Vehicle: '06 SLK 350 Mars Red - '07 ML350 Black (Sport Package)
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 104
2009 SLK 350 compared to prior year models
Did anybody change from the prior model SLK (2005-2008) to a 2009 model year yet? I am in the process of pricing a body kit and new exhaust for my 2006 SLK350 and I am wondering if I will be better off getting a new 2009 SLK350 with the AMG package. I might also be better off customizing my current car and wait a couple of years until the all new 2011 model comes out. Any comments or ideas?
Did anybody change from the prior model SLK (2005-2008) to a 2009 model year yet? I am in the process of pricing a body kit and new exhaust for my 2006 SLK350 and I am wondering if I will be better off getting a new 2009 SLK350 with the AMG package. I might also be better off customizing my current car and wait a couple of years until the all new 2011 model comes out. Any comments or ideas?
I traded in a 06 SLK 280 for a 09 SLK 350. Main reasons, 72 more HP, better electronics, fresher looks. Did I lose money, sure did - but I normally swap cars every 2 - 3 years so that is nothing new. Going from a 280 to a 350 makes more sense as I got more of an upgrade than you will going from a 350 to a 350. I find the 09 is better all around than my 06 was. Better performance, better brakes, better ride, better radio/CD/etc. Surprisingly the 09 seems to be built better. It sounds/feels more solid and less tinny.
I like the changes to the 2009 SLK (all models). But not enough for me to justify selling/trading my 2005 SLK 55 for the new version. Timing for the release of the R172 should be perfect for me to upgrade if I choose another SLK.
__________________ ----------------1----------------- --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK
Vehicle: SLK 350 facelift, palladium + gullwing red
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 58
I changed from 05 350 SLk to 09 (08 in Europe) 350 SLK and am really pleased with it. Better engine, better steering better colour, much better COMAND and telecoms and nicer wheels and I also got to go to the factory again and get 5 days driving through Germany. Do it!
Surprisingly the 09 seems to be built better. It sounds/feels more solid and less tinny.
Interesting comment. My SLK sounds/feels pretty solid. (Of course, maybe the earlier model years were less so.) BMWs, IMHO, have the "solid" feel down pat and generally surpass MBs. They have managed to engineer the right "thunk" when you close the door and their cars provide a rattle-free ride in most cases. When I think "tinny," I most often think "Japanese" cars - although they're lately much-improved. Glad to hear you like the feel of your new '09.
Interesting comment. My SLK sounds/feels pretty solid. (Of course, maybe the earlier model years were less so.) BMWs, IMHO, have the "solid" feel down pat and generally surpass MBs. They have managed to engineer the right "thunk" when you close the door and their cars provide a rattle-free ride in most cases. When I think "tinny," I most often think "Japanese" cars - although they're lately much-improved. Glad to hear you like the feel of your new '09.
I found my 06 SLK to be quite a bit better than my 04 Infiniti G35 Coupe was, especially the interior. It just felt and looked to be built to a higher standard. That said, the 09 SLK is a notch above the 06 SLK.
Interesting comment. My SLK sounds/feels pretty solid. (Of course, maybe the earlier model years were less so.) BMWs, IMHO, have the "solid" feel down pat and generally surpass MBs. They have managed to engineer the right "thunk" when you close the door and their cars provide a rattle-free ride in most cases.
You gotta be kidding... Let me hear you elicit a "thunk" from a Z4's door. It doesn't make it. Knock on the door from the inside our outside, and you'll hear a hollow knock.
And as far as rattliness goes, Z4's and E46's make them all the time.
Other BMW's are pretty solid tho', but personally MB's make more of a "thunk" simply because they've got so much crap crammed into the doors (each one probably weighs twice as much as an equivalent BMW door).
__________________
New car: 2004 SLK 55 AMG, Iridium silver.
Additional: Chrome door lock pins, K&N Performance Filters, Piecha roof control module
Sold: 1998 SLK 230K, Linarite blue.
Brabus: Front spoiler, side skirts, rear apron, exhaust, gear shift + hand brake, 17" Monoblock IV, hubcaps/wheel locks, Aluminium doorlock pins, polished safety roll bars, Brabus logo
Digit-Power: 30bhp + 50nm torque
Additional: Chrome side indicator frames, Chrome SRS badges, CLK grill, Lorinser Wing, Rieger headlight covers
Vehicle: '06 SLK 350 Mars Red - '07 ML350 Black (Sport Package)
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 104
Most likely I will wait for the R172 unless MB starts discounting the SLK55s by the end of the year. If the economy a fuel prices continue on the current pace we might see huge rebates from all manufacturers.
Quick comment on the Z4, I test drove it before I bought my SLK. There is no "thunk" more of a "tink". I have owned my 2006 for a couple of years and I still do not get any cricking noises inside the cabin. BMWs definately have a better road feel but you cannot compare them to Mercedes when it comes to comfort. My SLK is considered a sports car and it drives like a luxury sports sedan, the Z4 is no where near this comfort.
I like the changes to the 2009 SLK (all models). But not enough for me to justify selling/trading my 2005 SLK 55 for the new version. Timing for the release of the R172 should be perfect for me to upgrade if I choose another SLK.
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