volito

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New to forum and it looks great and lots of information here. Glad i found it as I am thinking of purchasing an 2009. I live in NY and currently have a E350 sport 2007. Me and my wife are about to upgrade OUR mazda miata mx5 2004. "Noticed how I capitalized OUR, that takes care of the chick car saying".
I was wondering about a few things as I been researching a bit on different cars. First off what is the actual nose face lift look like. As I seen two different versions and haven't seen the car at the dealer yet. Also i been reading that the cars handling is not that great in the earlier versions and 2009 they kinda added a new technology that fixes that. Is this true. For all the current owners do you have any problems with handling?
Can current owners also be honest and give there opinions on what they think is bad and good....

I'll leave it at that for now and thanks in advance. Current choices are corvette convertible (to bad z06 is not conv) BMW m3 and any other conv advise that will be worth a look....

Ikarus

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The R171 SLK has never had any handling problems that I'm aware of. It handles well enough to easily get into reckless driving territory if you attempt to push its limits on a public road. Having said that, if you're looking for a car that you can throw about a race track like no other, you'd be better served with something like a Lotus Elise or a Porsche Boxster.

cyberdrakon

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So are you saying the mx5 is the chick car or the SLK 55?

Also, what are these 'problems with handling' that you are speaking of?

In terms of new technology, the only new on the 55 is some interior elements, styling, and a new steering assist system.

etyu

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As far as the nose is concerned, the one that dips slightly below the upper bumper line is the pre-face lift R171. The face-lift nose just ends above the upper bumper line.

No problems with handling on street/freeway driving. Cannot comment on track as I have no experience with such.

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Eddy

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Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package
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WhiteRabbit

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The earlier SLKs handle just fine (I had a 06 SLK 280). The handling, especially the steering, is even better on the 09s (I just bought a 09 SLK 350).

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2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.

volito

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http://www.allautoreviews.com/auto_r...-slk55-amg.htm this nose?


Talking about track handling "just going by reviews...
this is one of many ...this one says its all over the place...

"Mercedes calls it a direct-steer system" this technology....

"SLK's slightly less tactile steering and slower handling responses become apparent."
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/...08/review.html

just one of many reviews...


not trying to knock the car but just wanna make a right choice for the cash. I know its a great car but just wanna check what the members here say as you all have the car and can give the best reviews...

etyu

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That's the pre-face lift nose.

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Eddy

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Ikarus

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Ahem, you conveniently left out the first part of the sentence that says

Makes a big difference, doesn't it? The SLK's handling is great, but not best in class. As I said, if you're looking for the absolute best-handling car in its class on a race track, the SLK is not it.

Here's one of my old posts for a comparison between the 280 and the Boxster.

DansSlk

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Ignore Vicki she hates them

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mtiede

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That 5th Gear video has been around here before. That girl is the biggest TWIT I've ever seen. The seats aren't in the way of steering. Unless of course you do something like put the seat so far forward that its in your chest. I'm guessing she's a very small girl. A normal person should have no troubles whatsoever.

Several people here have had their cars on the track. I don't remember ANYONE complaining about handling issues.

But in any case, are you out to race? Or do you just want a GREAT hardtop convertible? If the latter, then get an SLK by all means!

Tummy

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I rented a 2007 MX5 for a couple weeks and it feels a lot lighter than the SLK. I found it too small and spartan for our taste though and it wasn't very fast. The model I had didn't have ESP / stability control, and I spun out going around a corner too fast.

volito

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"mx5 or slk55 whick one is the chic car" LOL I don't even listen to that stuff. Usally the people speaking about that are driving something cheap and can't even afford an 50 k or up car.

I do mostly regular driving and occassionaly speed driving. Yes the mx5 is way to small and I am 6'3". I hate that car and glad its going. We are looking for another convertable and slk55 is on the list. Slk is definitly more quicker LOL. I thanks you all for your opinions keep them coming...

DansSlk

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He meant what car where you calling chic the mx5 or the slk55 but i think it's a misunderstanding because you said its our car meaning we both drive it so it's not the wife's (chic) car.

If you mostly just drive around and only want the occasional burst of speed what about a 350?

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volito

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I dont really believe in a car for chic or guy ! I just drive and buy what I want and the slk 55 might be added to driveway. The last person that said the mazda was a chic car was riding the bus. Now my two to the bus is a no brainer LOL.

just looking for slk owners for some input on there cars. Would they buy another or even the 2009.

As for the 350 ! We have 70 to 80 k to drop on a convertable sports car and looking for a nice investment

-1-

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Plenty of great car choices available. I'm well satisfied with every aspect of the SLK. We purchased a used 2006 SLK 350 for my wife in December 2005. I purchased my used 2005 SLK 55 in March 2007. Beautiful cars, classy as hell, rare in our area which makes them more special. Only regret, I don't get to drive mine as much as I want. No shortage of Corvettes, Porsches, and BMWs. Best features, classy look and that wonderful retractable hard top. Only negative is the high cost of scheduled maintenance. I've enjoyed the convertible aspect more than I imagined I would. Top down every chance I get. Can't think of any other car I would rather have at this time. So for me, it's .

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----------------1-----------------
--------SLK 55 ///AMG---------
THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

DansSlk

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Well you can't really buy any car as an investment if it's a production model, just seems a lot of expense and higher running costs (different league to Mazda) for day to day driving where the 350 is perfect.

But the 55 pre or post facelift is a great car with no real changes between the version's either.

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volito

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"Only negative is the high cost of scheduled maintenance" This is true totally over looked that. As bmw is maintenance free correct? My E350 and all the benz family is expensive maintenance. A lot of people say because its a benz. I hate that answer an oil change shouldn't cost over 300 dallars thats insane....

Didn't actually mean an investment like a house. Just throw away 70k I guess LOL. Its a step up from mazda agree. Just need another addition and we can step up the game "if you would"....


So it looks so far everyone is pretty happy with there slk's. So far no negitives which is kinda wierd, as no car is perfect. If someone asked me for some negative on my mx5 or E350 I can come up with a few....


I guess I 'll wait for more reply's good or bad. It's always kinda hard to pick a car and make the right choice....

I should be happy I guess with these kinda problems LOL....


thanks again for your coments!

DansSlk

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I'm really struggling to think of negatives to be honest, not trying to say everything is perfect but i can't seem to put my finger on any one real negative as such.

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KTownAMG

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One additional mistake by Vicki is you CAN turn off the traction control...