SLK X 2 (long post)

**-1-** · 03-25-2007

**Sorry, this is long** Beside checking three MB forums, I also normally check eBay daily for SLK items. I look for used SLKs as well as accessories. My wife and I found our 2006 SLK 350 on eBay. On Thursday, March 15, I found an auction for a used 2005 SLK 55.My thoughts were to wait and order a 2008 SLK 55. I've been discussing this for about six months. The 2005 SLK 55 that I found for sale on eBay was EXACTLY what I would have ordered, regardless of price. The most unique (other than some of the Desino SLKs that have been posted) SLK 55 I've seen. It was Firemist Red, with red and black interior. It was beautiful and according to the pictures, it was almost fully equipped. My first thought, I want that! I mentioned it to my wife the next morning. She liked it also. I tried to talk myself out of it, thinking that surely someone would purchase it via "Buy it Now". The reserve was a fair price for the car. I considered calling the seller, but decided against it. I checked the progress of the actions several times a day for the week that it ran. Finally, I called the seller on Tuesday, March 20th. He quoted me a price, restated the vehicles mileage and excellent condition. I still wasn't sure. I wanted some time to decide. I contacted Dan (DansSLK) and discussed with him any potential problems on a 2005 versus a newer 2006 or 2007. Dan gave me a welcomed thumbs up, was able to check to ensure all SAs were complied with, and even provided me a factory date card. This verified all factory options. THANKS DAN! What a resource we have with Dan. I reviewed the auction pictures in detail on Tuesday evening. I decided that if it was still available on Wednesday morning, I would call the seller, verify condition, etc., and put a deposit on the car. On Thursday, I checked and the vehicle was still available but the auction was scheduled to end that evening. As Tom Cruise stated in the movie Risky Business, "sometimes you have to say, what the f***, and make your move". I did. I called and placed a deposit on the vehicle. My plans were to drive to north New Jersey Friday evening and pick the vehicle up and return to Virginia Saturday afternoon. A friend and I rented a car locally and left central VA Friday evening at 10:00PM and drove to Northern NJ, arriving at 4:30AM. Less that two hours sleep and it was off for breakfast and our scheduled meeting with the seller at 7:30AM. We arrived as scheduled.

Now the good part. As we entered the building, the seller who is a used car dealer who primarily sells upper end and vintage cars on eBay, asked us to wipe out feet on the entrance mat. I informed him I could appreciate that. As we entered his indoor only cars for sell showroom, I saw it. The prettiest SLK I've personally seen. The pictures didn't do the car justice. Not only had the car been detailed to perfection, it was 99% perfect for a used 2005 SLK 55 with 4812 miles. My fiend who is highly critical and expecting the worst, was almost speechless. I cranked it up, checked it over, no more than 15 minutes and I was sold. Completed the paper work, turned in the rental and southbound we were. Left Northern NJ right after 9:00AM. Car ran fine, different, but similar to our SLK 350. The automatic was welcomed considering I was driving a newly purchased vehicle in strange territory. Our trip home was uneventful other than an almost 10 miles of back upped traffic, south of DC. I wanted to ensure that I arrived with the SLK 55 in the same shaped as I picked it up, which we did, around 5:00PM.

First observations: WOW, what a beautiful car. Since I was driving conservatively, the power was secondary. The look, the options, the quality, soundness. This car and transaction far exceeded my expectations. Although I felt confident that the car would match the pictures, and the comments of the seller. My initial thought was HOME RUN, GRAND SLAM, etc. I used to be in business with my wife's brother. He's a wheeler dealer by trade. Whenever he made a great deal or buy, he'd refer to it as a home run. The car as stated was a 2005 SLK 55 ///AMG. It's has every option other than the 030 sports suspension, Ipod adapter, and wood trim. Those are the three items (honestly) I could live without. Briefly, metallic paint, entertainment package to include: Harmon Kardon command with NAV and Sirius satellite radio (surprised that some (mine) of the 2005s had the current, smaller, satellite antenna on the trunk (everything couldn't have been any better), heating package and AirScarf, lighting package (love those Xenons),
comfort package, and premium package. As a bonus, I was pleasantly surprised to find the dealer installed MB Bluetooth system. The seller, although very knowledgeable, didn't fully understand what it was. Although we love our 2006 SLK 350, we were missing heated seats and Airscarf, xenon headlights, AMG kit, and red interior. In the words of Cheech and Chong, "not anymore man". This car had to be owned by a rich guy who used it only to check his mail daily, on his long winding driveway. We noticed only one small stone chip on the hood yesterday. While cleaning it up today, I noticed a light scrap under the front nose (I expected it, considering how low the nose is) and a very minor curb rash on the right rear wheel. Unbelievable, nothing else. I thoroughly cleaned the car today. I went ahead and replaced the high beam lights with some leftover Sylvania SilverStar lights I had and replaced the yellowish parking lights with some PIIA extreme lights I had. I plan to install the SmartTop module and replace the factory SLK 55 multi spoke wheels with some 19" wheels. That's it, nothing else.

Final observations: What a car, what a deal. Many are skeptical of online, Internet transactions. Everything that should have gone right, did. This was our second used SLK purchased after finding on eBay. The SLK 55 was in better condition than out newer, less mileage SLK 350. In both cases, I was willing to forfeit my deposit if the vehicle had not been as promised. I will never purchase a major item sight unseen. I didn't like the tight schedule I had in driving almost 400 miles and return in less than 19 hours. I could have had the vehicle shipped at a cost of $1000, but rule one applied. DON'T PURCHASE ANY MAJOR ITEM SIGHT UNSEEN. I couldn't be happier with the car and the transaction. Only complaint, it's an automatic. I do like the manual shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel. Probably will use it more for braking. Although, my wife and I are back to FIVE vehicles, we have no plans to sell the SLK 350. I always stated the SLK 350 was her car. Guess who the "big monster on the block" belongs to? Both of us, but really, hers is silver and mine is firemist red. As I've stated before, when getting another vehicle, get another color. After having silver, which is still my all time number one favorite color, the firemist red is right below silver and is TOPS, and a welcome change. It's difficult to photograph. It's really a medium metallic red that beautiful in the sun light. For those wondering (Doug - 412driver) the red and black interior is a perfect elegant match with the firemist red. I doesn't get ANY better. We love our TWO SLKs

.

DansSlk · 03-25-2007

Its my pleasure to help mate i am glad you found the info useful.

That is one beautiful machine well done

**-1-** · 03-25-2007

Dan, your the BEST! Thanks for all you do for so many.

Tslick · 03-25-2007

Congratulations, Some times you have to take the chance and it looks like you scored.

**dsb** · 03-25-2007

Congrats -1-,

It seems like you found a great deal. I enjoyed reading your story. I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you start REALLY driving it. Have fun!

**Ynot** · 03-25-2007

Congrats -1-, I knew you were going to get an AMG sooner or later, was alot sooner than I thought. The red interior match the firemist perfectly, love your post. I'm happy for you, enjoy many many miles of motoring.

cyberdrakon · 03-26-2007

congratulations! You are right, One of the best colour combinations. beautiful! STUNNING! I'm a bit jealous...hahaha... Now you've got to go out and open it up and tell us how the power and handling compares! Any mods already on the car that the PO put on it? Now you've got to go change your signature!

Baron7700 · 03-26-2007

wow awesome! But seriously Don, Im a little annoyed at you......

You were in northern New Jersey, where about 10 or 15 of us SLKWorlders are, and u didnt let any of us know! we would of met up with you for the new baby! haha but its ok! CONGRATS.

I think you are now teh coolest guy on here since you have two R171's, including an AMG.

If you really wanna be a catasore (Sp?) You would get the 280, so you could become an SLK r171 expert. Get on it!

**etyu** · 03-26-2007

Congratulations -1-!!!

x2. Very nice color.

watsons · 03-26-2007

Congratulations!

How do you find the differences between a 350 and 55? I bet there's a huge difference in terms of power!

412driver · 03-26-2007

Balls to the wall, What a beauty, I had looked at it on Ebay. Seems your red interior is a deeper red than mine and fits right with the exterior. I too am JEALOUS. Baron, he didn't let ya'll know he was coming for good reason: he was afraid of that war of northern aggression being played out again and ya'll yankees trying to get that beauty from him. Now that the paperwork is done and he has possetion (posession, possesion) it in his hands for sure, eat your hearts out like I am. I have bought over 15 cars thru ebay, all but one sight unseen and have had good experiences, as you would expect due to ebays strict rules and fraud guarantee. I can't wait for the Mountain meet to see it and drool. Hey Baron, some of you Northern Agressors need to take off and roar this way for our get together, we would love to show you folks a good time and prove there are no hard feelins. All you good ole boys remember your guns if they come. That new 07 red still racks my jaws as you may have noticed, burgundy F-150 in my pics, my most valued truck of all. Next choice Silver but that is the purdies 05 I have ever seen. Be proud -1- and enjoy.

**alroumi** · 03-26-2007

update your signature, Youve got two SLK's now; One for you and the 350 for the wife!

Congradulations, you dont know how extremely happy I am for you on the new purchase. I hope you and your wife enjoy the SLK's in good health, have fun and take care.

Vin · 03-26-2007

Congratulations and health to drive.

colour combo looks stunning,

**jbanks15** · 03-26-2007

Congrats!!! What a beauty. What a story! I can't wait for the movie!

And Dan is a treasure!!

N4PWJ · 03-26-2007

great post, great read and a great outcome!
congratulations on a beautiful car, looks fantastic in red with the matching interior.
hope you enjoy and love the car for a long time to come.

Baron7700 · 03-26-2007

that is just insane. Gratz man.

haha im a pretty die hard Yankee fan. And typical New Yorker, in the poconos.

**MJawa 55** · 03-26-2007

Congratulations, i really love the color. wish you all the best.

V8SLK · 03-26-2007

BEAUTIFUL car. i love the picture of the door with the reflection of your 350 in it. congratulations on your new baby!

gofer · 03-26-2007

Awesome.....really awesome

I am so jealous. Bet there cant be many people who have 2 SLK's in the family

Also just love the pic with the reflection of the silver car

Best of health to enjoy them

MojitoLoco · 03-26-2007

Congrats, I love the color combo!

03-25-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Its my pleasure to help mate i am glad you found the info useful. That is one beautiful machine well done __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

03-25-2007	#3 (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	Dan, your the BEST! Thanks for all you do for so many. __________________ 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

03-25-2007	#5 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	Congrats -1-, It seems like you found a great deal. I enjoyed reading your story. I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you start REALLY driving it. Have fun! __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

03-25-2007	#6 (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	Congrats -1-, I knew you were going to get an AMG sooner or later, was alot sooner than I thought. The red interior match the firemist perfectly, love your post. I'm happy for you, enjoy many many miles of motoring. __________________ 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.

03-26-2007	#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	Congratulations -1-!!! x2. Very nice color. __________________ *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.

03-25-2007	#4 (permalink)
Tslick Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Long Beach, Ca Vehicle: SLK32 AMG Posts: 1,326 Country: Thanks: 74 Thanked 56 Times in 29 Posts	Congratulations, Some times you have to take the chance and it looks like you scored.

03-26-2007	#7 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,400 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	congratulations! You are right, One of the best colour combinations. beautiful! STUNNING! I'm a bit jealous...hahaha... Now you've got to go out and open it up and tell us how the power and handling compares! Any mods already on the car that the PO put on it? Now you've got to go change your signature!

03-26-2007	#8 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	wow awesome! But seriously Don, Im a little annoyed at you...... You were in northern New Jersey, where about 10 or 15 of us SLKWorlders are, and u didnt let any of us know! we would of met up with you for the new baby! haha but its ok! CONGRATS. I think you are now teh coolest guy on here since you have two R171's, including an AMG. If you really wanna be a catasore (Sp?) You would get the 280, so you could become an SLK r171 expert. Get on it!

03-26-2007	#10 (permalink)
watsons Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hong Kong Vehicle: 2007 SLK280 Posts: 655 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Congratulations! How do you find the differences between a 350 and 55? I bet there's a huge difference in terms of power!

03-26-2007	#11 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Balls to the wall, What a beauty, I had looked at it on Ebay. Seems your red interior is a deeper red than mine and fits right with the exterior. I too am JEALOUS. Baron, he didn't let ya'll know he was coming for good reason: he was afraid of that war of northern aggression being played out again and ya'll yankees trying to get that beauty from him. Now that the paperwork is done and he has possetion (posession, possesion) it in his hands for sure, eat your hearts out like I am. I have bought over 15 cars thru ebay, all but one sight unseen and have had good experiences, as you would expect due to ebays strict rules and fraud guarantee. I can't wait for the Mountain meet to see it and drool. Hey Baron, some of you Northern Agressors need to take off and roar this way for our get together, we would love to show you folks a good time and prove there are no hard feelins. All you good ole boys remember your guns if they come. That new 07 red still racks my jaws as you may have noticed, burgundy F-150 in my pics, my most valued truck of all. Next choice Silver but that is the purdies 05 I have ever seen. Be proud -1- and enjoy.

03-26-2007	#12 (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	update your signature, Youve got two SLK's now; One for you and the 350 for the wife! Congradulations, you dont know how extremely happy I am for you on the new purchase. I hope you and your wife enjoy the SLK's in good health, have fun and take care. __________________ 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!

03-26-2007	#13 (permalink)
Vin Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London/GX Vehicle: Audi S5 Posts: 186 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Congratulations and health to drive. colour combo looks stunning,

03-26-2007	#14 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 685 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 40 Times in 29 Posts	Congrats!!! What a beauty. What a story! I can't wait for the movie! And Dan is a treasure!! __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

03-26-2007	#15 (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	great post, great read and a great outcome! congratulations on a beautiful car, looks fantastic in red with the matching interior. hope you enjoy and love the car for a long time to come.

03-26-2007	#16 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	that is just insane. Gratz man. haha im a pretty die hard Yankee fan. And typical New Yorker, in the poconos.

03-26-2007	#17 (permalink)
MJawa 55 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Paris, London, Cannes, Jeddah, Dubai Vehicle: SLK55 AMG Posts: 155 Country: Thanks: 23 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Congratulations, i really love the color. wish you all the best. __________________ M. Jawa 2006 SLK55 AMG

03-26-2007	#18 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	BEAUTIFUL car. i love the picture of the door with the reflection of your 350 in it. congratulations on your new baby!

03-26-2007	#19 (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	WoW Awesome.....really awesome I am so jealous. Bet there cant be many people who have 2 SLK's in the family Also just love the pic with the reflection of the silver car Best of health to enjoy them

03-26-2007	#20 (permalink)
MojitoLoco SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Florida Vehicle: 2007 Diamond Silver SLK 280 Posts: 21 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Congrats, I love the color combo!