SLK350 opinions

[RobM77]

I'm thinking of buying a 2006/2007 SLK350 soon and was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share - mpg, service costs, opinions of the car etc. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated - thanks

PS - I've tried a search but not found anything.

[Luke.]

Think the general consensus is that it's a better all rounder than the 55 and you don't even lose out much on the performance. Manuals obviously rare as hen's teeth, but not too bad. Apparently. Personally, I really like the look of them and think they're a great everyday option.

[RobM77]

Luke. said:

Think the general consensus is that it's a better all rounder than the 55 and you don't even lose out much on the performance. Manuals obviously rare as hen's teeth, but not too bad. Apparently. Personally, I really like the look of them and think they're a great everyday option.

Thank you. The only model I've driven is the 55, on two occasions. I liked it a lot, and found the auto surprisingly decent (I hate autos, but it had me thinking I could certainly live with it). I guess the suspension won't be as keenly set up on the 350, but I'm hoping the major controls react in a similar way.

[rob928gt]

Hi Rob. "She" wanted an SLK 280, I wanted her to have an SLK 55 AMG, as it was mainly for her we settled for a new SLK 350. It really was a superb car, black with AMG bodykit, AMG alloys, Command and more, no problems with car, until I bought a C55 AMG! The V8 5.5 litre engine is amazing, so after 18 months SLK 350 ownership I changed it for a new SLK 55 AMG, financial suicide but it just had to be done! Having owned, driven, and lived with both, both 7G auto's, each for 18 months, I can say the 350 is a brilliant car but the 55 AMG is just fantastic, the sound and performance of the 55 AMG is just awesome, so far running costs (excluding petrol) are about the same. Last year I changed my C55 AMG for a C63 AMG, I can't wait until Mercedes put that engine into an SLK, please! Hope that helps, please ask any specific questions on either model if you like, regards, Rob

[nick heppinstall]

I was lucky enough to have a 350 last year for the weekend. It was a superb car and I didnt want to give it back !

The only thing I was a little surprised about was the quality of some of the switch gear which felt a little tacky.

Performance wise it was certaintly up their with other cars I have owned ( TVR 400se and Cobra )

[eldar]

First, whatever the engine, get airscarf. It makes a huge difference with the top down in colder weather.

The 350 is probably the best compromise, not as quick as a 55, but there isn't a lot in it in everyday use.

My 350 (7 g auto) has averaged about 24.8 mpg since new, mostly a & b roads and cumbrian fells. Fairly hard use.

Rear tyres lasted 10k miles, £300 to replace. Fronts still OK. Been serviced twice (an A & B), total cost £475.

Its built like a brick sthouse, no rattles top up or down, even on nasty rutted fell roads. I've standard suspension, the sports variety will have your teeth out of less than perfect roads.

Build quality perfect so far, nothing at all has failed.

If you get an auto, get the paddle option, it comes with more agressive gearbox software in both 350 & 55, but the 55 is easier to break, allegedly.

The alternative to the 350 for me was a boxster S, which wasn't as good an everyday car IMHO.

[RobM77]

Thanks for your opinions - much appreciated. If my cello fits then I'm definitely getting one

[eldar]

RobM77 said:

Thanks for your opinions - much appreciated. If my cello fits then I'm definitely getting one

You can get a roof bar option...on a convertible!

http://www.worldcarfans.com/10802192218/2008-merce...

[RobM77]

eldar said:

RobM77 said:

Thanks for your opinions - much appreciated. If my cello fits then I'm definitely getting one

You can get a roof bar option...on a convertible! http://www.worldcarfans.com/10802192218/2008-merce...

Yep :-) I'm a keen Kayaker, so that's a major attraction for me. Not sure I'd want my cello up there though!

[eldar]

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

RobM77 said:

Thanks for your opinions - much appreciated. If my cello fits then I'm definitely getting one

You can get a roof bar option...on a convertible! http://www.worldcarfans.com/10802192218/2008-merce...

Yep :-) I'm a keen Kayaker, so that's a major attraction for me. Not sure I'd want my cello up there though!

God knows where else you'd put it, except inside...there isn't a lot of room in them. Perhaps switch to the ukelele

[RobM77]

eldar said:

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

RobM77 said:

Thanks for your opinions - much appreciated. If my cello fits then I'm definitely getting one

You can get a roof bar option...on a convertible! http://www.worldcarfans.com/10802192218/2008-merce...

Yep :-) I'm a keen Kayaker, so that's a major attraction for me. Not sure I'd want my cello up there though!

God knows where else you'd put it, except inside...there isn't a lot of room in them. Perhaps switch to the ukelele

In most cars it'll sit in the passenger seat, but with some, especially front engined rear drive cars, the engine/gearbox intrudes too much into the footwell to make it possible. Fingers crossed! The alternative for me is a 1/3 series, but I don't like iDrive and I've no use for such a big car as I never carry rear passengers.

[frogfoot]

Hi rob

I own a 350 with the manual box and love it so if one comes up dont discount it.had it serviced at my main dealer and they also said it is a rare beast .
they gave me a 350 auto to loan for the day and i found this just as good

cheers pete

[RobM77]

Thanks Pete. They seem to get universal praise, which is heartening. In an ideal world I'd have an auto, if not just to make sure I don't forget how to drive my racing car! I'm not going to get picky about it though because manual ones are so rare. The auto SLK55 I've driven on two occasions had the best auto any I've tried yet (curiously the worst is BMW by the way).

[eldar]

The key question. Does the cello fit?

[RobM77]

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

[frogfoot]

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

Rob i have managed to get all my carp fishing gear in mine.rods bivy ect in the passanger side and all the rest in the boot.
The lads down the pond thought i was mad when i put the roof down in the snow last xmas to get the rods out!!!!.
As they say where there is a will there is a way go for it matey

[RobM77]

frogfoot said:

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

Rob i have managed to get all my carp fishing gear in mine.rods bivy ect in the passanger side and all the rest in the boot.
The lads down the pond thought i was mad when i put the roof down in the snow last xmas to get the rods out!!!!.
As they say where there is a will there is a way go for it matey

The issue with the cello will be its width to go into the passenger seat. The alternative is the roof rack, but I'd rather not lift it up that high or risk damaging it when its up there.

[frogfoot]

RobM77 said:

frogfoot said:

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

Rob i have managed to get all my carp fishing gear in mine.rods bivy ect in the passanger side and all the rest in the boot.
The lads down the pond thought i was mad when i put the roof down in the snow last xmas to get the rods out!!!!.
As they say where there is a will there is a way go for it matey

The issue with the cello will be its width to go into the passenger seat. The alternative is the roof rack, but I'd rather not lift it up that high or risk damaging it when its up there.

would it go into the car upside down with some pading to protect it.seat belt to hold it in place then you have the bulk up top.just an idea thats how i get away with the bivy when fishing.

[RobM77]

frogfoot said:

RobM77 said:

frogfoot said:

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

Rob i have managed to get all my carp fishing gear in mine.rods bivy ect in the passanger side and all the rest in the boot.
The lads down the pond thought i was mad when i put the roof down in the snow last xmas to get the rods out!!!!.
As they say where there is a will there is a way go for it matey

The issue with the cello will be its width to go into the passenger seat. The alternative is the roof rack, but I'd rather not lift it up that high or risk damaging it when its up there.

would it go into the car upside down with some pading to protect it.seat belt to hold it in place then you have the bulk up top.just an idea thats how i get away with the bivy when fishing.

The problem then is a) It's very dangerous in an accident because it's so narrow at the other end so it easily pivots and would clonk you on the head in an accident. You know those horror stories of a driver with a helmet hitting a non helmeted driver in an accident? This would be far worse! and b) the top is so wide it can cause problems driving.

For the record it just fits in a Boxster. Being mid engined, the Boxster doesn't have a gearbox or bell housing taking up footwell space.

[eldar]

RobM77 said:

frogfoot said:

RobM77 said:

eldar said:

The key question. Does the cello fit?

My local Mercedes dealer were more than happy for me to try the cello in one of their SLKs, and I'll be going over after work on Monday. I'll post Monday evening to let you know! I've been too busy with work this week to manage it sadly. Tomorrow I'm test driving a 135i, which is the alternative if the cello doesn't go in the SLK. It'll be a 2008 135i for the same money as a 2006 SLK, so that's another consideration for me. I prefer the SLK as a car because it's much nicer looking and I think I'll be let out of junctions more

Edited by RobM77 on Friday 9th October 12:27

Rob i have managed to get all my carp fishing gear in mine.rods bivy ect in the passanger side and all the rest in the boot.
The lads down the pond thought i was mad when i put the roof down in the snow last xmas to get the rods out!!!!.
As they say where there is a will there is a way go for it matey

The issue with the cello will be its width to go into the passenger seat. The alternative is the roof rack, but I'd rather not lift it up that high or risk damaging it when its up there.

How wide is it? I'll lave a go with my trusty tape measure