2001 Mercedes R170 SLK 320 Goes for a Drive

[@Francis0275]

I'm a proud owner of a SLK 230k 99 with only 35k mile in mint condition. I've owned more than 30 sport and luxury cars in my life but this R170 stole my heart. It's not about money (I have other cars who cost a lot more) it's about how you feel when you look at this beauty.

[@Jimakos_busa89]

i have a 2.0 kompressor and its a beauty!!

[@waynedome148]

I've got a 2001 230 kompressor and I do enjoy it, and yes rust is a problem, mine had a bit in it , also the painted interior tends to chip , so not a perfect car , and mine rattles but I forgive it.

[@tommyolsen8224]

Use to own a mint condition SLK R170 for 6 years , best car ever... Miss it soo much 🖤

[@TheRazvy1990]

What engine ? Kompressor or NA ....and performance ?😊😊😊

[@str6905]

Is the economy better then rated when driving normally?

[@iamthefatstig]

We've had our 170 for about four years now, bought as a project and is now my preferred choice of daily driver from several cars. We bought it to waft about in and is a very good cruiser. The 2.3k also seems to be returning over 35mpg which is fine with us. We can get from the Borders of Warwickshire to our holiday home near Oban on about a tank and a quarter if you do M6 or A1 speeds, I'm sure it would get there in a tank if we took it a bit easier. Rust is certainly an issue on this generation Mercedes, but we knew that, and as a project car its not as massive an issue as it was on our old MX-5 (which you could hear rusting at a standstill practically!). We'll keep it a good while yet. I managed to source a genuine twin cup holder to replace the coin tray (originally a no cost option, which no-one had!)It makes a huge difference if you use the car a lot. Even my Audi A6 only has one cupholder! We have noticed that we are starting to see a lot more of the 170's coming out of the woodwork, and they are still at a very affordable point. Project cars even more so. It has been stubbornly reliable with the only issue really being a faulty yaw sensor which was easily sorted. Mechanically they are almost bombproof provided you keep up with oil changes (Vital for the camchain etc) Oh, and its takes a lot of oil on a refill! Almost certain to be alongside the first generation MX-5 as a classic.

[@RyanD1993]

After watching this, I ended up buying an SLK320 just like this one and I love it. Thank you!

[@toes1965]

I’ve just bought one. How’s yours fairing?

[@danmccarthy4700]

I owned, loved, and hated a 2001 SLK230 Kompressor for 9 years. I named it "Heinz" because it was red like ketchup and German. Man, I loved the way that thing drove. It was so much fun pointing it through curves. It may have been only a 4 cylinder but it drove more like a 6 and would happily cruise all day at 3500 rpm. In my car, that slide-out tray above the climate controls was actually cupholders, which was great except when condensation would drip all over the stereo. Those seats were great for my, um, "less-than-trim" frame. I took an 8 hour road trip in it and could have easily gone another 8. I loved how that roof worked and I loved how the switch to activate it looked like a little roof. Mine was a treasure trove of expensive electrical gremlins though and problems with the security system left me stranded out of state twice. The Check Engine light was on more often than not for various emissions issues. Both the interior and exterior gradually deteriorated as I tried to keep up with the various electrical issues... but the main components like the engine and transmission were bomb-proof. A little over a month ago, I took a turn a bit too quick in an unfamiliar area at night and ran over a lane divider, completely destroying the car's undercarriage and effectively totaling the car. When I finished cleaning it out and getting my plates off it, I was a complete emotional wreck. This car may have been a pain in the ass but it had become a part of me and my identity.

[@phillippereira6468]

The two bulges on the bonnet are a throw back to the SL gull-wing. Regarding the Messerschmitt ME109 it did have bulges on the engine cowl, however it didn't run the length of the cowl but we're circular dropping downwards to the side of the cowl. They were for the guns. It also had an inverted engine.

[@petergouldbourn2312]

It’s fantastic Furious, to have you back doing a roadtest it seems like we were under lockdown for a year. Thank you so much. Pete UK

[@t.versteeg3723]

I've been driving my SLK 200 4-cillinder for 2 years now and it sounds practicly the same and handles very good in tight corners. Topspeed about 140 miles/hour is fast enough too!

[@veritasvincit2745]

I've had a 2004 R171 350 for the last five years. Despite the obvious differences it gives me the same "vibe" as my old Capris. Although this clearly would not suit everyone, it makes me happy still every time I drive it. I wouldn't sell it except for another one now.

[@camilofreitas1838]

I've been driving my SLK 320 for 18 years is a very sport car i love it

[@billyehh]

I have 2003 SLK 320 with a 6 speed manual and really love it. It goes into storage each winter so even after 18 years it looks mint. It has 135,000 km. on it. Two summers ago I did a road trip from Toronto to Vancouver. 13,500 km. round trip. There is so much low end torque that in stop and go traffic you can skip 1st gear and start in second. City streets you rarely get passed 4th, but on a highway 6th gear make everything nice and quiet and smooth. I would not call it a sports car, but a GT with a little extra and a firmer suspension.

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

I used to own your same car,here in Italy,and I can say it actually was a great day driver: I picked up a preowned 320 slk (6 speed manual shiftgear) and I felt truly happy with my choice. Yes you're right in saying it's an elegant sporty car rather than a sport car: nontheless it allowed a truly fast commuting on our highways.

[@Vegas043-c3k]

I own one of these! I love it, it’s a small roadster with a hardtop, v6 m112 parts are easy to come by as the engine is common in Mercedes vehicles. 215 hp quoted from Mercedes, people have mentioned getting up to 270 hp with just bolt on mods. A few people are v8 swapping them. The SLK 32 AMG is a supercharged v6 m112. After watching more, I don’t have headlight washers but I do have cup holders in place of that tray. Also that is sadly not sport mode but standard mode, you can either pick standard(summer) or winter

[@Tempestuous_Might]

Which mods did they use?

[@Vegas043-c3k]

Tempestuous Might www.slkworld.com/threads/m112-upgrade-parts.14748/ this is a pretty good list of bolt on upgraded parts, there are a few more things that not many people do such as the kleeman sport cams catalog.kleemann.dk/catalog/byengine/32-amg320-v6-m112k/super-sport-camshaft-kit-112/ at that point it’s probably more cost effective to buy an slk 32 AMG(as of current US values in my area). Kleeman also has a tune for the 320 stage 1,2, and 3 which include the kleeman cams, a tune, and exhaust headers. catalog.kleemann.dk/catalog/category/byengine/320-m112/. There’s also mods like coil overs/lower sport springs and someone even figured out paddle shifters using the manual shift function.

[@martinleech6659]

Had mine for 20 years. Still love it. Only comes out to play in the summer now. Smooth and just as quick when it was new. Secret to owning one is accept they cost a lot to keep perfect!

[@mantaskizeliauskas9567]

Martin, what is the biggest cost of owning this vehicle? Thank you!

[@martinleech6659]

@@mantaskizeliauskas9567 To be honest there’s nothing that’s stood out over the years. I’ve replaced the alternator and battery twice, brake discs and pads every 50k miles, then probably every sensor for the ASC, air mass sensor at 85k miles, aircon radiator, crankshaft sensor, K40 relay pack, heater fan speed relay, and this last year the alarm siren as the internal battery broke down and leaked. I used the car literally every day for the first 10 years of its life so it cost me about 1k a year in services etc. Last 10 years it’s mostly sat garaged so costs very little, a basic service every 2 years. I reckon realistically it now averages 300 quid a year in repairs and services. They’re ultra reliable if looked after by Mercedes. Merc are excellent in my opinion as they know the car inside out so catch anything before it goes wrong. Talk to your local dealer about getting a “basic service” and don’t be afraid to negotiate over parts and labour discount. They love having old Merc’s in the dealerships. Forget the menu prices services for the SLK unless you do a lot of miles. They just don’t need them. I get low to mid 30’s to the gallon and it uses zero oil. The roof is reliable, I had mine adjusted and serviced 10 years ago and it’s still fine! Watch out for rust in the arches, they really go there. Prevention is the best cure, I had mine all done in 2011, they’re just starting to need looking at again. Hope this all helps.

[@ashradeo7634]

@@martinleech6659 thank you for your time

[@mattbudesa6351]

They definitely aren't expensive at all to maintain. Quite cheap to be honest.

[@martinleech6659]

@@mattbudesa6351 I’ve got £14300 bills for mine over the 21 years. Servicing isn’t bad if you avoid the Mercedes dealers massive list of things they want to change whether it needs it or not. I just paid a bill of nearly £1k a few months ago for the replacement of the harmonic balancer and crankshaft pulley and associated bits simply due to wearing out with age. I suppose it depends on what you think as not a lot 🤷‍♂️

[@chackmule4998]

watching from the US southwest! Very cool to see that you notice neat cars on the road as you drive! Just goes to show how much of an enthusiast you are. Love the vids, and thank you for posting

[@petermcgonnell783]

I bought the same model 2 weeks ago. Mine is a 2003.. Not driven (or seen) it yet as working overseas. My son has , and he swears t's better than any of the TTs I've had. My last 2 were both 3.2 DSG. Watching this just makes me wish I was back in Scotland, hoping for that good day we usually get around about June. Great video, cheers.

[@markharris7662]

Very nice looking car. I use to drive these off the cargo ships in the early 2000s. Always liked them.

[@StevesMachines]

From the rear that centre console looks like its seen things that cant be unseen lol

[@furiousdriving]

lolol

[@Mirage8v]

Headliner missing? When you moved the roof at around 10 minutes I thought: Well that is effin noisy, it was actually the sound of your drone :P

[@furiousdriving]

headlining is being done, which is why its not on the website yet!

[@shhindig]

I used carpet glue on mine. That spray shit sucks.

[@disparere]

My parents bought one of the later „facelift“ models in 2004. Its a 230 Kompressor with a 6 speed manual. it has been modified by a company named Carlsson with a sportier suspension, custom exhaust, modified supercharger etc. The engine delivers 232hp and it is my current daily. I totally love driving it! Tons of fun!

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

So,Carlsson mounted a 6 speed manual shiftgear on the 230 ??! That's truly a wise upgrade to ask for....That was likely to be an original 320 gearbox ( most of 320 were fitted with an automatic transmission,yet by request the 6 speed manual was available as an option by the factory).I owned a 200slk manual 5 speed and a 320 manual 6 speed,so I can imagine your 230k is really offering brilliant performances with a manual gearbox.

[@markcclark9920]

Funny warching this reminded me why I brought one , havent driven it for some time, 40000miles and six speed manual and no rust sounds great , will have get it out for the summer. Thanks for the reminder 👍

[@LOTPOR0402]

Better looking car than the z3/4

[@knight6757]

But has lots of electrical issues..these models...i hve one is parked👀

[@philrich92]

I had the Chrysler Crossfire with the 6 speed manual transmission. Effectively the same car as this, right down to the interior. The Crossfire came with the upgraded AMG sports seats as standard though. I’d love to see you do a video on a Crossfire

[@furiousdriving]

Yes, 80% the same car, Ive not seen one in a while!

[@karlos543]

@@furiousdriving That's because they were complete crap unfortunately.

[@jetstream454]

@@karlos543 They weren't, unless you count the whole car by its interior

[@andybedwell3942]

I kind of got one by accident. I fancied a hard top convertible for the summer, but BMW Z4s were too new and too expensive, SLK R171s with big engines troubled by cam chain issues until 2008. So stumbled on a 2001 320 and ... i love it 😁 much sportier than i expected, great sound from the V6, funky interior, people who see it cant believe it was so cheap! Waiting for the rust and any roof issues, but so far so good.

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

Great buy,unbelievable value for money ! I still miss my silver 320slk 6speed manual g.box

[@timothypayne9677]

I do so love the R170 Mercedes SLK as it’s a great driving experience as I used to have a 230 Kompresser in red and was a great car and deeply Regret getting rid of it I’m now planning to get the 320 SLK in silver, can’t wait!!!

[@AJC508]

Matt, whenever you are able to travel back to France, I would be happy to offer another automatic merc for your enjoyment: 2003 e55 amg. It’s my daily driver and a truly fab machine.

[@furiousdriving]

That would be great, I cant wait to travel again. Ill tell the world when Im going next so hope we can arrange that

[@AJC508]

@@furiousdriving Keep me posted. Is there a way we can communicate outside of the youtube, for logistical purposes? Phone etc. I'm in Normandy (interestingly, not the one near Aldershot, where I used to live), so quite accessible when driving from the UK.

[@quentin818]

I came across a manual slk 320 last year,had to buy it, even though im band, setting in my garage,it’s such an under rated car. Plan on putting in a LSD, and a fiberglass hood, might help with the under steer. Definitely a keeper.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Matt,great review of the Mercedes SLK 320,it has got some power when you put your foot down,and you don't see many of these around,this one looks very clean.

[@furiousdriving]

about 1 in 20 we think, but its the best SLK. Now I want one!

[@morgman43]

To find one of these with a manual, you stand much more chance looking at the Chrylser Crossfire Roadster, which is basically the same car. True, you lose the folding hard top, but they were all V6 engined, and around 1/3 were specified as a manual. I bought a 2004 example back in 2011 for around £6k with 40k on the clock, which was an absolute steal. Think I'll struggle to top that for VFM.

[@alexritchie7869]

I have the slk 230 kompressor with the 6 speed manual and I love it . Having had many bmws and only a few mercs I have to say the little slk makes me smile everytime I drive it 🙂

[@UserUser-vo2ky]

I have a crossfire SRT6 which uses the supercharged AMG engine from this, its a fantastic car that doesn't have the recognition it deserves. Nice video on what is my favorite version of the SLK. 👍 Only 105 coupes made for the UK. If you want to borrow it for a test let me know

[@furiousdriving]

Yes please, can you email me at [e-mail]

[@UserUser-vo2ky]

@@furiousdriving will do!

[@villagernumber9233]

I'm the same not really fan of convertibles or the look of soft tops. But the SLK has suddenly become my dream car, always find myself looking up one of these on Autotrader. There was a 2012 SLK 300 for sale not far from me and mileage wasn't too high either. Was tempted to book a test drive but was out of work so it didn't real feel right changing car. After it sold I'm kicking myself, part of me wished I went for it...

[@georghansson8178]

Ohoo....Love the SLK❤️ I have a rustfree slk320 and the sound of the engine is great .....slk is a perfect cruser.

[@RichieRouge206]

Cool cars and such neat design but such rust buckets. Merc really let the side down during the 90s especially with the awful metal and my friend has a very flaky 2000 model on a lift as a resto. Glad this is so clean! The roof is so clever on this and yes a V6 is definitely a proper engine - so vastly better than the crappy 4 cylinders. Great video as always Matt. Love the T-shirt

[@furiousdriving]

Thats why the W204 was/is such a good car, they realised they'd messed up and threw everything into making that one unbreakable! Ive not seen one this nice since they were new

[@spatzierengehn]

Hello Matt. There is a cup holder 🥤above the air outlet grids. Push it and it will get out. Grüsse aus Deutschland

[@lash9400]

I love these small German roadsters, it’s a shame that Mercedes won’t replace the current SLC/K.

[@furiousdriving]

Some horrible 'sporty' compact SUV coming in its place now doubt

[@lash9400]

furiousdriving Probably. To me these roadsters were like mini exotics (TT, SLK, Z4, Boxter) that the common person could aspire to new or used. All we’re left with, are high end sports-cars , SUVs and crossovers.

[@MrGaryRoberton]

in the 1990's, that was/is a polished and refined car, more cruiser than sports but would blow the spots off the competition. As far as power, i now get 240 HP out of a 3.0 litre Ford saloon, but as a 2012, nowhere near as seamless. Thanks for the review, Cheers.

[@reel4fish]

I inherited my wife's 2001 SLK320 SPORT (Emblem). It is my daily commuter car. 108K miles. It's in the Mercedes dealer we bought from for roof repairs. They diagnosed the problem of a bad roof hydraulic motor and a few leaking roof components. Total quote cost for repair is $7,700. It's metallic aqua blue 💙 with red/blue seats and trim. I'm always asked if I would sell it. After owning it for 20 years I said, "Fix it!" It's been paid for years ago and I enjoy my SLK320 SPORT. Live in Northern Cal and no rust.

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

Fixing that issue at such money definitely sounds as an act of love from you.

[@seldom_seen_kid]

Picked up a 16,000 mile 2015 R172 last year and love it. It's only a 200 (1.8 4 cyl) but that's fast enough for weekend blasts down the country roads. Oh, and it's a manual. It's a bit muted though being a turbo. Not sure whether to change the exhaust or try an induction kit.

[@maxidyne]

Great review Matt!, Enjoyed from the beginning until the end. Nice induction growl. Mercs always look good in silver, a colour I would never choose, except on a Mercedes.

[@furiousdriving]

It does work for some reason, red on an Alfa, silver on a Merc always looks good

[@dianesilva1078]

I have an SLK 2.3 Convertible. Ist cabriolet Ive had. A dream to drive and great on the motorway too.

[@rydermike33]

What a beautiful example. Have always liked the SLK. (Nice to see you back on the road Matt).

[@furiousdriving]

Its great to be back out (with caution!)

[@phil955i]

I thought that was quite a big engine for that size of car ...and then they brought out the SLK550 AMG with the 5.5 litre V8 lol. I recognise some of those roads you were driving on btw, I live in Kent.

[@baddoopey]

Bought the 320 in 2000 and am still using it several times a year.

[@Stevieweevietv]

I've never been a fan of soft tops or Mercedes. After watching your Saab video and now this my soft top views have shifted. Even more impressive my Mercedes views have also changed. I'd actually love to have that car. The engine sound 😍

[@forresten]

I've just met one of these in a roundabout locally. Ran one more round with it. Could take it out on sunny warm spring days. :P That V6 with a german auto may just as well work; do not make me hurry or else.. (provided it is a quality one and not some scrap metal). Drop it into 'D', get rid of the roof .. still not convinced? Watch the glovebox unfold fashionably. Now you get it ! :D I really like the buttons on the center console .. one stretch of the arm, everything is there. For the microphone; maybe the wire is losing contact here-and-there? or just the recording unit took up some lint and is brushed? .. no matter. As for the antibacterial wipes; I employ them as well for everything I buy in the shops. BUT; we face a virus, where antibacterial chemicals may not cut it. Keep wiping stuff, at least no bacterial infections will happen, however, I'd recommend these latex/nitrile gloves - put em up when commencing, discard them when concluding - avoid touching your face while wearing them. Wash and rinse hands twice, dry them well. Thank you, Matt, be safe, be fast! :)

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks, this is the stuff Ive got, kills everything and has a certificate to prove it - diamondbrite.co.uk/carbon-class-anti-bacterial-interior-cleaner-250ml.html

[@HakanKoseoglu]

Open top cars are fun. You don't need a fast Sportster to enjoy it, even Ford Streetka is massively fun inducing with its good handling and lively-ish engine. It is not fast 90mph leads to overheating but the point is not going fast but to feel the wind and the sun. I am quite sad to lose my previous soft top but will buy again. A Daihatsu would be perffect.

[@philwebb6464]

You are correct the steering is a steering box. Just like the W202 MB finally moved to racks in the W 203 and W211

[@smakersify]

I still have mine! with a lovely 176K miles for summer drives.

[@paulwlynch]

That must have been such a joy just to get out for a blast in a car. My father in law had a 2001 on a 51 SL500 which also started to have rust issues along with electric issues. His S320 was plagued with issues also and he has never bought a Mercedes again..

[@furiousdriving]

It was, a great car, nice day and good roads!

[@sonydroid2253]

Good video again. Glad you reviewed it for us!👌👌👍🍷

[@olliedann]

Great to see the reviews back!

[@furiousdriving]

Great to be back!

[@trmn311]

I think after lock down you need that car!!

[@johnrobbo69]

Said it before Matt the Merc auto gearboxes are great if you use the tiptronic side to side function, really brings them to life (I know.... I train ambulance drivers). They can be unpredictable in D if you're driving progressively but rock solid in "manual". I'd buy that car though!

[@paulcox7418]

Great review just purchased a slk320 2002 with 47k miles for less than £3k looks like new 😎 fantastic drive this is the 4th one I’ve owned great summer car.

[@DPNTV]

Really good to see you out and about testing cars again

[@spainter1985]

These were a game changer with that roof mechanism, the first convertible to look just as good with the roof up!

[@jamesreckling6697]

The R129 is fantastic looking with hard top on, canvas top up, or top down.

[@spainter1985]

@@jamesreckling6697 Fully agree but removing the hard top is a fair bit more effort 😁

[@jamesreckling6697]

@@spainter1985 If you have a hoist it is a piece of cake. Or if you are like me I just put the hard top in the winter.

[@spyrosmerianos7733]

Hi. Just got one 230 last week. 00 model. 124k on the clock. I have the c220.cdi 04 as well. And must decide what to keep and what will go. Slk is low stiff and fast enough. Cornering is really good. Braking as well ideal. 2 major dislikes: steering wheel does not come down (only in/out) which is a problem combined with the very low seat who deprives my full car visibility (I'm using a pillow to get where I use to drive the c220, and for the many bumps and pots around my area who can hurt if you drive fast, as should with this car). I think its lowered more than the factory made her and super stiff. On the other hand c220 is by far the most comfy car I've driven. Steering wheel, seat, optical control of the car and surroundings is absolutely ideal and can drive for hours with no sign of tiredness. Seriously very comfy to drive. Not to mention plenty of storage. Its diesel with 143hp who are barely enough for 1970kg but considered (and is so far) bulletproof engine. The slk on the other hand is fast and fun. But uncomfortable and quite consuming, even if driven very normal. Plus I'm afraid that the petrol engine, will be high cost to maintain or if decides to bring things up. Plus not feel safe or comfy for daily use that I need. What should I keep and what should go? More the days go using only the slk now I miss the comfort of the c220, and thinking that, despite is a classic, and very good looking car for its age.... probably it must go as it bought.... Any help for decision? Thanks

[@furiousdriving]

That sounds like the SLK is going to annoy you and you'll end up selling it quite quickly if it was your only car, so it has to be the C220, or sell them both and get a sportier C Class?

[@spyrosmerianos7733]

@@furiousdriving thanks for the advise. Any suggestion for something between these two?

[@INDIGOBLUE555]

@@spyrosmerianos7733 As the one car policy is my favourite one may I suggest you taking into consideration the clk series ? Comfortable and sporty in some respects... a wide range of power trains is available and a good choice is there on the preowned market for your research. i used to own two slk (200K and 320 manual shiftgear 6 speed) and felt pretty happy with them,yet that's all about personal taste...A clk could do the job: just my guess of course.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Did I detect drone footage in this first post-lockdown review, sir? Excellent!

[@furiousdriving]

Indeed you did, the best way to see a convertible!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@furiousdriving, yes it is a good way to see an open top!

[@robertevras6577]

I love mine! It was my first really cool car, and I will never give it up! I have 175000 original miles and it still looks new...:)

[@Lavaman3682]

in the states, that center stack tray -is- a cupholder :-)

[@MrRedcelica]

the 230k is still a great car i love mine so much!!

[@notroll1279]

I'd keep the old radio for the sake of originality - unless something modern with an inconspicuously retro user interface comes up. In my 1990s car, I've even left the analog car phone in place although the network has been switched off for more than 15 years 😀

[@furiousdriving]

i was lucky that my first job supplied a car kit for the new Orange Nokia digital so it still works, must refit that in something soon!

[@iamthefatstig]

I had to remove the original from mine, The antenna is inside the rear bumper and the reception can be very poor. I fitted a "modern retro" bluetooth item and the reception is far better. I do still have the original just in case!

[@RichieRouge206]

I’ve done a few Double DIN stereo fits in the facelifted models and they still have a random cubby (sorry semi-tea shelf) at the top even though the dash is totally different lol.

[@stevechambers500V8]

Great video. Got me thinking now, having owned, driven and worked on a facelift SLK230K in the recent past. Really fancy a 32AMG if I can find a good one. Then again I also have a hankering for either a Chimaera or C3 Corvette. Decisions decisions.......

[@normanrukki3954]

The 01 SLK 320 is one of the best cars I've owned. Short, Light and Fast....

[@RetroGamerVX]

That car apprears to be lacking a headliner. Jeez, putting the top down sounds like a fleet of drones!! Oh, it was your drone lol

[@terencehardy9303]

Because of you I’ve started an unusual Volvo collection so far I’ve got a c70 a c30 and a v40 cross country next I’m looking for a 240 torslanda

[@furiousdriving]

haha I think Id have started with the Torslanda!

[@ericwright8498]

Good video. What do you think is a reasonable price for a late V6 model (R170) such as this ?

[@somervillearron]

guess what something has happened to my jaguars gearbox! its a automatic and im getting no drive well i guess thats why it was cheap but its definately worth fixing its going in on friday to see what its needing but im getting reasonable quotes for used gearboxes so i dont think it will be super expensive well i hope not!

[@somervillearron]

and yeah it needs a new passenger side sill.they are covered by a sort of side skirt so its impossible to see without removing the cover and what seller is going to allow you to rip the car apart? well i found one for 50 pounds im confident enough doing it myself it doesnt need to be super tidy as it is covered but im going to put rust treatment on the other side aswell,apparently this happens because the water runs down the window pillar and is supposed to drain through the sill but the holes get blocked and trap water so really a shitty piece of design the x type has the same flaw so my plan is to rust treat it and put two extra holes with rubber drains in them

[@furiousdriving]

Is it an X Type? They are a well known for that and I nearly got one when I got my Mondeo but thats what put me off, but seems like the S Types are pretty prone as well! Can you get a 2nd hand gearbox cheaper than a repair?

[@somervillearron]

@@furiousdriving yeah its a s type r,yeah ive found some cheap used boxes im going to buy one and fit it as soon as it comes,im definately fixing it because ive bought a new sill ignition coils ect spent a lot of money on parts im still waiting for some coming plus i got a 10.1 inch android stereo for it and a set of alpine speakers and subs that fit where the current subs are(hidden under the parcel shelf)

[@somervillearron]

@@furiousdriving you didnt get the r with a manual i am currently doing some research trying to find out if i can do a manual swap apparently you can use the origional bellhousing and have an adapter plate made then the v6 manual box will do with a uprated clutch im not sure im going to price it all first i know the manual swap will be more expensive but i would have a very rare car in the end

[@iamthefatstig]

I'm sure I'm telling you to suck eggs, but golden rule for auto's is to check the oil and filter. These can be neglected quite a lot. My A6 did the dreaded Audi death neutral thing a lot. I was quoted up to £7000 to sort it! Took it to a firm down near Bristol (At the time called Bristol gearbox centre, now called MILTA) They fixed it for £250 while I waited!! Turned out to be some broken solder on the internal control board. Its still going strong now.

[@kevinsmith6269]

This is the thing with Mercedes-Benz, The cars are never the most exciting but in the real world they're so well thought out and make so much sense. I'm hardly very excited when I borrow my Dad's Merc for a few weeks but after a couple of weeks I hate giving it back. As I guess you're aware with your C-Class Matt, the more miles you cover the more they start making sense. BMW's are more fun but in day to day traffic and on motorways that hardly matters and they just never match the refinement and insulation of Mercedes cars. Jaguars are very pretty but a Mercedes at least in terms of perceived quality is leagues ahead in my experience.

[@arnie2017]

My 01 SLK320 has cup holders in that push-in compartment.

[@mattwright2964]

Got an immaculate 320 slk with only 60,000 mile's on the clock.

[@AlexiDaGreat]

I just got a super clean 2001 320 a week ago with 49,000 original miles too. Will be on the road tomorrow, very excited.

[@forlebanon9208]

Nice video love this car ❤I have slk 230

[@CarlosCasciotti]

What it's the price of this car? Thanks friends

[@richardjohnson3463]

Love the sound of a V6 .... especially an Alfa busso, any chance you could do a review of one?

[@furiousdriving]

I have a couple planned, its one of the best sounds in the world!

[@richardjohnson3463]

@@furiousdriving look forward to that !

[@Bikergal800]

Looks like your getting a soft spot for convertibles as they are cracking fun which ever spec you go for and wait till you test my puppy out and they are always sock drawer money dirt cheap and great to see you back

[@somervillearron]

are they replacing the headliner?

[@paulgriffiths6344]

We wadn't supposed to see that.

[@furiousdriving]

Yes, thats why its not on the website yet

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

@@furiousdrivingShows that they're very thorough.

[@somervillearron]

@@furiousdriving i see,its very clean ive looked at them before and usually they are pretty rough they dont seem to last the test of time but that ones like a time capsule

[@peterbollans9982]

these will no doubt go up in value soon just like the audi tt , which is starting to go up on certain models

[@SENS1912]

I have the rare SLK 320 manual and it is a great car. The gear change is not as good as in my Honda CRX but it is quite good. It is a great car for trips with roof down .

[@TheVagolfer]

I have one of these....except it's a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire.

[@OCCUPIEDNATION]

Surely if you must have a cup of tea en route to somewhere, stop and bring out the picnic chairs and table. Why not even a primus stove? Always tastes better that way and gives even an ordinary drive a sense of adventure. BTW Nice review and yes the glove box speeds up with use. 🙃

[@yojasten27]

What is the difference into 2001 I have one recently buy for hobby I want to fixed couple thing of Transmision

[@gosportjamie]

The manual gearboxes used in the SLK actually get a lot better with miles, they lose the stiffness in the shift action and actually become rather nice to use. It probably has something to do with the fact that, even as late as the early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz car manual gearboxes were basically units that were built for their vans, so they're much heavier duty than most car gearboxes are. Someone I know has a manual 320 with loads of miles on it that is really nice to drive. He also has a car that shouldn't exist in the UK, a manual SLK200 without the supercharger, and which never had a supercharger. It turned up at the dealer (M-B specialist) he uses for his 320 and they didn't know what to do with it as absolutely nobody wanted it, so he got it for an incredibly good price. It's actually a really fun little car, but it is extremely slow. Continental drift is faster...

[@furiousdriving]

The manual in my C250 is really smooth, but I didnt have it until 70k miles so dont know how it was new! That is a random thing to have, wonder if he could add the supercharger?

[@gosportjamie]

@@furiousdriving He doesn't want the supercharger. I'm not sure if he could add it, there is a suggestion that the basic SLK200 has a different engine to the 200 kompressor...

[@HughMacDonald20]

I love these little cars, shame the rusty ones always have the dodgey chrome wheel arch trims to cover it, lol

[@jasoncornell1579]

Nice efficient teutonic tea shelf with a small schnapps shelf as well?

[@furiousdriving]

maybe the small cubby is for Scnapps?

[@jasoncornell1579]

@@furiousdriving depends on how much u like schnapps😁

[@Bratfalken]

Cable bad on the microphone?

[@furiousdriving]

Probably where it was plugged in and was pulling out slightly, its a new Rode Lavalier and was OK on the last videos so should be decent!

[@porsche356a]

Matt, its now time for a review of an Alfa GTV or Spider with a v6 Busso engine please! Oh and you better leave the credit card at home!

[@mickles1975]

It wouldn't be a messerschmitt. The benz engines in those were upside down. The did have two grooves in the cowl for machine guns to poke out into. So the inverse of the SLK bonnet.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Looks slightly less like a hairdryer than the next model.

[@zujek7409]

What? This is the most girly model of all. Soft edges, stupidly comfy seats than dont hold you in the corners, not to mention the wood in the interior. This is literally a miata

[@RaspberryCai]

@@zujek7409 ah yes wood, the most feminine of materials.

[@zujek7409]

@@RaspberryCai Wood is usually used to make the interior pleasent to look and for a car thats aiming to be more "sporty and young" thats not good. Its not necesserly feminine but it is not helping it seem like its a car made for women in their 40s that want to just want a miata with fancy stuff

[@louis-hhr9479]

Zujek it was an Option we have one with bursted Steel Looks way better and also this was the compétition for the miata.

[@sphession]

Love these reviews, Stone cold have a lovely e30 325i sport! Haven't seen a comprehensive review on one of those anywhere, only the M3s. Would be an interesting one.

[@adrianwerner8704]

Having read some of the negative comments below (mostly from people that haven't actually owned or even driven one I suspect) I can only speak from my own experience: I bought a well cared for SLK320 over 5 years ago, have driven 50,000 miles during that time and continue to use it as a daily driver. Apart from agreeing with Matt's own experience of a lovely drive it's also been extraordinarily dependable, mostly just routine maintenance. Relatively speaking, I've actually spent less on annual repairs and maintenance than many more humble cars I've owned during the past 35 years. Definitely a keeper. Your review was spot-on Matt: Find a good one and it'll be a joy!

[@recyclespinning9839]

What country were they made in??

[@coopers4491]

Great 1st review matt but not my cup of tea im afraid!!!! Great content you need to put that rooflining back as they will notice it gone !!!!!!!😄😄😄😄😄😄😄🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍👍👍

[@furiousdriving]

Thought it might fit the Tomcat.. Lots of variety coming soon, hopefully something for you in there!

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, wish list never ends.

[@simontravelstheworld]

Just bought one for £400 with a new MOT. Great car cheap as chips!

[@dskhuthan]

You lucky guy

[@elliots.h633]

6:15 What happened here?

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

That's not a tea shelf, that's the spare change shelf... There is a different version that has two cup holders and a change shelf up there.

[@stevennorth6484]

Mercedes put the tea shelf behind the headrests, perfect when stationary.

[@tonys1636]

The only problem with ordering a Mercedes from new is almost everything included in the price of other makes is extra although often fitted as standard at the factory, even the standard Radio is an arm and a leg. The dealer and the advertising quotes a price but when one signs the order there is a good few grand more as the total price, even without options being specified. That is why manual Mercs are rare.

[@HakanKoseoglu]

Easiest way to lose a hat. A1(M) is littered with my lost hats. :(