First, let me apologize for the newbie questions. I've been living in big cities for the past few years, so I've never even bought a car. But, I'm moving to LA in a few days, so I obviously need a car. And, being LA, it obviously needs to be a cool convertible.
Origianlly, I was thinking of the SL500. Then I saw the SLK and it looks cooler (IMHO) and is cheaper. So, I'm thinking of getting one. But, I was wondering if you could help me out with any/all of these newbie questions:
1) Is there any reason to prefer the SL over the SLK?
2) Not driving much, I don't tend to go fast. For someone who isn't planning to race or anything, is there an advantage of the 55 AMG over the 350?
3) Likewise, the suspension is tighter on the 55 AMG. If I use a 55 for my day-to-day commute, will the ride be significantly more bumpy/annoying?
4) Lots of threads here about bluetooth. The consensus is that the dealer can put in an MHI + MHI bluetooth and my Treo will at least share audio hands-free, correct?
5) There's no way to get distronic or parktronic on these things, right? Browsing the website, they looked cool, but it doesn't seem to be an option on the SLK. [Hey, I'm a gadget freak, not a car guy...]
6) Do you know how long it takes to get them? I'll need it pretty quickly.
7) Anything else I should know (either about the car or Los Angeles-area dealers?)
Thank you all so much and I'll report back once I've bought one! I'm looking forward to joining in here.
1) Is there any reason to prefer the SL over the SLK?
Not at all. They are larger, cost much more, use more fuel and dont look as sporty.
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2) Not driving much, I don't tend to go fast. For someone who isn't planning to race or anything, is there an advantage of the 55 AMG over the 350?
The AMG 55 has a slightly different interior, qual exhaust pipes, racing brakes and suspension and an old style V8 engine and only slightly faster.
IMHO if youre not planning on racing it, the 350 or even 280 is a great buy.
Then again you can get the AMG kit for the car and it will look like the 55AMG
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4) Lots of threads here about bluetooth. The consensus is that the dealer can put in an MHI + MHI bluetooth and my Treo will at least share audio hands-free, correct?
From what i know.. YES ull be able to use ur phone hands free in the car
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5) There's no way to get distronic or parktronic on these things, right? Browsing the website, they looked cool, but it doesn't seem to be an option on the SLK. [Hey, I'm a gadget freak, not a car guy...]
Parktronic is avilable on the SLKs
I hope i helped. anything i didnt answer will shorly be answered by the other cool members of this board.
I bought the SLK 280 mainly for commuting. I thought I might as well enjoy the drive.
Ask for the SLK catalog from www.mbusa.com or visit a local dealer. Study the last few pages as to the options available for the different engine class. Research the price and try autodirect.com.
It took about 12 weeks for the car I ordered to be delivered mainly because of the interior, brown nappa leather. When I was shopping in late December and January, there was only one in the entire U.S.A. with pewter exterior and brown nappa leather interior and it had too many options for my taste.
Not at all. They are larger, cost much more, use more fuel and dont look as sporty.
That was my impression too.
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The AMG 55 has a slightly different interior, qual exhaust pipes, racing brakes and suspension and an old style V8 engine and only slightly faster.
IMHO if youre not planning on racing it, the 350 or even 280 is a great buy.
Then again you can get the AMG kit for the car and it will look like the 55AMG
Sounds like good advice, though I suppose I'll have to test them both out and see if I can notice a difference the way I drive. If there's a noticable difference in day-to-day driving, I'm happy to pay the extra money. But, I never plan to take it to the track, so if I can't tell them apart, no sense throwing away money.
5) There's no way to get distronic or parktronic on these things, right? Browsing the website, they looked cool, but it doesn't seem to be an option on the SLK. [Hey, I'm a gadget freak, not a car guy...]
Parktronic is avilable on the SLKs
Parktronic is available as an option everywhere but the US as far as i know. I guess cars are so big (and therefore garages, etc) in the US that a dinky car like the SLK just doesn't need a parking aid
fastroo - 4/2/2006 10:20 PM
2) Not driving much, I don't tend to go fast. For someone who isn't planning to race or anything, is there an advantage of the 55 AMG over the 350?
I am a lot like you as far as speed is concerned but the reason I chose the 350 over the 55 is mainly the price tag. Besides, I don't think the 55 experience is only about speed. It's engine is hand-built and there are a few other special features such as the M mode, the double-double exhaust pipes, etc. Many proud owners of 55's in this forum can explain the benefits of their car better than I ever could. Especially those who went from a 350 to a 55. Even though the 55AMG is a great vehicle, I can assure you that the 350 is nothing to sneeze at! I love my 350! [:D][:D][:D]
I went from a 350 to a 55 and I must say the AMG is a very different car.
While I loved my 350 w 6-sp manual and am sometimes infuriated with the 7-sp auto in the AMG, at other times, I could swear it was reading my mind - it really is that good - sometimes.
The 350 had a pleasing bark with very brisk acceleration (0-60 5.4 seconds C/D Magazine).
The AMG is like having a small barely controllable incendiary device under the hood wailing out of 4 exhaust tips whenever you tap the accelerator - hold on smile and enjoy the ride. (0-60 4.5 seconds C/D Magazine)
I dont really consider the interior differences worth the extra money, it's all in the engine.
Just FYI, drive them both and decide for yourself.
Trust me on this one. I owned an SL500 and went from it into an SLK55 and have never looked back. Major reasons why its better.
1. SL500 is ridulously expensive to run. £1,000 for a service is not uncommon. Insurance, I pay half with my SLK.
2. The SL is getting a bit tired looking even with the VERY mild facelift. However the new V8 in the SL may have made my descision more difficult. The pre facelift models were way underpowered for the price tag.
3. Distronic, complete and utter waste of money. It used to drive me nuts!!
4. SLK55 compared to SLK350, pays your money and takes your choice, you are getting alot more bang for your buck with the 55 but all I would say is that I don't think the same reasoning applies between an SL500 and a SLK350.
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SL500 R230..Part ex'd for the SLK
Linear Mode
