Thoughts on an R171

[Mr.Cambio]

I am looking for feedback on the Merc slk 55 or 350, as i could potentially be interested in getting one soon or not so soon.
I have driven the facelift 200, which looks and feels facntastic, but is too slow. I loved the way it handles though.

My concern about the 55 is that it only comes with an automatic gearbox, which is very slow (not driven one, but seeing it discussed and driven on ytb). The 350 facelift comes also with an automatic, but earlier models (pre 2008) can be manual. 280 is out of discussion, as is the 200.

Has anyone tried both the 350 and 55 and is willing to share his thoughts? (not fuel consumption thoughts )

 

[Mr.Cambio]

no one?

 

[DavidL]

We've had a couple. Currently run a c55, so same engine/box. Yes the box is not the cutting edge in change speed but it is a **** sight smoother at low speed changes than newer ones. I can't say I've really had an issue with it on the move. They have great torque (even more so with our old e55 so m113k) which helps paper over the cracks.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Thank you. Have you ever tried the speedshift gearbox upgrade? And if positive, how did it compare to standard?

 

[DavidL]

No sorry. I can't say I've really felt the need. Might be a different requirement in something smaller like the slk. Should be plenty on MBClub.co.uk

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Been there but feedback was average. Some said that it is fast enough, some others say it's a MB. Really confused on this. I think i am going to start test driving all of them

 

[DavidL]

That's the only way to tell really, and it's good fun. Of course if you could find a 113k in an slk then that really wouldn't be slow. There are a few conversions out there.
Don't fancy an SL? The 350s do without the troublesome ABC suspension that the 500 and 55 have. ABC is good, great even, when it works but heaps of trouble and expense when it doesn't.

 

[Guy]

A good friend has a manual 350 and rates it highly, especially at the price point. With the AMG kit and wheels it is quite a surprisingly good package.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

That's the only way to tell really, and it's good fun. Of course if you could find a 113k in an slk then that really wouldn't be slow. There are a few conversions out there.
Don't fancy an SL? The 350s do without the troublesome ABC suspension that the 500 and 55 have. ABC is good, great even, when it works but heaps of trouble and expense when it doesn't.

prefer the "K" on modern cars..but i do like an had a couple of 107s.

If i end up buying one, i will consider making a 55 manual. But i believe it will be a very difficult effort. The manual from the clk55, for example is the old 5speed. Plus electronics, plus ecu, plus engine bay limitations...

 

[Mr.Cambio]

A good friend has a manual 350 and rates it highly, especially at the price point. With the AMG kit and wheels it is quite a surprisingly good package.

Yes, the manual on the 350 was until 2006, aka pre facelift. But yet with the amg pack, including the floating brakes is beautiful. Facelift model on the other harm has more charm and 30+ hp more. But only auto.