Replaced my Porsche Cayman S with a Mercedes SLK 200: 1 yr of ownership

The car has a 5-speed automatic transmission that’s quite slow for my liking. It’s better to use the S mode & paddle shifters when driving spiritedly.

BHPian 123.rishabh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

“Dream big, it’s the first step to success, making goals come second”

Background

My 2010 Porsche Cayman S 987.2 was one of the best sportscars a person can use on Indian roads. After an ownership experience of around 3 years and 6000 kms, I felt like replacing it with another vehicle on my bucket list.

Upgrading from the Cayman is really difficult (Both budget-wise & Performance-Wise) and seeing the strict speed limitations in Delhi, performance was not the key buying factor this time.

Decision Making

In the year 2006, my neighbour bought a brand new Silver colored R171 SLK350 to replace his non-reliable `97 Mitsubishi 3000GT.
The SLK looked like nothing else on the road and was a head-turner thanks to its SLS-inspired nose and sleek tail profile. The electrically folding hard top was something which left everyone mesmerised.
Since then it was like a dream to own this generation of the SLK in my life.

Model Shortlisting

Was looking at the R171 SLK 200 Facelift model (2008-2011) since it came with the following updates:
Updated 1.8L Supercharged engine with 184Hp (Vs 165)
Front bumper with new design and more pronounced V-shape
Area around the Mercedes star stands out more boldly with all-round chamfered edge
New-look rear bumper, with diffuser-look styling
Exhaust tailpipe in new, Trapezoidal design
Darkened tail lights (like SLK 55 AMG)
Exterior mirrors with larger mirror surface and arrow-shaped LED indicators
New short antenna
New 3-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons
New instrument cluster with red needles & 3D look
Modified power window switches
New telematics generation (NTG 2.5) with built in bluetooth for Audio & a colored center screen
Standard Remote Roof Opening &
Sports exhaust

Used Car Search Requirements

Original Factory Paint- Very difficult to find in such an old car, but managed to get one with only the front bumper painted that too from Mercedes ASS
Low Mileage – The car was driven 21000 Kms (Wished to get something under 15k)
Detailed Service History – Check. Cars with full-service history from Authorised MB service center were only considered (This made it difficult to find the right car. While searching for this, I came to know that meter tampering is very common with MB vehicles vs Audi/VAG cars)
Stock Car with no mods – Check

The Final Car

Finally after all the hassle and a long search period, I found one car which met most of the set standards.

I quickly processed all the formalities & picked it up (March 2022)

What I like (After 1 year & 2500 km of driving)

The dual personality of a Hard top Coupe & open top Roadster (Remote opening also)
Silent cabin when the roof is closed
The Hydraulic Steering feel
Supercharger Whine
Excellent handling with a ride that’s especially smooth for a roadster
Timeless baby SLR Mc Laren Styling
Bucket Seats
Adequate performance from the 184 BHP M271 1.8L Kompressor engine
Sporty exhaust sound
Excellent interior quality (As expected from a CBU Merc)
Paddle shifters
Super Bright Bi-Xenon headlamps

What I don’t

Slow shifting 5 speed AT, S mode & paddle shifters are better to use when driving spiritedly
Roof opening only possible in a stationary car
Nose Heavy
Not specced with parking sensors (Same as my Cayman)

Here are some more pics of the car

Post Purchase Factory Reset

After buying the car, I took it for a quick detailing session and got new tyres.

Detailing

Took it to detailing mafia for a quick detailing session which took a full day

Tyres

The car was running on the original factory tyres.

Picked up a set of Continental UC 6 for the stock 16-inch rims

Service & Repairs

Took the car to GT Tunerz for a complete checkup and did a thorough service replacing the following

Engine Oil (5W-40)
Oil Filter
Cabin Filter
Air Filter
Front Brake Discs
Front Brake Pads
Brake Fluid Bleeding

Apart from this, there was a slight leak from the roof cylinder locking mechanism in the center of the roof. Procured the new part from MB and also got that replaced.

Ready Vehicle Post All Mechanical Repairs & Service!

Track Experience

Once the vehicle was ready, planned to take part in the Track Day at the Buddh International Circuit.

Driving on the Track actually helps to identify in case there is any weak link left in the vehicle.

The track experience was fantastic (No match to the Cayman). The chassis is superbly balanced and handles like a charm, the 1.8L Kompressor engine also is fun to drive and has an amazing supercharger whine which was clearly audible. The 5-speed AT gearbox is a letdown for the track hence it was better to use the paddle shifters to get decent performance (MT combination would have been a lot more fun).