Description
2001 Mercedes SLK 230 Facelift Model | 57, 200 Miles| Linarite Blue| Long MOT to Dec 2026 | Major engine refresh in 2025 | Long MOT to Dec 2026 | Features 197bhp engine, 5-speed Auto |Tiptronic | Apple CarPlay | 18" alloys | Run Flat Tyres | ULEZ compliant | Full history file | 2 keys | Serviced at 56, 750 miles|Ready for top-down driving today
The car was purchased privately in July 2025 as a temporary ULEZ compliant solution whilst waiting for delivery of my new car. This SLK has been a genuinely enjoyable car to own and is a great example of a well-kept, low mileage convertible that’s ready to be used and enjoyed.
With just over 57, 000 miles, it’s clear the car has never been heavily used. Whilst it has had five owners, each has kept the mileage low and invested in its upkeep, which really shows in how it drives today. The car was main dealer serviced until 2008, with independent servicing thereafter, and documentation of the full service history is available.
Importantly, the car has already had sensible maintenance carried out in areas that often require attention on cars of this age. During my ownership, I have continued that approach and carried out a number of important maintenance items to ensure the car is in good, usable condition. Notably, the car has had a new head gasket, along with cooling system work including replacement of the water pump, radiator housing and abs sensors.
This makes it a more reassuring option compared to others currently on the market which may appear cheaper initially but require significant expenditure shortly after purchase. The car comes with a collection of receipts and supporting paperwork, providing a clear picture of the care it has received over time.
The car starts reliably, drives very well, and feels solid and responsive on the road. With the roof down, it offers exactly what you would expect from an SLK — an easy, enjoyable driving experience that makes the most of better weather. The roof operates as it should, and the car is a pleasure to use both around town and on longer drives. The car also comes with a detachable wind deflector, which makes a noticeable difference when driving with the roof down and adds to the overall comfort.
Externally, the car presents well and benefits from a colour that stands out from the more common silver examples. The bodywork finished in Linarite Blue Metallic is in good condition overall for its age and contrasts perfectly with the 18" alloy wheels with run flat tyres. The wheels are a non-standard alloy design which suit the car really well and give it a slightly much more distinctive look.
Inside, the car is clean and well kept. The seats show very light age-related wear, and the cabin remains a comfortable and pleasant place to be. There is also some minor wear to the dashboard consistent with age, but nothing that detracts from the overall feel of the interior. The car also retains its original SLK floor mats, which are a nice original detail and add to the overall sense of a well-kept example.
The car has been fitted with an Apple CarPlay system, bringing modern functionality such as navigation, music and hands-free connectivity. The original factory stereo is also included with the sale for those who prefer to return the car to standard.
The last MOT confirmed that the tyres which are run flats have approximately 8mm tread remaining and the brakes have strong remaining life, so there are no immediate maintenance requirements in these areas.
The car recently passed its MOT with a few minor advisories which I have addressed or priced accordingly:
Tyres: A nail was noted in the offside rear tyre; this has been professionally repaired. All four tyres were replaced at 53, 500 miles and remain in great condition
Brakes: Slight fluctuation noted in the front service brake, though it remains well within safety limits and performs perfectly in daily driving
Suspension: Surface corrosion was noted on the rear suspension mounting brackets. While the report confirms "strength is not seriously reduced', advice from a recent service is that these are not urgent and may never require attention, but are mentioned for full transparency allowing the new owner to apply Underseal or Lanoguard treatment to preserve the metal for the long term if required.
In terms of driving experience, the car feels well balanced and composed. The steering is direct, the 2. 3L Kompressor engine pulls smoothly, and overall it feels exactly as a low mileage example should.
With two keys and an MOT until December 2026, this is a well-maintained, usable SLK that is ready to be driven and enjoyed without the need for immediate major work. It has been a pleasure to own, and I’m confident it will make a rewarding and enjoyable car for its next owner.
Overall, this is a low mileage example that has clearly been cared for throughout its life. It is a fun and enjoyable car that is ready to be used and appreciated.
I originally purchased the car in July 2025 as a temporary solution while waiting for delivery of my new car, but it quickly became something I genuinely enjoyed far more than expected.
It’s an easy car to live with, comfortable, and really comes into its own with the roof down. With just over 57, 000 miles, it’s clear the car has never been heavily used. Whilst it has had five owners, each has kept the mileage low and invested in its upkeep, which really shows in how it drives today. The car was main dealer serviced until 2008, with independent servicing thereafter, and documentation of the full service history is available.
During my ownership, the car did develop a head gasket issue. At that point, I had a decision to make, either move the car on as it was, or repair it properly. Given how well the car drove otherwise, following advice from experts and the condition it was in, I chose to have the work carried out rather than pass the problem on.
The repair was completed along with associated cooling system work, including a new thermostat, water pump, and radiator housing totalling over £3k. These are some of the more significant jobs on cars of this age, so having them already addressed is, in my view, a real benefit for the next owner. The air-conditioning blows cold and the heater warms up nicely in the winter and the transmission has both summer and winter settings.
Since the work was completed, the car has driven like a dream. This is the Facelift "EVO" model, featuring the more powerful 197 bhp supercharged engine.
It starts reliably, feels smooth and responsive, and continues to be an enjoyable car to use both on shorter trips and longer drives. It also starts well, in summer or winter even if it has not been started or driven for a week or so.
The car comes with a collection of receipts and supporting paperwork, providing a clear picture of the care it has received over time. A full service was carried out in December 2025 at 56, 750 miles—fewer than 300 miles ago.
What really stands out to me is how usable and well-balanced it is. Everyone who’s been in the car has loved it. It’s a genuinely enjoyable convertible to spend time in. With the roof down, it’s a relaxed and enjoyable place to spend time.
The addition of Apple CarPlay also makes day-to-day use much easier, bringing a modern touch to a classic convertible (the original factory stereo is also included).
I also like the electric seats, original (working) cup holder, and electric wing mirrors.
The electric roof operates correctly and transforms the car quickly; it was last serviced in 2024. The car also comes with a detachable wind deflector, which makes a noticeable difference when driving with the roof down and adds to the overall comfort.
It also stands out visually. The bodywork finished in Linarite Blue Metallic is in good condition overall for its age and contrasts perfectly with the 18" alloy wheels.
The wheels are a non-standard alloy design which suit the car well and give it a more distinctive look compared to many others on the road, and it presents well without trying too hard. It also has a really great hum. Quite a few strangers have complimented the car when I have been out and about in it.
A recent check confirmed that the tyres have approximately 8mm tread remaining (replaced at 53, 500 miles) and the brakes have strong remaining life. The car recently passed its MOT with a few minor advisories which I have addressed or priced accordingly:
Tyres: A nail was noted in the offside rear tyre; this has been professionally repaired.
Brakes: Slight fluctuation noted in the front service brake, though it remains well within safety limits and performs perfectly in daily driving.
Suspension: Surface corrosion was noted on the rear suspension mounting brackets. While the report confirms "strength is not seriously reduced", advice from a recent service is that these are not urgent and may never require attention, but are mentioned for full transparency allowing the new owner to apply Underseal or Lanoguard treatment to preserve the metal for the long term.
Overall, this is a low mileage example that has clearly been cared for throughout its life. It is a Euro 3, which means it is ULEZ Exempt .
It is a fun and enjoyable car that is ready to be used and appreciated. I’ve genuinely enjoyed owning it, and if I had the space and budget to keep two cars, this is one I would happily hold onto. I will genuinely be sad to see her go.
A high-spec, well-maintained roadster that receives compliments everywhere it goes.
Willing to discuss reasonable offers with serious buyers after a viewing
* YOUTUBE VIDEOS AVAILABLE: Showing roof operation, walk-around and underbody. Please contact for the link*
