Posted this in another thread:

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,

 

Given all of the stuff that comes standard on a '55, the price difference between it and a similarly kitted-out (i.e. loaded) 350 isn't that great, and for the relatively small premium you get the amazing AMG engine, way better brakes, etc., etc. The '55 is a relative bargain.

Also, if you get a 350, you may find yourself wishing you had got a '55. If you get a '55, you'll never wish you had got a 350.

 

Save up a few more pennies and get the car wtih Navi & Xenon's. Plus the Airscarf is only a $350 option.

 

Get the 55, I dont even hafta think about it

 

A lot of the stuff in the AMG is sold as an option in the 350. At least over here in Switzerland.

To upgrade a 350 with the same options (i.e. leather, lighting packages, 7G tranny etc), brings the 350 within 10,000chf of the price of the AMG.

Of course, the AMG once bought incurs other charges, such as more fuel usage and higher insurance costs, but I think it's just soooooo worth it.

Have you thought about buying a second hand AMG with 10,000miles or so? You would surely be able to get one like this for the price of the 350

Or do as was said, save up a little more and get the AMG with better options.

 

I was in the same position a few months back.

I've previously owned various Lotus models including Esprit Turbo's and my last car was an Elise Sport 160.

I took a 350 SLK for a test from my local MB dealer, and although it was lovely and ticked a lot of boxes, it felt like it needed a bit more grunt. I drove to the dealer that day however in a buddy's Audi RS6 (which I shouldnt have done), as after driving a 450BHP car, most other cars do feel a bit slow. I wasn't quite convinced by the 350 SLK so also took a test drive of a new Audi RS4 Saloon which was immediately available without a waiting list. Very VERY nice but I knew that I would miss having an open top car, and I didnt fancy waiting until next year for the RS4 Cabriolet.

So I spoke to the nice guys at MB in Milton Keynes UK and they arranged me a test of what is now my current car, a 12 month old Iridum Silver SLK 55 AMG. It was so fast and smooth, with fantstic power delivery and I was completely blown away. It drove so much nicer than the 350. With all of its creature comforts, that amazing folding roof and 'harder' body-styling it ticked every box and hasn't missed a beat since I purchased it just a few days after. It came with pretty much all options, had only 7K miles on the clock and is completely immaculate. I love it so much so that I've done more miles in my SLK AMG in 6 weeks than I did in my Elise in a year!!!

As the weather here in the UK has been great for the last few weeks I definately made the right choice against the RS4, with the roof being down for most of the time since I've owned it, and having the auto transmission makes it such a joy to drive.

If you can stretch to the SLK 55 AMG over the 350 do it. I had to and I havent regretted it for one second!!! Best car Ive ever owned.

 

Unless you miss the fun of a MT.

 

Get the SLK55 AMG, Its way better than a SLK350 ,280, 200.

At Home we have a SLK55 AMG(which is mine) and SLK280(Parents)

When driving both you really do feel a big difference.
For me the SLK55 has a different steering feel, The Brakes are way stronger and not whimpy like the SLK280.

When you press the pedal on the SLK55 it keeps on going no matter what, but on the SLK280 lacks low end toruqe in which you see a lag, for example you press the gas pedal and the Torque just lags on 3rpm an then gets on going

 

The AMG is the top of the line for SLK.
If you value performance, the limited production #'s, and the power of a handbuilt V-8, then your question is answered.