Which option shall I take?

Paul · 08-23-2007

I was hoping that some of you knowledgeable guys out there could offer me some assistance.

Some of you may be aware that I am currently awaiting the delivery of a 55 and one of the options I chose was the designo leather 2 tone steering wheel. I have been informed that it's not possible to have this option on a 55 and after kicking a bit of a fuss up I have finally had a response from AMG. They have apologised and offered me either the performance pack at half price (should be £3,600.00) or 3 years free servicing, just wondering which would be the better deal?

I expect to be doing approximately 6k miles per year, so how many services would I require and how much would they cost?

Thanks!

cyberdrakon · 08-23-2007

Well, if you wanted the performance pack anyway, i think that's the better deal...especially with such low miles.

**FishtailnZ** · 08-23-2007

Well what with the whole brake fiasco on new 2008's, I'd definitely go for the performance package. That's one way around the problem.

DansSlk · 08-23-2007

I'd go with the perf pack

**etyu** · 08-23-2007

Same here, performance package, because of the low km per year. More bang for your quids.

Paul · 08-24-2007

Thanks guys for the input, on your recommendation I went for the performance pack.

The sales guy from Mercedes came in to see me today and I managed to also squeeze the drivers package (removal of limiter and power and passion driving course) out of him. So all in all I got £5200.00 of extras for £1800.00 which I didn't think was a bad result.

**etyu** · 08-24-2007

I think this is a very good upgrade (in the US the 030 package includes loss of the limiter function), and they're not doing this for a loss either.

Paul · 08-24-2007

I've got to agree with you Eddy the price of the options are well over inflated. Still I was looking to pay £1600.00 just for the performance pack wheels so seeing as I got all the other bits for an extra £200.00 I'm a little bit chuffed (for those of you living over the pond that means: pleased!)

I was told that the ECU upgrade would probably increase the length of the delivery time as the car would have to go back to AMG for this doing. Just wondering Dan if there's any truth to this?

Also does anyone know anything about the power and passion driving course? i.e. where does it take place, Brooklands maybe?
How long does it last?
Do I have to use my own vehicle (I'd very much prefer not to!!)?
Does it have to be completed prior to the upgrade / receiving your new vehicle?

Sorry for all the questions!! Thanks again guys.

DansSlk · 08-24-2007

Hey mate,

If the car has an assigned ECU it will need to go to AMG wont make much of a difference to your date.

Not sure from memory where the course is but they supply cars and you don't have to do it before you get your car it is however normally done soon after

**alroumi** · 08-28-2007

Good move, the performance package is great and looks even sportier in the interior with the Carbon fiber trim.

Paul · 08-28-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

Good move, the performance package is great and looks even sportier in the interior with the Carbon fiber trim.

Ah well that is where I'm undecided!

Originally I ordered the full designo leather options i.e. seats, steering wheel (which I can't now have, see above) and leather trim parts (which includes dash strips, door handle inserts and handbrake lever). The trim parts are replaced by carbon fibre on the performance pack which I do like but would like to keep the red trim strips on the dash and either side of the steering wheel. I've been told it's either one or the other and you can't split the two options which is a shame because I would prefer the carbon fibre on the door handles and handbrake lever as I can see these getting pretty grubby in red leather.

I was thinking of asking the MB dealer if it would be possible to have one or the other set of trim parts put in the boot (after all I will have paid for both!) and then I can get the selected parts fitted at a later date.

I was thinking maybe get all the carbon fibre fitted and then have the designo strip fitted later?? Does anyone know if this can be done or do all these parts need to be factory fitted?

I know I'm probably being a little bit awkward but hey it's a lot of money and it should be exactly how I want it. I can also hear an awful lot of you saying just go for the carbon fibre but the red designo strips on the dash just seem to tie it all together nicely.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

DansSlk · 08-28-2007

I'd go all Designo as you say you will have paid for both sets so get the CF fitted as part of the pack then replace with the red afterward, the more leather in the car the better i think.

Thats one thing i love about Italian sports cars the dash is nearly always leather trimmed and it makes it look the business compared to plastic.

**etyu** · 08-28-2007

I would have the designo leather fitted and have them place all the carbon fiber trims in a padded package in the boot for use later.

Paul · 08-29-2007

So do you think they'll be OK in putting the spare parts in the boot (trunk)?

DansSlk · 08-29-2007

The factory will fit Designo everywhere apart from where the Perf pack puts CF so tell the dealer you want the Designo stuff in the boot, they will have to order them in MB themselves wont include them

kenzed · 08-30-2007

Paul, Congrats on ordering your new car - I take it you will opt for factory collection? (If you're not planning too - you'll be missing a trick!). You'll discover that everything is supplied by AMG to Bremen. The only time the car will leave the factory is either when you drive it away or it is shipped to the UK for you. Secondly, I'll be following the progress you make on this designo/CF matter as when I ordered the Perf Pack with my 55 , I was told the price quoted is for the upgrade and does not therefore entitle you to the original bits too! (Example includes the question as to what happens to the original wheels when you've paid extra for those included in the Perf Pack?) Good luck...Let us know how you get on. Lastly, I think you'll find the de-limiter is part of the Perf Pack anyway (mine was) and the AMG Driver Experience Day at Brooklands is offered free of charge to all AMG customers. There is also a similar day at MIRA offered FOC too!

Paul · 08-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenzed

Paul, Congrats on ordering your new car - I take it you will opt for factory collection? (If you're not planning too - you'll be missing a trick!). You'll discover that everything is supplied by AMG to Bremen. The only time the car will leave the factory is either when you drive it away or it is shipped to the UK for you. Secondly, I'll be following the progress you make on this designo/CF matter as when I ordered the Perf Pack with my 55 , I was told the price quoted is for the upgrade and does not therefore entitle you to the original bits too! (Example includes the question as to what happens to the original wheels when you've paid extra for those included in the Perf Pack?) Good luck...Let us know how you get on. Lastly, I think you'll find the de-limiter is part of the Perf Pack anyway (mine was) and the AMG Driver Experience Day at Brooklands is offered free of charge to all AMG customers. There is also a similar day at MIRA offered FOC too!

To answer your first question "Yup" I will be opting for the factory collection. I wasn't going to miss an opportunity like that (and score brownie points from my missus for a romantic weekend in Europe, I think not!!). On that subject what exactly is involved? i.e. do you get a factory tour, or are you able to go to Affalterbach and get a tour of AMG?

I see where you are coming from in regard to the upgrade of the trim but I can see me losing my rag if this is the case. I might be as well just taking the perf pack carbon fibre and ordering the designo pieces later if this is possible (the reason I say this is because the sales guy doesn't seem to know if they can order designo parts and needs to speak with his manager, if you're listening Dan could you please confirm?)

The de-limiter is no longer included in the performance pack it's now a £1600.00 option called the drivers package (can you believe it? 1600 quid to take something off your car that you didn't want in the first place, I know I'll tell them they can keep my limiter in exchange for the designo parts!

).

So you have a 55 with designo parts? I'm intrigued as to what colour and options, any chance of posting some pictures?

**alroumi** · 08-30-2007

I didnt have problem ordering my designo since it was a non performance package and the only options I choose were Designo metallic paint and wood venner.

I would remove the Cf package carbon and get the designo leather.

DansSlk · 08-30-2007

Paul mate,

You can go to AMG if you want but you will need to make sure its organized separately its not part of the euro trip itself.

As for the Designo get them to order it with the car get all Mercedes Benz will allow in Designo then get the dealer to order the remaining pieces manually afterward they can do that! if they piss around have them order the car without Designo then retrofit all parts afterward and watch them squirm.

Paul · 09-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenzed

...I'll be following the progress you make on this designo/CF matter as when I ordered the Perf Pack with my 55 , I was told the price quoted is for the upgrade and does not therefore entitle you to the original bits too! (Example includes the question as to what happens to the original wheels when you've paid extra for those included in the Perf Pack?) Good luck...Let us know how you get on...

Kenzed, Just to keep you updated I've been informed by the dealer that I cannot have the designo trim parts installed with the performance pack. I can have all the other designo options but where designo infringes on the perf. pack upgrades these options cannot be selected on the computer (the computer says no!) I've therefore, as per Dan's recommendation, requested that the trim parts are ordered seperately and I'll retrofit them afterwards (I'm awaiting confirmation this can be done, I'm sure it can because Dan says so but it'll be down to whether or not the dealer can be arsed to do it!). Therefore I may have some CF parts surplus to requirements if anyone is interested?

I was also wondering Kenzed what the outcome was with your options, did you get the designo parts fitted or not?

08-23-2007	#1 (permalink)
Paul Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sheffield Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 140 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Which option shall I take? I was hoping that some of you knowledgeable guys out there could offer me some assistance. Some of you may be aware that I am currently awaiting the delivery of a 55 and one of the options I chose was the designo leather 2 tone steering wheel. I have been informed that it's not possible to have this option on a 55 and after kicking a bit of a fuss up I have finally had a response from AMG. They have apologised and offered me either the performance pack at half price (should be £3,600.00) or 3 years free servicing, just wondering which would be the better deal? I expect to be doing approximately 6k miles per year, so how many services would I require and how much would they cost? Thanks!

08-23-2007	#3 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	Well what with the whole brake fiasco on new 2008's, I'd definitely go for the performance package. That's one way around the problem. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

08-23-2007	#4 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I'd go with the perf pack __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-23-2007	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Same here, performance package, because of the low km per year. More bang for your quids. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

08-24-2007	#7 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	I think this is a very good upgrade (in the US the 030 package includes loss of the limiter function), and they're not doing this for a loss either. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

08-23-2007	#2 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,399 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	Well, if you wanted the performance pack anyway, i think that's the better deal...especially with such low miles.

08-24-2007	#6 (permalink)
Paul Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sheffield Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 140 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks guys for the input, on your recommendation I went for the performance pack. The sales guy from Mercedes came in to see me today and I managed to also squeeze the drivers package (removal of limiter and power and passion driving course) out of him. So all in all I got £5200.00 of extras for £1800.00 which I didn't think was a bad result.

08-24-2007	#8 (permalink)
Paul Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sheffield Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 140 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've got to agree with you Eddy the price of the options are well over inflated. Still I was looking to pay £1600.00 just for the performance pack wheels so seeing as I got all the other bits for an extra £200.00 I'm a little bit chuffed (for those of you living over the pond that means: pleased!) I was told that the ECU upgrade would probably increase the length of the delivery time as the car would have to go back to AMG for this doing. Just wondering Dan if there's any truth to this? Also does anyone know anything about the power and passion driving course? i.e. where does it take place, Brooklands maybe? How long does it last? Do I have to use my own vehicle (I'd very much prefer not to!!)? Does it have to be completed prior to the upgrade / receiving your new vehicle? Sorry for all the questions!! Thanks again guys.

08-24-2007	#9 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Hey mate, If the car has an assigned ECU it will need to go to AMG wont make much of a difference to your date. Not sure from memory where the course is but they supply cars and you don't have to do it before you get your car it is however normally done soon after __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-28-2007	#10 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Good move, the performance package is great and looks even sportier in the interior with the Carbon fiber trim. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

08-28-2007	#12 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I'd go all Designo as you say you will have paid for both sets so get the CF fitted as part of the pack then replace with the red afterward, the more leather in the car the better i think. Thats one thing i love about Italian sports cars the dash is nearly always leather trimmed and it makes it look the business compared to plastic. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-28-2007	#13 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	I would have the designo leather fitted and have them place all the carbon fiber trims in a padded package in the boot for use later. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

08-29-2007	#14 (permalink)
Paul Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sheffield Vehicle: SLK55 Posts: 140 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So do you think they'll be OK in putting the spare parts in the boot (trunk)?

08-29-2007	#15 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	The factory will fit Designo everywhere apart from where the Perf pack puts CF so tell the dealer you want the Designo stuff in the boot, they will have to order them in MB themselves wont include them __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-30-2007	#16 (permalink)
kenzed SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Vehicle: R171 55AMG P30 (2008) Posts: 23 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Paul, Congrats on ordering your new car - I take it you will opt for factory collection? (If you're not planning too - you'll be missing a trick!). You'll discover that everything is supplied by AMG to Bremen. The only time the car will leave the factory is either when you drive it away or it is shipped to the UK for you. Secondly, I'll be following the progress you make on this designo/CF matter as when I ordered the Perf Pack with my 55 , I was told the price quoted is for the upgrade and does not therefore entitle you to the original bits too! (Example includes the question as to what happens to the original wheels when you've paid extra for those included in the Perf Pack?) Good luck...Let us know how you get on. Lastly, I think you'll find the de-limiter is part of the Perf Pack anyway (mine was) and the AMG Driver Experience Day at Brooklands is offered free of charge to all AMG customers. There is also a similar day at MIRA offered FOC too!

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08-30-2007	#18 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	I didnt have problem ordering my designo since it was a non performance package and the only options I choose were Designo metallic paint and wood venner. I would remove the Cf package carbon and get the designo leather. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

08-30-2007	#19 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Paul mate, You can go to AMG if you want but you will need to make sure its organized separately its not part of the euro trip itself. As for the Designo get them to order it with the car get all Mercedes Benz will allow in Designo then get the dealer to order the remaining pieces manually afterward they can do that! if they piss around have them order the car without Designo then retrofit all parts afterward and watch them squirm. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.