nycboy

I'm thinking of trading in my clk 350 but could not decide which one to get:

1. slk 350 - can get one with all options I want but hp is the same as my current car (auto transmission)

2. slk 55 - can only get with premium package.

Which would you choose?

Thanks,

RonJeffries

If I didn't care about the additional $15-20K, the 55. I did care, so I got the 350, which is just dandy.

kchristos

If money is no issue, I believe it's a no brainer! SLK55

Vodil

If money is not an issue how about an SLR or an SL65?

More seriously, there a few things that could be negatives about the 55:
1) it is lower and will be even worse at going on bumpy parking lots etc.
2) it looks more aggressive, which may not be what you want
3) it rides more aggressive (stiffer) which may not be what you want

Whie the money did matter to me, I actually preferred the 350 becase it is what I drive all the time and it is the blend of comfort and power that suits me.

-1-

I wouldn't spend the money on a SLK 55 if I couldn't get the options I wanted. Specifically, NAV, sat radio, Xenons, air scarf, exterior and interior colors. Don't really care for premium or comfort package, etc. For that kind of money I'd order it. However, a "fully" loaded SLK 350 is nice. The SLK 55 is tempting, but I'd still order one.

Duo-Art

Living in New York City, you'll probably use the extra H.P. of the SLK 55 a lot less than you will use the many extra options that you can afford on the SLK 350. The horse power may be the same as your CLK but the performance will be a lot better. My advice is go with the fully loaded SLK 350.

big SLK

350 loaded

JoeShark

nycboy

You should consider posting this same question over on the SLK 55 forum. It would be interesting to get another point of view.

js

drakon

Odd, i compared a fully loaded slk350 against SLK55 with just NAV, and the price difference was less than 10K, so i went for SLK55. I reasoned that i LOVE speed and power, and with the 55 engine i could live with a few options less. Although the 55 is stretching my budget a little, i find it WELL worth it. Absolute BLAST to drive.

Though i may be biased as a i have a nearly fully loaded clk500, so i can drive that when i need a little more space and comfort.

But afterall, it's an SLK, i'm not really getting it because it's a 'comfy' car...

Ynot

those are all positives, IMO, the only reason I brought the 350 is b/c the SLK55 didn't come with a manual transmission, if I didn't care, it's a no-brainer, the SLK55 for sure but I did so I opted for the 350, do I need more horses, probably not, do I want more, probably. I thought about spending beaucoup bucks to get the 350 to 55 horses but I thought maybe by the time I get bored with driving stick, it's time to upgrade to the 55/63. But I'm enjoying my SLK too much now and may never upgrade to a 55 but the Kleemann SC.

Veroomer

I had a similar question....and also a thread on if 350 owners felt the car had ample power. My dilemma is will I have as much fun in an AT (55). Some members have actually been very honest with there opinons (backed up their thoughts - like Ynot)...at this point I still want an MT in my life and I'm not sure if the 55 will give me that same thrill. 55's power and aggressive look still entices me. I just need to make a freak'n decision.

I would get Enterainment Package rather than the Premium - Comman/Head unit much better than the standard console.

-1-

If you're still undecided, go with the SLK 55. Chances are, you'll always be wondering "what if"? I still don't understand why no MT6 in the SLK 55. Regardless, if you can swing the extra cost, go with the SLK 55. The SLK 55 makes a statement and says it all.

SLK55R

Have you test driven both? It doesn't sound like you have ...

If you do, you should be able to answer the manual vs 7 speed auto question. I personally love the 7 speed.
Also you should be able to answer the question "is the HP enough on the 350?"

Personally I didn't think it was enough for me on the SLK55.

Veroomer

I have tested both AT versions and I need to find a dealer with a 350 MT on the lot or is able to locate one for a test drive - my dealer hasn't come up with one.
Your Renntech (sweet) would be overkill here on Long Island - not to mention losing my license.

I can't agree more about the significant power diff., ride and looks on the 55. But all I have driven (my cars) since '79 have been small 2 seater MTs. I'm not opposed to the 7 speed AT, I was very impressed - just not enough to rule out the stick. HEY DOES ANY ONE HAVE A STICK I CAN TEST!

-1- Well equip 55 is in my budget, but I not looking to make a statement with my ride....I desire the fun of driving a very sweet looking roadster, both fit this description. It seems you and Ynot both love your MT 350's. You guys have the right attitude/reasons about your selections. I want my head clear of any doubts when I sign on the dotted line.

I appreciated your opinions in a diff. thread and now...if there were a stick version of the 55 it would be a no brainer for all us MT performance lovers.
Thx

-1-

Where do you live? If your dealer doesn't have a 6MT SLK 350, they surely don't want you going to another dealer driving their SLK. Call around your local area MB dealers. See if they have a 6MT new or used available for a spin. I love the SLK 350 and the SLK 55. A lot of money for the SLK 55, but is it worth it? Biggest problem I have is the $1300 for the gas guzzler tax. That's I heard gas is going over $3 per gallon by the weekend. I still suggest if you're in the position to buy a SLK 55, get the SLK 55. All SLKs are head turners. The SLK 55 is the ultimate SLK head turner, making a statement or not. Let others decide.

frox11

my opinion, as long as i can shift, i would get an SLK350 MT. the fun factor is off the scale! i see no point getting an AT when it is a sports car, not even an //AMG



i have more fun riding my 21 speed bike and driving my cheap entry level C230K 6-sp than driving an SL500. it is about becoming one with the machine. the short-throw shifter is so much fun to play with. however, if you think one day you will get sick and tired of shifting gears in the city, dont get the MT.

but it is your $$$

Easy-SLK

Seems to me that this is full of 350 owners who only wished they had the forsight to get a 55. Sour grapes.......

I bought a 350 and then 3 months later UPGRADED to the 55.

-1-

We've had this discussion before. "Sour grapes..." some want the six speed in their SLK and that eliminates the SLK 55. The SLK 350 is enough car for me, it's definitely more than enough for my wife. True, not everyone could afford the SLK 55. Regardless, anyone here with "ANY" SLK ('98 to present) in any configuration is OK with me. Sit on you SLK 55 plateau, but smile as you look down on the rest of us.

Ynot

Ignore Easy-SLK, aka top_b_stard, actually a better name would be top_r_tard,the price difference for a fully loaded SLK350 isn't much difference than a based model SLK55. It's a matter of driving preference. I don't live 1/4 mile at a time so I don't need the speed. I don't hang around groups of people that constantly brag about how many horses they have under the hood. I wanted something that looks good, so I brought the SLK350 with AMG pkg, something fun, 6sp MT, and no regrets, checked all the option boxes, total price came out to be 61K, at the time of purchased, dealers here sell it at MSRP, some even sell it 2K over and people in the showroom lot was bidding for it. I could have brought a 2005 obsidian blk/red interior SLK55, lighting pkg and 6CD changer for $63K, not much price difference.

It depends on each persons situation. My SLK is a year old and has only 3500 miles on it, obviously not my daily driver so I look forward to hoping in and moving thru all the gears. I love taking it up the mountains thru the twisties, trying to master the heel and toe (not recommended). I love that I'm engaged at every gear, step on the clutch, shift, gas, and go. I don't drive it very often, but everytime I hope in, it's like heaven. I don't think I will get that same feeling with an auto.

Veroomer

I am confused as well - One would think they would acommondate me, right? I have requested, today, on MB site for a Test Drive of a MT SLK. I want to see if I get a response from my local dealer. This guy is close by, the rest are 1 hour plus from me here on Long Island. I have expressed several times to the sales manager get me a MT to test and I will buy one or the other. At this point I think it's time to take a day and drive to the other dealers. I'll keep you posted.

I'm not pretenous like Easy-SLK...I can be just as happy with 350 like you and Ynot...just need to feel the difference. May sound a bit to some of you out there.

Ynot

Good luck in finding a 6sp MT for a test drive, while at the Kundencenter in Stuttgart, the delivery lady told me, over 80% of SLK's are autos, most 6sp MT are special ordered from the customer so, it's not common to find a MT SLK at any dealer's parking lot.

-1-

Yup, Ynot is right again. The only 6MT SLKs I've seen on the dealer lot are USED vehicles. Check for ANY used 2005-06 SLK in your area, even used dealers. Chances are you'll find a used 6MT easier than new. Good luck, I'm curious which you'll choose.

Veroomer

New or used...I did mention that to the dealer if any come off a lease...call me. I would think an earlier 2005 leased models are about up. I was also told the same about the MTs availablity when I test both ATs.

I've sent out emails to four dealers in the area today. I will keep you posted on the responses and eventually my choice. Thanks again, -1- & Ynot.

Easy-SLK

Ynot, you are such a jealous ****

-1-

This is me , this is me driving my SLK 6MT, this is me after driving my SLK 6MT. The short version of this story: += , the result is a BIG . The world needs more