I am thinking to sell my 02 SLK32 which has 33k on it for a coming SLK350. ( I can't afford SLK55 atm) I know SLK350 is not AMG and I will lose 80hp if I go for it. But I really like the looks of new SLK. What do you guys think? Am I crazy or you would go for it?
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I guess it depends on whether you could get fair value for the SLK32. Also how often do you really use that extra 80hp that you have now?
The new features not previously available would tip the balance for me but then for me all out performance is not priority number one. I am looking forward to the "neckscarf" which according to all the reviews I've read so far really does work as intended and is not merely a gimmick. The seven speed tranny is a big plus as well.
Also I do not feel that the extra fractions of a second better acceleration you get with the SLK55 make it worth the extra bucks over the SLK350. If I was really that interested in performance I'd go for one of the conversions that boost performance by seconds, not fractions of seconds. I do like the side skirts on the SLK55 though and would consider it money well spent to add them to the SLK350 for probably less than an additional $1500. (You will have to do this through your parts department and the help of a body shop after getting delivery of the car. Reportedly they just clip on so the main labor cost will be for painting.) The AMG kit would be OK too but I'm guessing it will cost more than $5,000.00 and I'd just as soon not have the lowered suspension and lower tire life performance tires that come with the AMG upgrade on the SLK350. The upgrade kit also does not have the vertical slots on the front apron sides that come with the SLK55 nor does it have the rear spoiler that is part and parcel of the SLK55. You do get the steering wheel mounted shift buttons when you go for the AMG styling package upgrade though if that is important to you.
The new features not previously available would tip the balance for me but then for me all out performance is not priority number one. I am looking forward to the "neckscarf" which according to all the reviews I've read so far really does work as intended and is not merely a gimmick. The seven speed tranny is a big plus as well.
Also I do not feel that the extra fractions of a second better acceleration you get with the SLK55 make it worth the extra bucks over the SLK350. If I was really that interested in performance I'd go for one of the conversions that boost performance by seconds, not fractions of seconds. I do like the side skirts on the SLK55 though and would consider it money well spent to add them to the SLK350 for probably less than an additional $1500. (You will have to do this through your parts department and the help of a body shop after getting delivery of the car. Reportedly they just clip on so the main labor cost will be for painting.) The AMG kit would be OK too but I'm guessing it will cost more than $5,000.00 and I'd just as soon not have the lowered suspension and lower tire life performance tires that come with the AMG upgrade on the SLK350. The upgrade kit also does not have the vertical slots on the front apron sides that come with the SLK55 nor does it have the rear spoiler that is part and parcel of the SLK55. You do get the steering wheel mounted shift buttons when you go for the AMG styling package upgrade though if that is important to you.
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