Thinking about buying SLK32 AMG

[Bobby Dazzler]

Had a test drive in a Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG today. My first time in an AMG :bannana:

So unassuming on the outside. Just looks like a regular SLK, but with "V6" before the Kompressor badge on the front wings, the slimmest of slim boot spoilers, and subtley different alloys (still only 17" though). In silver it looks like every other SLK. But when the engine is running...

...absolutely incredible. Was in built up area with lots of traffic, so didn't really get to stretch it's legs properly, but blimeeeeeeeeeeeey it was fast!! A different league to anything I've ever peddled myself, or even ridden in come to that.

The engine note is deep, with a beautiful warble from the exhaust. Being an auto makes driving quickly easy for those that have very average driving skills like me. Point, and goooooooo!!

Biggest reservation I had was with the seats though - integrated head rest. Didn't seem to be able to get myself comfy. A few hours after driving it I noticed an old back ache had appeared for the first time in ages - only mild - is it the seats or a coincidence?? Can't make my mind up.

Lot's of go for the money, but would it make me look a bit ...er ...let's not beat around the bush ...'Duncan Nouvelle' though??!! No offence intended to either SLK owners, or the great entertainer himself.

I really am very tempted.

Views welcomed - good or bad!!

 

[Maff]

Go for it, great engine and noise, power in a discrete vehicle, plus the benefits of the roof. And as you mention, you get a lot of go for your money nowadays in the SLK32.

 

[BTB 500]

It's an unfortunate fact of life that small convertibles have rather a girly image. Whether you like the styling of the SLK itself is obviously pure personal taste. I don't (although the new one is a bit better), but there are plenty of proud owners out there!

 

[Lazarus]

(although the new one is a bit better)

I actually think that the new SLK is a bit more girly, ok so the front has got a bit more of an agressive aspect, but the back reminds me of a none-too-shapely girls' hips

Laz.
--

 

[BTB 500]

I think the new one looks OK with the roof down, but a disaster with it up. To me, the proportions are all wrong ... looks like a kid's caricature! Sorry SLK owners

Wish I did like the looks, I'd be sorely tempted to save up for an SLK55 AMG then.

 

[chriswt]

Normally I would say that unless you're a hairdresser or female then don't buy an SLK but....

Went to goodwood F of S and an SLK AMG was the pace car. Wowwwwww, what an engine note. Unless there was a different exhaust on the pace car then it sounds fantastic and IMO it looks much girly than the old car.

.....Ah hang on may be I'm talking about the SLK55! is that out yet?

I don't do roofless cars unless they don't have the option of a proper roof to begin with but in the case of the SLK AMG I'd definately make an exception.

 

[BTB 500]

Yes I think you're talking about an SLK55 AMG (assuming it was a new shape). I'm sure it sounded great, but I couldn't cope with the looks! Just had a browse through the M-B website and couldn't find a SINGLE picture of a new SLK with the roof up ... wonder why?

It looks bad enough in a drawing, I hate the "round" roofline.

But ... I bet there are plenty of people that like it, so if it floats your boat go for it!

 

[Plodd]

Give it a go and sod the so called girly image.

I love my BRIGHT YELLOW SLK and I can't imagine anyone looking less like a girly or a hairdresser than me.

I am totally secure in my masculinity and if others aren't that's their problem.

 

[pammy]

If it's an SLK 32 then it's the R170 like mine not the R171 new model.

I tried the 32 and found it a bit skittish for day to day driving. The 55 sounds awsemone though, but having said that - I could probably be pursuaded to give one a home

The SLK R170 is a crackin car. I know plenty of men who drive them and have no image problems. Image problems are for the insecure!

if you like it - go for it, you will enjoy every minute!

 

[Vlad]

Talking of yellow SLK'S if the 32 you've been looking at is yellow, its one of only 2 in the country. The other rare colour is a light blue metallic.

I saw one of the 2 yellow 32's go through at BCA Blackbushe earlier this year, but Ican't remember what price it went for other than it appeared in an issue of Mercedes Enthusiast a couple of months later and was for sale by a specialist who must have picked it up at the auction.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks for the responses.

It is indeed a 170 I'm looking at, rather than the latest 171 shape. It's silver, which although there are lots of silver Benzes about (we have a silver ML too), it does help it blend in a little more and be a bit more subtle. I really like the Q-car thing, and that's a big part of the appeal in the SLK32.

I'm not one to be concerned about image, but what does concern me a little though is when I come to sell it, a very powerful car that is seen as a ladies car (by some, not me!!), that is by then approaching 10 years old may have a limited re-sale market. Maybe I should worry about that then though.

Anyone got any experience of the seats?? That still remains my big question mark. That and the fact that I could get a Porsche 996 for a little more - maybe a wiser long term bet with residuals and potential quality/repair issues, and it has what I hear to be a great driving position?? Got to at least consider it as an alternative.

Does anyone happen to have a copy of the Autocar road test on the SLK32? When I called them, they just sent me a photocopy of the summary page that appears every week!! Well one that featured the SLK32, as it's now fallen off their road test list in recent issues, since the 171 came along.

Finally anyone have an idea of what it might be like on fuel, either the SLK32 or the C32? No trip computer so unable to check average consumption from previous owner!!

 

[portzy]

I actually think that the new SLK is a bit more girly, ok so the front has got a bit more of an agressive aspect, but the back reminds me of a none-too-shapely girls' hips

Laz.
--

All in the eyes of the beholder I guess? and, if they were not a tad feminine, I would have to stop calling mine Diana and she would have to be a Derek or a Dennis. Aplgs to any of the aformentioned .

That said, she gets a kiss on the b*m every night from me but, as folks know, ask me whats my kinda girl and my usual reply is Kat Slater

Dum dum dum dum dum, dummmmm dum.........

Portzy.

 

[Shude]

No trip computer so unable to check average consumption from previous owner!!

Another thing missing from the SLK facelift, when other models were updated with this!

 

[Thmsshaun]

I actually think that the new SLK is a bit more girly, ok so the front has got a bit more of an agressive aspect, but the back reminds me of a none-too-shapely girls' hips

Laz.
--

I love it from the front and the first few new ones really caught my eye. But the from the front going side to the rear is it went passed it....... Well I agree with the above.

 

[SLK230UK99]

The slk is an interesting car regarding image..nearly everyone has a slightly different take on it. Personally I see nothing girly about my R170...and freinds who crack on about 'hairdressers car' soon go into fast reverse after actually driving it. Also Joe Publics perception of the car is good (excluding white van man): on a motorway pushing along at normal speeds in the outside lane its amazing how much traffic just pulls over as though you've got blue lights on the roof. Heh, and I can't really see a massive problem in driving a car most women love

 

[scumbag]

R171 55 roof up.....

blokes car...well mine anyway

I always thought the R170 32 was a bit worse as the chassis can't handle the power from the engine. but it was still a good car. anyway, who cares if people think you are a girl? if you like it thats good enough! It's your money, buy and enjoy! Another Forum keeps telling me I am GAY coz of this car! oh well!