Impressions of the SLK55

[C240Sport97]

I drove the SLK55 today.

What a rush. The noise is incredible with the roof down, and up. Sort of very rapid fire machine gun like, accompanied by a mechanical and gutteral roar -- raw yet refined -- with sensational power. If you imagine the noise my CLK55 (208) makes without Dolby Noise Reduction (but no scratchiness) and with 'loudness' on, that's the difference is sound. I don't think the SLK noise would ever get wearing but it is noisier ...

Compared to my CLK, the SLK feels more powerful, but much of that is because kickdown is quicker, but it's more "jerky" around town as the 7G Tronic box hunts around a bit. The 7 speed box is smoother too. Overall though, I really don't think the acceleration is that much better, but it is better and more responsive. After all, the SLK is lighter and has more power.

The SLK's ride is compliant, the handling accurate and the car is truly nimble. It is a very stiff structure. Air scarf is an absolute delight.

The experience with MB in organising the test drive was really very good. They were prompt, kept in touch, and I had about 45 mins driving a variety of roads. MB Mayfair put me through to MB Bromley. The call centre also calls to check that the enquiry has been followed through. The car has 250 miles so I didn't really feel I could push it, although I did.

The salesman didn't think the new 6.3 liter engine would make it into the SLK but he wasn't sure.

 

[fuzzer]

7g gearbox isnt as smooth as 5.

Salesman told me that they normally leave it in C when demonstrating it

 

[Barryh]

can`t say 7g is anything but smooth,the best auto gearbox I have ever driven,smooth and refined.

 

[gary350]

can`t say 7g is anything but smooth,the best auto gearbox I have ever driven,smooth and refined.

Same here, I also use "C" its less up the back of the car in front if you know what I mean.

gary

 

[scumbag]

you make me want to keep mine

 

[Thmsshaun]

What you looking at swapping yours for Scumbag?

 

[blassberg]

Range Rover Sport I think

 

[blassberg]

"jerky" around town as the 7G Tronic box hunts around a bit.

Agreed. I use C when giving people a run out in the car.

 

[mobeyone]

i too love the sound of the slk55 - would love to get my hands on one!

 

[C240Sport97]

then keep it .. at least for another few months

the depreciation you will have to absorb now and in a few months won't be that different

you make me want to keep mine

 

[scumbag]

its a good car, that for sure, and the sound really is something else.

it will be at the gtg on the 14th for those wanting a look at it...

I am just a bit disillusiond with mercedes as a whole at the moment.

and the local land rovers dealers really are bad...thoroughly disapoitned with them at the moment altho i have another one to go see when i can be bothered. I like the range rover sport, but the nissan murano has something about it too, but i think i need to send the SLK to a home where it will be driven by someone who knows how to use it better than i do, and to use it for the reason it was made rather than tootling about in. am not in a hurry to sell it, but if the right offer happens it will be away to a new home and they will get a good car.


the grin factor of the SLK 55 is impressive tho. and did i mention the noise?


ps. it is smoother in C than S. but if you leave it in M it doesn't bang thru the down changes, but you must remember it auto downchanges in M and you bounce of the rev limiter in 1st when you forget.

 

[blassberg]

ps. it is smoother in C than S. but if you leave it in M it doesn't bang thru the down changes, but you must remember it auto downchanges in M and you bounce of the rev limiter in 1st when you forget.

hmm - as I'm not AMG7G I could try auto driving in M which would hold high, auto up and smooth down.... might give that a whizz

 

[Thmsshaun]

I am just a bit disillusiond with mercedes as a whole at the moment.

It shocked me to read of the 'common' problems with the CL that stats is looking at.

 

[scumbag]

hmm - as I'm not AMG7G I could try auto driving in M which would hold high, auto up and smooth down.... might give that a whizz

you can have a go in mine and see the difference if you like.

 

[scumbag]

It shocked me to read of the 'common' problems with the CL that stats is looking at.

yeah, they just have got something missing at the mo. I have had 3 mercs but i recently have lost the shine. i like the shapes of the new ones but i need to pass them by for a few years rather than turn into an MB hater..or worse, buy a beemer!!!!!


It will be a wrench to let it go, but i need a divorce from the marque while i am still on good terms with them.

 

[blassberg]

you can have a go in mine and see the difference if you like.

I like! Thanks for that offer. Hope I have time for that.