SLK AMG55 buying advice

[iandc]

Apologies if this is covered within forum but:
1) Search isn't working
2) I am new to this forum
3)Would appreciate up to date advice.

I am thinking seriously about buying a facelifted AMG55 (2006/7 I guess) and would appreciate advice on what to look for especially problem areas and "must have" options. I want paddlewshift rather than buttons but the later ones all seemto have these.
Cheers.

[matc]

COMAND, Heated Seats and Airscarf are pretty much 'must have' options. It would also be nice to try and find one with the performance pack, which gives you different wheels, bigger breaks, alcantara steering wheel and a few other options.

Good luck with the search, they are awesome cars and make a ridiculous noise!

[rob928gt]

Hi. I bought a new SLK 350 in 2005, then traded it for a new SLK 55 AMG in 2007, both great cars, however the 55 is just awesome, sound and performance! The 350 had buttons, ok but very fiddly, the 55 AMG has paddles which are a pleasure to use.
Only problem has been a gearbox (7G) selection failure, told if it goes wrong again MB will replace the box, a known problem with the 7G box I understand.
As for equipment, as already said COMMAND + air scarf + heated seats, it's got just about everything else as standard.
Go for it, great cars, regards, Rob

[kilarney]

I have a 2005 slk 55 which I like very much. Later facelift cars benefit from the paddles but unless 030 spec have greatly downrated brakes. Retrofit of the steering paddles is much easier and cheaper than sorting the brakes so dont reject button cars outright. A 2006/7 pre facelift is a good choice as it has paddles and brakes. I would say PDC, heated seats and airscarf are the most important with comand less so as its not very good and an easy retrofit. Also watch the cut off for higher road tax on later cars

Edited by kilarney on Wednesday 24th February 19:51

[RainerM]

I fully agree with kilarney:-) and I do not know about how and why they did that brake "modefication" (maybe to save costs, as usual) otherwise great car, we enjoyed it for 4 years,
(engine change on warranty after some strange tappet-sounds at around 18000 miles,(reason:bearing in one piston) then no problems till we sold it at around 60000 miles,did thefollowing on the car:
-Bilstein all round
-LSD (efficient if you drive lots of little mountain roads, you just are "rocketed" out of hairpins without burning rubber)
-Pagid RS 14 black brake-pads front (never had to change them,)
-note: the car is very tricky to drive on snow ;-) so I just stored it for the winter months
PLUS:
Unfortunately you cannot have the blip when changing - down gears as on the C63, even if it is a similar gear-box :-((

Buy it now, I doubt the new SLK will have that very special front (nose), I gather it will be the boring SLS style front, depending on your taste, but I just think it is bland, do not remember the correct word in English....

We did several Megahoons and lots of driving to Germany, England, France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia,all possible passes in Switzerland it never missed a beat,and we used every 3-5000
miles new rear tyres (due to Lim.SlipDiff)

BUT: we had an excellent dealer with excellent mechanics

AND: of course the SOUND :-))

Keep us posted.


Enjoy your car and kind regards

Rainer-CH and Dot

[iandc]

Thanks so much for the really useful advice. Most helpful and thanks for taking the time to explain. Regarding the brakes how will I know if it has "decent" ones or the "modification" which sounds like a retrograde step. I am looking at a 2006 model with paddles but unsure how to tell which brakes it will have.

[kilarney]

A 2006 will have proper brakes. You can tell by looking at the calipers which should have 6 pistons front and 4 rear in Aluminium also the front disc is two piece so you will see the ring of bolts holding the rotor to the hub.

[iandc]

Cheers. Very helpful and easy to spot. Off to go hunting now!

[kilarney]

Rainer. Which Bilsteins did you have and how was the ride ?

[RainerM]

Sorry about the delay :-<(
I cannot remember exactly, I think they were B12, but I can ask my AMG-dealer (who sold me the TTS Roadster for all-year-round-capabilities esp. on snow ;-))

Regards out of the cold with still thaaaaat snow

Rainer-CH

[iandc]

Quick update and repeated thanks to all who provided very helpful advice. Well I have taken the plunge and bought a 56 plate with the correct brakes,paddles,Command, air scarf and heated seats. Collect it on Saturday so here's hoping for some fine weather on the drive back. Thanks again!!

[kilarney]

Congratulations. Your going to like it Im sure

[RainerM]

Enjoy that car, we are looking forward to your reports :-))
R.

[iandc]

Picked up the car this morning. Had a great run down from Stourbridge to Surrey. With the roof DOWN!!! What a great car. I am most impressed. Even on a cold day the airscarf and heater keeps it nice and snug. Then there is the performance!!! I did not think I would like the auto box as I am used to manuals but it just chamnges seamlessly and takes off under acceleration. Even managed 25 mpg as it was all motorway driving. All I have to do now is figure out the Command manual and the Owners manual!!! Worse than an exam! I still cant work out if it is possible to change the kpm to mph on the digital readout. I know this is the subject of another thread but if anyone knows if it is possible it would be much appreciated. Off for a decent drive tomorrow as weather looks favourable.
Thanks so much for all the help and encouragement.
Cheers

[CycleSi]

To save you time - you cannot change from KPH to MPH.

[iandc]

Cheers. saves me looking through the manual for something that can't be done. Bit of a pain though as the digital speedo is quite useful. At least I can use it in Europe!.

[white90]

Keep a check for water in the boot.
I posted my fix on here a while ago

[iandc]

Cheers and thanks for the email link. I have registered but not got confirmation back yet. Looks interesting site. I will check out your link on boot leak.