SLK 230 Manual or Automatic????

[Adam230K]

I used to have a manual C230K (ok its not an SLK) but the same engine, and let me tell you, I definitely preferred that engine in manual even though I generally prefer to waft around in automatic cars.

The forced induction savagery that is the 230K is only properly complimented with a Manual transmission in my opinion. You will shock yourself at the 0-60's you can pull off by clutch dumping, you can also slide it around in a very controlled manner and have alot of fun in the process!

Mercedes manual is quite clunky & notchy initially, but once you get used to it you will love it, if you appreciate driving in general, that I can assure you.

 

[Smarties]

Automatic, every time

 

[Beetnik]

Auto, auto, auto.

 

[lotussteve]

I have been driving for 50 years, from a Ford Zodiac Mk2 to Lotus Esprit S2 and everything in between, now on a SLK200. All have been manual, as I like to stir the box myself, but I can see the atraction of Auto if you just want to sit back and relax, as I do while driving on the continent using cruise control so I can enjoy the passing views. So do as most replies have said, it is a personal choice try both and then decide.

 

[190]

I drove an auto 190e for 21 years and while there are good aspects to an auto when you were just wafting along the old 4 speed box placed a big hit on performance especially as it was really a 3 speed with a very low 1st that never got used. I wonder is it still a feature of the later auto's that 1st is so low that they start of in 2nd almost all of the time.

I have to say I initially thought it was a mistake when I bought a manual W204 but now I've got used to it manual gear changing has become - well automatic - something I no longer think about.

 

[BandyAndy]

Well I hope lotussteve did some dusting and shifted some cobwebs before posting in here, this thread is over five years old !