SLK55 (R172) VS SL55 (R230)

[BenB91]

I'm on the brink of purchasing a SLK55 (R172) but I'm drawn towards the older SL55s, which were my dream car growing up.

I prefer a more sporty setup, rather than a GT car, so presumably the SLK would be the better car?

The SL55 is one of the best sounding cars ever, which is very appealing.

Anyone had both?

All comments welcome.

[clarki]

We had a 10 year old SL55 10 years ago. It is an immense car, mega fast and incredible noise. Comfortable cruiser and much better around the corners than many would have you believe. Felt very grown up but boy oh boy so did the running costs. Even without any faults it needs deep pockets. Made an evo FQ400 seem cheap to run!!

Replaced with a 981 S which just wasn’t a patch, it didn’t last, and in 2015 went back to the 55 itch. This time in SLK form. It’s still here. Another special car but in a completely different way. Not the out and out grunt but still a strong engine, a great noise and IMO nicer steering, sharper turn in and better brakes. Ride isn’t as good but it’s well built and has been relatively cheap to run.

Would love an AMG GTC but probably a bit ££rich for me. Happily keep the SLK for another 7 years if necessary/funds allow. Very underrated car.

[ArmaghMan]

I'm assuming that the SLK is the 5.5 normally aspirated engine?
I had that engine in a W210 E55 and in isolation its a belting engine. Over 350 bhp lovely noise and fairly much bulletproof. I'm guessing that in the lighter SLK it will give even better performance.
BUT the 55k engine is in a whole other league. The performance gap between them in the real world is massive. Drive a good SL to experience the difference.
Yes the SL can throw you a hefty bill but in comparison to cars with comparable performance and original list prices it's not that bad.
See it as being able to buy a supercar on the cheap but having to pay supercar bills to run it.

Edited by ArmaghMan on Sunday 23 April 23:13

Edited by ArmaghMan on Sunday 23 April 23:14

[alabbasi]

I've not had that generation SLK but I do own the first gen. Build quality is not Mercedes Benz standard and feels like junk compared to the SL. I have an NA E55 W210 and the car has plenty of go, but would feel pedestrian compared to the 55K. In short, get the 55K. If the suspension is in good order, its limits will be greater than yours and if you want a sporty drive, get a BMW

[trevalvole]

ArmaghMan said:

I'm assuming that the SLK is the 5.5 normally aspirated engine?
I had that engine in a W210 E55 and in isolation its a belting engine.

The R171 SLK55 had the same M113 engine as the W210 E55. The R172 SLK55 has the 416hp M152 engine.

[BenB91]

clarki said:

We had a 10 year old SL55 10 years ago. It is an immense car, mega fast and incredible noise. Comfortable cruiser and much better around the corners than many would have you believe. Felt very grown up but boy oh boy so did the running costs. Even without any faults it needs deep pockets. Made an evo FQ400 seem cheap to run!!

Replaced with a 981 S which just wasn’t a patch, it didn’t last, and in 2015 went back to the 55 itch. This time in SLK form. It’s still here. Another special car but in a completely different way. Not the out and out grunt but still a strong engine, a great noise and IMO nicer steering, sharper turn in and better brakes. Ride isn’t as good but it’s well built and has been relatively cheap to run.

Would love an AMG GTC but probably a bit ££rich for me. Happily keep the SLK for another 7 years if necessary/funds allow. Very underrated car.

Hi all, thanks for your comments.

Interestingly a porsche 981 S is my prefered choice but I can't find a good one. I've always wanted an AMG, so seems like a suitable alternative.

I've decided I'm probably not brave enough for the running costs of a SL55. Should have bought one 10 years ago but too old for me now.

The SLK55 will be a weekend car. My daily driver is a F11 535i Touring.

[clarki]

BenB91 said:

Hi all, thanks for your comments.

Interestingly a porsche 981 S is my prefered choice but I can't find a good one. I've always wanted an AMG, so seems like a suitable alternative.

I've decided I'm probably not brave enough for the running costs of a SL55. Should have bought one 10 years ago but too old for me now.

The SLK55 will be a weekend car. My daily driver is a F11 535i Touring.

The Porsche seems to be the default choice for most but it just didn't float my boat tbh.

The SLK is just a crazy car, perfect for weekend fun. My only real complaint would really be the ride. It is quite firm, even in comfort mode. More detail below if your interested;

https://youtu.be/PbRB1-gceUw

[BenB91]

clarki said:

The Porsche seems to be the default choice for most but it just didn't float my boat tbh.

The SLK is just a crazy car, perfect for weekend fun. My only real complaint would really be the ride. It is quite firm, even in comfort mode. More detail below if your interested;

https://youtu.be/PbRB1-gceUw

Is that your Youtube channel? I watched that video on the weekend.

[clarki]

BenB91 said:

Is that your Youtube channel? I watched that video on the weekend.

It is yes, always enjoy getting out and about and making content. Good way to meet new friends since relocating. Some people think your mad (probably right!!) but others come over and say hi, which is nice.

Thanks for watching.

[BenB91]

I've gone for a SLK55 in the end. Deposit paid and collect on Saturday 6th May.

I already know I'll want more exhaust noise.

Looking at the https://www.cksperformance.com/products/cks-sports...

Any other suggestions? Thanks

[Oldandcynical]

clarki said:

It is yes, always enjoy getting out and about and making content. Good way to meet new friends since relocating. Some people think your mad (probably right!!) but others come over and say hi, which is nice.

Thanks for watching.

I’ve watched those as well. Very good, I’d agree regarding servicing costs. It’s not very expensive for regular servicing. Luckily I’ve not had an unexpected big bill yet after 4 years. Recent aircon and engine fans but that’s was sorted for not too much.

[therevday]

I had a SL55 about ten years ago. The fuel cost alone were massive!!! I used to spend between £150 and £200 a week in fuel. I only used it evenings and weekends. I was lucky nothing went wrong with mine. I now have a 55SLK and its fantastic. In fact I have not driven my Cayman S since I bought it. I have had mine mapped and the secondary cats with resonator box replaced with an X pipe. Its sounds great and absolutely flys. The SL55 is a great car but they are now at an age were there are to many expensive parts on it to go wrong. ABC suspension being very high on the list!! I know how much that costs because I still have a S600 Biturbo that has had all those issues.