Peanuthead

Has anyone out there gone from a C32/C55 (or larger) to an SLK55?
Did it take some time to adjust to the smaller size of the car?
My concern is that the SLK55 is so much smaller than the C32.
This would be my daily driver and only car at the moment.
I rarely use the back seat of my C32.
With the roads full of these gigantic SUV's do you feel safe in these small cars?
I love the SLR look of the SLK55 frontend. Not too crazy about the stock wheels though.
Second question, according to the pictures on the mercedes-amg.com website, the SLK55 has true paddle shifters, not just buttons on the back of the steering wheel. Does anybody know if this is an enhancement for the 2007 model year?
Thanks.

ardy6931

I went from a c32 to slk55....i also never used my back seats and to be honest the slk55 is much smaller but I still find the space pretty sufficient for such a small car. The trunk is not very long but its pretty deep, good enough to fit two golf bags or a large suitcase and some carry ons.

I haven't even thought about my c32 since going to the slk55, its a different beast all together. You feel a lot more connected to the road and the power of the v8 is very pleasing... combined with the throaty growl it makes my smile from ear to ear.

On another note this car attracts a lot more attention then a c32, not many can tell the difference between a c32 and normal w203,the interior is much nicer as well. I would go for it if I was you, i could never go back to the c32 after getting the slk. just my two cents.

Peanuthead

Thanks for the reply ardy6931. I plan to take an extensive testdrive along some of the routes that I normally travel, just to see how it feels versus the space of the C32.
You are quite right that this machine is a lot more unique than the C32.
With those C230 Sport Sedans everywhere you look, the C32 has lost a lot of it's initial appeal.

ardy6931

Thats exactly the reason i changed my car, so many damn c230s out there. Trust me, if space is not a big issue,the slk55 will be a great new car for you

PC Valkyrie

I'm pretty sure that the 2005 and 2006 SLK55 does NOT have the paddle shifters that you see on the upcoming 2007 AMG cars. It comes with the buttons on the back of the steering wheel (same steering wheel as the C55)

Edit: you're right about the international AMG site. They now show the interior of the SLK55 having the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. I guess this means it IS coming for MY2007!!

Shinigami

Yes, it's a bit smaller, but I like it that way. It's a nippier car and will outrun many others.

You do need to be careful around SUV's, but just keep your distance and always consider the SUV driver as being oblivious to everything else around them (they usually are... seeing as the number of SUV drivers that change lanes without bothering to look if the other one is clear).

Having said that, a C32 is not that much taller then an SLK, so you'll still have relatively good visibility.

I definitely wouldn't worry about SUV's, I don't let other cars ruin my own enjoyment of the roads I use. I don't care if I'd be driving a Miata or an Elise.

Also, the new SLK's have been confirmed with paddle shifters. I saw them at the Geneva car show a month back. They look ok.

Saaz

Almost a year ago, I switched from a C32 to SLK55, and have absolutely no regrets.
I agree with everything that's already been posted. The C32 was a great car, but the SLK is turned up to 11.

I adjusted to the size in a week or so. Now the SLK feels "normal" and when I get in my GFs C240, it feels cavernous. It seems like the front seat room is pretty comparable, but basically the back seat is missing... I might have missed the extra space once or twice, just for the convenience of tossing a coat back there or something, but if you don't routinely use the back seat, you probably won't miss it much. The only thing that bothers me at all space-wise, is that the front windshield is a little smaller and lower, and sometimes the A pillars or rear-view mirror get in my line of sight - but I'm 6'4" (2m) and I think that's part of the problem. I do feel a little more vulnerable, and more aware of the oblivious cell-phone-talking soccer-moms in SUVs around me. But you've got to watch out for them anyway, I'm just a little more conscious of it now.

One nice bonus of the SLK is that I don't end up driving the gang to lunch as often. Unless the weather's really nice, then I say "I'm driving. One person can go with me, the rest of you are on your own."

reallife

I'll bet you start a lot of fights with those words....

Peanuthead

Thanks for all the great comments guys. I think that I may just give it a try, after all it is not like getting a frontal lobotomy or anything. I can always switch cars after a couple of years.
Of all of the similar cars out there, Cayman S, Z4 M Coupe etc, I think that Mercedes has done a stellar job with the SLK55.
Now bring on the SLK63!

Marktini

I went from 2002 C32 to 2005 C55 to 2006 SLK55, no regrets at all only more grins, the SLK is a blast, took about a week to get used to the smaller size. I'm 6'-1" with no issues on interior room.

Now that the weather is decent, driving with the top down is a joy, the car sounds really great!!!

FYI I also seriously looked at the new CaymanS, I stayed with AMG...go for it, you will love this car!!!

Derelique

I just got rid of my 2003 c32 last Saturday, and bought a SLK55.

The ride is harsher...not by much on normal roads, but a good amount on bumpy roads...however...the SLK55 is amazing...far more fun to drive, clearly much faster, thus far I love it.