Motorweek Video of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class - Check out more car reviews at www.motorweek.com - read honest reviews and check out specs escortsearch.us
I have the 350 manual (1st gear is set a little low). The 55 doesn't have a manual. Handling is good, it feels a little hard when going slow and actually feels a bit soft at speed. The short wheel base makes the stability control (ESP) an essential, don't be tempted to switch it off. The car suffers from rot in the rear sub frame and in the front wings. Certain engines had defective balance shafts in their engines as well, though if so, this tends to manifest itself in the first 70,000 miles. The roof down option is a key note for this car, I'm always driving roof down if I can, heated seats and particularly the air-scarf make this a real option in colder conditions when you would otherwise not consider it. It surprises me what will fit in the boot, but it is still a bit small and a two seater of course. Fuel economy was much better than I expected for a 3.5 litre V6. Spares, particularly in the second hand market are readily available. Final thoughts, a whole section in the hand book is devoted to the roof, determine what you like from that. In my opinion though much sort after the 55 is too big an engine for this car, and though the manual gearbox is not as good in my opinion than the one in my honda civic (I mean it's strong, but not as fluid in operation), it is still the preferred option. I love this car, and if you are in mind of a 2 seater and like mercedes, this is the one (the R171 model being the best).
I've got one of these cars today....It's a chick magnet! Fun to drive both of them! The body style is a classic! Hang on to one if you have one. They will be a collectable...I just replaced the headlight housings...The car looks brand new...
What's getting REALLY hard to find is one with a manual transmission. I had two instances of the car being bought the day I came in, so I'm flying to Phoenix in two days to get one with a manual and just less than 50,000 miles on it.
I just picked up a 2005 with 33K miles. I did have to replace the heater core, local mechanic charged @$2600 US. Weekend fun car, we call it the go-cart. No remorse and will keep it in the garage.
Bmw doesn't make pure sports cars; they're luxury cars with a lot of sport build into them. The 05 + slk is one of the best driving benzes ever. It drives like a sports car in corners. I will agree about the s2000 being sportier though.
I also *think* it should be called a sports car. It's Rear Wheel Drive, Two Seats, pretty small/basic, and this one has the 3.5. It's simply because it's also a bit more civilized that don't want to call it a sports car, but yet they call the BRZ a sports car (it probably is too), but it just doesn't make sense. I agree R171 looks better, but R172 is very very very very slowly growing on me. R171 will remain my preference. The review would have been better without the sports car statement.
Gianna Giavelli my comment was very old thanks for finding it. 🙂 I still think when it’s so tiny it should be called a sports car especially at the time 2004/2005. Sorta sad the current model, SLC, is end of life and won’t be replaced. The Z4 is awesome but they dropped hard top so this era of little hard top roadsters is over.
@@CarSteve yah well I got one so I tend to watch vids just for fun on it. yah the z4 looked pretty good but too much plastic in the engine. the slc43 looked good but no shifter so scew that. I do think I might mod my car and supercharge it. then it will be perfect, about 400 horses in a 4k lb car
The looks has grown on me. It certainly is the nicest convertible around. For the price of my Cobra I can now buy 4 of these and be much more comfortable. That's why I'll be selling my Cobra. Why doesn't it mention the Supercharged 1,8 litre version?
they didnt have that in the first years. I think they had the 200, 300 a and 350 which indicates engine size. I have the standard shift which is rare. their 0-60 time is ridiculously slow I can do it in 5.1 seconds
If you keep telling people something often enough then they'll believe it. The statement the SLK isn't a true sports car and is a hairdressers car is crap. I own a 350 SLK and the S2000 or BMW don't come close.
The clk is the hairdresser car not the slk. And an S2000 is one of the best sports cars ever made. This car is awesome but it's not even on the radar for people wanting a sports car. But that's a good thing sometimes.
IV'E OWNED ONE OF THESE FOR AROUND 3 YEARS. IT'S THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE CAR IV'E EVER OWNED AND HANDLES LIKE A BUCKET OF SHIT. THIS AINT NO SPORTS CAR , AVOID.
DaNgEr88GiRL iv'e owned mine for 5+years and really regret buying it. The seats are as hard as rock and have no lumbar support. I hope you get on ok with yours.
