Discussion
Hi all, I had a thread back at the start of the year on a Mustang vs an M2 but hadn't really considered what else was about then remembered a neighbour back at my mum and dad's had the old shape SLK55 which sounded fantastic.
The newer shape looks incredible value for money in terms of what you get and I prefer the mini SL looks of the R172, it's just a smart looking car.
Is there a catch? I appreciate it wouldn't be as sharp as a purpose built sports car but a 5.5 V8 and the roof coming off makes it a very hard thing to ignore.
The newer shape looks incredible value for money in terms of what you get and I prefer the mini SL looks of the R172, it's just a smart looking car.
Is there a catch? I appreciate it wouldn't be as sharp as a purpose built sports car but a 5.5 V8 and the roof coming off makes it a very hard thing to ignore.
I was very tempted by these, but unfortunately it turns out I don't really fit in them, which I was a bit gutted about because on paper they sound great.
In terms of negatives for people shorter than 6'3" the only thing that really seems to come up is some chassis flex, and there are stronger body braces you can buy to improve that, and obviously working on a massive engine in a small body can be tricky.
In terms of negatives for people shorter than 6'3" the only thing that really seems to come up is some chassis flex, and there are stronger body braces you can buy to improve that, and obviously working on a massive engine in a small body can be tricky.
I've had mine for over nine years. The engine is still intoxicating. I love it.
As widely reported it is not sharp like a Boxster. It is more fun on A roads than B roads. But with the top down, in a two-seater sports car with that engine, I am happy with the compromise.
Make sure gearbox oil has been changed every five years or so. Ideally annually serviced by a specialist.
It does the two jobs pretty well in terms of open top and hard top coupe.
As widely reported it is not sharp like a Boxster. It is more fun on A roads than B roads. But with the top down, in a two-seater sports car with that engine, I am happy with the compromise.
Make sure gearbox oil has been changed every five years or so. Ideally annually serviced by a specialist.
It does the two jobs pretty well in terms of open top and hard top coupe.
HazzaT said:
Unfortunately I'm 6'3 and 17 stone of rugby league prop, sounds like it could be a squeeze!
Ah, sounds like we're about the same size. I imagine sir might be better suited to shopping in the SL section.I'm mostly looking at SL400s now, but I potentially need to be able to do a 500-mile round-trip commute in it. If you're relaxed about mpg the SL500s look pretty good value for a V8 convertible. Yes, it's just a piddling little twin turbo 4.7, similar power to the SLK55 stock and not much heavier, but apparently a Stage 1 will take it over 500bhp and at least you'll fit in it.
I rember your thread - mine was 55 or Mustang.
Pick the 55 up just after Christmas - it’s been interesting to own.
That’s not negative - if you’re expecting your typical loud, brash AMG, it’s absolutely not.
It’s actually a fairly quiet ballistic missile! The pick up of speed is pretty ridiculous and it’s a wonderful place to sit.
Too quiet imho - needs a bit more presence. You wouldn’t know it was an AMG unless you were behind it.
Haven’t seen another one in 6 months which is nice.
Got walloped with a leaking front shock (common) and a £1300 bill after 2 months.
The brake squeal is completely random but awful when it does happen, apparently “they all do that sir”.
Pick the 55 up just after Christmas - it’s been interesting to own.
That’s not negative - if you’re expecting your typical loud, brash AMG, it’s absolutely not.
It’s actually a fairly quiet ballistic missile! The pick up of speed is pretty ridiculous and it’s a wonderful place to sit.
Too quiet imho - needs a bit more presence. You wouldn’t know it was an AMG unless you were behind it.
Haven’t seen another one in 6 months which is nice.
Got walloped with a leaking front shock (common) and a £1300 bill after 2 months.
The brake squeal is completely random but awful when it does happen, apparently “they all do that sir”.
Cheers lads, I'll have to just go and sit in an SLK to make sure either way if I can fit!
The SL500 looks amazing, in my head I'm a bit worried about higher bork factor in an SL because it was a near enough 100k car new but I love that Mercedes had the nerve to call a 4.7 twin turbo land yacht 'blue efficiency'. That is exactly the naming scheme I can get behind, it'd be like Ford calling the 7.3 powerstroke Ecoblue
The SL500 looks amazing, in my head I'm a bit worried about higher bork factor in an SL because it was a near enough 100k car new but I love that Mercedes had the nerve to call a 4.7 twin turbo land yacht 'blue efficiency'. That is exactly the naming scheme I can get behind, it'd be like Ford calling the 7.3 powerstroke Ecoblue
pidsy said:
If you re anywhere near NW London - Herts borders - happy to take you out.
Little bit far unfortunately mate as I'm up in yorkshire but much appreciated! I'll see how I get on with a test drive, there are a few near me at dealers I might take a look at over the next couple of weeks, same with SL500s although they are pretty rare
edc said:
How about a CLK 55/63?
It sounds daft but I can't deal with the headlights on 2000s mercs, the actual cars look pretty good and then they stick Urkel glasses on them which I just couldn't turn round and look at when I'm walking awayThe C63 is definitely an option if I find one that isn't shagged
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