SLK 55 Black
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
The slow shifting 7g is about the only drawback to the SLK AMG. The new C63's 7-speed automatic definitely shifts more "on command" and has that nice auto blipping when down shifting. I wish it was a simple software upgrade to ours, but there must be a lot more to it. In any event, driving the car in Sport mode is still very entertaining. Let's not forget that the SLK Black is around 600 pounds lighter than the CLK Black - that alone will make up for the sluggish box. The SLK Black will probably hold up better in resale - I believe not as many were made as compared to the CLK version.
And thanks for the sound clips - awesome Ferrari.
And thanks for the sound clips - awesome Ferrari.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
Yes, it is not a simple software upgrade would do the trick. I think it is a different gearbox altogether, so I guess I have to live with it and enjoy that S mode.
I think in all the Black Series MB has made, SLK is the worst they have produced, even they admitted it themselves during a car show early this year, I have a moment of doubt in the car after I bought it and left it in the garage for a good 6 months without driving it.... haa haa... funny heh... but after 6 months, I pulled her out again, she is much better that what the media had said. OK, it doesn't have the latest gearbox that it should be, it doesn't have a loud body styling like the CLK63 BS or the latest SL65 BS, but it is still a hot looking SLK indeed. I am getting to like it more and more. However, the re-sale value is bad for the car... no one would want to pay a Porsche price for a SLK55 with factory upgrades. This Black Series is a very unique Mercedes Benz and only a very very small portion for people would appreciate. I guess in 50 years time, it will somehow be a classic, that is if the world still allow pertrol cars to run. Haa haa...
I think in all the Black Series MB has made, SLK is the worst they have produced, even they admitted it themselves during a car show early this year, I have a moment of doubt in the car after I bought it and left it in the garage for a good 6 months without driving it.... haa haa... funny heh... but after 6 months, I pulled her out again, she is much better that what the media had said. OK, it doesn't have the latest gearbox that it should be, it doesn't have a loud body styling like the CLK63 BS or the latest SL65 BS, but it is still a hot looking SLK indeed. I am getting to like it more and more. However, the re-sale value is bad for the car... no one would want to pay a Porsche price for a SLK55 with factory upgrades. This Black Series is a very unique Mercedes Benz and only a very very small portion for people would appreciate. I guess in 50 years time, it will somehow be a classic, that is if the world still allow pertrol cars to run. Haa haa...
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
Yes, resale is not so good on Mercs in general. But if you dig deep and see what you have, it really is an amazing car. The SL65 is phenomenal, but at nearly $300K U.S. and 4,000 pounds, it is getting towards that pointless catagory like the Veyron; overkill for the street and way too heavy and expensive to track. The SLK Black fits a nice niche that only Porsche and, dare I say it, Corvette has been able to fill. I've been thru many cars in my years, but somehow the SLK continues to tickle my fancy.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
So, if the SLK Black available to the US market, would you prepare to pay a Porsche 997 Carrera price for it?
Even up until now, I still get laugh from mates on my choice on this SLK.
Even up until now, I still get laugh from mates on my choice on this SLK.
Last edited by SLK_BLK; Dec 16, 2008 at 05:42 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
'10 Porsche Turbo PDK, 500e, GL450
yeah
If the SLK black was available I would have gotten it. I don't need the convertible part (although I've started to really like it) and the reduced weight would have been great. I would have then proceded to make the exact sames modifications I already did.
1. Supercharger
2. Rims 18s and 19s
3. LT headers
4. 100 cell cats
I'm sort of surprised you haven't thrown a supercharger on your BS yet ... its amazing.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
The slow shifting 7g is about the only drawback to the SLK AMG. The new C63's 7-speed automatic definitely shifts more "on command" and has that nice auto blipping when down shifting. I wish it was a simple software upgrade to ours, but there must be a lot more to it. In any event, driving the car in Sport mode is still very entertaining. Let's not forget that the SLK Black is around 600 pounds lighter than the CLK Black - that alone will make up for the sluggish box. The SLK Black will probably hold up better in resale - I believe not as many were made as compared to the CLK version.
And thanks for the sound clips - awesome Ferrari.
And thanks for the sound clips - awesome Ferrari.
Hey ALaF1 - send MPH a PM - he's got new TCU code for our SLK's that speeds shifting, adjust shift points, and also provides throttle blip...
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
The 997 Carrera is a very common and boring car in Los Angeles - every junior attorney and I-banker has one. I get more compliments on my normal SLK 55 than any Porsche or BMW I have owned. I rank the SLK Black up there with the GT3, but would probably opt for the Black. I would prefer the GT3 RS over the Black, though, but now we are up to $175k U.S. thus out of the price niche.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
I have to admit I usually switch cars very quickly ... I've had the SLK since late 05 and I still love it.
If the SLK black was available I would have gotten it. I don't need the convertible part (although I've started to really like it) and the reduced weight would have been great. I would have then proceded to make the exact sames modifications I already did.
1. Supercharger
2. Rims 18s and 19s
3. LT headers
4. 100 cell cats
I'm sort of surprised you haven't thrown a supercharger on your BS yet ... its amazing.
If the SLK black was available I would have gotten it. I don't need the convertible part (although I've started to really like it) and the reduced weight would have been great. I would have then proceded to make the exact sames modifications I already did.
1. Supercharger
2. Rims 18s and 19s
3. LT headers
4. 100 cell cats
I'm sort of surprised you haven't thrown a supercharger on your BS yet ... its amazing.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: Redondo Beach, CA
2006 SLK 55 amg, 2002 CLK 430 Cab (hers), 1989 944 Turbo (sold), CLK 500 (sold), 125cc shifter kart
I spoke with MHP and they said that they can custom program the transmission shift points to your liking. They can also reduce the shift delay in manual mode, but not completely eliminate it. The procedure involves sending them the ECU for several days. Sounds tempting, but it is $2,500 U.S. I like how the car shifts in Comfort and Sport modes; only the Manual mode is somewhat annoying. I'm not sure if it is $2,500 annoying. In any event, they seem like a straight up operation. Send them a PM - they are very responsive.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
I wrote to Andy as well and waiting for his futher information regarding the ECU / TCU modification for my Black. Since US doesn't have Black Series, I would like to know how he does it.
I have a very similar view as well, I am happy with the current C and S mode but just annoyed with the shifting delay of the M mode. I understand the TCU mod will not turn the 7G to a DSG or PDK box but I am sure it will be a tramendous improvement. Like you said, does it worth US$2,500 to try the TCU mod or US$4,500 for the package deal? I am very very tempted to try the full package deal but the pricing and their knowledge on the Black Series determine whether I will consider.
I look forward to his reply.
I have a very similar view as well, I am happy with the current C and S mode but just annoyed with the shifting delay of the M mode. I understand the TCU mod will not turn the 7G to a DSG or PDK box but I am sure it will be a tramendous improvement. Like you said, does it worth US$2,500 to try the TCU mod or US$4,500 for the package deal? I am very very tempted to try the full package deal but the pricing and their knowledge on the Black Series determine whether I will consider.
I look forward to his reply.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,990
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From: Bay Area
'10 Porsche Turbo PDK, 500e, GL450
500hp+
That's what the Black Series is all about, Mr. AMG has done most of the work for you. Forged 19", LT header, high flow cat., extra 40hp and even coilover suspension are already come in standard. I think 400hp is very good for the street already, anything extra is for the track, but would 500hp+ ruins the handling? Since the car is setup for Nurburgring with 400hp.
you just need to have a lighter foot!
I spoke to andy as well ... I'm just not sure 2500 for a tcu is worth it. Its more expensive then the ecu upgrade ...
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Hong Kong
R171 SLK 55 Black Series
Adding a supercharge is an option but Renntech dealer here doesn't have the knowledge to do such opeartion, so I better leave it as NA.
I will wait for Andy's reply and see... may be I will give it a go, only if he will sharpen his price. But another doubt is his knowledge on the BS. Many tuning companies claim they could od this and that, afterall it is a waste of cash.
I will wait for Andy's reply and see... may be I will give it a go, only if he will sharpen his price. But another doubt is his knowledge on the BS. Many tuning companies claim they could od this and that, afterall it is a waste of cash.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
'10 Porsche Turbo PDK, 500e, GL450
adding supercharger
wasn't brain surgery ... my mechanic had it done in a single day. But your concern is certainly valid ... I'd just say have Renntech send a instruction list so they can take a look at it. It really didn't seem difficult at all.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 2
From: Kuwait City, Kuwait
G55, G500 & SLK55
Its on sale right now at 8,000 dollars, gets you up to 500hp without camshafts. Camshafts are +15hp on N/A setup and upto 25hp on S/C so your looking about 525-550hp on SLK55's since yours is a Black Series you might gain more.
