The controls are all good, though we found the radio to be slightlyByzantine. The gauge packages in the SLK 230 are thoughtfully laid out and easy toread. As a result, rear visibility is not too bad. The rear window is glass-a big step up from the typical sheet of plastic found in the rear window of most convertibles. There is, however, a commodious trunk for a car of this size (at least when the top is up-when its down, that trunk space virtually disappears). But styling is obviously a big factor here. By adding another inch of height and allowing a little more seat travel, Mercedes could make the SLK230 a whole lot more comfortable. There's not quite enough up-and-down seat travel, plus the roof is a little low, due to the styling and shape of the car. We found it a little difficult to get completely comfortable in this car. Thanks, guys.) But, hey, if you're spending $42,000 for a Mercedesconvertible, chances are pretty good you'll be driving something elseduring the cold months. (Mercedes was thoughtful enough tomake sure we had an opportunity to test-drive this convertible in thewinter. Even with traction control, we found that the SLK 230's rear-wheel drive made it difficult to get out of snow-covered parking places. Definitely thumbs up on the driving experience!ĭon't expect the SLK 230 to be stellar in the snow. It doesnt have the heavy feel of most Mercedes models. It drives like a really-well-put-together sports car. The SLK shifts really well and is quite powerful. We liked that, though, if for no other reason than it wassomething a little different. The shifting is a little unusual, with reverse located down and to the left ofsecond gear. We were pleasantly surprised to see that this car comes with a manualtransmission-the first manual transmission Mercedes we've ever driven. Of course, it's several steps up in quality in just about every respect-which had better be the case if you're going to be shelling out an additional $22,000. The SLK 230 is a fun-to-drive, sporty convertible that's about the same size as a Miata. If Mercedes set out to build its own Mazda Miata, this is what they'd end up with. The final project and the results of this Mercedes SLK 230 interior restoration will be covered in a future blog post.This is a fun little car. Now that Brad has removed the original rubberized paint, he is ready to paint the components with ColorBond LVP refinisher. "I just made sure I turned off the flame, after the water was heated, before I put the parts in so that they wouldn't melt". "I also used my turkey fryer" Brad laughs. Brad found using very hot water loosened the paint and allowed it to be more easily removed, while he used a steamer (like that used to clean drapes) to lift the paint in the nooks and crannies. The first step in the Mercedes SLK 230 interior restoration was to remove the rubber type paint from the hard-plastic dash, console, glovebox and door pulls. The part looks brand new and the grain in the plastic is as defined as without the paint". There was no way to tell it was paint! Then I tested some on part of the Mercedes' dash - again an amazing result. It made the plastic portions of the roof rack look just like new. The paint arrived and I tried it on the roof rack of another of my vehicles. "After talking with ColorBond President Malcolm Johnson I decided to order. "I was immediately intrigued with the color choices offered by ColorBond and that they offered OME correct colors for Mercedes Benz and gave them a call to learn more about the product" says Brad. So, Brad began searching for other interior paints that he could use to refinish the interior himself and came across ColorBond LVP Refinisher. He then contacted some automotive upholstery shops to see if they could restore the interior parts but said no one wanted to touch it. While touch-up kits utilizing this coating are available, Brad thought "Why use the same coating that will flake off once again?". This condition effects most all Mercedes Benz SLK models. The problem with the peeling is the plastic components were painted with a rubber like coating that is prone to chipping and peeling and revealing the underlying black plastic. Brad says it's time to restore the interior. The dash, console, glovebox and door pulls are scratched, peeling and unsightly. However, inside the car is showing its age. The Mercedes has always been a great car and looks fantastic on the outside. Brad Streilein's 1998 Mercedes Benz SLK 230 since has been in the family since it was six years old.
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