Mercedes SLK 55 AMG 2005

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

2005 - 84k Miles - FSH

For sale, my very much loved SLK55, for sale through no fault of her own, looking for a C63 or SL63 as a result of how impressed I've been with the SLK, I'm a V8 Mercedes convert.

I took the SLK back in part exchange against an E60 M5 BMW, it was a car I'd never imagined owning as always biased towards BMW, but it looked fantastic, had great history, relatively low miles and incredible condition, so thought I'd give it a try.

It's actually been the most fantastic sports car in the time I've had it; I've previously owned all manner of sporty things, S2000, Z4M, Boxster S, V8 Vantage, M5s etc, I don't think I've ever had so much fun in such an easy car with so much character before, and without any of the headaches that usually come with cars of its type -

As an example, sold a 997 3.8s last year with a combined £25k on engine work over an 18mth period, absolute madness as the cars value was £25k once rebuilt, none of those types of worries on these.

The M113 is an amazing all round engine, a real sledgehammer of torque and noise without complicated variable vanos systems, or turbos and sensors everywhere, just a tried and tested powerhouse shoe-horned into something the size of an MX5; the result is absolutely fantastic, grin inducing fun and makes the SLK one of the best kept secret Q cars available.

This particular example has both a remap to 390bhp so pulls extremely well throughout the rev range, and cross pipe exhaust which equates to the perfect blend of AMG V8 crackle, with soft, creamy cruising tone - it really depends on your right foot.

Kickdown is ferocious, also off the line these cars are regularly tested at 4.5seconds to 60mph which is quick by any standard, and feels even more so with the quad pipes snarling 3ft behind you. I believe they have a top speed of over 170mph, it certainly feels solid enough and powerful enough to achieve this.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, enormous AMG 6 piston calipers and discs bring it to a stop very quickly, straight and true. With an enormous V8 upfront the brakes were imperative, later models were given lesser 4 piston calipers with smaller discs as a cost saving exercise, but the earlier models had the full fat 6 piston brake setup.

The 7G (7 speed) transmission was strengthened up to handle the torque and does an incredible job as there is so much torque immediately on tap with this engine.

The changes are smooth or sharp, depending on what is being asked of it, I had much lower expectations from a conventional auto box but it's very pleasantly surprised me.

There is the option of paddles on the wheel or the stick in the middle to manually control the gears, or in sport auto mode it does an amazing job itself.

If in manual, the box will not change up for you unless requested, it will however come back down through the gears as you come to a stop if you drop below the required speed for each gear.

You can also leave in Comfort or Sport mode, but limit the maximum gear used which can also have its benefits - its a very clever system all round.

In terms of bodywork, she is extremely clean, has spent her life in a garage.

There are signs of use to be expected, odd stone chip etc, but less than commensurate with age and mileage, certainly makes lots of examples looked well used.

The underneath is totally corrosion free, I attempted to have a new subframe free from Mercedes, who warranty it for 30yrs now, but the chassis and subframe had literally zero corrosion and despite the dealership wanting the work, there was zero justification for it.

I was both annoyed and pleased about the outcome, I would love a free subframe, but prefer the car to be free of corrosion all round.

Interior in exceptional condition, hardly any wear to seats, dashboard has no holes or flakes missing, original OEM stereo with multichanger, aux input etc, no awful cheap Chinese headunit swapped out.

Everything works perfectly, the heated seats, neck scarf, all mirrors and windows, the vario roof has been serviced, aligned and retreated on the rubbers and is totally watertight with zero wind noise or rattles.

She has a thick file full of receipts, services and invoices along with all book packs and both keys.

Last serviced 83k miles which was a full service.

Previous to this, stamps at 7k, 13k, 19k, 29k, 39k, 52k and 77k.

Receipts present for suspension, brakes, tensioners, exhaust items, control modules and much more.

4 matching Bridgestone tyres on AMG multispoke diamond cut wheels, loads of tread left on them (5/6mm).

Brakes are relatively new, as is oil, filters, plugs etc.

Private plate stays on the car valued at £750.

An honest, clean and well cared for car that has served us extremely well, coming into it's own now with so many recent positive reviews in recent years; it truly is a little gem with the heart of a muscle car.

Wanting a C63, must be facelift, or, SL63.