SLK/R171: Are any of you SLK drivers big?
08-02-2005, 10:43 PM
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2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Are any of you SLK drivers big?
I know this sounds like a silly question, but my son and I were at the dealer looking at cars. He liked the SLK, but he didn't really fit well. He's about 6'2" and 240lbs. When he sat in it, he was almost looking over the windshield. The sales guy put the seat all the way down and back, and he still had to crouch a bit to get a view unobstructed by the top of the windshield. I was afraid to see what it would be like with the top up! Was the sales guy just not getting the seat adjusted far enough? Or is this just a small person's car? They had a CLK convertible next to it, in which he fit just fine, but he really likes the retractable hard top. He's got a couple years before he's driving legally, he'll be 16 in Feb of 2007, but by then he'll likely be larger, too. I guess I just want to know if this car is one he should forget, especially if he keeps growing.
08-03-2005, 05:17 AM
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SLK 55 AMG
He should fit better in the SL, but it's a more expensive car.
Not sure if you'd be willing to put that much money on (what I assume will be) his first car.
Not sure if you'd be willing to put that much money on (what I assume will be) his first car.
08-03-2005, 07:18 AM
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2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Originally Posted by Shinigami
He should fit better in the SL, but it's a more expensive car.
Not sure if you'd be willing to put that much money on (what I assume will be) his first car.
Not sure if you'd be willing to put that much money on (what I assume will be) his first car.
08-03-2005, 08:21 AM
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SLK55 AMG (previously C32 AMG)
I'm about 6'4", 220ish, and recently bought an SLK55. The only problem I have is what you observed - sometimes I have to duck my head a little to see stop-lights because the top of the windshield gets in the way. Visibility during normal driving is fine. It's actually ok with the top up, though there's not a lot of room to spare. The windshield is kinda small and low, but the roof curves up and provides decent headroom.
My previous car was a C32, and it had roughly the same kind of room, but without the low-windshield problem. I've test-driven a couple SLs, and even though it's a bigger car, it doesn't have much more room, especially headroom. I've found that I'm right on the edge of what manufacturers design for, and always have to shop carefully. Your son will probably be the same, if he's 6'2" at 14.
My previous car was a C32, and it had roughly the same kind of room, but without the low-windshield problem. I've test-driven a couple SLs, and even though it's a bigger car, it doesn't have much more room, especially headroom. I've found that I'm right on the edge of what manufacturers design for, and always have to shop carefully. Your son will probably be the same, if he's 6'2" at 14.
08-03-2005, 02:20 PM
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2005 SLK55 AMG
This question comes up all the time, in smaller cars.
The head room issue is not the total height, the issue is the torso height (i.e. from waist up).
You will see post from people at 6'4" that say they fit fine, and will find people at 6' say they don't fit at all.
I'm 6'2" and 200lb, I fit fine, with room.
My brother is also 6'2", but about 220lb. He doesn't fit AT ALL.
When we stand side by side, his waist line is a good 4-5 inches lower than mine.
That is, my height is in my legs, his is in his torso.
As an aside, the SLK55 does have lots of leg room (first car I don't put all the way back).
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
The head room issue is not the total height, the issue is the torso height (i.e. from waist up).
You will see post from people at 6'4" that say they fit fine, and will find people at 6' say they don't fit at all.
I'm 6'2" and 200lb, I fit fine, with room.
My brother is also 6'2", but about 220lb. He doesn't fit AT ALL.
When we stand side by side, his waist line is a good 4-5 inches lower than mine.
That is, my height is in my legs, his is in his torso.
As an aside, the SLK55 does have lots of leg room (first car I don't put all the way back).
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
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08-03-2005, 08:59 PM
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2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Originally Posted by bloflin
That is, my height is in my legs, his is in his torso...
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
Nope, he, like me, is a long torso guy. Kind of a family trait. Of course, I'm only 5'10" so it's not a hinderance to me. Thanks you guys for the input. For all I know, he'll change what he likes altogether by the time he's ready.
08-06-2005, 12:04 PM
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'06 S430 Sport, '05 C 55 AMG, '06 BMW 330i, '06 VW Beetle Convertible
Originally Posted by bloflin
This question comes up all the time, in smaller cars.
The head room issue is not the total height, the issue is the torso height (i.e. from waist up).
You will see post from people at 6'4" that say they fit fine, and will find people at 6' say they don't fit at all.
I'm 6'2" and 200lb, I fit fine, with room.
My brother is also 6'2", but about 220lb. He doesn't fit AT ALL.
When we stand side by side, his waist line is a good 4-5 inches lower than mine.
That is, my height is in my legs, his is in his torso.
As an aside, the SLK55 does have lots of leg room (first car I don't put all the way back).
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
The head room issue is not the total height, the issue is the torso height (i.e. from waist up).
You will see post from people at 6'4" that say they fit fine, and will find people at 6' say they don't fit at all.
I'm 6'2" and 200lb, I fit fine, with room.
My brother is also 6'2", but about 220lb. He doesn't fit AT ALL.
When we stand side by side, his waist line is a good 4-5 inches lower than mine.
That is, my height is in my legs, his is in his torso.
As an aside, the SLK55 does have lots of leg room (first car I don't put all the way back).
So if your son's height is in his legs, he may be ok.
08-30-2005, 01:06 PM
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2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Originally Posted by Nebraska99
"Are any of you SLK drivers big? "
Not to brag, but my girlfriend doesnt complain. heh heh heh
Not to brag, but my girlfriend doesnt complain. heh heh heh
09-04-2005, 01:04 AM
#13
Originally Posted by PaulX608
I know this sounds like a silly question, but my son and I were at the dealer looking at cars. He liked the SLK, but he didn't really fit well. He's about 6'2" and 240lbs. When he sat in it, he was almost looking over the windshield. The sales guy put the seat all the way down and back, and he still had to crouch a bit to get a view unobstructed by the top of the windshield. I was afraid to see what it would be like with the top up! Was the sales guy just not getting the seat adjusted far enough? Or is this just a small person's car? They had a CLK convertible next to it, in which he fit just fine, but he really likes the retractable hard top. He's got a couple years before he's driving legally, he'll be 16 in Feb of 2007, but by then he'll likely be larger, too. I guess I just want to know if this car is one he should forget, especially if he keeps growing.
not to bring it back again, but have you ever conciderded gettting him a 129? that is the old SL, i have one and it was my first car and i am 6'3 220lbs and fit well. they are great cars also.
MArk
09-04-2005, 08:29 AM
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2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Originally Posted by RedMongoosE
not to bring it back again, but have you ever conciderded gettting him a 129? that is the old SL, i have one and it was my first car and i am 6'3 220lbs and fit well. they are great cars also.
MArk
MArk
