SLK 55

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Beaky59

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2019
Messages
53
Location
London
Car
2005 SLK 350, Modified 1986 911 Carrera, 987 Boxster S, Suzuki Vitara (family hack!)
There doesn't seem to be many threads in the AMG lounge on the SLK 55.

Is this because its not loved, actually rare, or great cars so not much to add to that.
 
Having seen a few at various meetings, I would say they are rare and loved. Reason that there's not many threads is because I'm guessing there's no problems with them ;)
 
Have had mine for 9 months, brilliant car , sounds fabulous and other than needing the variable exhaust software updating has been 100% reliable. No intention of changing it unless old age makes it either impossible to get in or out or I am unsafe to drive it.
 
They’re not a common motor but they’re out there. I had no complaints with mine, and apart from blotting its copybook when the crank position sensor failed (leaving me stranded on a Dutch motorway - bad car!) it gave me no trouble at all in 8 years of ownership. Great car, and the grin it put on my face whenever I floored it just never got old.

Cheers,

Gaz
 
Just got mine, had it almost a month and loving it, what’s the variable exhaust software do ? Do I need to check it out ??
 
Only on the R172 model 2012 onwards. The quad exhausts are opened and closed depending on if you're in Eco or Sport/ Manual modes. I understood that this is controlled by computer software. My car had an engine warning light after I had had it a few weeks ( at about 19 k miles ) , performance seemed down as well. Took it into the local dealer who investigated and told me the exhaust software needed to be updated.
Cost me £70 ( didn't complain as although it had 2 years T1 Warranty, software update not covered ) but as it was actually 2 hrs in the workshop I was happy. Run without a problem since.
 
Mine has only done 8000 miles and no issues, but with a two year AMG warranty I would expect software updates to be included, and that they would’ve been done before I collected car, as I have mentioned in another post I managed to get the comand navigation and firmware updated to the latest version after the sale was agreed.
 
If you hate stop/start on your SLK55 disconnect the sensor attached to the negative clamp of the starter battery, you loose brake hold but everything else works, stop/start stays yellow (off), no other warning lights. An added bonus is without the sensor the alternator charges the battery continuously between 13.8 and 14.4 volts, this ensures the battery is always near to or fully charged.

Start / Stop / eco tech a load of Bull ...... see #95 comment and read Col`s thread.
 
I like my Eco 4 cylinder economy and Hold facility even though I usually turn off start stop in heavy traffic . No hardship to push a button
 
I usually turn off start stop in heavy traffic
Isn’t that where it’s the most useful? :)
 
No, that's where it runs down your batteries the most.

It's most useful at traffic lights or anywhere you're stopped for more than 10 seconds. Lots of slow moving, creeping traffic it's better off.
 
Think I may look into getting a SLK55 and just handing over the SLK 350 to my sister.

These software upgrades, is it only an OPC that can do them or a good quality Indie as well?
 
Think I may look into getting a SLK55 and just handing over the SLK 350 to my sister.

These software upgrades, is it only an OPC that can do them or a good quality Indie as well?
A Mercedes main dealer or independent Mercedes specialist could do it.

I dare say an OPC could do it if they have access to Mercedes update files, but would probably decline in case it went wrong.
 
Think I may look into getting a SLK55 and just handing over the SLK 350 to my sister.
My wife had a 2009 R171 facelift SLK350 and she now as a 2015 R172 SLK55.

The 350 was a great car, and I actually miss the howl of the V6 at full chat, but the R172 SLK55 is much faster and generally more refined - both the drivetrain and in terms of handling / ride quality. The R171 SLK55 is reputed to be more "raw" than the R172 version, but I haven't driven one so can't speak with any authority on that.
 
OK, OK time to start the SLK55 research and read all the relevant buyers guides ;)
 
No , Wrong! Do what I did, no research , just decided I needed a V8 convertible , couldn't afford a decent SL so looked at looked at every SLK on the market in my budget. So ignore everything and go and buy the lowest mileage one you can find, hopefully a MB used one which will come with a 2 years T1 Warranty, even if it is over budget, as mine was:rolleyes:. Take out a service contract and you should have 2 years relatively cheap motoring. Only downside was mine was 7 years old with 4 previous owners, but at 18600 miles and looking like new with the selling dealer having serviced it for the previous 3 years it didn't worry me too much . Spotted it on line at 4 pm Saturday and drove 175 miles Sunday morning , test drove it 5 miles and bought it on the spot , never had a moments regret. :confused:
 
As said above :thumb: I did a bit of research but really wanted a V8, SL 500 would’ve been nice but it wouldn’t go in my garage which is a must, but the 55 is a really nice car, mine had 7766 miles on a 15 plate when I went for test drive and I was sold on it straight away, I also got two year AMG warranty, key care, so should be ok for a few years, now just waiting on the summer months to come round again :D:D
 
No garage so have to use mine all year round. Have a 3 day 500 mile round trip coming up later this week , can't wait , especially as will have an empty seat next to me :D
 
I've not driven a 172, but the 171 is definitely quite raw; mine has been remapped to 395 bhp and about the same percentage increase in torque, and a previous owner had the exhaust resonators deleted. It goes rather well, handles well (but not if you turn the traction control off - instant sideways), and is far superior to the R230 SL500 it replaced with me. It has one of the last incarnations of the bombproof M113 engine, too.

It is, I am afraid, antisocially noisy, so I rarely use full chat around town, but it doesn't drone on the motorway. It's not like a Mercedes at all, really; it's a raucous little thug, and I like it a lot. Jeremy Clarkson actually bought one with his own money, back in the day, and he liked his a lot too.
 
Mine is a daily drive as well :thumb: but I like to put it away from prying eyes, I had a great A45 in green which I loved but it was getting the wrong kind of attention from certain groups :(
 

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