2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Looks fantastic, but lacks some substance and the joy of a drivers car

Faults:

This is not really a drivers car. The steering response is a bit like stirring custard. I lost traction doing about 20 mph round a 90 degree corner with the traction control on and on a dry road! The last car I drove that cornered that badly was a Ford Fiesta. The firm seats aren't very comfortable and you never really find the perfect driving position. The dash is appallingly designed - The 0 to 80 mph markings on the speedo are almost always entirely obscured by the large steering wheel unless you have it on the highest setting as though you are driving a truck. I's infuriating not to be able to see your speed. It would have been so much more sensible to put the speed dial on the right hand side so the business end of the dial was always visible - A rev counter is not much use on an automatic. The on board computer is also obscured by about half the steering wheel settings.

General Comments:

Drop-dead gorgeous looks. It makes the pulse race just to walk up to it and click it open. Few cars on the road look this stunning.

The driving experience is a little dissapointing - it's not 'man and machine in perfect harmony'. You almost have to keep reminding yourself you are driving a quality car.

The interior is plain with some small and irritating design flaws.

The engine sound is niether smooth and quite nor sporty and throaty - just an unhappy compromise.

The list of optional extras is endless as the prices are on the typically very steep. Definately consider the lighting package - Press the door button and it lights up like a Christmas tree. There are even lights in the foot wells and under the doors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th January, 2005

22nd Apr 2005, 07:53

I would have to agree with the 1st comment left for the author. The SLK is a great car, and if you can't see the speedo, don't you think it may be that you're too tall? I'm amazed that Mercedes would make a car where the everyday driver can't see the speedo. Are you sure you're not sitting on a booster seat?

5th Jul 2010, 02:12

I seriously don't get the European market. Why do you buy an expensive car with a cheap motor? MB try to fit to the market by making those small engines, but they also go cheap in many other things to keep the price down. My only advice is that if you ever buy another MB don't buy the cheapest one. Not all Mercedes Benz cars are created equal.

5th Jul 2010, 14:33

The reason why European markets have "expensive cars" with cheap engines is simple: cost of vehicle ownership. Unlike in countries like America, you get severely penalised for having a large displacement engine (say, over 2 litres) ; your insurance bracket jumps up, even car registration or road tax is based on factors such as CO-2 emission. In some countries, you get a preposterous sales tax once you go over a certain engine size, in addition to the road tax, expensive insurance, and annual road taxes.

While North America has a Golf 2.5 engine, for example, Europe and other parts of the world have variants of a turbocharged/supercharged 1.2, 1.4, or 1.6 engines, even 1.8 for a large car. Else eventually they'd get legislated out of existence.

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K 2.0 Kompressor

Summary:

A real Beauty

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

It's an absolutely beautiful car a delight to drive and a real stunner to look at.

I read some of the reviews on this web site before I purchased (new) and nearly changed my mind! Some of the reviewers must have been driving a different model. I know the car is still nearly new, so I can't comment on reliability, but the only problem I've had that was mentioned in other reviews is a (slightly) stiff boot release.

Of course other faults mentioned may have been sorted out by the time mine was manufactured (January 1994)

I'm particularly impressed with the economy-37 mpg if I'm fairly light footed!

The only snag is it takes me 5 minutes longer to get to work in the morning as I enjoy driving it so much I go very SLOWLY to make the trip last!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2004

6th Mar 2005, 21:06

Thanks for the review. I currently own a BMW Z-3 and I'm very unhappy with the airconditioning. Considering the SLK. I'm told the air works great.

6th Apr 2005, 04:24

Sorry, but you said that your SLK is a 1994 model? It shouldn't be under 2004.

3rd Sep 2006, 07:56

Purely from a personal point of view, the SLK is as stunning as any car on the road today. The ride is perfect and comfort given by the seats I have found to be exceptional. Having recently returned from a driving holiday to Italy, the 14-hour driving stints behind the wheel saw my girlfriend and I arrive as fresh as daisies :)

The previous question asking about the aircon - I can confirm that it works superbly, hood down or up. One thing though to bear in mind, Merc drivers can be quite snobby and refer to it as environment controls. Either way, go for it, it's a superb car and continues to turn heads when driven.