Veroomer

I posted a question the other day about 350 / 55 SLK Manual vs Auto. Now I would like to know if 350’s power plant is what you expected.

I would like to hear opinions from the SLK 350 MT or previous owners who have a stock/unmodified engine whether they feel it has adequate power or lack of power. Some have written in they went from a 350 to 55, was it because not enough ponies for the car or just wanted more power for themselves?

Thanks, Veroomer.

Freddyboi

uncle went from a 95 m3 that was modded. intake, headers, exhaust, chip. When driving the m3, i felt that it was more torquey, or maybe its cause its just loud. However, i feel that the slk is faster, but now that we have heavier wheels, i dont know. Ill race the slk when i drive the m3 and a standstill and at rolling start.

-1-

I've never driven an auto SLK 350. I was pleasantly surprised with power of the SLK 350. I doubt the auto or manual makes a difference. I can only imagine the power available with the SLK55. Zoom-zoom! Personally, the SLK 350 has more than enough power for me.

RonJeffries

The 350 has plenty of power for normal humans. It can break any law in this country in under ten seconds.

There are days when I would like to have a 55. But every day, I'm happy not to be in jail, or dead. So, most days, I'm quite satisfied with the 350.

Ynot

It's adequate for normal street driving unless you are a speed racer. There's plenty of low end torque in every gear. Overtaken a car is no problem. I guess you can never have enough power, it depends on the individual, it's good enough for me as of now but it's always nice to have more.

SLK55AMG

The 350 is plenty powerful...... easily on par with S2000, 350Z, Crossfire, Audi TT Sport, 2.7 Boxster (in fact not to far behind the Boxster S).

Some reviews also suggest that the lighter powerplant in the 350 (compared to the 55) helps give it slightly sharper handling.

gary350

It will also leave an SL500 or CL500 standing.

gary

slktyperice

There's ample power for most people in the SLK350. My only issue is the gear ratios. 1st is obviously way too short, 2nd is a little short too. 3rd and 4th are beautiful, and that is where I lose most ricers. Is it even possible to change the gear ratios?

MB-Spain

I'm satisfied with my 350.

Easy-SLK

I had my 350 for only 3 months , when I realised I should have bought the 55. The 350 is a compromise. I now have a 55 and regret not doing it sooner.
Do the right thing, get the 55

mcat

SLK 350 beats a Boxster S as well.

http://www.europeancarweb.com/firstl..._benz_slk_350/

Veroomer

Another positive article for this generation of the SLK ...

SLK55AMG

Thats the old Boxster S...... I'm talking about the new one which is much better than the old one. The SLK350 is almost as quick in a straight line (nip and tuck to 60 but the Boxster is a bit quicker to 100mph) but isn't quite as good when it comes to corners..... the difference in handling is shown whenever the two cars are directly compared on track (eg the Top Gear Stig test had the 350 either 4 second or 6 seconds a lap slower..... I can't remember clearly which)...... in fact on track even the AMG generaly records slightly slower times than the new Boxster S...... on the road the AMG will almost always be a quicker car than the Boxster unless that particular road is one huge set of bends

JimDavis MT

Owned a '06 350 CLK for 12,000 miles and was disappointed. Traded into a '06 350 SLK and what a difference in driving pleasure. The 7 speed auto transmission is excellent, and is ideally suited for this engine and car. Plenty of usible power. Thumbs up all around for this one.

Veroomer

See thread 350 or 55 as well,
First, my first dealer's sales rep is an ***. I gave them the courtesy to find another local dealer to see if they could set up a test drive of a MT SLK. I had found a few doing the dealer search on MB site. No response. I had my appointment yesterday with the dealer about 15 mins from my local one, that's right just another 15 mins. I also found out the same family owns both. They were shocked, of course that they were never contacted - I think I'm going to get a good deal now.

Anyway...Ynot, -1- and all you MT lovers this car has the power! and it was a fun driving experience. The 350 MT needs to be given more respect here. I went back today with a former racecar driver for a second opinion. I had the sales guy with me on my drive...this time it was Tony and I. First he was in the mindset the more power the better. Of course, dah. But he showed me that this car has ***** anyway. On take off and on winding roads, he was scaring the crap out of me on the back roads. Of course I wouldn't drive like this everyday but this definitely convinced me the 350 MT has ample power to have a great time in. His verdic, this car is fun and fast..."can wait to drive the 55." Needless to say he was very impress with that as well.

07 prices are a hair bit higher and the options packages have changed. Preminum packages have 3 levels. Base price is around 47k pluse about 10.9k for a fully loaded one. If your mind set is always fast off the block or who can I beat today....I think I'd can say go with the 55. If you love an MT the 350 will be a very satifying ride with excellent power and handling, IMO and Tony's.

For you AT buyers MB offers optional padels in place on the buttons on the steering wheel. Looks nice...$200 option.

Now I have to make my final decision????...I'll post that at the end of the month when the new 07's hit the show room.

I have enjoy all the posting on this topic for or against...MO both cars get the thumbs up and my respect.

-1-

Excellent, objective report. Good luck on your decision.

JimDavis MT

Just a bit of clarification here...."MT" is where I live! You are right though, the SLK 350 is a wonderfully balanced ride. (JD)

Veroomer

....

MT= Manual Transmission
AT = Automatic Tranny

JimDavis MT

Y'a got me on that one! LOL Just a postscript: The 7 speed AT is a real performer with this engine, especially in the "sport mode".

Veroomer

That's okay...I picked up some abbreviations from other members myself and use them often. I tested the 55 and loved it...but I also love shifting....I think both are great cars...so it is still a coin toss, by the end of this month I will make my choice.

SLK55AMG

The 7G is one of the best auto boxes on the market but I'm still inclined to think that 7 forward gears is overkill! The 5.5 engine has such huge reserves of torque across a wide part of the rev band that it could easily handle 5 longer gears...... it would probably be quicker than the 7G as well as you'll save two gear changes on your way to top gear?????

dsb

I dunno. The gear changes happen very quick.

Easy-SLK

Look here peasant, you don;t drive one so WTF do you know. Just button it and keep saving for your imaginary Porsche

-1-

Welcome back Easy.

Ynot

He owns a porsche, he's saving up for an AM.