Going topless for summer Boxster S & SLK 55

[Bright Halo]

Two new to us cars for summer and probably longer!
2012 SLK 55
Probably the closest we will ever get to an SLS or GT. Still difficult to believe Merc put a 5.5 V8 in such a small car. Really enjoying it, an amazing occasion every time it’s taken out. Thundering V8 soundtrack with an open top. Not the last thing in the handling department but good enough. Good spec with magic sky roof and red leather. 46k miles and has recent discs pads and plugs so hopefully no big service costs for a while. Looking forward to some nice long road trips.

The Boxster S in speed yellow is a 2003 facelift car. Bought on a bit of a whim as it was the cheapest facelift S I could find. It was bought as a future track car as since selling my RX8 I have been without my trackday thrills. I wasn’t expecting a lot for what I paid but it is surprisingly very good. 115k but has full history with Porsche and then specialist including IMS replacement at 95k with ceramic bearing and RMS renewal.
Goes well, only real mechanical fault is one of the cats has just started to blow which gives me a chance to install a pair of 200cell replacements. Roof has cleaned up ok. The bodywork is in good nic but there appears to be about 3 different shades of yellow to the panels which is why the price was low. Doesn’t bother me as will be tracking although I am now wandering if it is too good to be a track hack.
[url]

Edited by Bright Halo on Saturday 14th August 22:32

Edited by Bright Halo on Saturday 14th August 22:32

Edited by Bright Halo on Saturday 14th August 22:33

[Court_S]

That’s a nice pair of little drop tops.

I’ve always quite admired the SLK55. It’s a small cat for that engine to be shoehorned into.

We’ve bought our first convertible this year and I love it.

[cerb4.5lee]

A very nice pair for sure.

Enjoy the top down motoring .

[595Heaven]

They fill the driveway nicely.

Love the SLK55 - sadly mad projects like this are pretty much over nowadays.

[DodgyGeezer]

loving the seat colour in the Merc - had similar in the wife's SLK (albeit that was only a 250)

[Mr lestat]

Slk55 is a great car. Love mine

[cerb4.5lee]

The SLK55 is definitely a car that I would love to try one day. The idea of that big V8 engine in such a small package really appeals to me for sure.

[Bright Halo]

I forgot to mention that the purchasing experience of the SLK was absolutely first class.
It was the first car I had ever purchased remotely so was a tad nervous especially as the spec was what we wanted (Black with red leather, airscarf, enhanced command, it also has the very rare magic sky tinting roof which is more of a novelty) and didn’t want heart ruling head.
The supplier Parkway specialist cars were brilliant throughout.
Answered all my questions. Delivered car on a flat bed and the driver was extremely courteous and helpful.
We were told we could reject at no cost if not fully satisfied.
I was quite concerned about any pending big bills even though it had a full Merc service history. I was informed It had very recent new pads and discs all round and the spark plugs changed so no expensive service extras there for a while.
An area I had been caught out on previously before was tyres and depth of tread. I needn’t have worried as Parkways policy is to supply with matching branded tyres with at least 4mm of tread. True to their word it had Conti 6’s on with 5mm of tread. (The rear’s need changing now ahem)
Great service from them, and very well presented cars.

[Bright Halo]

Performance wise the SLK feels every bit as quick as our old C63 6.2 V8 that was remapped up to approx 500hp. The SLK is about 75hp short of the C63 but it is a good 200kg lighter.
The SLK certainly feels more special to drive but it is not as composed on B roads etc.
You can still hustle it but it loses composure over bumpy roads.
I do wonder if the PC30 performance version is any better or maybe even worse?

Future mods
KW version 3 coilovers (once I’ve had chance to try one with them installed)
Quaife LSD

[DodgyGeezer]

Quaife and Bilstein B6 (at least for the R171) are worthwhile

[Bright Halo]

DodgyGeezer said:

Quaife and Bilstein B6 (at least for the R171) are worthwhile

I will look into the Bilsteins. It’s difficult finding others that are compatible so any suggestions are welcome.

[DodgyGeezer]

Bright Halo said:

I will look into the Bilsteins. It’s difficult finding others that are compatible so any suggestions are welcome.

Likely teaching you to suck eggs but also get yourself over to SLK World - amazing resource

[Bright Halo]

DodgyGeezer said:

Bright Halo said:

I will look into the Bilsteins. It’s difficult finding others that are compatible so any suggestions are welcome.

Likely teaching you to suck eggs but also get yourself over to SLK World - amazing resource

Already on there but not much in the way of recommends for suspension other than KW.

[Bright Halo]

Present for the Boxster.
Nice new pair of 200 cell cats and new O2 sensors.
Being installed Friday together with an oil change ready for its first track day hopefully soon.

[Mr lestat]

I’ve looked into making mine a little bit louder but it seems you can’t do much unless you hugely modify the exhausts. It would be nice to be able to have the sport flaps open all the time but it’s not easy apparently.

[Bright Halo]

Got the Boxster back from my local garage yesterday
Work completed
200cell cats installed
4X new o2 sensors
Oil and filter change
New Plugs and coil packs
RBF 600 brake fluid
I have retained the old o2 sensors and coil packs as spares due to there being no fault previously
Seems to pull a bit more enthusiastically now. Looking forward to some driving through the lovely Cotswolds this weekend and have booked Blyton park on 17th October for its first track outing
Nothing to report on the SLK other than went out for a blast in it yesterday and as always it put a great big grin on my face! The chap in the grey M2 competition was a bit surprised when I out-dragged him off the roundabout on the A46. Must admit it surprised me as well!

[The Dictator]

Best we've got no children post ever :-)

Great choice, I'd happily have either, perhaps not in yellow though.

Enjoy.

[Mr lestat]

Bright Halo said:

Got the Boxster back from my local garage yesterday
Work completed
200cell cats installed
4X new o2 sensors
Oil and filter change
New Plugs and coil packs
RBF 600 brake fluid
I have retained the old o2 sensors and coil packs as spares due to there being no fault previously
Seems to pull a bit more enthusiastically now. Looking forward to some driving through the lovely Cotswolds this weekend and have booked Blyton park on 17th October for its first track outing
Nothing to report on the SLK other than went out for a blast in it yesterday and as always it put a great big grin on my face! The chap in the grey M2 competition was a bit surprised when I out-dragged him off the roundabout on the A46. Must admit it surprised me as well!

We have a few A46 roundabouts near us, where are you roughly ?

[Bright Halo]

Mr lestat said:

We have a few A46 roundabouts near us, where are you roughly ?

Evesham Worcestershire

[Bright Halo]

The Dictator said:

Best we've got no children post ever :-)

Great choice, I'd happily have either, perhaps not in yellow though.

Enjoy.

Children and Grandchildren
Company car takes care of taxi/group outings.