2012 SLK55 AMG - your thoughts?

[crazy about cars]

I've always been fond of a hard top roadster and recently see a decent 2012 ex-demo near where I am. However, I've been reading mixed reviews about this car.

The general impression I get is that it is a decent car but way overpriced for what it is? The one I am eyeing has a near £50k price that (12 plate).

It does tick most of my boxes though (hard top vert, airscarf, nice stereo, black, 18" wheels + tyres which means they are more affordable to replace, DRLS....)

http://used.mercedes-benz.co.uk/bedford/used/2012/...

Never owned a Merc before so would be interested in what the experts think.

[Neilc123]

I currently have the last of the old slk55 amgs. I have to say I went to have a look at these to swap it 2 months ago. However I did not like the newer slk55s for the following reasons a) too cramped, b) hate the front end - least the arrowhead was different c) just didn't feel special enough d) overpriced. Some of these are personal preference however to me the newer slk55s just don't have that zing about them as the older slk55s had. Saying that it is great to have such a powerful engine in such a small car and so they are still better than Astons, Merc SLs, Maseratis, 911s (and I have had the pleasure of test-driving them all) and the beauty of the AMG version is it pretty much has everything and the folding hard top roof is still the best in the business. So it is a good car and well worth it and, in my view, if you are going to get the car the AMG version is the one to go for, just such a shame that the front is so boxy in my view, which only looks good on the SLS because of it more shapelier bonnet.

[Ari]

Overpriced compared to what?

Five and a half litre V8 high performance German car that's well equipped, is a smart coupe AND a credible convertible.

What else does all that for circa fifty grand?

[crazy about cars]

Thanks for the feedback Neil. Personally I quite like the jagged front of the new SLK. It does look good to me in the pictures but I will need to see it in the metal to really get a good feel. I have also heard that in terms of convertibles, especially hard roof, Mercs are the best in the business. I've never owned a convertible before and always wanted one but never found one which I think I can use year round.

As for the overprice comments, again this is from reading the reviews. I guess compared to the Cayman R the SLK55 does offer more.

I think I will really need to book a test drive to see for myself.

[Davel]

Looking at the same car, in red, at Warrington shortly.

Quite fancy an SLK this time.

[kryten22uk]

I also like the new looks. The old looks were nice too but time moves on and ou need to redefine every now and then otherwise things get boring. I think the new angled look is quite mean/manly!

It is fun to drive, and love the steering. That said, ive had mine for 3 months now and still only done <300 miles, so what do I know.

Don't understand the overpriced comment either. Compared to what? I actually thought it was pretty cheap; especially with the relatively standard £5k off for dealer deposit contribution.

[Neilc123]

When I said overpriced. I would rather spend £50k on a Audi R8 or an older SL. In my view I would not pay more than £40k for a second hand SLK AMG. Just my opinion. Best to sit in it and take it for a good drive and make sure it is really for you before you spend that kind of money on it.

[famoussas]

I had one as a courtesy car for 10 days or so which was listed at £64k, so at £50k it's a decent buy.

My opinion was it was one of the best cars I've driven, really loved it. Steering, breaks etc all brilliant.

Negatives - looks small and squashed at the rear and has an awful side profile. Not as quick as it should be (with that 6.2L V8), sounded crap again for a car with a 6.2L V8. Would never been seen in it with the roof down.

[leemanning]

Just to clarify, the SLK55 doesn't use the 6.2l V8

[famoussas]

is it the 5.5L? That would answer a few of my niggles then!

[SFO]

famoussas said:

is it the 5.5L? That would answer a few of my niggles then!

yes, the bi-turbo engine from the 63s, less the turbos plus some fancy cylinder management technology.

[kryten22uk]

SFO said:

yes, the bi-turbo engine from the 63s, less the turbos plus some fancy cylinder management technology.

How does removing the turbos reduce it from 6.2L to 5.5L?

The cylinder mgmt thingy is weird. Sounds like a boat or blowing exhaust when in 4cyl mode. Very instant/smooth though. As is the start/stop.

[SFO]

kryten22uk said:

SFO said:

yes, the bi-turbo engine from the 63s, less the turbos plus some fancy cylinder management technology.

How does removing the turbos reduce it from 6.2L to 5.5L?

The cylinder mgmt thingy is weird. Sounds like a boat or blowing exhaust when in 4cyl mode. Very instant/smooth though. As is the start/stop.

the current 63s (E, CLS, SL) have the bi turbo 5.5 liter V8

[SimNugget]

The biturbo engines from the new 63s are 5.5litre. The old 63s (and current C63) are 6.2 so it is all a bit of a mess.

The cylinder deactivation sounds good. Surely the V8 on full song must sound good?

S

[kryten22uk]

SimNugget said:

The cylinder deactivation sounds good. Surely the V8 on full song must sound good?

S

I thought it does. Not sure what it's missing there.

[famoussas]

SimNugget said:

The biturbo engines from the new 63s are 5.5litre. The old 63s (and current C63) are 6.2 so it is all a bit of a mess.

The cylinder deactivation sounds good. Surely the V8 on full song must sound good?

S

As a 5.5 V8 yea it sounds pretty good, probably much better with a few miles on it.

I was assuming it was the 6.2 and was a bit disappointed, but wrongly so it seems.

[HiHoSilverSLK]

Get it. You lucky, lucky, lucky man.

[crazy about cars]

Might go for a test drive with this weather A bit intrigued about the noise though. I like a bit of noise/drama in my cars but we shall see. Long term the SLK55 will cost less to run than my current car...