Discussion
I've decided that for this year's trip to the South of France that I prefer to drive than fly, and so want a nice convertible in which to do the trip. I'm sick of flying down renting a cheap car, and then regretting it when I get out onto the mountain roads. Any nice car makes no sense to rent for a fortnight (couple of thousand pounds a week, I think), so I'm thinking of getting an SLK, but don't know whether to get the 350, or the 55 AMG, so what are people's thoughts?
I have an RS4 at the moment, and won't be getting rid of that. I want some fun on the twisty bits, but mainly just want a "nice" car that has a bit of everything. Fun to drive, adept at long distances, a bit of luggage space, good to cruise along the corniche in, and so on.
I've looked at Boxsters, the Z4 M Roadster, and Elise, an Evora S, and have driven the SLK350, but haven't yet been behind the wheel of the 55. I'll have a test drive next weekend, but you can't tell a huge amount from a trundle around Essex for half an hour, so what are people's thoughts overall?
Is the 55 a lot firmer than the 350? Is it in a different class in terms of feedback and performance? Will I feel frustrated, alongside an RS4, by the lower power of a 350, or are both perfectly good cars that will make the trip something a bit more special?
I have an RS4 at the moment, and won't be getting rid of that. I want some fun on the twisty bits, but mainly just want a "nice" car that has a bit of everything. Fun to drive, adept at long distances, a bit of luggage space, good to cruise along the corniche in, and so on.
I've looked at Boxsters, the Z4 M Roadster, and Elise, an Evora S, and have driven the SLK350, but haven't yet been behind the wheel of the 55. I'll have a test drive next weekend, but you can't tell a huge amount from a trundle around Essex for half an hour, so what are people's thoughts overall?
Is the 55 a lot firmer than the 350? Is it in a different class in terms of feedback and performance? Will I feel frustrated, alongside an RS4, by the lower power of a 350, or are both perfectly good cars that will make the trip something a bit more special?
NorthernBoy said:
Thanks. If I get the 350 I'll want the standard suspension.
Is the command system indispensable? I'm assuming that I'll need it for iPod connectivity, but do I gain much else with it apart from the sat nav? I understand that the voice features are less than perfect.
Comand is OK in the latest versions getting cruddier as it gets older - the updates are expensive as well. Check the version and how well the ipod connectivity works, there were quite a few updates.Is the command system indispensable? I'm assuming that I'll need it for iPod connectivity, but do I gain much else with it apart from the sat nav? I understand that the voice features are less than perfect.
If you go for an auto 350, get one with the optional wheel paddle change, that also had better box software that make the change sharper.
From my understanding of the reviews, the 350 is the better car due to being available as a manual. I drove the SLK55 and wasn't overly impressed with the autobox, but it did the job.
In all honesty though, once you've experienced that V8, I'll be suprised - nay, AMAZED - if you walk away and buy a 350, autobox or not. I found the 55 to be firm yet compliant even on bumpy roads, slightly over-assisted steeing but did well to mask the weight in the nose. Handled well, even coming from the seat of an Exige.
In terms of the comand system, I found it pretty poor from my brief button-mashing on the test drive, but its seemingly essential for decent resale, as is the airscarf.
eldar said:
Comand is OK in the latest versions getting cruddier as it gets older - the updates are expensive as well. Check the version and how well the ipod connectivity works, there were quite a few updates.
If you go for an auto 350, get one with the optional wheel paddle change, that also had better box software that make the change sharper.
Thanks. I definitely want paddles, but I'm starting to think that it might be better to drop my requirement for command.If you go for an auto 350, get one with the optional wheel paddle change, that also had better box software that make the change sharper.
If I do that then some nice 55s come into my budget .
I'm happy to go the automatic route, I'll still have something more sporty in a hard top with a manual box for when that fits the bill.
More co fused than ever now. I took out and SLK55 today, and it was nice, but I was slightly underwhelmed. The difference from the 350 did not seem as much as I expected.
It would have been better to drive them back-to-back, I suppose, and I compounded my error by going out earlier today in a GT-R.
I'm only going to get the 55, I think, if I can get an immaculate one, with paddles, for £18k.
It would have been better to drive them back-to-back, I suppose, and I compounded my error by going out earlier today in a GT-R.
I'm only going to get the 55, I think, if I can get an immaculate one, with paddles, for £18k.
Doesn't really surprise me. I'm not sure if the 55 feels slow or the 350 feels fast, but when I was looking to upgrade my 350 to a 55 it really didn't feel much quicker in performance or handling, which surprised me a little. I kept the 350 which has been a peach, no problems at all over the 3 years I've owned it.
eldar said:
Doesn't really surprise me. I'm not sure if the 55 feels slow or the 350 feels fast, but when I was looking to upgrade my 350 to a 55 it really didn't feel much quicker in performance or handling, which surprised me a little. I kept the 350 which has been a peach, no problems at all over the 3 years I've owned it.
Thanks for that. I really can't decide, but need to get one soon, the summer's passing quickly.eldar said:
Good move, let us know what you think. What spec is it?
Red and black interior, park assist, command, key operated roof, xenon lights, airscarf, garage door opener thingy...It's got the turbine wheels that I wanted, and overall seems to be in very good condition. High mileage, at nearly 80k, but at under £19,000 it seemed a fair price.
I don't want to take a day off work, or waste my Saturday getting it, so they are delivering it on Friday.
mo_han said:
Im sure you made the right choice.
Im picking mine up next week also. 56 Silver with all black interior. Do you live in the North West?
Thanks.Im picking mine up next week also. 56 Silver with all black interior. Do you live in the North West?
No, I'm a Londoner nowadays (from Northumberland originally).
I need to think where I take it for a weekend away, now.
I think that the RS4 is going to see a lot less use over the next few months.
NorthernBoy said:
It's got the turbine wheels that I wanted, and overall seems to be in very good condition. High mileage, at nearly 80k, but at under £19,000 it seemed a fair price.
I must admit, I think I got a cracking deal on mine. But only problem is, no turbine wheels which is what I really wanted. I got the other AMG 5 spoke ones. The turbines do really set the car off IMO.So anyone in the North West area, who are sick to death cleaning their turbine wheels and wants to straight swap to a nice simple looking wheel(very easy to clean may I add).....get in touch. Wheels must be pristine like mine.
Changed my mind now....I'm starting to like the 5 spoke alloys now. Gives it more of a civilised look instead of the more aggressive looking turbine wheels.
Thing which surprised me most is how economical it is for such a big engine. Also, I'm happy to report that my golf equipment fits. We talking clubs, cart bag and electric trolley.
Thing which surprised me most is how economical it is for such a big engine. Also, I'm happy to report that my golf equipment fits. We talking clubs, cart bag and electric trolley.
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