280 or 350?

gofer · 01-14-2007

Hello All

New to the forum and impessed with the knowledge here.

I am getting close to pulling the trigger and ordering a new SLK, but which one? V6 for sure but I'm wondering if the extra cash for the 350 is worth it over the 280?

So I am looking for views on whether to go for the 350 or the 280. I have had a test in the 350 but the dealer had no 280 to compare with. Has anyone here has had the chance to do a back to to back test?

Views or similar experiences anyone?

Gofer

**alroumi** · 01-14-2007

Hello and welcome to the forum, About the R171 SLK, you just cannot lose with any SLK no matter what it is 200-till-55, However I would suggest you to pay extra and get the 350, It has a better low end power compared to the 3.0l V6 280 in which the SLK350 exceeds in the torque department plus it feels lighter and has a better exhaust note.

I used to have a SLK280 and the only thing annoying was the low end power, Wasnt responsive.

**Ynot** · 01-14-2007

I wish Northbenz would join this forum, he'd own both. Said that the 280 isn't as responsive, had some problems cruising the austrian alps while the 350 did it with no problems. The 350 felt alot more powerful and the exhaust note is alot more sportier and aggressive compared to the 280.

The 280 has 40hp less, smaller brakes, smaller wheels, and cost $4K less but if you decide that the hp isn't enough, it'll cost you over $7K in aftermarket bolt ons and still not get the extra 40hp. And it'll cost $2,500 for SLK350 like brakes. So if you can and if it's in your budget, get the SLK350. IMHO.

blindwatchmaker · 01-14-2007

Hi Gofer and welcome.
I've only just joined this forum myself and I can tell you, you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming group of people anywhere. You're in great company here.

I tested a 280 and was going to go for one when my dealer said a very low mileage 350 had become available. They are both wonderful cars, but I would agree with Ynot and Alroumi. If you can afford it, go for the 350. You definitely wont regret it!

**alroumi** · 01-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by blindwatchmaker

Hi Gofer and welcome.
I've only just joined this forum myself and I can tell you, you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming group of people anywhere. You're in great company here.

I tested a 280 and was going to go for one when my dealer said a very low mileage 350 had become available. They are both wonderful cars, but I would agree with Ynot and Alroumi. If you can afford it, go for the 350. You definitely wont regret it!

Thank you for agreeing with us, the SLK280 isnt for the Sporty driving, The 350 would be the best choice.

gofer · 01-14-2007

How many of you have elected to wait to get the exact spec you desired?

I have been quoted 16 weeks!!

garulys · 01-14-2007

Hello !
without any hesitation choose the 350. The main difference is the brakes. The 280 has only the 200's breaks. And first of all choose the sport suspension which gives a much better driving.

my former 350 and my new AMG

bildio · 01-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofer

So I am looking for views on whether to go for the 350 or the 280. I have had a test in the 350 but the dealer had no 280 to compare with. Has anyone here has had the chance to do a back to to back test?

Views or similar experiences anyone?Gofer

I spent six months considering getting either an SLK 280 or BMW Z4. Had many test drives. One nice afternoon I test drove the 280, 350 & Z4 back to back. The 350 & Z4 were comparable, but the 280 was no longer a consideration. I purchased & drove my new 350 home the same day. I'll never forget the test drive, & I know I made the right choice.

**etyu** · 01-14-2007

The 350.

I chose the 280 as I was going to use it as a daily commute car. For another $4-5K, the 350 is the better choice.

**etyu** · 01-14-2007

By the way, welcome Gofer.

**-1-** · 01-14-2007

I agree with what others have stated. The SLK 350 is the safe bet. Get as much as you can afford and/or feel comfortable with. The 350 will put you in the middle of the pack. Nothing wrong with getting the SLK 280, it's a great bargain for those less performance oriented. From a distance, the question is always SLK 280, SLK 350, or SLK 55?

N4PWJ · 01-15-2007

if you can afford it the 350 is def superior.
however everyone is making out the 280 is not performance orientated and not sporty enough. i disagree. yes the 350 is sportier and has more low range torque, but teh 280 does not disappoint either. plenty of torque and power to still impress and enjoy a fast drive.
fair enough i lowered mine and put wider wheels on for traction, but i do drive it hard when i can and i enjoy every minute of it. i chose the 280 purely as i thuought it would be more economical as an everyday driver.
it still has a v6 and sounds fantastic, so don't be put off for performance reasons.

**-1-** · 01-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by N4PWJ

if you can afford it the 350 is def superior.
however everyone is making out the 280 is not performance orientated and not sporty enough. i disagree. yes the 350 is sportier and has more low range torque, but teh 280 does not disappoint either. plenty of torque and power to still impress and enjoy a fast drive.
fair enough i lowered mine and put wider wheels on for traction, but i do drive it hard when i can and i enjoy every minute of it. i chose the 280 purely as i thuought it would be more economical as an everyday driver.
it still has a v6 and sounds fantastic, so don't be put off for performance reasons.

The SLK 280 is a fine vehicle. The fact is the SLK 280 offers less performance than the SLK 350, just as the SLK 350 offers less performance than the SLK 55. Three distinct models, but sportiness is ALMOST equal.

Corkscrew · 01-15-2007

In Bangkok I drive the SLK200k. And, that is probably overpowered given our traffic. But, there is something sweet about that 4 piston engine.

gofer · 01-15-2007

Thanks guys.......... from the disicssion better safe than sorry. I live at the foot of some hills, not mountains but enough to provide some engine stress + some

very nice twists and turns

**WhiteRabbit** · 01-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by N4PWJ

if you can afford it the 350 is def superior.
however everyone is making out the 280 is not performance orientated and not sporty enough. i disagree. yes the 350 is sportier and has more low range torque, but teh 280 does not disappoint either. plenty of torque and power to still impress and enjoy a fast drive.
fair enough i lowered mine and put wider wheels on for traction, but i do drive it hard when i can and i enjoy every minute of it. i chose the 280 purely as i thuought it would be more economical as an everyday driver.
it still has a v6 and sounds fantastic, so don't be put off for performance reasons.

I agree 100%, I love my SLK 280, though I love it more with the 17" AMG wheels.

Gayle280 · 01-16-2007

I wish I would waitied and have gotten the 350,but they didn't have one in Pewter color which I love. It is still sporty and the exhaust sounds pretty good, the extra power, more aggressive exhaust sound, bigger front brakes, taller and wider wheels with low profile tires, in my opinion are well worth the extra $4000 which, if you think about it is not that much more compared to the overall cost.

If I keep my 280, when the tires are ready for replacement, I'll likely add the Titanium Silver (bright silver to me dosen't go as well with pewter)or maybe chrome, 17" wheel and Tire Package.

B55 · 01-17-2007

Hold out for a 55 . . . problem solved.

N4PWJ · 01-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by B55

Hold out for a 55 . . . problem solved.

indeed it would be.

microbe · 01-17-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gofer

Hello All

New to the forum and impessed with the knowledge here.

I am getting close to pulling the trigger and ordering a new SLK, but which one? V6 for sure but I'm wondering if the extra cash for the 350 is worth it over the 280?

So I am looking for views on whether to go for the 350 or the 280. I have had a test in the 350 but the dealer had no 280 to compare with. Has anyone here has had the chance to do a back to to back test?

Views or similar experiences anyone?

Gofer

Like you I am new to the site and faced exactly the same dilemma 2 months ago when deciding what to get. After receiving advice from a number of owners I went for the 350 but don't take delivery until March. I only tested the 350 (twice) so couldn't compare.

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that Gordon Brown doesn't decide to punish us "gas guzzlers" with swinging taxes.

01-14-2007	#1 (permalink)
gofer SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK350, Cubanite, Beige, Wood Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	280 or 350? Hello All New to the forum and impessed with the knowledge here. I am getting close to pulling the trigger and ordering a new SLK, but which one? V6 for sure but I'm wondering if the extra cash for the 350 is worth it over the 280? So I am looking for views on whether to go for the 350 or the 280. I have had a test in the 350 but the dealer had no 280 to compare with. Has anyone here has had the chance to do a back to to back test? Views or similar experiences anyone? Gofer

01-14-2007	#2 (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	Hello and welcome to the forum, About the R171 SLK, you just cannot lose with any SLK no matter what it is 200-till-55, However I would suggest you to pay extra and get the 350, It has a better low end power compared to the 3.0l V6 280 in which the SLK350 exceeds in the torque department plus it feels lighter and has a better exhaust note. I used to have a SLK280 and the only thing annoying was the low end power, Wasnt responsive. __________________ 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!

01-14-2007	#3 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	I wish Northbenz would join this forum, he'd own both. Said that the 280 isn't as responsive, had some problems cruising the austrian alps while the 350 did it with no problems. The 350 felt alot more powerful and the exhaust note is alot more sportier and aggressive compared to the 280. The 280 has 40hp less, smaller brakes, smaller wheels, and cost $4K less but if you decide that the hp isn't enough, it'll cost you over $7K in aftermarket bolt ons and still not get the extra 40hp. And it'll cost $2,500 for SLK350 like brakes. So if you can and if it's in your budget, get the SLK350. IMHO. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-14-2007	#6 (permalink)
gofer SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK350, Cubanite, Beige, Wood Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks guys How many of you have elected to wait to get the exact spec you desired? I have been quoted 16 weeks!!

01-14-2007	#9 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,281 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	The 350. I chose the 280 as I was going to use it as a daily commute car. For another $4-5K, the 350 is the better choice. __________________ *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.

01-14-2007	#4 (permalink)
blindwatchmaker SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London Vehicle: SLK 350 Posts: 38 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Hi Gofer and welcome. I've only just joined this forum myself and I can tell you, you'd be hard pressed to find a more welcoming group of people anywhere. You're in great company here. I tested a 280 and was going to go for one when my dealer said a very low mileage 350 had become available. They are both wonderful cars, but I would agree with Ynot and Alroumi. If you can afford it, go for the 350. You definitely wont regret it!

01-14-2007	#10 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,281 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	By the way, welcome Gofer. __________________ *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.

01-14-2007	#11 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I agree with what others have stated. The SLK 350 is the safe bet. Get as much as you can afford and/or feel comfortable with. The 350 will put you in the middle of the pack. Nothing wrong with getting the SLK 280, it's a great bargain for those less performance oriented. From a distance, the question is always SLK 280, SLK 350, or SLK 55? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

01-15-2007	#12 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	if you can afford it the 350 is def superior. however everyone is making out the 280 is not performance orientated and not sporty enough. i disagree. yes the 350 is sportier and has more low range torque, but teh 280 does not disappoint either. plenty of torque and power to still impress and enjoy a fast drive. fair enough i lowered mine and put wider wheels on for traction, but i do drive it hard when i can and i enjoy every minute of it. i chose the 280 purely as i thuought it would be more economical as an everyday driver. it still has a v6 and sounds fantastic, so don't be put off for performance reasons.

01-15-2007	#14 (permalink)
Corkscrew Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Vehicle: 2008 S600, 2006 SL55AMG, 2005 SLK200k, 2004 280S Posts: 696 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	In Bangkok I drive the SLK200k. And, that is probably overpowered given our traffic. But, there is something sweet about that 4 piston engine.

01-15-2007	#15 (permalink)
gofer SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK350, Cubanite, Beige, Wood Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Looks like the 350 then Thanks guys.......... from the disicssion better safe than sorry. I live at the foot of some hills, not mountains but enough to provide some engine stress + some very nice twists and turns

01-16-2007	#17 (permalink)
Gayle280 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Henderson Nevada Vehicle: 2006 SLK280 Pewter,heating package,comfort package,satellite radio Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	280 or 350? I wish I would waitied and have gotten the 350,but they didn't have one in Pewter color which I love. It is still sporty and the exhaust sounds pretty good, the extra power, more aggressive exhaust sound, bigger front brakes, taller and wider wheels with low profile tires, in my opinion are well worth the extra $4000 which, if you think about it is not that much more compared to the overall cost. If I keep my 280, when the tires are ready for replacement, I'll likely add the Titanium Silver (bright silver to me dosen't go as well with pewter)or maybe chrome, 17" wheel and Tire Package.

01-17-2007	#18 (permalink)
B55 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ladera Ranch, Ca Vehicle: Formerly "Beleriand" Other Toys: Porsche Turbo (997TT) Posts: 114 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Hold out for a 55 . . . problem solved.

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