mwilson

I am considering an SLK 350 with the AMG package (which is the only way to get the sport suspension now, I guess). Can anyone comment on whether or not the AMG front air dam is too low in their experience? "Too low" in this case means scrapping in typical driveway curbs. My vette scrapes a little, but it has a rubber strip at the bottom - the MB just has un-protected fender.

On the topic of sport suspension, do you think it makes a difference?

I am a performance-oriented driver and intend to get the 6-sp manual.

Thanks.

Phantomenace

I just got mine 3 days ago with AMG package. Scratched 5 times already. Better pick up a lot of touch up paint.

wil_sutton

Not only is it a little low, but it also is not very comfortable for distance driving. I'm also a performance driver, but the small benefit in cornering simply isn't worth the rougher ride in my opinion. (Let the flaming begin!) The standard suspension corners like it's on rails already, unlike the old model.

GoKuA

Sup man!!,
you have scrateched ur bumper 5 times already? But seriously, it does look really low off the ground.

Phantomenace

Yeah, i scratched it quite a bit. I'm a pretty rough driver. I guess I'll just have to be more careful.

In the end tho, I think it was worth it. Now that I see other SLKs without it, mine just feels more special. The AMG package does make the car look so much more aggressive and you get the paddle shifters as a bonus if you go auto.

Julien321

I have had mine for 6 months and not a single scratch (knock on wood) and it also rides like a Cadillac. Of course my last car was a S2000 which is both lower and has a stiffer suspension. The sports suspension and the AMG look is a must if you are coming from a Vette.

redvettx2

Have a agree with Julian above. AMG package makes the car look much more aggressive and takes away the girly factor. You do give a little ride comfort but the handling gains and performance are worth the trade off. I feel the tires on the AMG package are the biggest part of harsher ride issue. Going to softer sidewall and a little higher profile at replacement should cure the ride issue.

SLKfromLOKEY

I do agree that the car is low and you must be very careful to avoid getting your AMG kit scratched. Driveways seem to be a problem when backing out, if you go to fast the front bumper of the car will slap the pavement. Just take it easy with the car, I guess Mercedes didn't consider driveway racing.

bigciti

I don't have a problem at all. 6200 miles no scratches...drove form NYC to Southeastern Fla. Beautiful on highway..suspension is great, 6spd. & AMG makes it handle and look like the sports car it is. If you're the performance oriented driver you say you are...GO FOR IT!

steve1173

I am getting mine this week with the Sport Suspension not the AMG package. Will I have the same problem as the AMG package about scraping the front end. Is the sport suspension that much lower then the regular suspension.

johner_cz

Hi guys! I am about to buy the SLK with AMG styling paket. I would like to know how is it with the retarders. I don't know if you use such a word. I mean the the breaking thinks lying on the streets. We have two of them. One is smaller and shorter. The other one is bigger and longer. Do you have experience with it? I am from Czech Republic so excuse my english. Thank you for your comments

Mushroom

I havent't seen any of those speed limting bumps in the US, that we got here in Europe. I guess it should be ok, got some friends with a SLK and they have no problem as long as they drive really slow. The smaller and shorter ones are the killers, if they are separated you should drive having one wheel on the bump and the other off.

Ynot

I don't have a problem, just go at an angle for dips and speed bumps. It could be lower, you just have to be careful and drive slowly.

slktyperice

Go with the sport suspension. I just upgraded my standard suspension, which, by the way, DOES NOT CORNER LIKE IT'S ON RAILS. It has horrid lean on corners, and if you're a performance-oriented driver, you won't be happy. Well, if you guys get the sport suspension and aren't happy with it, I have my standard suspension (all 4 sets + sway bar) from a SLK350 if you want to downgrade thinking the sport is too low or harsh for you.

johner_cz

How much higher/lower is it with/without the AMG sport packet? I really do care about it. The roads in CZ are sometimes quite rugged and I don't want to change the front bumper every month! Thanks for your tips

slktyperice

I'd say for ride height, about 0.6". For bumper clearance, at least 2 inches (the non-AMG bumper doesn't go as low.

johner_cz

and how many centimeters is it with the AMG packet from the ground to the lowest part of bumper?

Ynot

102mm, here's the info you are looking for. http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/sho...018/ppuser/313

reallife

I say: Don't worry about it! I have the slk55 w/ the 030 package and had the front end covered in Venture shield right after I bought it. I have lots of little scratches in the bottom of the front bumper and a couple of deep cuts that occured when I hit a dip in the road or speed bumps at a good clip. I noticed a couple of shreds of VentureShield film hanging down off the bumper recently. You know what? I just trimmed them off with a pair of scissors. So what! The car is great! Who cares about a few scratches on the bottom of the front bumper? I didn't buy this car to baby it and keep it in brand new condition.....

johner_cz

You're all right!! I don't care about little scratches at the bottom of the bumper. Its for driving, but as I was saying, the roads in Czech Rep. are sometimes rugged and I don't know if I enjoy the ride with such a car. 17 or 18" wheels + sport suspension. Always watching the road whether there is or isn't any dips + the big speed bumps located in my street! Cracking the bumper wouldn't be a pleasure. I'll borrow the car and I'll see (btw. do they normally have the amg package cars in MB store?). Thx

Ynot

Drive it and don't worry about scratches, the more you worry the more scratches you will get.

NO, amg pkg cars are somewhat rare, everyone thinks the $4,000 extra is outrageous for a body kit, those that do obviously have not looked for body kits. Aftermarket body kit's cost more than $4000 and that does not include paint, installation, better looking wheels, and a lower stance.

nappy

I have the AMG pkg, the front bumper is lower and I have tons of scratches at the front, but who cares, I just love the look of it. The car is meant to be driven! The lowered stiffer suspension makes your SLK handle much better, I never slow down at any corners.

slktyperice

Get bigger rims like 19" ones, it'll raise your car naturally.