1998 SLK 230K - SIX YEARS with the same car?!?

[Deleted]

I guess this is my new enthusiasm car - and the Voyager really doesn't need a thread...

Paul delivered it, making today very exciting as it's also the first time I've driven since my accident (got the Voyager taxed); having decided to buy it whilst lamenting a broken leg in Tunisia, I don't regret my decision - though as a '90s Mercedes, I'm realistic in my expectations!

It looks like it's been well looked after, and with good history, low miles (only 87K on it), everything's working. Currently rolling on 17" alloys, I will probably put it back on original 16s or correct offset 17s - but I don't dislike the look of the current wheels, so may opt for 6mm spacers on the back. The SLK's ET30 8J rears aren't, to my knowledge, shared with other Mercs.



Usual bit of MB wing-bubble has been dealt with here. Can you tell?



I like this word a lot.



So I could only do a short test drive, due to comfort/safety (and already having been in the Voyager for an hour earlier. bit achy anyway) - but the car's calm, composed, no rattles or squeaks - and then, having turned around, just one experimental flex of the foot and "BARK!" - and off it goes. Lovely.

Paul went to a lot of trouble to get the car tidy and serviced before bringing it up - clean coolant, clean car, clean fluids. I totally appreciate the effort he made, trusting that there was a sale as agreed at the end of a two hour drive, and the SLK's history has a little quirk - my private plate is A4 RTK, and I plan on putting it on the SLK. The first plate on this was S4 RKT. Close enough to be amusing!

Mods? I think there's enough power, really. I like suspension travel. I like the spun alloy dashboard trim, so might seek that out. Missed one on eBay, but no rush, the trim's perfectly good.

I've debated black stripes, but not sure how good it'd look.

Wheels - I'm thinking black, or white. Maybe refurbed AMG or Mercedes - I want the correct offsets.

[bstardchild]

Looks nice but I don't like the wheels much either and I think it would need more than 25mm spacers

I've really enjoyed the one I bought for the better half - did 400 miles on a tank yesterday Norfolk to Crewe and back again cruises easily at 80mph and much better on fuel than it has any right to be.

[Deleted]

How does offset work then? Assuming these are Merc-fit rims - they've been on W124 and I think a CLK too - they'll be ET37 probably. My rears should be ET30... doesn't that translate to a 7mm spacer?

Admittedly, 7mm doesn't look like it'd make much difference.

Suggestions for staggered alloys that'd look good are welcome, but it'll be stock rubber. I'm thinking graphite or black would look more tasteful to most people than white would, though I'd be tempted to get nicer looking calipers if they were too visible.

[tailslide2]

This is Mrs Paul here, please be kind to my baby and we are serious, if we win the lottery I want her back for double the price.

[Deleted]

She will be so very well looked after here - a garage big enough to open both doors fully, more polish than you can imagine... my old cars thread has a before & after of an MGF I rescued a couple of years back.

However, if I win the lottery and get a 1998 SL500 or SL60 with M119 and Panoramic roof, you can have her back free

[bstardchild]

Mar 3, 2012 19:26:46 GMT @richardkc6 said:

How does offset work then? Assuming these are Merc-fit rims - they've been on W124 and I think a CLK too - they'll be ET37 probably. My rears should be ET30... doesn't that translate to a 7mm spacer?

Admittedly, 7mm doesn't look like it'd make much difference.

Suggestions for staggered alloys that'd look good are welcome, but it'll be stock rubber. I'm thinking graphite or black would look more tasteful to most people than white would, though I'd be tempted to get nicer looking calipers if they were too visible.

You aren't really understanding ET

ET is the offset from the centre line of the rim - wider rims with the same offset as narrower rims will have effectively more poke to use a common expression
Slk rims are

Rears

2x 8Jx16H2 ET32 225/50 R16

And front

2x 7Jx16H2 ET37 205/55 R16

[Deleted]

I think I'm half understanding it. What I was thinking was that if I had the CLK wheels, which are ET36 8J rear, and ET37 7J front, I would need a 6mm spacer to correct for the 8J ET30 standard rear on the R170 SLK (everything I've found has been ET30 for the R170).

I appreciate if I wanted narrower (or wider) wheels on the back, I'd need different offsets again - the fitment charts indicate this too - but I'd need to look up how to work that out.

So I'm not wanting narrower rims on the back - I want my 8J with 225/50 16" - but if I have the wrong offset, I assume it can be corrected if it's in the right direction. Presumably if that E36 is in the wrong direction, it'll be 6mm too far out?

Here are some pics of the work done before I got it.

[col]

yeah, you're getting it. but bstardchild suggested 25mm spacers to widen the rears, rather than correct the offset. i agree, a bit of a wider stance on the back would make it look better. nice clean car you have there, looks great in yellow.

[Deleted]

Well, I've found a set of original alloys, albeit with tired tyres, so I'm going to make an optimistic offer on them and I'm kinda curious as to whether my 17" rims (which have very good, nicely even looking at a glance tyres) will be worth anything to recoup some of the costs of getting the right rims.

I have found AMG ones I like, but they tend to be 18", dread to think what the ride quality would be like on Beiru.. I mean, Leicester's roads.

[Deleted]

Still haven't had much chance to drive it - went out to get petrol, and that's about it! Got a few bits on order - boot struts, some metal finishers that are showing bits of rust - but still unsure about wheels for it. Right now more concerned about a slight rumble from the belts (which I'm going to replace - looks like tensioner bearings are a common issue, so I'll spin those up whilst the belts are off) and the coolant level dropping whilst the car has been standing in the garage.

That's an odd one - I know the coolant was changed before I got it, and I'm wondering if there's a specific bleed procedure to run through.

There's very little else to bother with, only a loose doortrim on the driver's door.

There's a spun alloy style dash that I am trying to find - missed one on eBay and of course, now it's gone I can't find another.

So bored that I considered photoshopping what the Voyager would look like lowered, with racing stripes and 20" alloys.

[bstardchild]

Mar 16, 2012 9:06:32 GMT @richardkc6 said:

the coolant level dropping whilst the car has been standing in the garage.

That's an odd one - I know the coolant was changed before I got it, and I'm wondering if there's a specific bleed procedure to run through.

Common problem losing coolant on cars fitted with a coolant circuit that heats the washer bottle..........

If you aren't using it a lot you don't notice you never seem to have to top up the washer bottle but you seem to have to top up coolant a lot

[bstardchild]

Mar 7, 2012 22:00:09 GMT @richardkc6 said:

I have found AMG ones I like, but they tend to be 18", dread to think what the ride quality would be like on Beiru.. I mean, Leicester's roads.

It's not that great on 16's on Norfolk roads and that's the one thing that stops me replacing the OE ones on mine for 17's - I'd hate the ride on 18's I'm sure of that.

The only thing I'm finding in a search for replacement alloys is that I can't find any in the style I like

[Deleted]

Mar 17, 2012 11:55:42 GMT bstardchild said:

Mar 16, 2012 9:06:32 GMT @richardkc6 said:

the coolant level dropping whilst the car has been standing in the garage.

That's an odd one - I know the coolant was changed before I got it, and I'm wondering if there's a specific bleed procedure to run through.

Common problem losing coolant on cars fitted with a coolant circuit that heats the washer bottle..........

If you aren't using it a lot you don't notice you never seem to have to top up the washer bottle but you seem to have to top up coolant a lot

This was an odd loss - coolant bang on previously after Paul drove it a couple of hundred miles. No smells, no sign of loss - car's sat for a week or so then I just took it a couple of miles for petrol, let it cool, then when I next looked it had dropped below the X shape in the bottle. Just a small amount to top up.

I don't think the SLK has a heated washer bottle.

I can't call it until I'm driving a lot more, I guess.

Wheel-wise - I want the Lucida or similar style. I found some 5-spokes which looked good for £250 with half-decent tyres, but I like the 7 spoke "Pictor" design.

www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels/slk_class_r170_alloys/16_mercedes_pictor_wheel_847

I was considering a set of Alcyone, but was suspicious of the eBay seller...

www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels/slk_class_r170_alloys/16_mercedes_alcyone_wheel_786

And I'm not sure they'd look good anyway.

This was the style I'd found a decent set of, but too slow to bid in the end.

www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels/slk_class_r170_alloys/16_mercedes_adharaz_wheel_452

If budget weren't an issue I'd have contract hired a new SLK I'd have these ones...

www.alloywheelsdirect.net/mercedes_alloy_wheels/slk_class_r170_alloys/17_amg_iii_wheel_799

[Deleted]

Went out for a 20 mile pointless drive today as it was so sunny, and aside from not being able to hide my leg anywhere, it was fantastic. I think the SLK is perceived as being a bit lardy and soft for a sports car, but I find the turn-in and response more than sufficient after too many moderns. Definitely sharper than an SL too.

So the plans are forming, none of which are very exciting - but the reason for the "not very mellow" is that the other yellow cars I looked at were New Beetles (surprisingly expensive, particularly in yellow).

1: Replace boot struts and a couple of rusty trim sections on the door and roof. The local Merc dealer hasn't been responsive, but never mind.

2: Replace both belts, check tensioner and supercharger bearings. If the supercharger bearings are iffy, I'm thinking about having it rebuilt, upgraded and fitted with a larger pulley. If I just rebuild I might have a go myself, it looks methodical but not overly difficult.

3: Repaint cam cover and plug cover. I've seen a very nice gunmetal-looking treatment of one on one of the Merc forums, I'm thinking I'd like to keep the yellow going. In fact, what I really want is to do the plug cover in yellow but with polished Kompressor writing - I've seen stick on letters used, but it's a metal thing, surely it can be polished?

4: Wheels - still no plan, but white is still playing on my mind.

Coolant loss after my 20 mile drive, vs. 3 miles to petrol station and back? None. Sniffed around and there's a hint of it around the top of the radiator, so my instincts are "replace the expansion tank which is notorious for cracking near one of the tubes and felt like it might be damp there, and budget to replace what in all probability is a 14 year old radiator".

5: Radio. I'm kinda torn on this. It's got an MP3 capable CD player and what does it matter. I either want one something "top of the range" from 1998 (which means no MP3), original equipment (no idea on a '98 Merc - I suspect a squarish Becker or Alpine cassette player) or something that just looks good, like those metal-and-knobs Pioneer DEH whatsits from around 2004.

And I am definitely on the lookout for the spun aluminium dash trim. So gutted I wussed out of buying a set before I had the car. (Similarly baulked at buying a 1:18 yellow Maisto model in Yellow for a fiver in case I ended up with no Merc - haven't seen another one since).

I did get a 1:43 one.



Overall really happy with the SLK, sticking the private plate on it. Going to see if I can keep it until I can afford a Morgan 4/4.

[bstardchild]

Mar 22, 2012 20:02:02 GMT @richardkc6 said:

Went out for a 20 mile pointless drive today as it was so sunny, and aside from not being able to hide my leg anywhere, it was fantastic. I think the SLK is perceived as being a bit lardy and soft for a sports car, but I find the turn-in and response more than sufficient after too many moderns. Definitely sharper than an SL too.

I'd agree with that summary although I can't compare it to an SL as I haven't driven one

Mar 22, 2012 20:02:02 GMT @richardkc6 said:

1: Replace boot struts and a couple of rusty trim sections on the door and roof. The local Merc dealer hasn't been responsive, but never mind.

I found a a lot of boot struts on ebay at reasonable prices - I hadn't checked with the dealership to compare prices yet but I do need a pair of boot struts myself before winter arrives again and the boot turns into an axe wielding homocidal manic with a pashion for taking chunks out of head

Mar 22, 2012 20:02:02 GMT @richardkc6 said:

2: Replace both belts, check tensioner and supercharger bearings. If the supercharger bearings are iffy, I'm thinking about having it rebuilt, upgraded and fitted with a larger pulley. If I just rebuild I might have a go myself, it looks methodical but not overly difficult.

You want less boost?

Mar 22, 2012 20:02:02 GMT @richardkc6 said:

5: Radio. I'm kinda torn on this. It's got an MP3 capable CD player and what does it matter. I either want one something "top of the range" from 1998 (which means no MP3), original equipment (no idea on a '98 Merc - I suspect a squarish Becker or Alpine cassette player) or something that just looks good, like those metal-and-knobs Pioneer DEH whatsits from around 2004.

I had a kenwood unit in mine that was fine but the blue illumination didn't sit well with the orange of the rest of the dash so I bought an Alpine unit that had the right illumination colour

[/quote]

[Deleted]

Doh! SMALLER pulley. I know what I meant, I'm a bit vague lately. I'd like more control over the boost in general - more, as the car can take it, but also able to switch it off entirely as the 2.3 is plenty for urban errands. After all, I would have had a 1.6 Mk 1 MX5.

The boot struts - I was considering SGS in Derby, as the new struts they made for my Metro cabrio were a perfect fit and so forth, but read that new struts from MB were only £13 each. At which stage the £19/pair ones on eBay don't seem like that much of a bargain and the £39 ones a total ripoff. Haven't confirmed it yet though. My boot's definitely got more gravity than normal, but also the hinges seem to allow it to wobble in an odd way near the window pillar - something I think will be less apparent with a stronger strut in place.

I had a 1992 500SL. Best engine, IMO, the M119 DOHC 32v, though paired to the 4 speed rather than 5 speed (only available for a short period before the allegedly cost-reduced M113 SOHC 24v V8 took over). My lottery-win car is an AMG SL60, as a priority over anything else, I liked it that much. They're based on a W124 and unsurprisingly, they behave a lot like a W124 - which does have inherently safe and good handling at speed, but isn't really communicative or sprightly (though compared to modern cars they're quite chatty).

I've only driven a couple of Monzas, but I'd liken the difference between SLK and SL to the difference between the 3.0i 12v Senator and the 1.8 Manta I had - the Senator was very quick on a good twisty road, but the Manta 'felt' quicker and more involving, and needed less forward planning for a good set of bends, you could react more. Maybe the SLK won't really be as responsive as first impressions suggest, but I think it'll be a lot of fun.

I don't even know what colour my radio lights up! Mostly I just want to be doing things to the car and it's a silver-faced radio in a 'carbon-fibre' dash. Shame they killed off the Kenwood MASK line (and all the used ones seem to be broken).

[bstardchild]

Mar 23, 2012 15:54:19 GMT @richardkc6 said:

Doh! SMALLER pulley. I know what I meant, I'm a bit vague lately. I'd like more control over the boost in general - more, as the car can take it, but also able to switch it off entirely as the 2.3 is plenty for urban errands. After all, I would have had a 1.6 Mk 1 MX5.

Ahh yours is the earlier M60 charger - with a clutched pulley so you've no chance of a smaller pulley if you want contol over boost

Bigger crank pulley is the way to go but the current alternatives suck price wise - when I get a crankshaft pulley to copy I plan to get a custom one done with a choice of two supercharger drive pulleys (one OE and one larger over driven pulley that will be swapable with a belt change

MX-5's I looked at but the practicallity of a folding roof did it for me - her SLK is my daily

Mar 23, 2012 15:54:19 GMT @richardkc6 said:

The boot struts - I was considering SGS in Derby, as the new struts they made for my Metro cabrio were a perfect fit and so forth, but read that new struts from MB were only £13 each. At which stage the £19/pair ones on eBay don't seem like that much of a bargain and the £39 ones a total ripoff. Haven't confirmed it yet though. My boot's definitely got more gravity than normal, but also the hinges seem to allow it to wobble in an odd way near the window pillar - something I think will be less apparent with a stronger strut in place.

Excellent work - I'll make a call to the MB dealership near me

Mar 23, 2012 15:54:19 GMT @richardkc6 said:

I've only driven a couple of Monzas, but I'd liken the difference between SLK and SL to the difference between the 3.0i 12v Senator and the 1.8 Manta I had - the Senator was very quick on a good twisty road, but the Manta 'felt' quicker and more involving, and needed less forward planning for a good set of bends, you could react more. Maybe the SLK won't really be as responsive as first impressions suggest, but I think it'll be a lot of fun.

They are responsive - my only comment would be push it real hard and it gets messy you have to get the car set up for the bend early and not upset it by braking or changing direction in the bend

Mar 23, 2012 15:54:19 GMT @richardkc6 said:

I don't even know what colour my radio lights up! Mostly I just want to be doing things to the car and it's a silver-faced radio in a 'carbon-fibre' dash. Shame they killed off the Kenwood MASK line (and all the used ones seem to be broken).

Ha ha - the kenwood I ripped out was a mask unit - gave it to a mate to fit in his van as he hadn't got a stereo and it was worth pence on ebay

[Deleted]

Mar 23, 2012 20:39:23 GMT bstardchild said:

Ahh yours is the earlier M60 charger - with a clutched pulley so you've no chance of a smaller pulley if you want contol over boost

Bigger crank pulley is the way to go but the current alternatives suck price wise - when I get a crankshaft pulley to copy I plan to get a custom one done with a choice of two supercharger drive pulleys (one OE and one larger over driven pulley that will be swapable with a belt change

That's probably where my brain stored larger pulley from then - I have been reading a lot of various info, and the most irritating part is the bulk of it relating to the AMG 32 instead. Interesting idea for the twin pulleys, is there room or would you run a different type of belt? It looks a bit tight for simply doubling the depth of the pulley.

No good news from the doc today - but it may be that when my legs are functional, I'll be happy to make the SLK into a more focused, faster car with an eye to the nearby tracks. I've very little track experience and as I've lost the challenge of fast A and B roads with little chance of losing licence or anyone else's life, some joy has gone from driving.

They are responsive - my only comment would be push it real hard and it gets messy you have to get the car set up for the bend early and not upset it by braking or changing direction in the bend

That's basically driving properly though 18 years of Scottish Borders roads and friendly police. Downside is that if I can't see half a mile ahead and plan my route by hedgerows and telegraph poles I am totally stumped, so urban driving is hell.

One of the biggest surprises I had was treating my W124 200TE with a bit of abuse, Usually it was an antidote to the silly cars, wafting around at annoyingly slow speeds with Radio 3 or 4. Then I had to get from Kelso to Duns in a hurry. Once over the initial jelly-leg feel of the suspension, it cornered brilliantly, behaved really well.

Brakes didn't like the treatment though. Not one bit.

Ha ha - the kenwood I ripped out was a mask unit - gave it to a mate to fit in his van as he hadn't got a stereo and it was worth pence on ebay

Doh! I'm thinking Blaupunkt. Maybe something with DAB, or a Toronto 410.

[bstardchild]

Mar 23, 2012 21:14:25 GMT @richardkc6 said:

Mar 23, 2012 20:39:23 GMT bstardchild said:

Ahh yours is the earlier M60 charger - with a clutched pulley so you've no chance of a smaller pulley if you want contol over boost

Bigger crank pulley is the way to go but the current alternatives suck price wise - when I get a crankshaft pulley to copy I plan to get a custom one done with a choice of two supercharger drive pulleys (one OE and one larger over driven pulley that will be swapable with a belt change

That's probably where my brain stored larger pulley from then - I have been reading a lot of various info, and the most irritating part is the bulk of it relating to the AMG 32 instead. Interesting idea for the twin pulleys, is there room or would you run a different type of belt? It looks a bit tight for simply doubling the depth of the pulley.

Std pulley is one piece - I'm planning on a swappable supercharger drive pulley OE size or larger overdrive pulley bolt on bolt off

[dangermouse]

Right please get cracking with some wheels on this please! as fingers crossed I'm buying myself a silver one of these tomorrow with crazy low miles.... 21k! I'm thinking I'm going the wobble bolts and JDM wheel combo. I am keen to see what yours would look like with some whiteys on, maybe a thick chunky 5 spoke in white?

I did laugh when I read you'd not bought a yellow 1.18 model off eBay a while back as I'm certain I was looking at that model! (we were both looking at buying this car or a SLK at the exact same time weren't we??) All the yellow eBay ones since have been like £25?! I've ended up with a really clunky awkard looking 1.18 model in silver, sat on my shelf so when work ring and ask if I want overtime, I stare at it like a fat women stares at a skinny picture of herself on the fridge door

Glad to hear your enjoying it so much, it does look sweet in yellow