SLK55 AMG

[Mr lestat]

I currently have a BMW z 4 coupe and have had it for a couple of years. I’m now looking to change and the two choices were an SLK 55 and a 911 (997). I didn’t fancy the potential issues with the 997 i.e. bore scoring and Ims bearing. The ideal choice would’ve been a 997 gen two however they are too much money at the moment. So I have bought the following SLK AMG 55 It’s low mileage and lots of history. Only thing is I’ve bought it blind from the dealer and can’t collect it for a few weeks due to other commitments. I’ve got a good deal on a part ex for my Z 4. I hope it lives up to its pictures and the dealers talk.

Edited by Mr lestat on Thursday 23 May 19:51

[WJNB]

Good choice & probably the only SLK model in history whose depreciation is tolerable. The non-V8 SLC replacement is a poor substitute.
Hopefully it has as the minimum COMMAND & Airscarf plus comprehensive main dealer service history because regular maintenance is especially crucial for this model.
The UK SLK Owners Club website & forum is your friend here. Lots of advice & things to check upon delivery.
I'll look out for your posting on the SLK site.

[Mr lestat]

WJNB said:

Good choice & probably the only SLK model in history whose depreciation is tolerable. The non-V8 SLC replacement is a poor substitute.
Hopefully it has as the minimum COMMAND & Airscarf plus comprehensive main dealer service history because regular maintenance is especially crucial for this model.
The UK SLK Owners Club website & forum is your friend here. Lots of advice & things to check upon delivery.
I'll look out for your posting on the SLK site.

Only thing it doesn’t have is airscarf. Odd to have ticked all the other boxes but not that one however it wasn’t a deal breaker.

[clarki]

Good choice. Had mine for nearly 4 years now, only manged 7k miles in that time but enjoyed every single one of them. It really does feel like a special car.

[stuartdenton]

Hi Great cars, had one for two years. Just check for cam cover oil leaks.

[lewisf182]

Coincidence seeing this, just literally been searching for these in autotrader as a modern replacement for my outgoing 996. I too would like a 997.2 but at £35kish they seem pretty expensive and the slk55’s look a bit of a bargain!

Think dark grey is the best colour for this shape too, keeps it muscular as from some angles can look a bit odd! Any plans for yours? Main thing I hate about the slk55 looks are the fairly boring wheels which is a shame as merc AMG’s usually have gorgeous alloys

[Welshbeef]

How fast are these in the real world and would a 6’2” Rugby playing number 8 for in the drivers seat comfortably?

[irocfan]

Welshbeef said:

How fast are these in the real world and would a 6’2” Rugby playing number 8 for in the drivers seat comfortably?

the R171s (previous model) are fecking fast real-world and the R172 are slightly different - from what I understand more civilised but still plenty interesting!

[Highway Star]

Welshbeef said:

Would a 6’2” Rugby playing number 8 for in the drivers seat comfortably?

Should do. I'm 6'3" and reasonably 'powerfully built' and found my wife's R170 and R172 SLKs to be pretty comfy, even on long journeys across Europe - certainly a lot more roomy than MX5s and the like.

[mwstewart]

Lovely looking thing - congrats. I must confess I didn't know that this shape was available with a decent engine. I like the car and wouldn't mind one - I assume it's the later 5.5 DOHC? Does it sound ASBO like a C63 or did it escape that affliction?

[Welshbeef]

0-100mph in low to mid 9 seconds that’s quicker than the 996 Turbo

[Mr lestat]

It’s escaped the loud exhausts. It’s more a muted burble

[clarki]

Welshbeef said:

0-100mph in low to mid 9 seconds that’s quicker than the 996 Turbo

And they do get off the line surprisingly well. Its trying to give it a fair dig of throttle when you have some steering angle on that the traction control can mess things up. Something like a 996 turbo will punch out of a corner miles better.

Ours replaced a 981 Boxster S which tbh was a bit of a let-down IMO (not sure the misses agrees!!). It's miles faster than the Porsche but tbh that wasn't the main reason for the change. It's just such a bonkers fun car. It's a weekend car for us and I wanted something that was laugh out loud.

The bang for your buck is superb and it's a nice place to be, but if your into chasing apexes then it's not for you. Think of it as a modern day hot rod and you'll be fine.

[8bit]

Looks nice. I changed my XKR last year, was looking at these but they are pretty rare and most were out of budget at the time. Ended up going for a later, 5 litre XKR. It's great but I may yet get one of these. I'll be interested to hear how you get on with it. Hopefully the gearbox is a bit better than the one in my wife's ML320, am sure it will be though as that's obviously a different thing altogether.

[Mr lestat]

It has nice flappy paddles and lots of toys. Will post a few pics when I get it.

[Welshbeef]

Mr lestat said:

It has nice flappy paddles and lots of toys. Will post a few pics when I get it.

Even though lacking 100odd bhp against the 6.2V8 M156 it is quicker 0-100mph.

[Smokey32]

Its not lacking 100bhp a C63 is 450 standard the SLK is 418.

Love these, though looks wise I still prefer the R171.

Pretty sure the V8 was at the time the most fuel efficient 8 in the world, doesn't it shut down a bank?

[Mr lestat]

Smokey32 said:

Its not lacking 100bhp a C63 is 450 standard the SLK is 418.

Love these, though looks wise I still prefer the R171.

Pretty sure the V8 was at the time the most fuel efficient 8 in the world, doesn't it shut down a bank?

Yes they shut down cylinders if not needed apparently. Only £300 per year tax as it’s quite low on emissions. Comparable 911 is in the highest bracket I believe

[Mr lestat]

lewisf182 said:

Coincidence seeing this, just literally been searching for these in autotrader as a modern replacement for my outgoing 996. I too would like a 997.2 but at £35kish they seem pretty expensive and the slk55’s look a bit of a bargain!

Think dark grey is the best colour for this shape too, keeps it muscular as from some angles can look a bit odd! Any plans for yours? Main thing I hate about the slk55 looks are the fairly boring wheels which is a shame as merc AMG’s usually have gorgeous alloys

No real plans. Apart from drive it and enjoy it

[cerb4.5lee]

I've always loved these big time!

Enjoy collecting it and enjoy that lovely V8.