1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

WDBKK47F4WF070495

Gasoline

Gorgeous 1998 Mercedes SLK230-only 55,151 miles What a total honey! And just in time for Spring. What is it about German engineering? The elegance of this car is beyond reproach. But it's so much deeper than that. Look at the rich blue color of this car and you'll realize it's a shade all its own -- it's not quite sufficient to describe it as "dark blue." Why does the door feel EXACTLY heavy enough to produce that satisfying note when it's closed? How do the visors not simply close but kind of "snap" back into place? It's a joy to behold and a pleasure to drive. This 2-seat convertible classic has only 55,000 miles on it. The automatic top goes up and down perfectly -- smoothly and quickly (I've done it easily at stoplights). The beauty of this car speaks for itself. (Could those two-tone leather seats BE any more adorable?) And I think the excellent condition of the car is also evident in the photos. But what's harder to see is the total love this special automobile has experienced. For example, if you look through the photos of SLKs of this vintage, most seem to be suffering from a cracking/chipping of the plastic on the dash and near the gearshift. This one, not a bit. Everything works as it should -- all lights and indicators, the windows go up and down smoothly (one touch), the seat heaters work at two settings, the lock/unlock is smooth from the key-remote, the automatic side mirrors adjust perfectly, etc. At least while I've owned it, this creampuff has never tasted anything but premium gasoline. I have changed the oil at the dealer. Same whenever it's needed anything mechanical -- always the dealer. I bought it from a client in Illinois in 2009 and drove it home to New Jersey -- he treated it the same way. And here's a bonus. Less than 5,000 miles ago, I spent over $4400 at the dealership doing the kinds of wear items that need replacing and have all documentation from Globe Motor Mercedes dealer. (Fans of The Sopranos will recall that Gloria Trillo worked at Globe Motor). Too much stuff to list, but it included big stuff (fixed entire air conditioning system, which is now ice cold) to little stuff (replaced a bunch of tail lamps and worn drivebelts). Plus, two new tires (both front) and a brand new battery. Look, the car is 13 years old so it's got the normal amount of wear. But it's in fantastic shape, not just for its age, but for any age. And now a word about the stereo. In short, it's the best car stereo I've ever experienced, in terms of features, sound, and ease of use. The top-of-the-line, professionally-installed Pioneer DEH-P7100BT tuner brings you XM Radio (subscription paid through 2013), HD Radio, the clearest-sounding Bluetooth hands-free phone integration, ipod jack (ipod sits in center console), CD player (MP3s play, too) and removable face. But more than just the number of features, the truly impressive part is how easy and intuitive the whole system is. Your phone numbers never have to be programmed or anything. You simply turn your Bluetooth on and the next thing you know it says "Mom 847-272-1234" when your mother calls you. Your friends are going to report to you that they've never heard your cel phone sound clearer. When you plug your ipod in, the playlist/artist/song are just magically there on the easy-to-read screen -- no programming or adjusting necessary. Those of you who haven't experienced HD radio are in for a treat, as well. All of a sudden, John Sterling's dulcet tones ("It's an a-bomb from A-Rod!") sound like they're being broadcast in rich FM instead of tinny AM. And speaking of baseball, XM has every team, every game, as well as the usual million channels of commercial-free music. I even bought the "Best of Sirius" package so that I could hear Howard Stern, so the winning bidder gets that as well. Mercedes completists will be glad to know that I saved the original stereo, the 6-cd changer, and even the original built-in phone that came with the car. The stereo and changer work fine, and I know how some purists are about insisting on original equipment, so it's all still here. I also have ALL the original documentation and manuals, which is beautifully packaged in the original leatherette Mercedes case. Even the original Mercedes first-aid kit remains intact -- exactly as it was when the car rolled off the assembly line. In summation, this car is a dream come true. A total pleasure to drive and a dazzling addition to a glorious Spring and Summer. This car is in exceptional shape. The way eBay works is that it costs the seller (me, in this case) money to post an ad. And it costs the seller extra to post lots of photographs. That's an expense I'm more than happy to pay. The better informed the bidder, the more he'll hopefully bid, and the less likely he is to claim not to have known about some perceived flaw. But for some mysterious reason, there exist people who like to be the high bidder, drive who knows how long, only to arrive at my house and say, "Oh, I didn't realize there would be a speck of dirt on the bottom of the tires. Can you let me out of this transaction?" Cold feet? Buyer's remorse? Just a tirekicker who doesn't value his time or mine? I don't know. If you bid and then don't pay, it ruins everyone's day. I set no reserve price. I believe in the efficiency of free markets and rely on eBay and its educated buyers to deliver the amount my item is "supposed" to fetch. But please don't bid if you're not serious about paying. I reserve the right to remove dubious-looking bidders and those with no feedback should contact me BEFORE bidding. I will not end the auction early and please, no "buy it now" scamsters -- honestly, does anyone fall for that tomfoolery anymore? One last caveat. I will not ship this car. If you win, you gotta come to Northern New Jersey and drive it away. So don't bid if you're not willing/able to do so. A $500 down payment is required within 48 hours of auction end. The remainder is due within a week of auction close, and I'll accept PayPal, certified check, or cash.