I have just covered 200 miles with a new SLK 350 7G auto
My previous car was a Boxster S, so my comparison is going to take that experience into account
My overall thoughts are how good the 350 is, and i am quite suprised how good the handling is
- not enough miles yet on the clock to fully appreciate the power of the car only going to 4000 rpm
However the one thing that i am finding difficult to get used to, is when travelling on a motorway how little feel you have through the steering wheel-this only reall happens in a straight ahead postion, the minute you take a curve the feel returns-although no where the amount of feedback you have in the Boxster
Is this isolated numb feeling from the steering (cant feel the road) a common experience that other people have encountered
I am running on standard 17s with standard suspension
Are you on 18s with sports suspension ?
I originally tested a 350 on 18s and sports suspension found it to firm and susceptible to tramlining
How do you feel the 350 compares to the Boxster? I've got an S at the moment but considering a move to the SLK... fancy something with more toys and comfort (and a few less rattles).
I too drive a SLK 350 7G auto and I do love the feel of the steering wheel. Of course, it is all a matter of taste. You must also take into account the fact that motorway driving can be uneventful or even boring. First, wait until the running-in period is over. Then, using the S mode, go for an exciting drive on some winding country road. You won't be sorry! I don't think it is fair to compare your SLK to the Boxter S, although car experts often put the two vehicles in the same category. In fact, they are sportscars of different types. The Boxter S is meant to be stiffer and somewhat peppier, although some of us here (especially those with a SLK 55 or a 350 with the AMG package) will tell you that their SLK is just as responsive if not more. Personally, I consider the SLK as a luxury-sportscar. It offers some comfort features that would not be deemed desirable by some sportscar enthusiasts.
I hope 2007 will bring you many hours of pleasure at the wheel of your SLK!
However the one thing that i am finding difficult to get used to, is when travelling on a motorway how little feel you have through the steering wheel-this only reall happens in a straight ahead postion, the minute you take a curve the feel returns-although no where the amount of feedback you have in the Boxster
Is this isolated numb feeling from the steering (cant feel the road) a common experience that other people have encountered
your thoughts ?
I think the SLK offers decent road feel. It's probably due to your past experience with the boxster that you find the SLK lacking in this regard.
BTW, I too am pleasantly surprised with the handling of the car.
Its difficult to compare the Boxster S with the SLK 350 as i have only had my car for 2 weeks.
However on the standard suspension, and on smooth surfaces, the SLK rides more like a limousine than a sports car, which for me is a good thing
One of the reasons i decidedto change was i have pins in my hip so i found it a lot more difficult to get in or out of the Boxster.
The SLK is a lot easier to get in or out of, and i wanted a car more relaxed, as every you time you drove the Boxster round the twisties it was an event, and around town it was ok but nowhere nearly as relaxed as the SLK with auto So i feel that i have 2 cars in one now , as it handles town driving brilliantly, and makes a good job of being a sports car. No mean feat
100% GT, 90% Sports car
Its difficult to compare the Boxster S with the SLK 350 as i have only had my car for 2 weeks.
However on the standard suspension, and on smooth surfaces, the SLK rides more like a limousine than a sports car, which for me is a good thing
One of the reasons i decidedto change was i have pins in my hip so i found it a lot more difficult to get in or out of the Boxster.
The SLK is a lot easier to get in or out of, and i wanted a car more relaxed, as every you time you drove the Boxster round the twisties it was an event, and around town it was ok but nowhere nearly as relaxed as the SLK with auto So i feel that i have 2 cars in one now , as it handles town driving brilliantly, and makes a good job of being a sports car. No mean feat
100% GT, 90% Sports car
I couldn't agree more! I don't have physical problems but I am no racing-car driver and a rough ride definitely was not for me. IMHO, the SLK truly offers the best of both worlds: It is responsive and sporty while elegant and comfortable. Just one little piece of advice, though: Make sure you adjust your seats properly before going on long trips. For the first six months, I had lumbar problems (which I never had before in my entire life) due to ill-adjusted seats. I fiddled with the settings until I found three perfect ones for me and I preset them. Now, I can drive my SLK for hours on end and still feel great!
My driving experiences over the past 10 years have possibly influenced my thoughts about driving the 350So i thought it might be useful to list the cars i have owned
1998-1999 Ford Puma (great little run around)
1999-2000 SLK 230 Auto (looked better than it drove)
2000-2001 MX-5 1.8 (quite boring to drive-dont agree with experts didnt like the driving experience completely underpowered)
2001-2004 2 x Honda S2000s (fun to drive but not very relaxing - no torque)
2004 Boxster 986S -18 wheels/tyres (great to drive bit firm)
2005-2006 New 987 Boxster S -18" wheels/tyres (even better to drive)
late Dec 2006-SLK 350 7G Auto
Quite a varied collection of sports cars
I have just covered 200 miles with a new SLK 350 7G auto
My previous car was a Boxster S, so my comparison is going to take that experience into account
My overall thoughts are how good the 350 is, and i am quite suprised how good the handling is
- not enough miles yet on the clock to fully appreciate the power of the car only going to 4000 rpm
However the one thing that i am finding difficult to get used to, is when travelling on a motorway how little feel you have through the steering wheel-this only reall happens in a straight ahead postion, the minute you take a curve the feel returns-although no where the amount of feedback you have in the Boxster
Is this isolated numb feeling from the steering (cant feel the road) a common experience that other people have encountered
your thoughts ?
As someone who comes from mid-engine cars, I have to tell you, the SLK has the best feel of any Mercedes steering. The old recirculating ball stuff was a joke. It has tons more feel then Mercedes of past, but no, you won't get the Boxster feel. Mostly because of the weight, but also, the boxster has more direct steering due to engine not being up front.
It's more luxury then the Boxster, however to me that was a plus as I needed a bit more seperation between the car I race and the car I drive every day.
I will tell you this, I have to run flat tire option and it has loads more feel then the standard cars as the tires are very hard.
....Personally, I consider the SLK as a luxury-sportscar.
Zut's description of the ride and feel hits the nail right square on its head!
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I am running on standard 17s with standard suspension
Are you on 18s with sports suspension ?
I originally tested a 350 on 18s and sports suspension found it to firm and susceptible to tramlining
I just have standard wheels and suspension for the SLK350.
I think the tires are a big part of the tramlining feeling. It made a big difference in my SLK 320. The tires that have those grooves that run the diameter of the tire in the direction of travel are worse for this, I think.
I'd have to agree about the steering being a little detached, but I guess it really depends on what you're used to. My New Beetle GLS definitely provides a more direct feedback from the road. Rather surprisingly, it also has a firmer suspension than the SLK 280 even though it's not exactly a sporty car with its 115hp. I'm considering going to 18" rims once my tires need replacement and hope this will firm it up a bit.
I have driven the Boxter S only a few times, but I have driven my father-in-laws 911s many times over the past 24 years. I liked them both but wanted something more luxurious, ie with better seating, more bells and whistles, a hard top, etc.
To sum up my experience, there is nothing more satisfying than having a new Boxter S pull up beside me at a stop light on the edge of town a few months back. He glanced over at me. I looked at him. He looked like he was maybe early 30s and wanted to run. I'm 53 and know better but couldn't resist since there were no other cars in sight, the road was warm and dry, and we had 12miles ahead of us before the next town. The light turned green and off we went. There was no comparison really. By the time I hit 75 mph or so he was 6 or 7 car lenghths behind me. I never saw him again!
Would I buy a Porshe? I doubt it. A BMW? No way! My next personal car will probably be a SL for longer, more comfortable road tripping.
I have driven the Boxter S only a few times, but I have driven my father-in-laws 911s many times over the past 24 years. I liked them both but wanted something more luxurious, ie with better seating, more bells and whistles, a hard top, etc.
To sum up my experience, there is nothing more satisfying than having a new Boxter S pull up beside me at a stop light on the edge of town a few months back. He glanced over at me. I looked at him. He looked like he was maybe early 30s and wanted to run. I'm 53 and know better but couldn't resist since there were no other cars in sight, the road was warm and dry, and we had 12miles ahead of us before the next town. The light turned green and off we went. There was no comparison really. By the time I hit 75 mph or so he was 6 or 7 car lenghths behind me. I never saw him again!
Would I buy a Porshe? I doubt it. A BMW? No way! My next personal car will probably be a SL for longer, more comfortable road tripping.
A totally agree! The SLK attracts those of us who look for a sophisticated sportscar and those who prefer a sporty luxury car. IMHO, the SLK offers the best of two worlds. My next car will probably be an SL for the same reasons you mentioned but chances are it will be a long time from now. Presently, the SLK still is the best car in the world for me. At the risk of repeating myself, I love my SLK!
I have just covered 200 miles with a new SLK 350 7G auto
My previous car was a Boxster S, so my comparison is going to take that experience into account
My overall thoughts are how good the 350 is, and i am quite suprised how good the handling is
Is this isolated numb feeling from the steering (cant feel the road) a common experience that other people have encountered
your thoughts ?
Mike,
I got the 350 w/ Sports Suspension and a stick shift. So I like the feel it gives me. From what I understand from some of the other members w/ regular suspension, it can be more gentle. I am waiting to get over to a friend's house to try out the feel of a Porshe Carrera. I understand though the mid-engine/rear-engine give a completely different feel than with a front-engine car.
Welcome to slkworld.
Mike,
I got the 350 w/ Sports Suspension and a stick shift. So I like the feel it gives me. From what I understand from some of the other members w/ regular suspension, it can be more gentle. I am waiting to get over to a friend's house to try out the feel of a Porshe Carrera. I understand though the mid-engine/rear-engine give a completely different feel than with a front-engine car.
Welcome to slkworld.
Standard suspension shows no noticable increase of luxury over the sport suspension. It just feels like you have less handling and less control.
Remember: My car has run-flat tires package (as did my '05 with sport suspension) so that may affect it.
One benefit of non-sport suspension, the extra height may make it crash better with SUV's.
Although I am getting the parts to retroactively put the sport suspension on my car, one of my big motivators in buying the SLK is safety. I have forseen my death as being t-boned by an SUV. Unfortunatly, the Boxster made me feel like my T-Top Fiero did, except without the Fiero's strong frame and 3,600 lbs. tank weight. With the Fiero or the Boxster, an SUV's bumper would plow through glass then my head. The SLK's high shoulders, may actually help stop that.
Frank drove my SLK yesterday, as I was using the LS430 to do a client's office move, moving servers, etc. He said that there is a NOTICABLE difference in the feel between being a passenger and being the driver. That being the driver, you can feel every bump in the road though the steering wheel, and that it feels much more luxurious in the passanger seat. I think this is due to my run flat tires.
New SLK 350 -Driving Experience 
2008 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG (R171.473)
