SLK-Class (R171) 2004-2010: SLK200K, SLK280, SLK350, SLK55, SLK55 Black Series
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SLK/R171: 2003 SL500 or 2007 SLK??? Newbie needs your opinion!

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Old Aug 26, 2025 | 11:10 PM
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2008 CLK 350
2003 SL500 or 2007 SLK??? Newbie needs your opinion!

Okay my fellow MB lovers, I desperately need your opinion/preference! I'm stumped! For the same price and also pretty much the same condition and mileage, I have to choose between a 2003 SL500 or a 2007 Silver SLK. They both have non-operating hydraulic roofs so that would be fixed, SL500 has 82k miles on it and the SLK has 78k, both going for 3900$. I'm swaying toward the SL500 myself. What would you choose???



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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 01:04 AM
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Do you have ABC experience? If not, are you ready to?

If you only do city driving, are you ready for 10-12 MPG? Those 300 horsies are hungry, even when driven sanely in city.
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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 04:50 AM
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2008 CLK 350
Ahem...huh??

Originally Posted by MacVidMB-V8
Do you have ABC experience? If not, are you ready to?

If you only do city driving, are you ready for 10-12 MPG? Those 300 horsies are hungry, even when driven sanely in city.
Huh?? Whaaa...??? 10-12 MPG? ABC experience?? Oh, hell no, I just want to look cute driving down the freeway. We are talking about the SL500, right? Is the SLK just as complicated also?
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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 12:25 PM
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SLK 280 R171 2007 Black / Audi A4 Quattro V6 3.0 2002 Silver
Hi, I have a 2007 SLK280 since 2010 and never had any major problems with it....it's better gas mileage than the 500 as it is a V6 3L. And it's very sporty looking.
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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 05:09 PM
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2008 CLK 350
That's it, the SLK! I'm sold!

Originally Posted by opinaca
Hi, I have a 2007 SLK280 since 2010 and never had any major problems with it....it's better gas mileage than the 500 as it is a V6 3L. And it's very sporty looking.
Thank you so much and this is good news to hear because after researching the SL500 pretty much all night, I realized there is no way I can go ahead with the purchase. It is such a gorgeous car but if even mechanics don't want to deal with all it's issues then I really can't. Whew! I kinda feel like I dodged a bullet here. I was planning on buying the car today and was all set to go forward and was pretty shocked after reading all the redit forums. The 2007 SLK will be mine now and I'm excited but also feeling the disappointment of having the rug pulled from under me after being so sure it was what I wanted. Will post pics soon!
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Old Aug 28, 2025 | 07:37 AM
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From: Saguenay, QC, Canada
SLK 280 R171 2007 Black / Audi A4 Quattro V6 3.0 2002 Silver
Hi Ana, Glad for you. Congrats...I have to say also, my car makes alot of head turning, and people tell me it's such a nice looking car...mine is black. Personnaly I really love the nose and hood that I find looks similar of a formula one race car. Enjoy your future ride.


Last edited by opinaca; Aug 28, 2025 at 07:41 AM.
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Old Jan 8, 2026 | 10:26 AM
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I loved the smooth ride of my 2003 SL500 suspension, and the effortless power - sold it and now have a 2007 SLK 280. If maintenance wasn’t an issue I would hands down switch back; but I sleep well knowing I don’t have to worry about hydraulic leaks or sbc problems-
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