SLK - yes but 350 or 55?
Discussion
You'll see from my number of postings I am new to this forum. I sold my Tivver last year and want to replace it with something that is still fun but will also start everytime I turn the key. Thought about the Nissan 370 but have come down to either a 350 or 55 SLK perhaps 2 or 3 years old. Other than the 55's better performance I would be interested to hear of owner's reasons for choosing one as opposed to the other. Also read in "Honest John" today that the failure of the hydraulic pump controlling the roof could cost up to £2k to replace - is that so and is it something more or less likely to happen over the car's life? Thanks in advance for any responses.
I went through the same thought process, SLK, Boxster etc. Decided on an SLK. Either a new 350 or 2yo 55. The 55 is quicker, though not as much as you might expect. The 55 is auto only, though its an excellent box, the 7G.
I got the 350 rather than the 55, the 55 didn't feel special enough to the 350 to justify the extra costs.
My 350 is now 4 years old, and been 100% reliable
Essential extras are Airscarf, and paddle shift, the latter puts different software in the gearbox, and makes it a bit sharper. The roof appears bullet proof unless you abuse them.
Try both...
I got the 350 rather than the 55, the 55 didn't feel special enough to the 350 to justify the extra costs.
My 350 is now 4 years old, and been 100% reliable
Essential extras are Airscarf, and paddle shift, the latter puts different software in the gearbox, and makes it a bit sharper. The roof appears bullet proof unless you abuse them.
Try both...
Germs said:
Thanks to all for the replies, still not decided but I am leaning towards the 350. As an aside it has surprised me (altho' I am also one) how many ex Tivver's have moved to SLK's - apart from the performance they do seem chalk and cheese.
I think the argument is that its 80% as exciting, yet more reliable and more usable.Someone else posted recently about the 350 vs '55 - they bought the '55, and the simple fact is that if you drive the '55, you will to, because that engine is just fantastic.
Germs said:
Thanks to all for the replies, still not decided but I am leaning towards the 350. As an aside it has surprised me (altho' I am also one) how many ex Tivver's have moved to SLK's - apart from the performance they do seem chalk and cheese.
I bought a 55 amg after owning a cerbera (speed 6). The performance difference is negligable. They are a great car and more usable day to day. Other SLK owners have said however that a 350 Manual is not far removed from a 55 in terms of performance probably due to weight. The 350 is less costly to run but the engine noise from the 55 is what swayed it for me, it's brilliant. So far, after two years of ownership, I haven't had any issues at all so I am very pleased with mine.Test drive both and see which suits, but if you have had a Tiv you will appreciate the noise.
MadeInEngland said:
So far, after two years of ownership, I haven't had any issues at all so I am very pleased with mine.
Generally agreed on SLKWorld that the warranty is pretty much 'essential' - mainly because some minor niggles can be massively expensive to resolve. The MB Tier1 is meant to be very comprehensive, but obviously ties you to MB dealers....I had to let my Tuscan go in July after having covered 60k fun miles in it, replaced it with the 55. Have to say, once you get on top of the 7G gearbox in manual/paddle mode, its probably faster than the Tuscan. I managed to get an earlier one which came with the 6pot front calipers as standard b4 Merc realised they could charge extra for them. The torque the engine throws around is stupid and the car is so very well nailed together.
Most of them come fully loaded but look for the airscarfs, DVD/Command, phone pre-wire etc
enjoy, whatever you do, but know that if you get the 350, you'll always know you should've got the 55 :-)
Most of them come fully loaded but look for the airscarfs, DVD/Command, phone pre-wire etc
enjoy, whatever you do, but know that if you get the 350, you'll always know you should've got the 55 :-)
Thanks for the replies - irrespective of which I decide to get are there any recommendations of where to look in the Sussex/Surrey/Kent area for vendors who are interested in more than just trying to sell cars (but of course I will travel if necessary. Thanks in advance for any further replies.
Have a 350 as an everyday car. Love it!
Buy one and come for some drives with us in www.slkworld.com!
Buy one and come for some drives with us in www.slkworld.com!
Wont help on your choice but I have a 2006 C350 with the 272bhp engine and 7 speed Auto. I came from a E39 M5 so was used to lots of grunt. The C350 is a quick car but needs a decent exhaust (only a single pipe on the C350).
Its very smooth but I find it needs a decent amount of revs when pressing on. However, for my daily commute through Reading it is ideal and much better suited than the M5 was. I can also get 27mpg (overall average is 23mpg at the moment).
If its a toy I would go for the 55, the 350 would be a better everyday car, IMHO.
Its very smooth but I find it needs a decent amount of revs when pressing on. However, for my daily commute through Reading it is ideal and much better suited than the M5 was. I can also get 27mpg (overall average is 23mpg at the moment).
If its a toy I would go for the 55, the 350 would be a better everyday car, IMHO.
bad company said:
I have been looking at buying a new 350 and comparing with Z4sdrive35is. The extras on the Merc are amazing. Even the bloody clock and rain sensing wipers are on the options list !!!
I thought you were just joking until I checked the online configurator...£195 for a f**ing clock!Well, I've had my SLK32 AMG for 6 years now and it's been brilliant.
I've just treated it to a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS3s (£746 all-in), so I guess I'll be keeping it for at least another 16000 miles.
Problems? One rear window regulator and the intercooler pump needed to be replaced under warranty as did the lower ball joints - but that's all. The tyre specialists found that the M-B dealer hadn't checked the wheel alignment after the warranty replacement of the ball joints - and on another occasion the M-B dealer didn't use the right oil until I made them drain it and refill with Mobil 1.
One serious problem though - I simply cannot work out what I'll be buying when the time finally comes to replace it. It is VERY quick (0-60 in 4.8s) and the low end torque is superb. Ride comfort isn't its best point though - I think the first owner must have ticked the 'brutal' suspension option when going through the extras list. 27 mpg on a long trip, but normally only around 23...... Still, a small price to pay for fun - particularly now the toe angle has been correctly set!
I might go for an R171 SLK55 AMG, perhaps. But not the later R172 SLK - it's butt-ugly and absurdly overpriced. I'll never buy one.
Uh-oh...just writing about it has given me the need for speed. Pack the fitted Roadsterbags into the boot, set up the Garmin, top down, toe down and to hell with the Greens!
I've just treated it to a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS3s (£746 all-in), so I guess I'll be keeping it for at least another 16000 miles.
Problems? One rear window regulator and the intercooler pump needed to be replaced under warranty as did the lower ball joints - but that's all. The tyre specialists found that the M-B dealer hadn't checked the wheel alignment after the warranty replacement of the ball joints - and on another occasion the M-B dealer didn't use the right oil until I made them drain it and refill with Mobil 1.
One serious problem though - I simply cannot work out what I'll be buying when the time finally comes to replace it. It is VERY quick (0-60 in 4.8s) and the low end torque is superb. Ride comfort isn't its best point though - I think the first owner must have ticked the 'brutal' suspension option when going through the extras list. 27 mpg on a long trip, but normally only around 23...... Still, a small price to pay for fun - particularly now the toe angle has been correctly set!
I might go for an R171 SLK55 AMG, perhaps. But not the later R172 SLK - it's butt-ugly and absurdly overpriced. I'll never buy one.
Uh-oh...just writing about it has given me the need for speed. Pack the fitted Roadsterbags into the boot, set up the Garmin, top down, toe down and to hell with the Greens!
Edited by nickwilcock on Thursday 20th October 23:36
I agree with nick about the butt ugly R172 and personally i find the slk55amg has also been tapped with the ugly stick. I tried the car and found the noise was its only good point as the performance is virtually identical to an slk32amg, also 55 has frightening running costs! Someone made a point that the slk32 is a completely different car but its a hell of a lot better than an slk350, sorry to upset any 350ers.
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