R171 SLK55 AMG -worth it?

[Baked_bean]

Hi all, these cars keep on coming up on my radar as a high days/weekend car. The thing is, I am not to knowledgeable on these cars as I generally look at Boxsters, Z4’s etc..

I am not expecting the drive to be as sharp as the above cars but are they a good buy? I have looked at buying guides and they seem fairly robust compared to say the SL?

Also with Corona chaos across the world, do these cars look set to fall in value or are they secure? I know the market is uncertain but certain cars seem more due a correction than others.

Thanks

[Tommie38]

The 5.4 M113 AMG motor is a very special thing. Hand built, torquey and much more reliable than the later 6.2. My experience of the 5.4 is in a CLK, so comparable but not quite the same.

A lot depends on how special the thought of a V8 in a little car is to you. Certainly unlikely to be repeated. That said, whilst you gain as a hot rod you lose as an out and out driving experience, but you sound like you know that. If you’d normally buy manual, be aware that you will lose some involvement there too.

Now is not the time to be buying cars if you are worried about depreciation!

[Tommie38]

If it helps, I’ve seen these cars go as low as £8k ish (I think) for high milers. Think 140k or so.

[Baked_bean]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I am looking at the slightly higher end of the market as I feel it’s a car we’re I would want the full experience and a good service record etc...around the 50k mark with plugs, gearbox oil etc done.

I am not unduly worried about depreciation but if these will all sit £5k lower then I will hold out...

[MattyB_]

Baked_bean said:

Also with Corona chaos across the world, do these cars look set to fall in value or are they secure? I know the market is uncertain but certain cars seem more due a correction than others.

Thanks

Measure this piece of string for me?

SLK55's are great cars, really enjoyed mine. You're right, dynamically they're not the best and the gearbox is a bit slow....but that engine with the roof down is something else. You can have the greatest chassis in the world, but get roof off the and hammer down and you'll be totally sold on the noise.

And they're probably one of the most reliable/cheapest AMG's around. There's a few bills to look out for (brakes, if it's the big old 6 pot floaters), the plug service (but much cheaper at indy) and some minor issues like the valve cover gaskets, and the crankshaft position sensor (both cheap to fix) but otherwise they're solid.

If you're looking at a bigger budget, might be worth seeking out the facelift cars (2008-). Same mechanically, but a few styling updates and better COMAND system.

[Baked_bean]

Thanks guys...the one I was interested in doesn’t seem to be a goer as they can’t agree a px price.

I am hoping to sell my car privately as the Merc is lovely.

[slk 32]

I've got a couple...

2005 in sliver with red / black leather
2007 in jasper blue with white / black leather (wife's)

I wanted the 2005 for me as it has the earlier 6 pot calipers and cheaper tax. I also had Kleemann headers / camshaft / remap done plus custom exhaust.

I don't drive it as much as I should, it's now done 49k after I bought it at 23k in 2012.

I can't imagine selling either, as others have mentioned it's not the last word in driving dynamics but you won't see a large capacity V8 in a small car from a mainstream manufacturer again

[Baked_bean]

Thanks for the responses all, still very tempted by the one I have seen..... what to do?!

[juice]

I bought an 06 last year and have spent a lot on fixing everything :

So far it's had: Transmission flush, Torque arms, Engine mounts, Rocker Covers and sump leaks repaired, engine mounts replaced, CPS replaced, Serviced, Rear pads, 16 spark plugs - 3K at Avantgarde.

Then some tt hit it and it's now in the shop awaiting repair - 8K

The engine suffers from the above leaks
The gearbox suffers from conductor plate/valve body issues (symptoms of stuck in gear) but it can be repair for about 500quid plus VAT by a company down near Exeter.
There's a bracket in the front wheel arch that holds the front bumper on, that is quite exposed to the elements/road crap. It's here where the tin-worm on the front wing starts..
The rear sub-frame also suffers from tinworm, so get underneath and check. If all is OK, I'd recommend getting the underside treated with some anti-rust. When I get mine back I'll book it into SWRP.

Check everything - all electrics, especially the heated seats as they often get broken by people kneeling on the seat.

Mine's got K&N filters and just before the accident I put an X-pipe on it at Infinity Exhausts - a Must !

They're great wee cars, I love mine to bits and am missing it terribly at the moment.

Here's my thread on it.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[595Heaven]

Another happy SLK55 owner here. Bought mine last August and love it. The noise it makes (mine had the secondary cats removed by a previous owner) is ridiculous when you want it to be, but it also wafts around reasonably quietly when you don’t. Two very different characters with roof up and down.

I bought mine for this year’s ‘Grand Tour’ Euro trip, replacing an Abarth 595, but this trip is on hold. Car is sat on the drive gathering dust and cobwebs. I’ve not been well with CV19 and am still not up to washing it...

They are pretty reliable. Mechanically seen to be bombproof (I was originally looking for a 996 and got scared!), but they do have a lot of electrical kit so make sure it all works.

I’ve done a fair few small jobs on mine - new antenna amp and antenna (old antenna corroded), new Michelin PS4s, new wheel bolts, new wipers, new gas struts on boot and bonnet, new fuel cap, deep clean inside and out, cleaned and lubricated rubber seals for the roof (makes a huge difference to the squeaks for the seals).

I’ve also had to replace the crankshaft position sensor, the failure of which is common, but prevents the car from starting. They can work intermittently for a while, but I replaced mine after the first occurrence for peace of mind. Cost about £25, but access is a pig so took a while And cost me some knuckle skin... I’m tempted to get a spare to keep in the car (along with the tools)

My Readers’ Cars thread here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[EProios]

Love mine. Had a r170 before and this is a whole other animal. It really is a amazing car and gets you a V8 in something the size of a 4 banger. Surprises many. Ride can be a little rough on poorly paved roads buts it's more sport than luxury in regards to ride which I like. I was on the fence spending this much on such an older car but I will never regret getting this and don't think I will ever part with it. I think it's truly one of a kind. June 2005 Car and Driver Magazine is spot on with this car.

[lemansky]

Sold mine last year - drat - but this was a quick vid of the start up, after a bit of exhaust work.
(Nothing fancy, just usual resonator box and secondary cat removal, plus installation of an x-pipe.)

Do miss the roof-off blats and it was a hefty amount of smiles for the money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBefjC_JrKQ