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Mercedes-Benz SLK
merc1
Member Posts: 6,081
The new SLK350 has a 272hp V6 and new 6speed manual, new SLK55 AMG has a 360hp V8. Sadly no manual on the AMG V8 version.... Stylewise it's just the spy pics have indicated all along, and evolution of the current car with one major change, a SLR style front end. New Airscarf system keeps your neck warm during colder top down driving (!). New 7G-Tronic tranny optional for SLK350, and (standard) for the first time on a AMG product the SLK55 AMG. The V6 is an all new direct injection unit, MB also went back to 24V/DOHC technology, along with whole host of other tricks. The new car should surpass the 300K+ sales the old SLK did since it's fall 1996 launch.
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I might be in the look out for one ( If it handles like my Honda S 2000.)
Awesome!
M
When can we expect this car to be released in USA? Is the $ going to be increased dramatically?
The SLK is a great looking car! Does anybody have any pictures from the interior of this car?
Thanks,
Cristian
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The Boxster is around $50k, with less power and softtop.
Who is the SLK's comp? I'd charge $50k+.
DrFill
I'm just waiting to see what the press has to say about a stick shifted 272hp (SLK350) Benz. Should be a revelation, for a Benz that is.
M
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The only question is what the new prices will be. If Mercedes offers this starting around 47-50k USD, then they might just get my next car purchase.
M
As long as MB gets rid of those 600 useless electronic functions and ups its reliability, they've got nothing to worry about from Bungled BMWs or Lexus.
In terms of looks, there is NO contest.
i believe this is a site where you can find some interior pics.
If UK pricing is any indication (29,000 lbs for base price) ,the US price should be approximately 53K.
The 220hp(?) SLK300 should start at 38K or so. The SLK should sell like nickel beer at those prices.
M
Engine sound is amazing for a Benz - very throaty. The only demo available here was a 7 speed automatic, which I don't think I would order. It's a very busy gearbox, with the usual manual mode and "comfort" and "sport" modes. It kicks down multiple gears at a time when you step into the gas, and seems to have a mind of its own. I like automatics, because I'm comfortable controlling kickdown with the accelerator, but I never quite felt like I was in control of this one. This also seems like a lot of complexity destined to fail. Fortunately the standard 6-speed is supposed to have been nicely redone.
If you're careful with the options, you should be able to park one in your garage for under $50K plus tax. The dealer here in San Diego is selling them at MSRP. Compared to the Lexus SC430 and the Cadillac XRL, that seems like a smoking deal.
Back at the dealer: I didn't flog their demo, because it had less than 300 miles on the clock. But M-B's quote of 5.4 sec to 60mph seems reasonable. This is a fast car. While the outgoing SLK320 never felt that much faster than the SLK230 (though it sounded better), this one would have my old SLK for lunch. It also sounds good at idle, cruise or full throttle acceleration.
Today I surfed over to Porsche's new Boxster introduction on their website. 240hp for the '05 Boxster, 280hp for the S. 0-60 for the SLK and the Boxster S are within .2 sec. Makes me wonder about the price difference. For once, I think M-B has given a non-AMG product ample power. Kudos for that.
From initial photos, I was concerned M-B had overstyled the nose. In person, it looks classic. The character line on the side swoops down nicely into the front fender and smacks vaguely of Lamborghini (but far more subtle). The small size makes the whole assembly even more pleasing than the widely admired SL. You can actually look over your shoulder and get a decent view due to a larger rear quarter window -- still small, but an improvement.
The demo was silver with black leather. It's a handsome car, but I don't know if I'd get silver again. It's TOO popular. I can't wait to see it in black or one of the dark blues -- should look amazing. The dual tailpipes are tasteful -- jury's still out on the four pipes on the AMG, which seems a little Corvette-like.
My first impression: Great power, great sounds, very sharp styling. Controls are much more intuitive, although the odometer reset is diabolically hidden. (And why exactly anyone would need "four-zone climate control" in an open car this size is beyond me.) Mercedes really did its homework this time. If quality holds up, the new SLK should be a winner.
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M
After about an hour I had more time to check out the problem. In cruise mode there was no response, in either forward or reverse. In sport mode (or manual) I had reverse & first gear only. The transmission tried to change to second, but spun free as second gear tried to engage.
I called Tele Aid, their best guess was that I went into "limp home mode" and sent a tow truck. As I read my owners manual, limp home mode should enable second gear only and since that was not the case, I disagree with their assumption.
I was towed to the dealer (on Saturday), all I could do was to leave the car for the service department on Monday. I was asked to back the car down off the flatbed from the driver, which I gladly did. I noticed something strange at that time. The transmission was working in cruise mode, although I was not able to go off lot - so who knows about upshifting. Since previously there was no response at all in cruise mode - my guess is the problem may have disappeared when I got to the dealer.
I decided to leave the car and have it checked out. I need to know whats going on.
I have also noticed that the parking assist (passenger side rear view mirror tilts downward in reverse) stopped working around week two. I double checked, and yes it is turned on.
Today is Sunday. I'll be speaking with the dealer tomorrow. I will keep you informed.
Hopefully (not to regret my decision) amgnut
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Service advisor called & said they had to replace a valve body in the tranny. I was not aware of the need to re-program the adaptive transmission after its replacement. Advisor said 50 miles of driving (programming) minimum? Said standard operating procedure is the shop foreman drives it home overnight?!? Over my strong objections, advisor says its the only way they will re-program tranny. Sounds like a joy ride to me - but then again what do I know about MB, this is my first one!
I only hope the shop foreman has read the correct break-in procedure in the manual.
Advisor says he will call me tomorrow & let me know where we're at.
Can anyone share tranny problems & fixes on any 7-speed automatic's?
Thanks -
M
Just got my slk350 yesterday and cant stop looking at it! However, I ran into a problem today. I have the auto and was driving in C mode; not using the paddles at all. Anyways, the car shifted fine from 1-2,2-3, then the car kept changing gears like it didnt know if it wanted 2 or 3 or 4. It lunged forward then back (not harshly) and went into neutral. I pulled over and turned off the car. Once restarted, I didnt have any problems. Has anyone of you experienced this? I hope it was once in a lifetime but not quite sure how to handle it. Of course, I will inform the dealership. Any thoughts?
Since that episode, I have informed the dealership of the situation. It has worked fine since but leaves me wondering if it will come back. I am going to make an appointment this week. However, I hardly doubt they will witness the same problem. I wonder if I 'reprogrammed' the tranny myself. I have driven approximately 50 miles since the problem and everything seems fine now. I too will keep you all posted.
As a side note, I should mention that I love the looks, feel, and the fact I have only seen one other 350 on the road. Glad I didnt get the boxster. I see those everywhere I look!
Drove home, seems fine. Almost feels like shift points are slightly different, but wouldn't swear to it (adaptive transmission?).
dsb - dealer said programming was technical, but did not give any details. Diagnostic should show the code as far as I can tell.
stroudman - I read on SL500 board of an '04 with very similar problem. Probably an isolated problem.
As I push over 1000 miles I intend to test the limits of my car. I'll keep you all posted of my experience.
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I am curious about DSB's tranny problem.
Either I have to sell my Michelins or run them & change to a winter tire & then back again in the spring until they are worn. Ideas?
The SLK280 should be here sometime this summer.
M
I have had mine 2 weeks and love the ride and waiting for warmer weather. I get many complements on looks and style espically the new front end SL look.
Mileage? Any further likes/dislikes?
Also there is a glowing review of the SLK55 AMG in the June issue of Car and Driver. They didn't like the stiff ride, which is to be expected with any sporting machine in and around Detroit. Their roads are about the worst I've seen. They also said that 7-Speed jolts a little during deceleration because its downshifting through the gears. Anyone here notice that? I think that was all they didn't like. They were all for the styling, engine, handling, brakes, interior quality (so good to hear) and they did say the how the 7sp does a great job otherwise. Look at the 30-50mph and 50-70mph times and you'll see the theory behind 7 gears at work! The cars seems to be a big hit for Mercedes, which is really needed. It seems that its built like a Benz should be, now all we need is the reliability stuff from you owner folk.
Stroudman, any further info on the SLK280? None of the press material says whether or not it will use the 7G-Tronic for its automatic option. Any other real changes for 2006?
M
I've been enjoying my SLK 350 for a couple of months now. Everything has been great, except that the notice to "check oil level at next refueling" keeps coming on. The first time it happened, at about 1000 miles, I checked the oil level and it was a bit low, so I put in half a quart. When it came on again at about 1800 miles, I added the other half quart. Then at about 2900, I added another half quart. The manual stated that a new engine may consume oil. When I took the car in for its 3000 mile diagnostic check, they thought there was a problem, and replaced the sensor. However, it just came on again at 3300. Has anyone else had this problem?
Otherwise, I love the car so far. The service technician commented that mine was a "nice one!" He said people will buy the AMG 55 and not even get power seats. I have a Diamond Silver with red leather seats, premium package, comfort package, lighting package, AMG sport package, entertainment package, heating package, run-flat tires, and wood trim. I love, love, love the heating package and the wood trim. I don't like the CD changer in the glove box, because it takes up all the space. The sport package makes for somewhat of a bumpy ride at times, but it takes corners great; it just sticks to the road. Great price too. I paid the consumer reports invoice cost on the car and options, plus the IRG advertising fee. The dealer made their holdback. I was prepared to pay invoice plus 1-5%, and had even made a 5% over invoice cost offer to one dealer before I knew about the holdback, and they wouldn't deal over the phone, (of course.) It was worth it to order the consumer reports price guide on the car. I talked to every dealer within reasonable driving distance, (about 12 different dealerships) and ended up at the internet fleet departmet of the dealer I bought it from. Also, it was difficult to find a car with the options I wanted. Most of the ones sitting on the lot have two or three options at most. I wasn't originally planning on the sport or lighting packages, but they gave me some negotiating options since I was willing to walk away if I couldn't get it down to the invoice cost. I am very pleased to have ended up with both! The sport package really makes the car look ultra-cool.
Wife loves the power & I think the looks she gets but she won'admit that.Even the mpg is good. Over 20 around town. A slight rattle in the rear somewhere that we haven't found yet but otherwise very tight.
Bought it as a resale from an independent dealer w/1800 mi on it.From the MB website I see where we can get extended warranty up to the first yr. Where is the best price for this?
Seems MB got this one right. Have steared clear of other 03-04 models as I have an 2001 E320 with no problems.
Only "problem"I have is that the SLK came with summer tires that I will have to dipose of & refit with all season tires. All season tires should be an option on this car. Any suggestions? Looking @ Perelli P Zero Nero recommended by Tirerack.
Read article about AMG model. I wouldn't trade. 350 has all the power & more that you need plus a good ride & handling that doesn't beat on you. Windblocker works well. Have reg headlights which I replaced bulbs with Sylvania Silverstars.
One goofey thing. CD changer is in the glovebox. Takes ALL the space. Looks as if it could have been put in the trunk as nav system is there w/no problems & there is space for it.