SLK 55 initial impressions

Dec 7, 2004 | 08:35 AM

rake55

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From: Potomac, Md

2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55

SLK 55 initial impressions

I picked up my SLK 55 yesterday and put 100+ miles on it. I really love the car. It's has unique and origional styling, great power, the brakes are tremendous, the steering is sport car firm and spot on accurate. The 7 speed transmission is out of this world. The shifts are fast and percise and the downshifts are very impressive. The 7 speed actually seems to read my mind and reacts the same way I would if I were selecting my own gears. In my E55 I was constantly using the steering wheel buttons or shifter to downshift. I find the SLK 55's 7 speed does a wonderful job downshifting on it's own. The chassis is well balanced, predictable and fun. This car makes me appreciate how awful my '05' E55 was. I can't believe that AMG would make a car that powerful so uncommunicative. I understand that they are 2 completely different approaches to automotive engineering but the steering, transmission, eletriconic brake by wire brakes and kompressor chirp in the E55 are unforgivable for an AMG vehicle. I've owned several AMG vehicles and Porsche 911's over the past several years and the SLK 55 appears that it's going to rank right up there with my all time favorites. It's only been about 100 miles so I'll try not getting too carried away.

Dec 7, 2004 | 08:51 AM

JeT

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From: Brisbane/Sydney, Australia

Congrats on the new car. Saw an SLK55 on the road for the first time the other day...the SLK needs the AMG body kit to look any good.

Dec 7, 2004 | 09:06 AM

04E55 AMG

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From: Maryland

04E55AMG, 05Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 02Montero Limited

Congrats

Maybe I will see you on the road since I live on Bethesda. Sorry to hear about your dislike for the E55. I have had my 04 for a year and it has been a amazing car for a 4 door luxury sedan. My expectations going in was that its not a sports car and I have been very happy. Since going to the 19" AMG rims and wider tires, it has given me more of a road feel like my 01 TT (thats a sports car). Once my AMG LSD system is installed in a few months, it will fly

Did you consider looking at the new C6 with the Z51 package before buying your SLK 55? That has to be the best bang for the buck and it will run circles around any 2 seater under $150K. The new C6 Z06 (car that I am waiting for) will be a rocket and rumors have it that maybe a targa top

Last edited by 04E55 AMG; Dec 7, 2004 at 09:09 AM.

Dec 7, 2004 | 09:54 AM

rake55

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From: Potomac, Md

2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55

04E55 AMG,

I did consider the new C6. I came very close last week to getting one from Criswell. I drove it and loved it!!! I was at Euro last weekend and they had an SLK 55 on the showroom floor and allowed me to drive it. I just feel in love with the way the car drove and the character that it had. I did not like the Diamond Blue so they were able to DX a Black one from another dealer. The Z06 is still a definate possibility. Thanks for the reply. I hope to see you on the road.

Dec 7, 2004 | 02:13 PM

UStifosi

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From: Reston, VA

C230K

rake55, how much over list did you pay at Euro for the SLK55? Was it Bethesda or Germantown? Were you already on a list previously? If not, how were you able to jump in line, per se?

Dec 7, 2004 | 02:34 PM

rake55

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From: Potomac, Md

2006 E320 CDI, 2007 ML 320 CDI, 2008 C63, 2008 G55

UStifosi,

I've purchased several cars from Euro. The car on the floor in Bethesda was the wrong color for me. MB dealers have a system call NetStar (I think that's the right name). They were able to locate the car I wanted at another dealership and they did a DX (Dealer Exchange). The entire process took less than one week. I'm actually very upset with the Germantown location. They had the black SLK 55 that I wanted but would not DX the car to Bethesda. Apparently there is some bad blood between the 2 dealerships, which to me is ridiculous as they share the same owner. Germantown is stupid as they are closer to my house and I tend to purchase about 5 cars per year. I would never purchase a car from Germantown. The managers Scott and Ferouk are jerks and bad people to do business with. I deal with Melvin Douglas in Bethesda and he always treats me great. The Diamond Silver SLK 55 is still on the showroom floor in Bethesda. Good luck.