My question is, I've tried looking on owners forums for information but it's proving pretty fruitless, they seem to keep quiet about the day to day living of them. Only mentioning scary but rare electric roof gremlins and gearbox error codes.
But the MOST important thing is, i've been trying to find a properly 'done' SLK but can only find the usual euro bodykitted tat and oversized AMG or Brabus wheeled ones

The plan is, as with most things round here is a gentle stick (can't go mental due to my back remember) and wheels. I'm not up to speed with the stud pattern on these Mercs but i'm guessing to get something really unique its gonna need adaptors?
And for now i'm trying to stay away from BBS.... i haven't got a problem with them, but i want something different anything from this little lot would look smashing i feel ;D


And have some pictures for your troubles .....




Thanks

[dbizzle]

[rmad]

I reckon some 'scene' rims like Rotiform or 3SDM would work splendidly. I wouldn't be discounting BBS either...if you get it sitting right BBS won't look old hat at all.

[dangermouse]

Thanks dbizzle nice work as always

I should have said before, i'm after the mk1 SLK.... I know its not a very RR car but i've got the W123 for that, the problem is the SLK doesn't seem like a car people (with taste) really mess with.

I think one on vintage JDM wheels or even banded steelies with the Mercedes chrome trims would look sweet something .....something Retroridey

Edit due to slow fingers - Rmad the front bumper on the black one looks very tasty, thank you!

[tigran]

Didn't Rayo put one together a while back? I'm sure he'll be along soon to put all sorts of more Mercedes cool into this thread.

p.s. loving that satin black mooncap'ed affair.

[ThePollitt]

Now, this is going to look odd, but...



I don't know what those wheels are, but they work. Well, not any more. You know what I mean. I'll try and find the clip of that image so you can see them better.

I think less is more on an SLK as they're quite a subtle, understated car. Maybe even just go OEM+.

As for the running of them, Bigperm or Utterpiffle would be the people to ask. I don't know much about them myself, though I do know the engines, if looked after properly, are bulletproof. Gearboxes are tough, too. Though small electrical gremlins, while cliché, are an issue. Much as I found out with my W202 (went into 'limp mode' for no apparent reason, rendering the car useless - repair outweighed the value of the car. That was a one owner, 28k car, too). It's simply going to be a case of shopping around and buying the right one with the right history. There are plenty around, so you don't need to buy the first one you see.

Good luck in your hunting!

Chris

Chris

[dangermouse]

And this is why I bloody love this website! ^^^ thanks guys, keep it coming!

The moondisc one is my favourite so far I'd not feel ashamed to bring that to a Retro ride meet or a Mercedes owners club meet.... well maybe!

[Mystery Machine]

Sorry to hear about your back - I know how much love you have for the Eunos, so hopefully the SLK will be a more than suitable replacement. Some people like to knock them and call them hairdressers cars etc...but then they said the same about MX5's. I personally really like them and would love to see one done nicely.

My suggestion, buy youself some wobble bolts and some means of lowering then head over to JDM Garage and buy these: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VIP-LEASING-WHEELS-8j-9j-x-18-MAZDA-NISSAN-TOYOTA-/140595349434?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET&hash=item20bc22c7ba



They are great guys to deal with and real enthusiasts - I'd happily buy from them again if I needed anything. Their unit is pretty damn cool too...chock full of amazing cars and racking literally FILLED with awesome stuff!

I hope thing work out OK with your back. There's no point having a cool car if you can't enjoy it. Best of luck with it Dude.

[joem83]

[brc76]

I had a SLK 230K for a while, I liked it when I first drove it, but then started to hate it in the end. It sounded ok when booting it, but the handling was a little dead and lacked feel. I never thought I was going to fall off the road in it, but you never got any feedback on what was going on.

Was going to suggest a set of cosmics, but they are only 15" in 5x112pcd

[bstardchild]

Mine (Technically hers) at RRG11 going up the hill (of course I won't dear)







Good place for info on the cars is www.benzworld.org/forums/r170-slk-class/

I'd like to get it a little lower and change the wheels but I'd rather concentrate on the Monza and other projects

It's not a bad drive with a manual 6 speed and whilst it has just under 200 bhp another 30 wouldn't go amiss to make it lively in astraight line it would probably make it alot less fun in the corners as it's definately a cruiser rather than a back road weapon

[DWDarkWheels]

Nice car and now attainable at fair money for treatment.

As already mentioned, Mercs are mostly 5x112 PCD, so something stock from other Merc models may do.
I'm not aware of any other manufacturer doing that PCD.

Will wobble bolts go with 5x110 as from most recent Vauxhalls.
17" Omega Elite wheels.



5x114.3 with wobble bolts gets you access to lots of Nissan/Toyota/Mazda, other Japanese stuff, OEM and aftermarket.

[bigperm]

Good little cars if they have been looked after , but i can only base this on the ones i see at work, which are getting rarer due to age and crippling labour times so peeps tend to take em elsewhere !

I have seen elec problems due to rotten wiring looms , not seen any roof issues myself, i think rear sams and roof pumps can get damp,same m111 komp engine and m112 as c class , clk and some e class so parts are not a prob , but also check sites for owners of these cars with same engine for probs , although pretty reliable little buggers (providing you steer clear of mr pollitt you knows i loves you !)
Pretty much the same chassis as w202 but hell of a lot shorter , springs are choppable (still get a nice ride)

My plan after getting drunk with a sobre mr rmad was to as you say take a lot of inspiration from the mx5 movement although prepare it for track , drift,hillclimbs etc , with complete removal of the roof and interior to get sold, slam it satin it and drive it hard , but i just couldnt find the right 320 manual for my budget , plus whilst hunting i found my 45k c280 so that ended that ( for now )

as with all mercs of this era , rust is your enemy so look hard, plus i have been told to check under roof and c pillars etc although seen nowt to back this up ....wheelarches will need a thorough nose about . gotta pop off for now as its wine o clock , anything you need just holla , cheers jamie !

[79cord]

The idea of a different colour roof & w123 painted wheelcovers (to match the roof) appeared in my head.
edit:
Especially recessed into bigger diameter, deeper dish steel rims.

[rr69h]

I don't know how far you want to go, but I always had a soft spot for the "Vision SLK" concept-cars:







The second one is closer to the production car, but still...





It has some nice details on it and especially the back of it looks superb.

[berendd]

pcd is 5x112, so lot's of wheel choice..

audi/vw/skoda/seat etc 5x112 has a smaller hub diameter though and most wheels won't fit without lathe work.

they are great reliable cars though, so don't let that stop you.

[eightsix]

On the day to day ...

Window mechs are prone to failing as they are under a massive amount of tension - the door card visably flexes when they go up and down.

Roof switches can fail, leaving the roof jammed.

Drain channels need cleaning - especially under the scuttle panel. They block easily with leaves and then water pours down into the blower and the cabin.

Central locking pump gets flooded - super spaz design by MB - expensive replacement, easy check prior to purchase and possible haggle point.

Fuel pump relay known for burning out / solder cracking and shorting out - leaving you stranded.

AFM sensor also prone to dying - MB replacements are wild prices and you have to replace the whole AFM unit, however you can get the sensor alone from the US for around £60.

Crank angle sensor and cam angle sensors are also common fails, around £30 - 50 each but easy swaps.

Gear box oil needs changing - regardless of what MB claim.

Dash plastics damage easy as they are painted.

Door cards like to come apart and need regluing.

Rear arches get rusty.

Oh and they are also pretty curse word on fuel - having to use one daily at the moment and my wallet is feeling it.

However its a comfy car, it goes well enough to overtake without fuss. Handling is fairly gash and removed, but its a cruiser.


Benzworld is helpful - however it seems that most SLK owners are clueless and don't get their hands dirty.

[Battles]

Feb 17, 2012 8:39:14 GMT rr69h said:

A body coloured flush fit mesh grille could be really cool.

THe lower grille might be better matching though.

[dangermouse]

Feb 17, 2012 7:12:49 GMT 79cord said:

The idea of a different colour roof & w123 painted wheelcovers (to match the roof) appeared in my head.
edit:
Especially recessed into bigger diameter, deeper dish steel rims.

This could well be phase one along with some lowerage and quilted leather on the inside... Does anyone have any pictures of deep dish steelies with trims on, I love the idea of it but don't know how it would work?

Thanks for all the input guys, that is exactly what I was after ;D

Group hug!

[Deleted]

I should NOT like this, but I do...



I think I know what I want to do with mine... it's even the right colour...



Wonder what is lurking under there. Probably something boring like a Vitara, rather than something clever like an M-class.

To be fair, the yellow one is more likely to be returned to more standard than it already is - I want the staggered alloys. If I can find nicer MB designs than the stock, I will, but I don't like having "good enough" fitments to the extent that I had white Monzas specially ordered for my white Volvo 480.



Hey, it was 1998. 16" was a lot then.