SLK's

[Tazza]

I'm considering one.

What I really want doesn't exist (AMG with a decent gearbox!!)

What are folks views/experiences of the 350 with a manual gearbox?

Has anyone taken one to a tuner (like Brabus, but hopefully cheaper!) to get something with an AMG-like kick but with a decent gearbox?

Any ideas of costs and downsides?

Thanks for any advice

[markmullen]

I sold a couple of manual 350s and they are very very good if you must have a manual. Before you discount the 55 AMG due to its box have you driven one? They are much better than you imagine and very handy when stuck in traffic.

[paoloh]

Just my opinion but 7 speed box is not only poor but dangerous at junctions!!
But buying a Merc is also dangerous to your pocket!!
Hmmmm.........

[Chauch]

Not quite sure what the junction comment relates to I have had a fair few 7Gs and never had a problem at junctions at all??

The 350 is fantastic mated to the manual.

[paoloh]

Chauch said:

Not quite sure what the junction comment relates to I have had a fair few 7Gs and never had a problem at junctions at all??

The 350 is fantastic mated to the manual.

The fact that at low speeds it kicks down into first and pushes car forward. Merc are aware of problem and have just released gearbox update to try and fix.

[Chauch]

If it is that much of a problem, why do you not just run in C Setting - pulls off in second then. I must have had 20 7Gs and never had the problem....

[paoloh]

Chauch said:

If it is that much of a problem, why do you not just run in C Setting - pulls off in second then. I must have had 20 7Gs and never had the problem....

I don't think ML comes with c setting?

Also, why should you have to compromise?

[Chauch]

Well this is a thread on an SLK, which does have different settings and I have not heard of a single petrol engined 7G ever doing this so how is your comment relevant?

[Tazza]

Thanks for the replies.

I did drive an AMG. I loved the engine noise and indeed most things about it. Sure, it is nothing in excitement terms compared to my Caterham, but that is not what I am considering it for. The gearbox didn't strike me as dangerous, but just robbed the whole car of a very pleasurable part of driving. I'm not sure that I wouldn't buy it and then get really p****d off by not having a decent manual box where I am in full control.

That said, whilst the 350, sounds like a very good car, it doesn't have that engine!!

Am I right in saying that there is due to be an upgrade very soon in the SLK range?

[anonymous-user]

I have a 350 manual which I got in August. I was going to go 55 but did not want the auto box - I think the box is fine but for me a sports car has to have manual!!

After 4 months and a few thousand miles all I can say is that the engine and gearbox were made for each other. Sure, we always want more power, but for me the 350 engine pulls hard enough, gets the car effortlessly to 100, sounds fantastic (got a really rich throaty growl to it) and the gearbox is firm and solid which I like.

The car gets better with miles and is a joy to own

[paoloh]

Chauch said:

Well this is a thread on an SLK, which does have different settings and I have not heard of a single petrol engined 7G ever doing this so how is your comment relevant?

I only mentioned ML as you asked why I didn't drive my car in C mode.
We actually returned a petrol SLK with this gearbox fault.
That is why my comments are relevant!

[matc]

If you are looking for a 350, wait for the faclift which is due in March. The 350 is due for a power hike to about 315bhp IIRC, and will have an upgraded sterro system that allows bluetooth integration.

[PK328]

I've had an SLK350 with a manual 'box for a year now and I'd sum it up as follows:

Pros:
- Great engine, so much more torquey than the equivalent BMW engine and nice 'n growly
- Well weighted steering
- Entertaining, 'moveable' handling
- Positive gearbox
- Well kitted interior
- Looks great with AMG kit

Cons:
- Seats not particularly supportive or comfortable
- Standard headlights poor
- Ride and road noise on concrete

Would definately recommend getting one, especially if they are about to upgrade it to 315bhp.

[disad-vantage-d]

Test drove an automatic.......bought a manual. Get the picture?

[Tazza]

So, for an update.

I drove an AMG again. Predictably enough, the engine was glorious and I pretty much loved it apart from that bloody gearbox. In full auto mode, I can put up with it (I'd only ever use the full auto in town) even though on the roads I tested it, it seemed to spend a fair bit of time hunting for the gear it wanted. What was terrible though, was the fact that in manual mode, the downshifts in particular seemed to have a satellite delay - almost like it was phoning Germany for permission to change! Having read a fair few reviews about it, this seems to be a common criticism of the box - slow in manual mode, and no attempt to blip on a downshift. (compared to the Jag box for example)

Presumably, this is a software fix. Does anyone know if M-B plan to fix this and if so, are there plans to make it a "retro-fix". If not, do any of the tuning companies provide a fix?

Sorry to go on, but were it not for that, I'd sign on the dotted line. If that is as good as it gets, then I'm not sure!

[TGJR]

For me the auto box suits the SLK350. I am traditionally a manual fan with cars, the exception being Mercs. Appart from the SLK we also have a SL500 in the family and for the type of car the auto works very nicely for me.

Funny though, was considering a Boxster S as an option before I bought the SLK and would'nt have touched a Tip!

The SLK350 is a great car though with loads of grunt. Have'nt tried a SLK55 but bet they are seriously rapid

[matc]

Tazza said:

So, for an update.

I drove an AMG again. Predictably enough, the engine was glorious and I pretty much loved it apart from that bloody gearbox. In full auto mode, I can put up with it (I'd only ever use the full auto in town) even though on the roads I tested it, it seemed to spend a fair bit of time hunting for the gear it wanted. What was terrible though, was the fact that in manual mode, the downshifts in particular seemed to have a satellite delay - almost like it was phoning Germany for permission to change! Having read a fair few reviews about it, this seems to be a common criticism of the box - slow in manual mode, and no attempt to blip on a downshift. (compared to the Jag box for example)

Presumably, this is a software fix. Does anyone know if M-B plan to fix this and if so, are there plans to make it a "retro-fix". If not, do any of the tuning companies provide a fix?

Sorry to go on, but were it not for that, I'd sign on the dotted line. If that is as good as it gets, then I'm not sure!

There may be some revisions to the gearbox when they launch the facelift car. The C63 AMG has a speedshift 7 speed box that 'blips' on downshifts. I would imagine this is only a piece of software that changes the characteristics, so hopefully they will integrate it into all of the AMG models.

I know what you mean about the auto box, but I think the noise and drama of the engine would probably win me over if I were looking to buy one.

[PK328]

The facelifted 350 has over 300bhp so perhaps this in a manual would be a good '55 AMG alternative if you dislike the autobox so much.

[bcnrml]

There are several revisions that sound quite promising - I've posted a couple of links in another thread in this forum.

Haven't driven a manual, but had an hour to myself with the 350 (auto). Very good fun. I intend to renew the experience, comparing manual with auto in April/May next year in Germany. Will update you when I have news.

Meanwhile, enjoy!

[.richard]

Born with two legs why have three pedals. Can double clutch, miss out clutch at changes why bother to be a control freak. Always in right gear, no problems with hill starts. Sit back and enjoy the ride.