SLK55, how good are they?

[95redC180]

Hi all,

Looking recently at the prices of these, theyre quite cheap now.

I currently own a 99 C43 and a 99 E55, how does the SLK55 compare in terms of all round performance? Id expect it to be pretty good in handling and speed, but being a hard roof convertible are they a bit on the heavy side or is this not at issue.

[T-Modell]

HI
I guess you're talking about the R171 ... great car, superb handling. Fantastic combination with the huge motor. Drove it on the racetrack for two days. The pure performance difference to our 350 is not dramatic, but the motor pulls pulls pulls. If you have real money, get the SLK55 black series (don't know if it was on the market in Oz). By far the best handling car I ever drove. Crazy. Carbon roof, so no cabriolet anymore.

Thomas

[95redC180]

Cheers Thomas :)

Id love a Black Series, but id expect they cost alot more!

How is the handling against the C43? I used to own a heavily modded 94 Corvette, which was really in a league of its own back in the day for the money, but not so much these days with the prices they held.

[T-Modell]

...
How is the handling against the C43? I used to own a heavily modded 94 Corvette, which was really in a league of its own back in the day for the money, but not so much these days with the prices they held.

I haven't driven the C43, but I guess the size makes it quicker. Even our Standard SLK350 can be pretty quick. To me it's already to hard and bumpy with the standard body ... but everyone its own.
Thomas

[95redC180]

...
How is the handling against the C43? I used to own a heavily modded 94 Corvette, which was really in a league of its own back in the day for the money, but not so much these days with the prices they held.

I haven't driven the C43, but I guess the size makes it quicker. Even our Standard SLK350 can be pretty quick. To me it's already to hard and bumpy with the standard body ... but everyone its own.
Thomas

The C43 is pretty stiff, but not seriously so. The 4.3ltr AMG engine has incredible power for its day, and stabbing the trottle from a rolling start it really flies, off the line is not quite as amazing as id expect, but still very quick once moving.

The E55 is also very stiff to ride in, but not quite as stiff due to the extra size and weight. It takes off like a shot even from a standing start.

If the C had the 5.4ltr it would be quite amazing i reckon.

Seems the little SLK is still quite heavy for its size, it would probably be quite a handfull off the line!

[kimrh]

Gee excuse my ignorance but the R170 chassis design looks like it was aimed purely for the female driver and really even the upgraded R171 chassis - what i refer to as a chick car.
The highly modified AMG version with bolt on body-kit and wide flares/big rims/fat tyres gives it a bit of edge but no getting away from that short chassis /stubby backside.
If your a middle aged or older guy driving one of these - not a good look

[95redC180]

Gee excuse my ignorance but the R170 chassis design looks like it was aimed purely for the female driver and really even the upgraded R171 chassis - what i refer to as a chick car.
The highly modified AMG version with bolt on body-kit and wide flares/big rims/fat tyres gives it a bit of edge but no getting away from that short chassis /stubby backside.
If your a middle aged or older guy driving one of these - not a good look

Im 35, and really never gave a damn how i looked, let alone other people's opinions on how i look. People that care about what other people might think of their looks can go right ahead a live life by the standards of others, but i wont.

Other people's opinions of me is none of my business. Absolute last thing i'd ever do is buy a car because i think others will think im cool. That would be plain stupidity really wouldnt it.

So if you're a male or female, young, middle aged, older, old, ( take your pick, you'll find one you fit ) and you make choices based on how you hope others will see you, i would suggest it's time you re-thought who's life it is you want to live. ;)

[kimrh]

Sorry - no offence intended - (reminds me of the little Mazda MX4/MX5 shape). Image is certainly high on the list of every male driver - hence the crazy rush on the new mustangs

[95redC180]

Sorry - no offence intended - (reminds me of the little Mazda MX4/MX5 shape). Image is certainly high on the list of every male driver - hence the crazy rush on the new mustangs

Absolute no need to appologise, no offence was taken at all :)

Mate of mine is covered in tats and has a couple harleys, single in his early 50s, owns a 78 Corvette, but his daily driver is an MX5... Because he doesnt care about looks or what others think ;)

What you mean to say there is "image is important to some male drivers that think it matters what others think of them", which is a catagory i just dont fit!

[T-Modell]

@Kim: Have you ever driven one?
Thomas

[kimrh]

Just my take on street driving now-
In a country now bathed in hidden speed camera's, unmarked patrol cars and now unmarked motorbikes i no longer have any interest in the power game on the streets as its just not worth the consequences. "been there in a past life with supercharged V8's smoking the tyres at the blip of the throttle'.
Its all about street cruising now and that is most fun in classic cars to add a bit of ambience and in my case still with V8's.
High performance/handling cars are best dedicated and tuned for track work duties running on slicks (club racing or the drags) and trailer-ed to the track if you are seeking an Adrenalin fix- as the days of smoking it at the lights, street racing and high speed freeway runs is over.

[T-Modell]

Kim,

don't wiggle out; for your "street cruising" you don't need spoilers and huge wheels. The SLK might have a "woman"'s image, but it is fantastic to drive. Just too hard on the suspension and - with the R171 - rubbish seats.

You have a full blown coupé if you like and with some button push it's a convertible. Add Airscarf and you can drive it all year round with the roof down. The 3.5 V6 is a good motor, so fun in included.

I'm sure you might change your opinion, once you driven one. Add to that one of the best MB's of the last 15 years reg. reliability.

Regards
Thomas

[kimrh]

Don't mind CLK chassis styling

[95redC180]

Just my take on street driving now-
In a country now bathed in hidden speed camera's, unmarked patrol cars and now unmarked motorbikes i no longer have any interest in the power game on the streets as its just not worth the consequences. "been there in a past life with supercharged V8's smoking the tyres at the blip of the throttle'.
Its all about street cruising now and that is most fun in classic cars to add a bit of ambience and in my case still with V8's.
High performance/handling cars are best dedicated and tuned for track work duties running on slicks (club racing or the drags) and trailer-ed to the track if you are seeking an Adrenalin fix- as the days of smoking it at the lights, street racing and high speed freeway runs is over.

Ive never had cause for concern regarding unmarked and hidden etc, its not really an issue if youre sensible.