i am in negotiation to have someone assume the lease on my clk and i would like to replace it with either an slk or a boxster... the boxster is too much so i found the slk280 for around 600 a month for 27 months..... now ive heard the 350 and it is very loud and pleasing, would any owners give me their opinion on the 280's exhaust note? is it similar (sound it makes and loudness) to the 350 at all or is it much quieter?

also with the 280 engine does one get the shift buttons in back of the steering wheel?? or is that only on higher models?

btw, i read 0-60 on the slk280 is 6.1 and the 350 is 5.4 to me its not a big deal (where am i racing to?) and as for the wheels, i would probably pick up a new set, these 16 inchers make me nervous! but is the handling the same as the 350? i hear they handle excellent!

I think the SLK 280 would be a wise choice. I can't give you any specific on SLK 280 other than you get a little less engine. Once you replace those "way too small" 16" wheels, the SLK 280 will be almost impossible to distinguish from the SLK 350. Again, the SLK 280 is a good choice. Good luck!

I would assume the handling is pretty much the same with the same size wheels/tires. The engine is basically de-tuned and the brakes are slighty larger on the 350.

I haven't ready many reviews on the 280 (maybe cuz i haven't looked hard enuff) but here's one that gave it good marks.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech...des_slk280.htm

SLK 280 has a very pleasing exhaust note with top up. Have not tried it with top down.
Still running in Comfort mode but acceleration is adequate for all suburban driving.
As for 16 inch, think about retro hot rod when the tires were BIG. I like that look so have accepted the wheels and tires as 'different'. I also added the chrome wings to the grille, again, different.

I think the 280 is a great car. £4000 cheaper here in the UK is worth the sacrifice of the heated seats, 500cc and 17" wheels. I didn't detect any difference in the engine note of the 350 and 280, just a little less torque, but we don't drive like idiots all the time...do we? If its torque you want, go drive a diesel.
Definitely the smart option when it comes to resale and residual values. IMHO
But then again I got the 55! You're only here once!

excellent, thank you for your opinions.... i will head over for a test drive asap

also does the 280 come with the shifters on the steering wheel??

The 280 has shifters in the UK, but I think it is very country specific ?

I think it depends on the type of driving you do and the whether you will be traversing flat stretches or constantly climbing upgrades and mountainous areas. If the later, the 350SLK does have an advantage. I drove close to a thousand miles across Eurpope in a US Spec SLK350 as well as several thousand miles there in a US Spec SLK280. I loved the driving experience in both cars and in most driving situations found little difference. However, on the mountain grades the SLK350 moved effortlessly at the maximum allowed speeds (generally 80 mph U.S.) while the SLK280 felt more stressed. As far as the exhaust note the SLK350's is special and has a nice rumble. The SLK280's note is OK, but little bit more of a whine than a rumble, especially when climbing grades as above referenced. There is nothing negative about the sound from the SLK280, it's just that the sound from the SLK350 is perfect.

thanks for your input, pricewise i would have to go with the 280 and as for the exhaust note, i hope its better than my quiet clk320 lol