Would an SLK55 AMG be a good idea?

[schmalex]

SWMBO changed her car yesterday for a Touareg, which has got me thinking that we don't need 2 main cars with 4 seats (we have an old Land Rover as well for short trips if we need to take little man anywhere & her car is in for servicing etc).

Anyway, I digress. Having done a bit of surfing around last night, I notice it is possible to pick up SLK55's for around £23 / 25k.

What's the general opinion on these? I know they are supposed to be brutally fast in a straight line (but not as good as dodging bullets as a Box S!).

I have considered a Z4M & Z4MC, but I HAVE to have a V8 and have owned a Box S in the past, so these are out & I don't particularly like 350Z's

[TonyF]

I bought one from new a few years ago and in the main they are a good car, sound great and drive nice.
I found myself hankering for more power after a short time so upgraded to an SL55 AMG after 7 months of ownership which was mega.
The SLK does everything it says on the tin... but didn"t quite do it for me. ( just my opinion )
Drive one and im sure you will be very impressed.

Tony.

[MC Bodge]

TonyF said:

I found myself hankering for more power after a short time

?

[TonyF]

I know, I know, and I had DMS breath on my SL55 ( 600 bhp ) that was a lot of fun.

[paoloh]

Personally, I'd have an older SL.

[MC Bodge]

TonyF said:

I know, I know, and I had DMS breath on my SL55 ( 600 bhp ) that was a lot of fun.

It's an arms race.

[kevin63]

I've been I both cars and the AMG wins hands down for me, I also think there is no comparison between them, totally different cars.

[paoloh]

kevin63 said:

I've been I both cars and the AMG wins hands down for me, I also think there is no comparison between them, totally different cars.

???

[TimJMS]

Is it not possible to fit the bigger brother's supercharger?

[MattyB_]

TimJMS said:

Is it not possible to fit the bigger brother's supercharger?

Anythings possible, at a price

I was always tempted by an SLK55 AMG, especially after the Top Gear episode against the Boxster, but then I've always been a fan of rarer, more flawed cars with character. And then I heard one overtake me, and *really* wanted one.

Two things put me off - the gearbox, as I don't like automatics, and the image. Plus, for £25k I struggled to see the reasoning for buying one over a TVR T350 for £20k and banking the £5k for the impending rebuild/repairs.

[adycav]

I've had a couple of 'goes' in the SLK55 and the overriding impression was one of "great engine with an average car built around it".

I eventually felt similarly about the Z4 M Coupe that I used to own too.

For c.£25k it's got to be 911 time mate.

It's a rite of passage, something that every PHer with the financial means should do at least once. Air or water cooled, whatever you prefer.

The world is your oyster.

[christofmccracke]

TimJMS said:

Is it not possible to fit the bigger brother's supercharger?

you can even shoe horn and slr engine in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVDlx9qsq0w

[sal 965]

MC Bodge said:

TonyF said:

I know, I know, and I had DMS breath on my SL55 ( 600 bhp ) that was a lot of fun.

It's an arms race.

Hm! See what you did there...

Is it not ar*e face?

[renorti]

slk55 is really a good fun car.

[schmalex]

I do around 30k miles per year & need something that I can absolutely 100% rely on. I assume there are no major horror stories with them handling reasonable miles?

I've thought about a 911, but I don't want to stretch to a 997. Not sure if the 996 is enough of a step up from the Box S, which was a truly awesome car to chuck around. Unless I start looking at 996TT's......

[erics]

do like me: a 996 turbo to get excited + a merc 300sl type r107 to relax... et voila!

schmalex said:

I do around 30k miles per year & need something that I can absolutely 100% rely on. I assume there are no major horror stories with them handling reasonable miles?

I've thought about a 911, but I don't want to stretch to a 997. Not sure if the 996 is enough of a step up from the Box S, which was a truly awesome car to chuck around. Unless I start looking at 996TT's......

[Biggriff]

I went from a Sagaris to an SLK55 and I dont really miss the Sag if I'm brutally honest. The SLK is as quick as it seems to have a lot more torque where its useful, plus its better made, safer and the folding metal roof is just lovely.

[nakulan7]

Its an awesome car. I have test driven 2 and was very impressed. It wont beat the 911 in handling but you should not have any worse reliability.


Ask here: www.slkworld.com. There is an active UK section with days out in summer.

[Rags]

Great cars but the inevitable piss taking will forever ensue from your mates!

[Biggriff]

Had all that, but the best is when they suffer a TVR unplanned mechanical 'event' and I can smirk from the sidelines (mind you if the AMG goes wrong I will probably wet myself).

A few of the TVr guys have gone across to the darkside. I am waiting now whilst I save my pennies for the real toy.