Considering SLK and SLK info wanted
Discussion
'Title was meant to say and Black sorry'
I've never typically been much of a convertible fan or an auto fan I tend to go for drivers cars more than comfort. Just recently however I've been considering redressing the balance a bit.
I've always quite liked the post 2004 shape SLK and just recently have been contemplating whether I might 'need' one. Can anyone tell me which variants were available in manual? What are the common faults/worries?
Where might I find a good review, what do you like/not like about your car if you have one?
Lastly my eye was obviously caught by the fact that there was a 'black' addition in 2007, break it to me gently.. how much are these changing hands at currently?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Regards,
Ben
I've never typically been much of a convertible fan or an auto fan I tend to go for drivers cars more than comfort. Just recently however I've been considering redressing the balance a bit.
I've always quite liked the post 2004 shape SLK and just recently have been contemplating whether I might 'need' one. Can anyone tell me which variants were available in manual? What are the common faults/worries?
Where might I find a good review, what do you like/not like about your car if you have one?
Lastly my eye was obviously caught by the fact that there was a 'black' addition in 2007, break it to me gently.. how much are these changing hands at currently?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Regards,
Ben
Edited by Niffty951 on Wednesday 28th December 19:35
Regarding the Black series:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a... Are there any SLK Black series in the UK?
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a... Are there any SLK Black series in the UK?
All variants of the R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK EXCEPT the SLK55 AMG were available with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Regarding practicality, the R171 has the smallest boot of all SLKs at 300 litre (roof up), some 14% smaller than its predecessor. However, with the roof down it offers 208 litre whereas the R170 is limited to 145 litre.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r171-slk-class/ is a good source of information for this model.
I still prefer the look of the R170, but both the R170 and R171 are far better looking than the hideously ugly R172!
Regarding practicality, the R171 has the smallest boot of all SLKs at 300 litre (roof up), some 14% smaller than its predecessor. However, with the roof down it offers 208 litre whereas the R170 is limited to 145 litre.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r171-slk-class/ is a good source of information for this model.
I still prefer the look of the R170, but both the R170 and R171 are far better looking than the hideously ugly R172!
Niffty951 said:
'Title was meant to say and Black sorry'
I've never typically been much of a convertible fan or an auto fan I tend to go for drivers cars more than comfort. Just recently however I've been considering redressing the balance a bit.
I've always quite liked the post 2004 shape SLK and just recently have been contemplating whether I might 'need' one. Can anyone tell me which variants were available in manual? What are the common faults/worries?
Where might I find a good review, what do you like/not like about your car if you have one?
Lastly my eye was obviously caught by the fact that there was a 'black' addition in 2007, break it to me gently.. how much are these changing hands at currently?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Regards,
Ben
Hi Ben, Have had the same type of car history with the last being a TVR Tuscan. Certainly a drivers machine and not known for comfort or practicality, (although not bad on both considering). I've never typically been much of a convertible fan or an auto fan I tend to go for drivers cars more than comfort. Just recently however I've been considering redressing the balance a bit.
I've always quite liked the post 2004 shape SLK and just recently have been contemplating whether I might 'need' one. Can anyone tell me which variants were available in manual? What are the common faults/worries?
Where might I find a good review, what do you like/not like about your car if you have one?
Lastly my eye was obviously caught by the fact that there was a 'black' addition in 2007, break it to me gently.. how much are these changing hands at currently?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Regards,
Ben
Edited by Niffty951 on Wednesday 28th December 19:35
Recently changed it for a SLK55 AMG, can tell you a few things that you would probably already know. The 55 comes loaded with all the MB toys, most like mine were bought with the options list ticked so you don't get a slouch. Earlier ones, (mines a 54) had the better brakes fitted as standard before MB realised they could fit smaller callipers and charge a premium for the upgrades as an option.
Bottom ilne is the engine is fabulous, the amount of torque it throws about puts into the space where it is quicker than my Tuscan was, always pulls and sounds awesome. Once you are used to the slightly heavy nose, it can be chucked about with the best of them.
Ref gearbox, the 55 comes with the flappy-paddle 7 speed which has 3 modes of operation, Comfort, Sport and Manual which once you have got used to and realised that the engine will shove you through each gear as quickly as you can change them, it is really quite a drivable unit.
Brilliantly put together, evrything is bolted down tightly. The magnesium seats are certainly a firmer seat than the TVR but do a fine job of holding you in the right spot.
Enjoy if you get one.
M
TheGroves said:
Earlier ones, (mines a 54) had the better brakes fitted as standard before MB realised they could fit smaller callipers and charge a premium for the upgrades as an option.
Bottom ilne is the engine is fabulous, the amount of torque it throws about puts into the space where it is quicker than my Tuscan was, always pulls and sounds awesome. Once you are used to the slightly heavy nose, it can be chucked about with the best of them.
M
Very interesting. Thanks for that detailed response. Typical manufacturer deal with the brakes! Bottom ilne is the engine is fabulous, the amount of torque it throws about puts into the space where it is quicker than my Tuscan was, always pulls and sounds awesome. Once you are used to the slightly heavy nose, it can be chucked about with the best of them.
M
It seems there has been a big dip in 996t prices since I last looked in the summer so I'm not going to do anything in the immediate future. If prices bounce back to sensible levels I will definitely take one for a drive and look again. What I've heard here has confirmed my interest in learning more.
Edited by Niffty951 on Tuesday 3rd January 16:24
As Nakulan mentioned, slkworld.com has a bunch of passionate SLK owners. We also meet up to chase sheep on empty windswept moorland roads several times a year. We'd love to see you if you get an SLK. You can find more details here....
http://www.slkworld.com/united-kingdom-region/
I originally started out wanting an Elise or TVR or similar, but being a tall chap I found I was looking over the windscreen - not good if you try to put the roof up! So I got an SLK because its the only car I can comfortably fit. It is very comfortable if you are used to a TVR.
It has enough luggage space for 2 people for a short break, you can cruise along a motorway in comfort and peace, but it is spirited enough have fun charging around country roads with the roof down.
If you like hard driving on remote roads then the 350 and 55 both have enough performance to mean you'll be limited by your own talent and the fear of finding some obstacle around the next corner. In practice a 350 can match a 55 on our runs, but we're on roads without a white line down the middle. A 55 is better on a wider straighter roads and will be much better on a track.
The sound and power of the 55 is awesome compared to the 350, but the 350 comes with both manual & auto boxes. The 55 is only available with the auto box.
The auto box is great when you put your foot to the floor as it'll rise through the gears faster than you can with a manual. You can also use the paddles to select a gear while in auto and the box will stay in that gear until forced to change up when it hits the red line. So I tend set my 350 auto to stay in 4th (out of 7 gears) on country roads, and nudge it down to 3rd before a slow bend, then the box will nudge back up to 4th as you hit the red line. Its a little fiddly until you get used the to slight delay in clicking the paddle and the car changing gear, although that delay is no different to the time taken for a manual shift. Personally I'll go for a manual box next time simply for something different, but I'm happy to keep my auto for a few more years.
One word of caution, the 55 is badged as an AMG, so everything from the service to the parts will cost you about 20% more than a 350. Merc dealers will charge for everything under the sun unless you tell them beforehand that you are not prepared to pay £10 for a bottle of screen wash, and you don't want the climate control filter changing (why bother if you drive with the roof down??) If you shop around you'll find a sensible dealer who'll give a fixed price service and miss the frivolous items. You get free Mobiolife cover (ie Green flag) if you get your car serviced at a Merc dealer every 2 years, so that saves you a bit of cash to compensate for the dealer costs.
The purchase prices will drop on the older model now the new one is available, and if you get one registered before 23 March 2006, the road tax is band K (£250) rather than band L (£435)
Personally, I'd go for one from a dealer so I get the 12 month warranty. Also ask to see the full service log, it'll be on the MB computer.
MPG is 25-35 for a 350, and 18-25 for a 55.
http://www.slkworld.com/united-kingdom-region/
I originally started out wanting an Elise or TVR or similar, but being a tall chap I found I was looking over the windscreen - not good if you try to put the roof up! So I got an SLK because its the only car I can comfortably fit. It is very comfortable if you are used to a TVR.
It has enough luggage space for 2 people for a short break, you can cruise along a motorway in comfort and peace, but it is spirited enough have fun charging around country roads with the roof down.
If you like hard driving on remote roads then the 350 and 55 both have enough performance to mean you'll be limited by your own talent and the fear of finding some obstacle around the next corner. In practice a 350 can match a 55 on our runs, but we're on roads without a white line down the middle. A 55 is better on a wider straighter roads and will be much better on a track.
The sound and power of the 55 is awesome compared to the 350, but the 350 comes with both manual & auto boxes. The 55 is only available with the auto box.
The auto box is great when you put your foot to the floor as it'll rise through the gears faster than you can with a manual. You can also use the paddles to select a gear while in auto and the box will stay in that gear until forced to change up when it hits the red line. So I tend set my 350 auto to stay in 4th (out of 7 gears) on country roads, and nudge it down to 3rd before a slow bend, then the box will nudge back up to 4th as you hit the red line. Its a little fiddly until you get used the to slight delay in clicking the paddle and the car changing gear, although that delay is no different to the time taken for a manual shift. Personally I'll go for a manual box next time simply for something different, but I'm happy to keep my auto for a few more years.
One word of caution, the 55 is badged as an AMG, so everything from the service to the parts will cost you about 20% more than a 350. Merc dealers will charge for everything under the sun unless you tell them beforehand that you are not prepared to pay £10 for a bottle of screen wash, and you don't want the climate control filter changing (why bother if you drive with the roof down??) If you shop around you'll find a sensible dealer who'll give a fixed price service and miss the frivolous items. You get free Mobiolife cover (ie Green flag) if you get your car serviced at a Merc dealer every 2 years, so that saves you a bit of cash to compensate for the dealer costs.
The purchase prices will drop on the older model now the new one is available, and if you get one registered before 23 March 2006, the road tax is band K (£250) rather than band L (£435)
Personally, I'd go for one from a dealer so I get the 12 month warranty. Also ask to see the full service log, it'll be on the MB computer.
MPG is 25-35 for a 350, and 18-25 for a 55.
Edited by richardleeds on Tuesday 3rd January 15:09
Edited by richardleeds on Wednesday 4th January 10:51
BigAndy996 said:
.....and don't discount the 280 either if you can get a 'sport' model.
How does the 280k compare 'real world' to the 350? I think with the manual box and price/car ratio the 350 would win it over the AMG if I bought one today. I love the sound/torque of that V8 but I'm not convinced about a 7 speed auto. I think the best thing about 'big muscle' V8s is their lack of need for gears. You can drive them in almost any gear, I'd have thought a 4 speed auto with nice long gears to accelerate through would be a more satisfying match?
(just thinking aloud)
I have owned an SLK350 for about 12 months, i never thought that i would have bought the SLK when i started my search for a manual convertible. I initialy drove the 280 and found the performance to be not very inspiring, after trying many Boxster's,Z4 and even an ageing 911 i found a 1 owner 55 reg merc.
On the test drive the owner put the auto box to sport, told me to kick down and see how much bottle i had. 1 mile later i had bought the car.The auto box is stunning and quicker than a manual, i could not find a manual car and i am glad i didn't.
There is more room in the boot than first meets the eye, we traveled 3000mls around Italy over 3 weeks this summer and had no problem, the seats are comfortable and the car averaged 33 mpg.
MB Northampton have been excellant, altered headlamp beam for euro driving and back to UK, FOC.
The AMG is quicker and has a a great exhaust tone, if you have budget go for it if not you could do a lot worse than the 350.
On the test drive the owner put the auto box to sport, told me to kick down and see how much bottle i had. 1 mile later i had bought the car.The auto box is stunning and quicker than a manual, i could not find a manual car and i am glad i didn't.
There is more room in the boot than first meets the eye, we traveled 3000mls around Italy over 3 weeks this summer and had no problem, the seats are comfortable and the car averaged 33 mpg.
MB Northampton have been excellant, altered headlamp beam for euro driving and back to UK, FOC.
The AMG is quicker and has a a great exhaust tone, if you have budget go for it if not you could do a lot worse than the 350.
Test drive both the 350 and 55. And if the auto is still not to your liking, then the 350 would be sufficient for your needs.
I was abit skeptical bout owning an auto when I was looking for my 55. Ive always owned manuals.
It really is not as bad as some people make out. Once you get used to how the auto operates, it really is a fun/great car to drive. Fast and smooth changes, plus you have the option of the manual paddleshifts.
I'm not bothered what transmission the car has, the glorious V8 engine is all i need
Hope you make the right choice!
I was abit skeptical bout owning an auto when I was looking for my 55. Ive always owned manuals.
It really is not as bad as some people make out. Once you get used to how the auto operates, it really is a fun/great car to drive. Fast and smooth changes, plus you have the option of the manual paddleshifts.
I'm not bothered what transmission the car has, the glorious V8 engine is all i need
Hope you make the right choice!
TISPKJ said:
Hi Niffty, we have both a 350 and the old shape SLK32.
If your on a budget the 32 is an absolute rocket ship, only an auto available thou, I think performance wise its on par with the 55.
Regards
If your on a budget the 32 is an absolute rocket ship, only an auto available thou, I think performance wise its on par with the 55.
Regards
You are kidding right !?! The 32 is some way off the pace of the 55 and has the old 5 speed auto. Its an uncomparable car.TheGroves said:
TISPKJ said:
Hi Niffty, we have both a 350 and the old shape SLK32.
If your on a budget the 32 is an absolute rocket ship, only an auto available thou, I think performance wise its on par with the 55.
Regards
If your on a budget the 32 is an absolute rocket ship, only an auto available thou, I think performance wise its on par with the 55.
Regards
You are kidding right !?! The 32 is some way off the pace of the 55 and has the old 5 speed auto. Its an uncomparable car.Niffty951 said:
How does the 280k compare 'real world' to the 350? I think with the manual box and price/car ratio the 350 would win it over the AMG if I bought one today. I love the sound/torque of that V8 but I'm not convinced about a 7 speed auto.
I think the best thing about 'big muscle' V8s is their lack of need for gears. You can drive them in almost any gear, I'd have thought a 4 speed auto with nice long gears to accelerate through would be a more satisfying match?
(just thinking aloud)
I've got the 7 speed auto in my C350 and it's excellent. I have always driven manuals but the manual mode is excellent when pressing on and allows you to concentrate more on cornering (or battling with understeer in my case). I think the best thing about 'big muscle' V8s is their lack of need for gears. You can drive them in almost any gear, I'd have thought a 4 speed auto with nice long gears to accelerate through would be a more satisfying match?
(just thinking aloud)
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