SLK55 or E550?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 2
\
SLK55 or E550?
I posted a poll in this thread looking for some external feedback in making a difficult choice. basically I'm stuck trying to decide between a SLK55 or E550 and my wife, as usual, is no help whatsoever.. "just get whatever you want."
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
If you're seeking to replace the CK35, I'd recommend the SLK55. If you're not and merely want space with some oomph, then maybe the e550. Note however that the latter will lack the signature AMG rumble & presence of the former...
Brgds
Brgds
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 read your budget of $65k. Which is a fair amount. The SLK is totally different than the E550. If you already have a sedan, then go with the SLK; it is an absolute blast to drive since it weighs about 700 pounds less than the E class. Have you considered a certified pre-owned? You can probably get a 1 or 2 year old SLK55 and save $20k. Then spend that $20k on a supercharger kit, wheels, suspension, etc. and have a 500+ hp killer. You'll never drive that NSX again.
Another option is to blend the two by getting a used SL55; heavy, but plush and the top goes down.
Another option is to blend the two by getting a used SL55; heavy, but plush and the top goes down.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Mercedes E55 AMG (2006), Mercedes 560 SEL (1991)
I read your budget of $65k. Which is a fair amount. The SLK is totally different than the E550. If you already have a sedan, then go with the SLK; it is an absolute blast to drive since it weighs about 700 pounds less than the E class. Have you considered a certified pre-owned? You can probably get a 1 or 2 year old SLK55 and save $20k. Then spend that $20k on a supercharger kit, wheels, suspension, etc. and have a 500+ hp killer. You'll never drive that NSX again.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
E550 is only OK performance wise, I think it isn't as responsive as the AMG cars. SLK55 is definitely a pretty fast and nimble car. Are you only looking at new? If used, you can find a nice CLS or E class AMG (55 or 63) for less than your price range, and they will be faster than the SLK.
Last edited by rondocap; Feb 1, 2011 at 03:51 PM. Reason: a
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I like them both. The SLK would be fun but the E550 is NO Slouch as ststed by a few of my buddies who r mechanics at MB. The E550 will give you luxury and power. The SLK is a sacrifice when it comes to room,space,taking fam and friends out. All depends on what u want.
The E550 runs very strong all around though.
Want to have just a fun car go SLK55 but I'd take a E550 or a CLK550 over a SLK55 that's just me for practcality.
The E550 runs very strong all around though.
Want to have just a fun car go SLK55 but I'd take a E550 or a CLK550 over a SLK55 that's just me for practcality.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
2005 C55 AMG
If your buying used, you could probably get both for $65k.
http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/mercede...&mileage=30000
http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/mercede...&mileage=30000
Both Model Year 2007 with 30,000 miles, and keep in mind: those are MSRP's
http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/mercede...&mileage=30000
http://www.kbb.com/used-cars/mercede...&mileage=30000
Both Model Year 2007 with 30,000 miles, and keep in mind: those are MSRP's
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 2
\
The idea of a CPO isn't very appealing to me, considering I'm all about the 2012 SLK 55's new look. Does anyone know when ordering starts on it? I talked to my dealership and they said starting in March they are taking orders on the SLK 350 for June delivery, but was not sure about when the AMG will go on sale.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
n/a
The idea of a CPO isn't very appealing to me, considering I'm all about the 2012 SLK 55's new look. Does anyone know when ordering starts on it? I talked to my dealership and they said starting in March they are taking orders on the SLK 350 for June delivery, but was not sure about when the AMG will go on sale.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
n/a
I've actually had pretty positive feedback about the 55 from both men and women. Overall, guys seem to like the hardtop convertible, v8, and exhaust. Women seem to like the compact size, mb branding, and the overall look. With sports cars I drove previously, I'd only get guys commenting on the car, total dick magnets... Find it pretty interesting to hear women actually say "nice car" to you or "I like that car". Tends to make the car purchase/owning the car go over better with the g/f or wifey if they like it as well.
Of the few 55s I've seen around, most were men. For the non-amgs, I see a mix of men and women driving them.
BTW, the E55 was one of the final cars in my decision of which car to purchase, but I steered away from it partially because of the airmatic issues. Would be fun to have a blown AMG. Nowadays the line up is NA or turbo. I think E55 instead of E550 would make the decision much tougher for the OP. A very practical, yet an extremely fast sleeper, versus a totally impractical, fast 2 seated roadster that does draw attention.
But yeah, seeing as how the OP has a CK35, the E550 would be far less of a shock adjusting to no rear seats, 1/3 the trunk space and low ride height of the slk. Front bumper of the car does not clear a curb.
Of the few 55s I've seen around, most were men. For the non-amgs, I see a mix of men and women driving them.
BTW, the E55 was one of the final cars in my decision of which car to purchase, but I steered away from it partially because of the airmatic issues. Would be fun to have a blown AMG. Nowadays the line up is NA or turbo. I think E55 instead of E550 would make the decision much tougher for the OP. A very practical, yet an extremely fast sleeper, versus a totally impractical, fast 2 seated roadster that does draw attention.
But yeah, seeing as how the OP has a CK35, the E550 would be far less of a shock adjusting to no rear seats, 1/3 the trunk space and low ride height of the slk. Front bumper of the car does not clear a curb.
Last edited by rya96797; Feb 13, 2011 at 12:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 2
\
In case you didn't notice, it's to replace my wife's BMW.
According to this week's issue of AutoWeek it will be announced at Frankfurt in September and produce 422 hp (This number has been changing between sources over the last year).
According to this week's issue of AutoWeek it will be announced at Frankfurt in September and produce 422 hp (This number has been changing between sources over the last year).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
Guess I missed that part.. If its for the wife, then the SLK would be fine.. Personally I think if your male looking for a drop top Benz, then the SL is the only one to go with.. SLK is fine for a female though..
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 964
Likes: 2
\
Well, I might have just made a left-field decision. I found an '08 white AMG CLS 63 that is low mileage CPO'd and under $70k. I might buy that, hand the wifey the C class to drive, and wait for a CPO'd '12 SLK 55 a few years down the line.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
09 335i 03 CLK55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
