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Looking to get a SLC AMG 43

1.6K views 34 replies 9 participants last post by  mbeardsley  
#1 ·
As the post title says, I'm looking to upgrade my 2005 SLK 350 with manual gearbox to the SLC AMG 43. I do not have one locally to checkout but did drive a C43 AMG with the same engine and transmission and thought it was nice.

One question I am having a hard time getting answered... Is the limited slip differential standard on the AMG or included with the AMG handling package? What I can tell is the AMG handling package gives you red painted calipers, a clock on the dash, and adjustable suspension settings via the drive modes. I think I can live without them if the LSD is included in the base AMG.

Anything else to look for? Is the uprated Designo leather seats worth holding out for? I have determined that I do not really need the Premium 3 package to get the park assist and adaptive cruise control.

Do they all come with Apple Carplay with the H/K stereo?
 
#8 ·
I am no expert on the R172 but I read this from the MB site:



The key options
  • Handling package with mechanical limited-slip differential on rear axle
  • AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive adjustable damping

This looks cool too:


The 9G-TRONIC sports transmission is specially matched to the demands of the SLC 43. By specifically adapting the software, the AMG developers have been able to significantly shorten the shift times. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport +” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. In “Sport +” mode, partial ignition interruptions provide even faster gearshifts.



Two options: the sports suspension
With the standard sports suspension or the optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adjustable damping, the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 offers two suspension options designed for high lateral acceleration and reduced roll.


With its automatic adjustable damping system, the optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension allows an even more personalised suspension set-up, with each wheel being individually electronically controlled. The three suspension settings “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport +” can be selected by the driver via the transmission modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT button.

Optimal traction: the optional rear-axle limited-slip differential
The mechanically controlled AMG limited-slip differential on the rear axle makes for improved traction and handling in all driving situations, particularly when the driver adopts a sporty driving style. This is achieved by reducing the slip on the inside driven wheel when cornering, without control intervention in the brakes. When there is a difference in rotational speed between the rear wheels, the torque is distributed to the wheel with the better grip in order to reduce wheel spin.


And I will envy you for ESP OFF mode:

Further personalisation of the driving dynamics is possible by means of the ESP® button, which offers a choice between three control strategies for the Electronic Stability Program:
  • ESP® “ON”: early system intervention without adversely affecting the sporty character
  • ESP® “SPORT HANDLING MODE”: late system intervention for a sporty driving style
  • ESP® “OFF”: system deactivated for an extremely sporty driving style on closed racing circuits
If I wasn't vested so much in my own R171'55 then I'd say this SLC 43 with the suspension package and the LSD would be a great great car to drive.
 
#16 ·
Yes, they are quite rare, especially so if you want a color other than black/white/grey. It took me a while to find what I was looking for, but I eventually got very lucky and found exactly what I wanted.

I don't know how many were made, but I'd love to know. I guess MB is tight-lipped about that stuff. You can get detailed break-downs from most US manufacturers (by model, color, options, etc.) if you know where to look, but not for MB.
 
#21 ·
I just bought a 2018 SLC 43 AMG a few months ago. There were @2000 a year made. I could be wrong, but I believe '21 and '22 had a 4 cyl making about the same HP and only 0.1 sec less on the 0-60. MB stopped making the SLC after 2022. I bought mine from Virginia and I'm in Maine. The SLK55 and SLC 43 are out there, but limited outside California and Florida, it seems. If in the US, set up an alert with Autotrader.com for the car(s) you want. I bought mine sight unseen and paid MB dealership $210 for a look over inspection after the fact. Luckily, nothing major, but if looking to buy long distance, it would be worth it ahead of time if MB is local to the car.
 
#20 ·
Regarding color - you can consider a wrap. Prices vary a lot depending how well they'd wrap it and what material is used, but it might be cheaper to wrap a readily available car with a common color than to find the car in the color you want, for a price which is affordable.

And because you wrap it,you know the paint under the wrap is good, so you can unwrap it before a future sale and don't have to worry you rip off bondo panels and what not.

I was considering some special Martini Racing white wrap on my black SLK, but in the end I didn't do it because the wraps were not available for the SLK, but mostly for Boxsters and 911s. But if you'd just want a Bordeaux or Yellow or Purple wrap then the price should be good. Now I cannot comment on how well they can wrap a car in your area, it is just a suggestion.

Note ; wraps do protect the paint as well, more or less, though if a wrap chips, then it quickly becomes a mess.
 
#23 ·
Image


The SLC 300 has around 245 hp and the SLK 350 with the V6 has around 306 hp. It is absolutely possible with a simple tune to increase boost of the turbo to reach 300 hp out of a 2 liter 4 cyl turbo. Heck, the 2 liter in the A45 AMG makes 380 hp!

The benefit of a small turbo engine in the SLK is of course that the balance would be better than with a V6 or even the V8. Lighter engine, lower center of gravity (maybe), less mass that moves around (on the engine mounts), much easier access to everything (engine is 2 times smaller than the 5.4L).The turbo will add a lot of low-end power, mileage should be better, the turbo lag would be noticeable but for spirited driving that shouldn't matter too much since you're always in high rpms then. Just the sound would be different.

So the twin turbo V6 in the SLC 43 would be the most interesting engine to tweak.


DE30 LA
[edit]
With a reduced bore and stroke at 88 mm × 82.1 mm (3.46 in × 3.23 in) and reduced compression ratio at 10.7:1, DE 30 LA is turbocharged with twin IHI turbochargers for 245 kW (329 hp; 333 PS) at 5,250–6,000rpm and 480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1,600–4,000rpm and weighs in at 179.2 kg DIN.[7] This engine was introduced on 2013 C400(W205), and used for E400 Coupe 4Matic, ML(GLE)400 4Matic, E450 4Matic, CLS450, S450, S500e and other models.

For 2015–2016, a higher output version is also offered with 362 hp (270 kW; 367 PS) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) on higher boost and 10.5:1 compression ratio for C450 AMG and GLE450 AMG. This engine powers 2017–on AMG SLC43, AMG C43 and AMG GLE43,[8] as well as 2018–2020 E450 4Matic,[9] S560e[10] and other models.

For 2019–2021, another higher output version is offered with 385 hp (287 kW; 390 PS) and 384 lb⋅ft (521 N⋅m) on higher boost.


Seems it can easily go to 385 hp and that is more than the 5.4L in the 171 :)
 
#26 ·
It's crazy. While I love the small package and high HP, I think they're forgetting that the engine sound, the note, is a big part of the fun (in a convertible). If it sounds like a snarling 1.6 VTEC ... it's .. just not as cool. They'll probably add big speakers to play a V8 soundtrack to make the young buyers feel they're driving some American muscle car :)
 
#27 ·
I managed to find a car to test drive. I didn't get to take it out long or far but overall impression was positive except the transmission. It seemed "busy". Like the powerband for each gear was 1,500 rpm before it shifted to the next gear. I drove a Jaguar FType auto and it seemed a little better in this area. I am sure I could get used to it in time but for now, I think I will keep the SLK 350 with 6-speed manual. I just wish I could boost it up a bit in the power department!
 
#29 ·
I know what you mean by "busy". My 7-speed is not bad but the 10 in my F150--it just can't decide which gear it wants to be in. Then I decided to change "modes" (normal to sport--also has a manual mode) and that required a new (but welcome) adjustment on my part.

When you you tried the '43, did you use (for a long experiment) S mode? That might change your mind.
 
#30 ·
I put it in Sport +. What I love about my SLK is the flat torque curve it has and when playing hard in the mountain curves, it's nice to stick it in 3rd and leave it there as it accelerates well, engine braking slows down great, etc. I couldn't imagine manually shifting 9 gears with such short ratios like the SLC transmission.
The only options available with a manual transmission to replace my car are the Boxster/Cayman/911, Jaguar FType, and Corvette Stingray. Where the Mercedes really stands out is how well it works in most all situations. I can grand tour in it, commute in it, go play hard in the curves. It's always brought up that the Boxster can handle better, etc. I had a Z06 Corvette that was dreadful as a daily driver but phenomenal on the track. I enjoy the SLK in this respect. I also love my folding hardtop. I've had several soft top convertibles, the hardtop is a game changer for me. So unless I am willing to give up open-air driving, I will still be watching the SLC AMG. When the right one pops up, I might have to jump on it!
 
#31 ·
When you you tried the '43, did you use (for a long experiment) S mode? That might change your mind
Don't forget they put a 9 speed box in the SLC. I imagine it's going to be continually changing gear when accelerating/braking to make the most of the engine.

It's certainly going to be far more frequent, and feel very different, than the 6 speed 350
 
#34 ·
I do have to say, the Sport+ mode in my 18 slc 43 is a little obnoxious with it's downshifts when coming to a stop, but maybe I need to try a reset also. I didn't know about that and will have to look into it, thank you very much. I have only driven it about 10 days since receiving it in Jan due to on/off snow here. I love the convertible hardtop after having a manual soft top solstice for 14+ years. That IS a game changer!!. The sound and shifting in just sport mode makes me smile :)