SLK/R171: SLK350 4 day test
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Los Angeles, California
2005 Mercedes SLK350
slk55amg: how light (or dark) is that ash leather? it looks quite a bit brighter than the ash leathers that mercedes offers in all their other cars. is it the same and just a trick of the camera?
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Joined: May 2004
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From: UK
987S
Originally Posted by knihc2008
slk55amg: how light (or dark) is that ash leather? it looks quite a bit brighter than the ash leathers that mercedes offers in all their other cars. is it the same and just a trick of the camera?
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Boston, MA and Hong Kong
E350, S320, Mini Cooper S
Thanks for the review, it's very detailed and well written. 
I test drove it last week and I was quite impress about the car. I'd still prefer manual over the 7G but 7G is standard in Hong Kong and I can't get manual with the 350 
I am going heading to the dealer in 1 hour to pick out the options for the car. 
I test drove it last week and I was quite impress about the car. I'd still prefer manual over the 7G but 7G is standard in Hong Kong and I can't get manual with the 350 I am going heading to the dealer in 1 hour to pick out the options for the car.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 34
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From: Western New York
SLK 350 (2006)
Can't see speedometer
Am I the only guy that looks at the speedometer?
I HATE the dash on my SLK 2002. The white dial background is terrible to read when you want to have the lights on and it somewhat light outside (early morning or just before dusk). When the black numbers are backlit, they blend in to much with the white background.
But at least the speedometer was centered in the dash with smaller dials for the others. Consequently, when looking through the steering wheel everything was easily visible.
I was excited that the new SLK had a black dial. Then I sat in it. Because there are 2 dials and then are BIG, the steering blocks my view of all speeds from about 25 to 100. And the tach view is also blocked in the critical areas.
I tried to adjust the steeriing wheel up and down a bit, but visibility was never as good as with my current car.
I love all the small improvements that they made to the car, but I'm afraid this annoying lack of view of the speedometer may put me off from buying one. Not being able to see the dials would annoy me over and over and over.
Doesn't anybody else look at the dials?
I HATE the dash on my SLK 2002. The white dial background is terrible to read when you want to have the lights on and it somewhat light outside (early morning or just before dusk). When the black numbers are backlit, they blend in to much with the white background.
But at least the speedometer was centered in the dash with smaller dials for the others. Consequently, when looking through the steering wheel everything was easily visible.
I was excited that the new SLK had a black dial. Then I sat in it. Because there are 2 dials and then are BIG, the steering blocks my view of all speeds from about 25 to 100. And the tach view is also blocked in the critical areas.
I tried to adjust the steeriing wheel up and down a bit, but visibility was never as good as with my current car.
I love all the small improvements that they made to the car, but I'm afraid this annoying lack of view of the speedometer may put me off from buying one. Not being able to see the dials would annoy me over and over and over.
Doesn't anybody else look at the dials?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: London UK
SLK 350 sold SLK 32 sold SLK 55
cant see a damn thing when I position the steering wheel to my liking. have had to get used to having it high so i can read the dials,. worked out well in the long run as my hands dont get caught between my knees and the wheel anymore.... 
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From: Western New York
SLK 350 (2006)
Okay, I found an almost usable position
I went back to the dealer again yesterday and tried adjusting the steering wheel and seat. Although the dial size and position suck compared to the older SLK, which irritates the heck out of me, I probably found a position of the seat and the steering wheel that might be acceptable. But I don't like that they screwed up a good design and replaced with a less good design. What were they thinking? I wish I could complain to them somehow.
I think it will be a matter of adjusting to the car rather than having the car adjust to me.
This is only the second car that I have had that has such a goofy dial arrangement.
I think it will be a matter of adjusting to the car rather than having the car adjust to me.
This is only the second car that I have had that has such a goofy dial arrangement.
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From: Western New York
SLK 350 (2006)
Oops. I don't HAVE the car yet
I implied I had the car already, but I am only considering it so far. But I like all the improvements a lot (except the dash of course).
Oh, and what about that damn cupholder. I was hoping they would do something like the Crossfire and get it off the dash. My wife has already spilled pop from the cupholder and it dripped all down the face of the radio and dials and buttons and into the little cubbie hole thing down below. I don't often use the cupholder so it isn't as big a complaint as the dials. At least the cupholder doesn't totally block the air flow from the vents when it is open like the previous cupholder did.
All and all, not a lot to complain about...
Oh, and what about that damn cupholder. I was hoping they would do something like the Crossfire and get it off the dash. My wife has already spilled pop from the cupholder and it dripped all down the face of the radio and dials and buttons and into the little cubbie hole thing down below. I don't often use the cupholder so it isn't as big a complaint as the dials. At least the cupholder doesn't totally block the air flow from the vents when it is open like the previous cupholder did.
All and all, not a lot to complain about...
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by SLK55AMG
Remote roof opening: If this car is typical the remote roof opening option is a complete WASTE of time!....... although you can unlock the car from a good distance away the roof only wants to open when you are about 6 feet from the car....... even then it seems fairly flakey.... the first two attempts ended up with me having to get in the car to press the roof button when the remote only managed to get the roof half open! I tried opening the roof while walking towards the car but it wouldn't do anything (you have to press and hold the unlock remote button). I like the idea but needing to be within a few feet of the car makes it pointless
SLK makes my mouth wateredI am firstly impressed by the color of the car
and the photos quality are exceptional !!
Same experience I had with the W210 's sunroof remote control as your SLK auto-top.
My good guess is , for sake of safety, MB does not encourage someone operates a auto car 'top' of any kinds from a distance where he could not see if anyone is inside the car. This is why the remote control only 'works' with you few feet away from the car.
I believe the only purpose of the remote control is for ventilating a car exposed under the sun , before people get inside the car.
With my W210, I have to hold the key within 1-2 feet pointing away from the "keyhole" of the front door, and I have to hold the button until all windows and sunroof are opened. Same way applies when I want to close them remotely.
I think not many W210 owners know this "secret feature".
Some one corrects me if I am wrong
cnt
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Canada
Looking for a new toy.
Excellent write up and congrats on the new car! Great colour choice to by the way, I have the same on mine and it always get a lot of questions/comments at shows and outings.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: UK
987S
It was a fun test drive mind you seeing as the R171 was very new at the time
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From: Midlands - UK
SLK55AMG
Query Re. Ceramic Brakes....
Can I just ask you to clarify... are you saying that all SLK55AMG's (Stock) are fitted with CERAMIC BRAKES?
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Joined: May 2004
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From: UK
987S
No..... my review was based on the car when it first came out..... at the time MB press office info stated that the AMG had "composite" brakes...... many car magazines mis-interpreted this as "ceramic composite" but that wasn't the case.
