[Dodalot]

I'm another one of those Voyeur-esque pre Merc owners eagerly awaiting delivery of my 2005 SLK searching for info, views and a pat on the back for ordering a Iridium Silver 350 with red leather, top-spec ICE, COMAND, Airscarf and the obligatory remote key-plip roof open, way back in September 2004...

Well, the time is near and the promised March delivery date has been confirmed to provide me with one of the early "05" registration plate SLK 350s on the UK road, ready for a wet and cold spring no doubt !!

I've been in a kind of motoring quandry over the last 18 months seeking thrills from running an Impreza WRX and for the past 14 months a Jag V8 XJR but i've never previously been tempted by a roadster... until i saw the new SLK, learnt about the improved handling and finally experienced the gutsy peformance through a local dealer, albeit in a auto model.

My decision for the manual gearbox was made without ever having test driven one (the 7speed auto was not as smooth or good as my 6 yr old Jag 5-speeder). Given the bad track record of MB manual gearboxes, my question is this :

Has the SLK manual gearbox lived up to the expectations of those who have experienced slick self-shifters in other performance motors before ?

Cheers, Dodalot

 

[malibuite]

Welcome to the forum! I think the Brits and Aussies now outnumber the Americans.

Haven't a clue re the manual as I chose the 7 G tranny.

However, I am curious as to what is the picture you are using for your avatar. Even wearing my contacts I cannot make out what it is. Inquiring minds want to know (and everyone else too)[^]

 

[Dodalot]

Thanks - glad to be aboard.

Image is nothing quite as classy as yours i'm afraid....

In a moment approaching the 'witching hour' here in the UK, i wanted to register but also to add some form of visual, so i quickly trawled my photos and one made me smile more than others...

A snap-shot of a pair of stone/khaki knee length shorts taken after a particularly adventerous flight on Bangkok Airways after spending a few very crazy, intense days in Thaliand with a couple of good friends not so long ago...

Nothing to do with potential SLK ownership, but it captures a moment that makes me grin as much as i hope the 350 will do very soon !![8D]

 

[malibuite]

Dodalot - 2/21/2005 4:56 PM

Thanks - glad to be aboard.

Image is nothing quite as classy as yours i'm afraid....

In a moment approaching the 'witching hour' here in the UK, i wanted to register but also to add some form of visual, so i quickly trawled my photos and one made me smile more than others...

A snap-shot of a pair of stone/khaki knee length shorts taken after a particularly adventerous flight on Bangkok Airways after spending a few very crazy, intense days in Thaliand with a couple of good friends not so long ago...

Nothing to do with potential SLK ownership, but it captures a moment that makes me grin as much as i hope the 350 will do very soon !![8D]

Ah...I understand. I was in Thailand two years ago with friends and a very good time was had by all. []I prefer avatars that are unique to the individual rather than the cars as we all know what the car looks like (unless the indivdual is included with the car).

 

[dsballdo]

RE: Room for another Brit / manual trans

the 6 speed manual shifts well with good flexibility throughout the gears . the linkage is reasonably tight and communicative; not quite as crisp as S-2000 but much better than either or my 2003 audis. overall the pairing of the engine to the transmission is a better driving experience than the 7G . it's definitely more engaging and fun to drive. it's giving 22-23mpg in suburban driving ( 60% freeway/40% surface streets).

 

[beverage]

Always room for more of us Brits!!!! []

I currently drive a manual R170 SLK200, and have found the manual box on that to be excellent. The only problem I had when I first got it was remembering I had a 6th gear!! [8D]

I've not driven the R171 with a manual box, but from what my dealer has said it is an improvement over the old box - so fingers crossed it should be good!! []

Enjoy your new ride - only a few more days to go!!!! [8D]

 

[novabenz]

Welcome aboard - I am very new here as well.

Just picked up my Capri Blue SLK 350 last week. Was able to get 2 drives and a quick hand wash in before some snow hit us Sunday night.

So far, the car is unbelievable. It is great to see Benz taking the SLK futher into sports car territory. The car is plenty quick and the interior updates are right on target.

Can't comment on the manual transmission, as I went with the new automatic. But hopefully it lives up to the press hype of being less "rubbery" and vague.
The manual in my last C-class was horrible.

Again, great to hear about your upcoming SLK!! []

 

[rickboy]

I did have trouble with the 6MT I received (see previous posts). It was tough to shift from the get-go. At 394 miles MB replaced the clutch master cylinder. Now it works very well, it is precise and easy to use. True, it is not as good as the S2000 shifter, but it is the best I have owned. I am very pleased with it now.

 

[drgates]

You are going to love it. The manual box is as good as they say it is, really smooth and positive. It's not like any Merc I've had before. I've got 2k on mine now and I still grin when I get in it. It is really a fun car to drive.

 

[amiras]

Sure.. there's always room for good people and specially with really good cars []
The car is awesome and the manual gearbox is almost perfect (at least for me). The only other manual Mercedes I drove was my C230K and I remember having some trouble with the 1st gear. On the SLK: none.
You are gonna have a lot of fun driving it !!!![8D]
Welcome and enjoy the forum !!!

 

[Shinigami]

WTTC!

There's always room for another one []

 

[ScottMarbella]

Thanks for asking the question Malibuite!

I was convinced it was a photo of Dodalot's feet (in the legs crossed position) taken after a 2000 mile trek to the North Pole with bandaging and frostbite marks left in place until the thaw set in! [)]

Guess there had to be a sensible explanation! [:I]

Scott

 

[Duo-Art]

They looked like "soiled" pants to me and I won't elaborate on that comment.

 

[Storm]

Welcome to Benzworld, always room for Her Majestys (HRH's) subjects here.[]

 

[malibuite]

ScottMarbella - 2/22/2005 4:25 PM

Thanks for asking the question Malibuite!

I was convinced it was a photo of Dodalot's feet (in the legs crossed position) taken after a 2000 mile trek to the North Pole with bandaging and frostbite marks left in place until the thaw set in! [)]

Guess there had to be a sensible explanation! [:I]

Scott

I can't even mention what I thought it was[:I]