SLK 55 AMG.....do prices come down in winter?
Discussion
So I'm 99% sure I want to get an SLK 55 AMG.
My initial budget was 15k but if I need to increase it slightly I can.
Looking at what's available right now it seems 15k will put me in a 2005/ 06 model.
Will prices fall as winter comes? Is it a myth?
Likely to be more availability?
Any pointers or advice ?
My initial budget was 15k but if I need to increase it slightly I can.
Looking at what's available right now it seems 15k will put me in a 2005/ 06 model.
Will prices fall as winter comes? Is it a myth?
Likely to be more availability?
Any pointers or advice ?
MattyB_ said:
Just my 2p for the buying guide:
IMPORTANT - look at loads, and I mean loads. Ignore price + mileage, some of the worst ones I saw were the most expensive and lowest mileage, the best one I saw (and bought) was the lowest price and the highest mileage. In all the performance cars I've bought over the years, I've never seen such a massive variation in price/mileage/condition as I did when searching for an SLK. In fact, I nearly gave up.
As mentioned, history is essential, and even though mine had FMBSH, and required gearbox oil changes, the gearbox still s**t its biscuits and cost £2500 to fix. Find a good indie to look after it, and they're fairly reliable cars, but it's still a £50k Mercedes AMG, so it's not cheap to run, but relatively speaking, it's about as cheap as AMG's get.
Lastly, haggle hard. SLK55's seem to hang around a lot. You get the odd bargain which disappears quickly, but I struggled to sell mine (and spoke to others who said the same) as the demand for these cars is pretty low. It's a shame they get overlooked in the performance car market, as they're bloody brilliant.
Thanks for the tips- I would have snapped up that blue one if it was private sale. IMPORTANT - look at loads, and I mean loads. Ignore price + mileage, some of the worst ones I saw were the most expensive and lowest mileage, the best one I saw (and bought) was the lowest price and the highest mileage. In all the performance cars I've bought over the years, I've never seen such a massive variation in price/mileage/condition as I did when searching for an SLK. In fact, I nearly gave up.
As mentioned, history is essential, and even though mine had FMBSH, and required gearbox oil changes, the gearbox still s**t its biscuits and cost £2500 to fix. Find a good indie to look after it, and they're fairly reliable cars, but it's still a £50k Mercedes AMG, so it's not cheap to run, but relatively speaking, it's about as cheap as AMG's get.
Lastly, haggle hard. SLK55's seem to hang around a lot. You get the odd bargain which disappears quickly, but I struggled to sell mine (and spoke to others who said the same) as the demand for these cars is pretty low. It's a shame they get overlooked in the performance car market, as they're bloody brilliant.
If you hear of anything else similar for sale - would love to know if your still in touch with owners etc.
MattyB_ said:
Just my 2p for the buying guide:
IMPORTANT - look at loads, and I mean loads. Ignore price + mileage, some of the worst ones I saw were the most expensive and lowest mileage, the best one I saw (and bought) was the lowest price and the highest mileage. In all the performance cars I've bought over the years, I've never seen such a massive variation in price/mileage/condition as I did when searching for an SLK. In fact, I nearly gave up.
As mentioned, history is essential, and even though mine had FMBSH, and required gearbox oil changes, the gearbox still s**t its biscuits and cost £2500 to fix. Find a good indie to look after it, and they're fairly reliable cars, but it's still a £50k Mercedes AMG, so it's not cheap to run, but relatively speaking, it's about as cheap as AMG's get.
Lastly, haggle hard. SLK55's seem to hang around a lot. You get the odd bargain which disappears quickly, but I struggled to sell mine (and spoke to others who said the same) as the demand for these cars is pretty low. It's a shame they get overlooked in the performance car market, as they're bloody brilliant.
Thanks for the tips- I would have snapped up that blue one if it was private sale. IMPORTANT - look at loads, and I mean loads. Ignore price + mileage, some of the worst ones I saw were the most expensive and lowest mileage, the best one I saw (and bought) was the lowest price and the highest mileage. In all the performance cars I've bought over the years, I've never seen such a massive variation in price/mileage/condition as I did when searching for an SLK. In fact, I nearly gave up.
As mentioned, history is essential, and even though mine had FMBSH, and required gearbox oil changes, the gearbox still s**t its biscuits and cost £2500 to fix. Find a good indie to look after it, and they're fairly reliable cars, but it's still a £50k Mercedes AMG, so it's not cheap to run, but relatively speaking, it's about as cheap as AMG's get.
Lastly, haggle hard. SLK55's seem to hang around a lot. You get the odd bargain which disappears quickly, but I struggled to sell mine (and spoke to others who said the same) as the demand for these cars is pretty low. It's a shame they get overlooked in the performance car market, as they're bloody brilliant.
If you hear of anything else similar for sale - would love to know if your still in touch with owners etc.
DamnKraut said:
Differences between introduction of the 171 SLK55 and the facelift were minimal.
@OP: if needed I can look those up for you from the German SLK community website.
If it would not be too much bother that would be great...@OP: if needed I can look those up for you from the German SLK community website.
I have searched in Google but not finding anything definitive .... Just more general information
Changes inside include a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel design. Merc’s latest telematics system has been shoehorned in, letting owners use Bluetooth and operate their iPod remotely through the usual stereo.
Does pre-facelift not have Bluetooth at all or was it an option?
DamnKraut said:
Yes, pre-facelift audio systems could have Bluetooth but as you said only in limited cases.
These were the systems:
1) Audio 20
2) Audio 50 APS
3) Comand
Harman Kardon Logic7 was only available for (2) and (3). Same is the case for Bluetooth which only worked when there was a phone kit.
Bluetooth in both pre facelift and facelift models only works for connecting a phone, audio streaming is not possible.
@OP:
The whole audio system landscape in the SLK is quite messy regarding an upgrade to today's standard. In my opinion go for the highest system (i.e. Comand NTG 2.5 in facelift, Comand NTG 1 in pre facelift), see that everything works and live with it being ancient. The audio system in that car sits under the bonnet
Thanks for the info - that's great These were the systems:
1) Audio 20
2) Audio 50 APS
3) Comand
Harman Kardon Logic7 was only available for (2) and (3). Same is the case for Bluetooth which only worked when there was a phone kit.
Bluetooth in both pre facelift and facelift models only works for connecting a phone, audio streaming is not possible.
@OP:
The whole audio system landscape in the SLK is quite messy regarding an upgrade to today's standard. In my opinion go for the highest system (i.e. Comand NTG 2.5 in facelift, Comand NTG 1 in pre facelift), see that everything works and live with it being ancient. The audio system in that car sits under the bonnet
I'm out of the country from later today till October.... Hopefully when I'm back a few more will be on the market.
Fortunately I'm not in a huge rush to purchase as have another car to use for the time being
DamnKraut said:
Yes, pre-facelift audio systems could have Bluetooth but as you said only in limited cases.
These were the systems:
1) Audio 20
2) Audio 50 APS
3) Comand
Harman Kardon Logic7 was only available for (2) and (3). Same is the case for Bluetooth which only worked when there was a phone kit.
Bluetooth in both pre facelift and facelift models only works for connecting a phone, audio streaming is not possible.
@OP:
The whole audio system landscape in the SLK is quite messy regarding an upgrade to today's standard. In my opinion go for the highest system (i.e. Comand NTG 2.5 in facelift, Comand NTG 1 in pre facelift), see that everything works and live with it being ancient. The audio system in that car sits under the bonnet
Thanks for the info - that's great These were the systems:
1) Audio 20
2) Audio 50 APS
3) Comand
Harman Kardon Logic7 was only available for (2) and (3). Same is the case for Bluetooth which only worked when there was a phone kit.
Bluetooth in both pre facelift and facelift models only works for connecting a phone, audio streaming is not possible.
@OP:
The whole audio system landscape in the SLK is quite messy regarding an upgrade to today's standard. In my opinion go for the highest system (i.e. Comand NTG 2.5 in facelift, Comand NTG 1 in pre facelift), see that everything works and live with it being ancient. The audio system in that car sits under the bonnet
I'm out of the country from later today till October.... Hopefully when I'm back a few more will be on the market.
Fortunately I'm not in a huge rush to purchase as have another car to use for the time being
DamnKraut said:
OP, if you don't mind the ubiquitous silver exterior, I've just seen a 55 offered in an owner's forum. Beats the dealer offers easily in price and quality 
I think I'm resigned to the fact that I am most likely going to have to purchase a silver car considering what is available for saleThat would be great if you could send me details of the car
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