Brooklands UK and New SLK query, looking for some advice

2792 Views 30 Replies 12 Participants Last post by PenelopePitstop, Jul 4, 2016

bigboyows

Discussion Starter · Dec 31, 2015

Not sure where to post this, as it’s a bit of info, and looking for advice. Spent the last 2 days at Brooklands Mercedes UK, staying in the Brooklands Hotel and having some Driving Experiences. Can I firstly say what a fab couple of days its been, the whole experience, hotel, museum, the driving displays by professionals and driving experiences.

I did the AMG experience and drove an SL63, SLK55 and new SLK300 (ok not an AMG). My Wife came along for the enjoyment, and my eldest Daughter did the off-road 4x4 which we were passengers, again fantastic.

Currently have an SLK250 diesel, my first Mercedes and I love it, however not doing the intended mileage with my job, averaging 5k a year, so looking to go back to petrol. My options (in order) SLK55, SLK300 and outsider SL400 (SL63 outside of budget), and was in a dilemma with my choices for all sorts of various reasons, but after Brooklands the SLK55 is favourite. I was so impressed with the whole package, even preferred it to the SL63 if I’m honest. Not dissing any of the other cars, they’re all good, but I really see what you Guys on here with 55s are on about now ;-)

If I do decide to go for a 55, I’d be looking for a car up to a year old, maybe even new if they offer a good discount, is there any should haves, or not needed with the options, I’d be interested to read your views on these. Also my main dilemma now, what are your opinions re upcoming name change, and more importantly the new possible 55 replacement, is it the SLC AMG43?? Do I wait, will it be as good??

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL ;-)

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oldmercman

· #2 · Dec 31, 2015

bigboyows said:
Not sure where to post this, as it’s a bit of info, and looking for advice. Spent the last 2 days at Brooklands Mercedes UK, staying in the Brooklands Hotel and having some Driving Experiences. Can I firstly say what a fab couple of days its been, the whole experience, hotel, museum, the driving displays by professionals and driving experiences.

I did the AMG experience and drove an SL63, SLK55 and new SLK300 (ok not an AMG). My Wife came along for the enjoyment, and my eldest Daughter did the off-road 4x4 which we were passengers, again fantastic.

Currently have an SLK250 diesel, my first Mercedes and I love it, however not doing the intended mileage with my job, averaging 5k a year, so looking to go back to petrol. My options (in order) SLK55, SLK300 and outsider SL400 (SL63 outside of budget), and was in a dilemma with my choices for all sorts of various reasons, but after Brooklands the SLK55 is favourite. I was so impressed with the whole package, even preferred it to the SL63 if I’m honest. Not dissing any of the other cars, they’re all good, but I really see what you Guys on here with 55s are on about now ;-)

If I do decide to go for a 55, I’d be looking for a car up to a year old, maybe even new if they offer a good discount, is there any should haves, or not needed with the options, I’d be interested to read your views on these. Also my main dilemma now, what are your opinions re upcoming name change, and more importantly the new possible 55 replacement, is it the SLC AMG43?? Do I wait, will it be as good??

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL ;-)

Many REALLY knowledgeable responses will be along any minute but for what it's worth the slightly amended body shape due 2017 is getting some negative views - too much unnecessary bling & discordant bodywork changes, albeit tiny.
Good luck with a discount on a new 55, the only deals I have spotted are on diesel SLK 's which are cluttering up a lot of forecourts. Current 55's don't have the soundtrack of older models. As always the best deals are on ex-demo's or 12/18 month old cars - depreciation always been the great enemy of SLK's.

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bastivock

· #3 · Dec 31, 2015

Hello @bigboyows, I've just come along here with a "REALLY knowledgeable response" as predicted by the last post!

If you can... get the 55, you know it makes sense! :smile:

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bastivock

· #4 · Dec 31, 2015

The previous poster is insane, please ignore his comments! :wink:

erisaman

· #5 · Dec 31, 2015

bigboyows said:
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL ;-)

Can't offer experience or advice on the SLK AMG55 - but if you want to talk boats, holidays and maybe even chickens, as per your other toys, I'm your man. Sending my best wishes to you, as a fellow South Walian, and to all SLK enthusiasts, for a healthy and happy 2016.

BTW - I share your pleasure in driving experiences, being engaged in track testing of the initial Jaguar XK8s plus sea testing of Fletcher power boats.

Good luck with your deliberations and enjoy your eventual solution.

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wja96

· #6 · Dec 31, 2015

We have a '55 and a CDi250 and while there is no doubt the '55 is utterly intoxicating for bursts of acceleration on a dry, straight-ish road, it doesn't handle especially well and it can get spectacularly lairy in the wet unless you are really gentle on the throttle.

wja96

· #7 · Jan 1, 2016

erisaman said:
- but if you want to talk chickens.

Are we talking a few in the back yard or are we talking 34 birds per square meter and sub 1.6 FCRs?

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wja96

· #8 · Jan 1, 2016

oldmercman said:
Good luck with a discount on a new 55, the only deals I have spotted are on diesel SLK 's which are cluttering up a lot of forecourts. Current 55's don't have the soundtrack of older models. As always the best deals are on ex-demo's or 12/18 month old cars - depreciation always been the great enemy of SLK's.

The amended body shape is what you're going to be able order as soon as the order books open. You can't currently order a new SLK so if you want new you'll have to get an SLC 43 unless you get unbelievable lucky and someone has cancelled an order on a 55.

Last May '55s became 'boutique' cars and dealers were not allowed to order them speculatively so there are far fewer 15 and 65 reg 55s about but you should be able to get one under 12 months old for about £42500. The sales invoice on our leased 55 shows a price of £41750 to the dealer to get the lease price we got and. There are plenty of 55s out there. The problem, I reckon, with 55s is they will all have been ragged, most likely from cold, probably from day 1 of their life because if you're only doing 6000 miles per year it's going to take 2 months to run it in. And who is going to wait that long?

Hal Adams

· #9 · Jan 1, 2016

If you are taken with the 55, then get one soon before all the good ones are taken as the remainders, as said above, will be suspect. You will never see the 55 again - ie from now on the engines will be more technologically improved along with handling as the new SLC will suddenly have quite some competition.

But, as also said, the 55 will be a straight line muscle car, so if you plan competitive track days, unless you are really good, then not a 55!

Now, you say you have the SLs in the frame as well. In which case, bear in mind two niggles that I have with the SLK - storage space inside and the ability to lift the stowed roof to get shopping in underneath (having said that, unlike you, my roof default position is stowed so maybe feel the inconvenience more!). I therefore would get an SL. No, I do not have an SL only because in France, size dictates where you can go. And park! So, if size is not a problem and you want everything, SL - handling of the SL is on a par with the SLK, maybe a bit better, but more expensive.

Personally though, in your shoes, I'd keep your 250d and spend the money on a little ClioRS220 - would hold the SLK55 on a track, absolute bags of fun and is gaining a lot of street cred since it posted a Nurburgring time of 8.23 the other day…! I have one and honestly, it is fast becoming my car of choice to use over the SLK!!

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timbo999

· #10 · Jan 1, 2016

Just a suggestion, but don't dismiss the SLK 350... its now discontinued, so second hand ones can be very good value (my 1 year old one was only a couple of grand more than a similar age/mileage SLK 250). You get 300 bhp, paddle shift and a gloriously refined sound track.

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bigboyows

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 1, 2016

I'm in Neath also, well just outside. Only a few chickens in the back yard, bikes and boats now gone, but lots of holidays lol ;-)

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erisaman

· #12 · Jan 1, 2016

I've been a bird breeder for most of my life, starting with budgies as a young teen, ending with Kakariki - so am now winding up my wife by saying that a few chickens would be good in the back garden. A Peacock would be better - but not enough room.

Probably watching too much TV about buying homes in the country. I'm in Cadoxton area now - spent many years in Cimla and then Bryncoch. Small world!

BTW - to get back on track - I had a CLK 500 way back in 2004 - 5 litres/V8, superb motor but not hand built by AMG :frown:

Ullevi

· #13 · Jan 1, 2016

And a Happy New Year to you Bigboyows!

Sounds like you had a great time at Mercedes World.

I don't think you are wrong in your appreciation of the SLK 55, despite the seemingly many haters on this forum.

I changed my 2008 SLK 300 for a 2yr old SLK 55 with 13,000 miles 3 months ago. I haven't stop smiling since.

I was in a similar quandary to you, whether to order new, wait until the SLC became available or get a second hand 55.

In the end, I found a lovely example in the exact spec I wanted and bought it.

Now that the SLC has broken ground I am so glad I did. The SLC is a midlife facelift with minor changes to the front and rear bodywork, some systems upgrades and adoption of the 9 speed auto box. However, the most important change for me will be the dropping of the magnificent AMG 5.5L V8. The range topping SLC will have a turbocharged V6, a similar direction that BMW's M division have taken (turbocharged straight 6s). I have no doubt the new SLC AMG will be a lovely car, but it won't be a naturally aspirated V8 AMG engined one. I'm not convinced with the cosmetic changes to the front, but I guess it ties in with MB's current styling.

As you have said, you have been very impressed with the whole SLK 55 package- that big V8 in a small SLK is just great, and it is a shame a V8 will not be continued in the SLC.

You are lucky to have such a difficult decision to make. Go with your instinct on what you want. If you have any questions about the SLK 55 don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck and Happy New Year to all.

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jbanks15

· #14 · Jan 1, 2016

Ullevi,

Welcome to SLKWorld.com: The #1 Mercedes-Benz SLK Forum from Valrico, Florida!

Your 1st thread should be your introduction so we can welcome you properly so post an introduction in the ‘New members introduce yourself here’ section, if you haven’t already. New Members Introduce Yourself Here - Mercedes Benz SLK Forum

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Hal Adams

· #15 · Jan 1, 2016

Ullevi said:
I don't think you are wrong in your appreciation of the SLK 55, despite the seemingly many haters on this forum.

I think you are mixed up regarding 'the many haters' of the 55 against those who answer the question realistically!

The fact is that the 55 is, as said here and other threads, a muscle car that produces a good noise (although imo, even this is debatable - the noise is not anywhere near in the ZR1 league…) and straight line acceleration and speed. There is nothing wrong with this, but many contemplating buying a 55 and not in the know might be mistaken if they think they are getting the matching performance from a car with a power weight ratio of 7.14.

I know someone who was a victim of this, when he took his 55 onto a track and was immediately crawled all over by a WRX with a higher power weight of 9.3, half the cubic capacity, and less than a third of the price! He was not amused and immediately traded the car in for a 997!

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wja96

· #16 · Jan 2, 2016

I agree with Hal, there are no haters, just people being honest about the deficiencies of the 55. If you mainly just want it to wake up the neighbours and you're comfortable with rear wheel drive ie. You've done skid pan training and know how to handle oversteer then the 55 is absolutely perfect for you.

In the real world, or as Hal says, on the track, the 55 doesn't handle well because it's very nose heavy and there is so much power it's generally difficult to deploy it all without invoking at least a little twitch from the back end. If you read the various driving stories threads they are almost all about destroying someone off the line at traffic lights or leaving them for dead in a rolling start. You never read about how someone trailed an MX-5 for several miles then was left floundering when there were a couple of corners or how you nearly recoloured the interior brown when you hit a patch of standing water with those epically wide rear tyres.

That's not me hating it, after all I have one. And a diesel too. The diesel has most of the same flaws - heavy engine in the nose, poor handling - but it's not just quite so scary in the wet.

I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that the optimum might be a heavily tuned SLK 200 with the lightest engine up front and the ability to feed in power smoothly. Just a thought...

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Andy916

· #17 · Jan 2, 2016

Hal Adams said:
<snip> ...he took his 55 onto a track and was immediately crawled all over by a WRX with a higher power weight of 9.3, half the cubic capacity, and less than a third of the price! He was not amused and immediately traded the car in for a 997!

Much depends on track surface and how the car is driven. At a UK trackday, Snetterton 300 circuit, I had a ride in a Cayman S and had a favourable impression of both car and driver. However, in the 4-wheel drive car I had at the time I could comfortably out-drive the Porsche on the wet track. My 4wd car was a 10-yr old WRX STI which I'd carefully modified with Ohlins suspension, AP brakes and around 360bhp. Its value would have been around a fifth of that of the Cayman S.

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Hal Adams

· #18 · Jan 2, 2016

Indeed - do not get me wrong, I am presently trawling the European market for a nearly new 55. I am afraid the facelift came too quickly for me, or should I say the cut-off to order one of the last 55s.
The combination of a 5L V8 in a small MB roadster with a vario roof will never come around again, so I say to anyone who has a good 55, hang on to it !

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Ullevi

· #19 · Jan 3, 2016

Hal Adams said:
Indeed - do not get me wrong, I am presently trawling the European market for a nearly new 55. I am afraid the facelift came too quickly for me, or should I say the cut-off to order one of the last 55s.
The combination of a 5L V8 in a small MB roadster with a vario roof will never come around again, so I say to anyone who has a good 55, hang on to it !

Now that is exactly why I got a 55.

Why the assumption that anyone looking for or getting a 55 is looking for a fine handling Elise or Cayman R? That is not what I was looking for in an SLK 55 and I am not going race it around a circuit.

I think many of us are old enough to understand what an SLK 55 is like and what it is about, and those that are less aware can ask, after all this is a forum.

After over 4 years of a V6 R171, I still wanted the small vario roofed package but with an AMG V8.

I feel it is a shame that the facelifted model will lose the V8 powerplant. However, I am sure the V6 turbo SLC 43 will be a lovely car and meet the requirements of many people. Just not for me at present.

I do hope MB do not go down the root that BMW took and drop V8s from all its smaller cars.

Haters, eh. What you gonna do?:wink:

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bigboyows

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jul 1, 2016

erisaman said:
Good luck with your deliberations and enjoy your eventual solution.

Actually found one, watch out for it in Neath ;-) Just done a post in AMG if you wanna see details/photos.

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