52/48 is not 80% over the front axle! Cmon… These cars are an absolute blast and when tuned (trans and ECU) are absolutely ridiculous. Most slept on and under-appreciated AMG car ever. Of course I’m biased.
I’ve just come back from a Europe trip and I did over 4000 miles in three weeks in the SLK. We had two luggage’s in the boot and 2 normal size bags. I could still put the roof down. It was a fantastic car! I was worried at first as I thought it would be too small and I was going to go with my S class on the trip but I was super impressed how comfortable the car was and how stable it was at high speeds in Germany. These SLK’s are fantastic cars. I never thought I’d own one of these cars but now that I have it, I love the car. The shape reminds me of the SLR but this is the baby version and a very cheap car to buy. ( obviously no comparison to the SLR! )
I think you're dead wrong regarding the SLK55 not appreciating. This vehicle should easily go up in value year to year as the V8 goes the way of the Dodo Bird. Just the sound of this and similar vehicles will be worth the price of admission as electic cars speed around whilst barely making a sound and high HP twin turbo 4 cylinders put out a fuzzy nasal tone. Don't forget, there are still real men out there that will never buy electric and never spend 100+ thousand dollars on a new Benz with a 4 banger no matter what the horsepower. BTW: I am the proud owner of a 2005 SLK55 AMG.
An owner comment with a UK UK SLK 55 my opinion is that the gearbox isn't junk (I drive a modern DSG as a daily). It was probably the world best auto in 2005 with 7 speeds and speed-shift in sport which can swap gears quicker than any manual. Is it perfect, no however In the context of 2005 it was better than most others of that time. Is it a viable road-trip car? Well yes, having used it for a 2 up weekend trip to the Spa Classic in Belgium from the UK a 600 mile trip. 2 soft weekend bags in the boot under the folding roof cover, no problem. Coats in the cavity behind the rear seats and an almost 30 MPG average for the trip taking into account lots of miles on Belgian motorways with some blasts on the back roads included. In conclusion a very unique and exciting small muscle car the like of which we wont see again in the world of engine downsizing and electric cars.
Absolutely agree. I have an '07. This was the year that the 7 G-tronic's shifting was further improved, along with the addition of paddles instead of buttons behind the wheel. It's definitely not the lazy auto that these fellas think about. It also features a lock-up type torque converter to send power straight to the wheels and the tranny also downshifts when braking. The only complaint I have is that the ride is very firm, and along with the short wheelbase that does help it handle pretty well with minimal body roll.
@@bidnerds lol, you'd struggle to drift this SLK. The ESP can be turned off but it's never fully off, the computer still steps in, plus it has an open diff. No LSD, so you'd have a one-tire fire 🤣. There are aftermarket LSD options though...
The SLK has enough boot/trunk space for a road trip. The roof does not take half the space, only restricts the height of luggage. With the divider down (necessary to operate the roof), I can easily fit two small suitcases and laptop backpacks, enough for at least a week long trip with a passenger. The boot is pretty deep because the spare wheel is a biscuit space-saver type and the fuel tank sits vertically up behind the back seat firewall.
@@bidnerds if I had to guess, I'd say the lack of a manual transmission option. The 7 speed tranny was improved after 2006, shifts way better. Full disclosure, I have a 2007 in the same colour.
These SKK 55 ANG and even the SLK 350 AMG EDITION are amazing !! And in Europe this 55 version is selling fir way more than 23.500 USD! So .. the negative talk from one of you guys is strange to us who knows more about these cars and their money worth ... I'd buy the 55 now for that money if it was in Europe and not sold yet. Just saying. Ps .. Ove had 4 Porsches 911 RUF and Turbo. I love the SLK 55 AMG !! It's called the "mini SLR Mc Laren". That design and engine on it.. it's a big yes 👍🏻
Review cars you have driven and don't just recite the same old views of internet clowns who haven't driven a Mercedes or Porsche in their lives. We don't need more of those guys. Some markets around the world see between 35k and 70k usd for high to low k's examples of the SLK 55 and they easily out price the older SL. Easy to pick the SLK for a long cruse away over a Boxster. Not everyone is a journalist who only care about track tests, but still can't drive a car as they were designed. All the best.
Nerds agree that like the 996 and 986, the SLK's are a blight on the reputation of their manufacturers. Also, the 996/986 values are crashing hard unlike the mere correction we're seeing on all other 911s.
The transmisson is Not garbage it’s actually good- the breaks are outstanding! Drive 55 in winter?! Have fun! The Engine is just fun - the 300 sl manual is more fun ?! 😂- sorry make your homework - greetings from Germany Stuttgart
These guys have no idea what they are talking about and obviously have never driven the SLK 55 AMG. What kind of review is this to make judgement about a car they do not have in depth experience.
I have a 2007. Mercedes Benz slk 55 awa with a V12 twin turbos (723hp) two door hardtop convertible. this car is fast, kick the turbos in & you will be pined to your seat in about 2 seconds now nobody has ever mentioned the V12 they say the V8 is very fast. well this V12 will make your V8 look slow. I know that you cannot get the V12 in the United States but I have one. And it purrs like a kitten cruzing at about 95 to 105 mph have you heard of this particular slk55 2007 black on black
Just bought one ..love it ..the only reason the price remains low on these used SLKs is the maintenance costs..now if you are your own mechanic it’s easily doable to have a fun auto to drive …now if you are a racer why even talk about either of the ones you are comparing..the V8 in the front is a little front heavy so what 🤷🏻♂️..and the guy with the V-12 ? How the hell did they fit it in? ..a lot of jaguars and vipers are front heavy too ..
Why do fans of these cars insist that the prices remaining low is the result of anything other than that they're just not that great a driving car and look kinda lame?
@@bidnerds lol all I said to maintain these cars is that they are more expensive to maintain than most ..what’s lame is asking for comments just to be childish in rebuttal 🙄..
No, actually you said that and also that's the ONLY reason SLK's are under realized.@@TripleB101 Not sure how pointing out that SLK fans are truly fanatic about their cars is childish.
As much as I like the slk, I have to agree with you guys. $23k is way too much money for the slk. You can find good ones for around $14k-$18k easily. There are so many other cars with a v8 thats also manual that you could buy for $23k.
We're a couple guys who haven't swallowed the SLK cool-aid. We haven't seen this kind of cultism since the last time we drove by the cross fit next to the vegan juice shop.
@@bidnerds What's relevant today are owner experiences, they also can compare with what is similar in the price range. As for the 5 speed auto, it was way advanced compared with any Murrican slush box auto and can be programmed today to improve shift speed, etc.
The tipronic trans in the 996 and 997 was built by Mercedes and was better than anything at the time, but it still sucked! Thats why nobody wants a 911 with a tip. "at the time" is not a good selling point. @@FairladyS130
Clarkson is a UK farmer.......they all dress like that. That said these can be brought in the uk for sub 10k im considering selling my mkiv supra and getting one.
@@bidnerds Didn't he say he took a short drive in a 350? The 350 has a different suspension, engine, and transmission. He can stand by his "POV" in that case, but it would wrong of course.
Actually, I relistened, and he mentions it was actually the 320, which is the older generation, with the recirculating ball and entirely different suspension.
R129 300sl manual vs SLK 55??? Are you kidding?? SLK 55 AMG all the way R129 early version with 6cyl is a DOG with zero torque below 4500 rpm Way too heavy for that 6cyl
@@bidnerds Definitely not. I've owned several older and newer Mercedes. I actually have a C36 which has the AMG version of the engine in the R129 and it's STILL really slow, in a car that weighs 1100 lbs less. The R129 manual has collectability and rarity for sure, it's just a really boring car to drive.
52/48 is not 80% over the front axle! Cmon… These cars are an absolute blast and when tuned (trans and ECU) are absolutely ridiculous. Most slept on and under-appreciated AMG car ever. Of course I’m biased.
I’ve just come back from a Europe trip and I did over 4000 miles in three weeks in the SLK. We had two luggage’s in the boot and 2 normal size bags. I could still put the roof down. It was a fantastic car! I was worried at first as I thought it would be too small and I was going to go with my S class on the trip but I was super impressed how comfortable the car was and how stable it was at high speeds in Germany. These SLK’s are fantastic cars. I never thought I’d own one of these cars but now that I have it, I love the car.
The shape reminds me of the SLR but this is the baby version and a very cheap car to buy. ( obviously no comparison to the SLR! )
I think you're dead wrong regarding the SLK55 not appreciating. This vehicle should easily go up in value year to year as the V8 goes the way of the Dodo Bird. Just the sound of this and similar vehicles will be worth the price of admission as electic cars speed around whilst barely making a sound and high HP twin turbo 4 cylinders put out a fuzzy nasal tone. Don't forget, there are still real men out there that will never buy electric and never spend 100+ thousand dollars on a new Benz with a 4 banger no matter what the horsepower. BTW: I am the proud owner of a 2005 SLK55 AMG.
I agree with your comment 100%. Also a proud owner of an 05 SLK 55 in the UK.
Whats a dodo bird? Is that like a boomer?
An owner comment with a UK UK SLK 55 my opinion is that the gearbox isn't junk (I drive a modern DSG as a daily). It was probably the world best auto in 2005 with 7 speeds and speed-shift in sport which can swap gears quicker than any manual. Is it perfect, no however In the context of 2005 it was better than most others of that time. Is it a viable road-trip car? Well yes, having used it for a 2 up weekend trip to the Spa Classic in Belgium from the UK a 600 mile trip. 2 soft weekend bags in the boot under the folding roof cover, no problem. Coats in the cavity behind the rear seats and an almost 30 MPG average for the trip taking into account lots of miles on Belgian motorways with some blasts on the back roads included. In conclusion a very unique and exciting small muscle car the like of which we wont see again in the world of engine downsizing and electric cars.
You forgot to mention drifting. Tokyo Drift can't be wrong!
Absolutely agree. I have an '07. This was the year that the 7 G-tronic's shifting was further improved, along with the addition of paddles instead of buttons behind the wheel. It's definitely not the lazy auto that these fellas think about. It also features a lock-up type torque converter to send power straight to the wheels and the tranny also downshifts when braking. The only complaint I have is that the ride is very firm, and along with the short wheelbase that does help it handle pretty well with minimal body roll.
@@bidnerds lol, you'd struggle to drift this SLK. The ESP can be turned off but it's never fully off, the computer still steps in, plus it has an open diff. No LSD, so you'd have a one-tire fire 🤣. There are aftermarket LSD options though...
The SLK has enough boot/trunk space for a road trip. The roof does not take half the space, only restricts the height of luggage. With the divider down (necessary to operate the roof), I can easily fit two small suitcases and laptop backpacks, enough for at least a week long trip with a passenger. The boot is pretty deep because the spare wheel is a biscuit space-saver type and the fuel tank sits vertically up behind the back seat firewall.
Why do you think they're so cheap?
@@bidnerds I'm not following what your question has to do with my comment.
You seem to have a favorable opinion of the car in general @@MarkoVukovic0 so why do you think they don't bring more money?
@@bidnerds if I had to guess, I'd say the lack of a manual transmission option. The 7 speed tranny was improved after 2006, shifts way better. Full disclosure, I have a 2007 in the same colour.
@@MarkoVukovic0 A six speed with the bigger engine would have been great. The manual in the little six cylinder wasn't bad.
These SKK 55 ANG and even the SLK 350 AMG EDITION are amazing !! And in Europe this 55 version is selling fir way more than 23.500 USD! So .. the negative talk from one of you guys is strange to us who knows more about these cars and their money worth ... I'd buy the 55 now for that money if it was in Europe and not sold yet. Just saying. Ps .. Ove had 4 Porsches 911 RUF and Turbo. I love the SLK 55 AMG !! It's called the "mini SLR Mc Laren". That design and engine on it.. it's a big yes 👍🏻
Way more well rounded than the Boxster or 911 of its time. A lot faster too and naturally aspirated. Let the hate flow.
Review cars you have driven and don't just recite the same old views of internet clowns who haven't driven a Mercedes or Porsche in their lives. We don't need more of those guys. Some markets around the world see between 35k and 70k usd for high to low k's examples of the SLK 55 and they easily out price the older SL. Easy to pick the SLK for a long cruse away over a Boxster. Not everyone is a journalist who only care about track tests, but still can't drive a car as they were designed. All the best.
Wait, did you just call us journalists?
Y’all wanna see mine with 12,000kms lol from B.C Canada. I paid 37,000 for it with 6,000 back in November.
All the same features Harmon kardon, red and black suede seats all the fixings ahaha.
I just purchased one today from Arizona with a perfect carfax and 54k rounds; 18k I felt like I stole it
That's alotta car for under $20k
The R71 SLK55 and 350 are to Mercedes Benz as the 996 / 986 are to Porsche. A great value likely to appreciate in the coming EV years.
Nerds agree that like the 996 and 986, the SLK's are a blight on the reputation of their manufacturers. Also, the 996/986 values are crashing hard unlike the mere correction we're seeing on all other 911s.
The transmisson is Not garbage it’s actually good- the breaks are outstanding! Drive 55 in winter?! Have fun! The Engine is just fun - the 300 sl manual is more fun ?! 😂- sorry make your homework - greetings from Germany Stuttgart
These guys have no idea what they are talking about and obviously have never driven the SLK 55 AMG. What kind of review is this to make judgement about a car they do not have in depth experience.
While it's certainly true that we have no idea what we're talking about, we make bad judgements about cars we've never driven all time.
20k for me was ALL the money - congrats to the seller.
I have a 2007. Mercedes Benz slk 55 awa with a V12 twin turbos (723hp) two door hardtop convertible. this car is fast, kick the turbos in & you will be pined to your seat in about 2 seconds now nobody has ever mentioned the V12 they say the V8 is very fast. well this V12 will make your V8 look slow.
I know that you cannot get the V12 in the United States but I have one. And it purrs like a kitten cruzing at about 95 to 105 mph have you heard of this particular slk55 2007 black on black
Just bought one ..love it ..the only reason the price remains low on these used SLKs is the maintenance costs..now if you are your own mechanic it’s easily doable to have a fun auto to drive …now if you are a racer why even talk about either of the ones you are comparing..the V8 in the front is a little front heavy so what 🤷🏻♂️..and the guy with the V-12 ? How the hell did they fit it in? ..a lot of jaguars and vipers are front heavy too ..
Why do fans of these cars insist that the prices remaining low is the result of anything other than that they're just not that great a driving car and look kinda lame?
@@bidnerds lol all I said to maintain these cars is that they are more expensive to maintain than most ..what’s lame is asking for comments just to be childish in rebuttal 🙄..
No, actually you said that and also that's the ONLY reason SLK's are under realized.@@TripleB101 Not sure how pointing out that SLK fans are truly fanatic about their cars is childish.
@@bidnerds no you are asking for comments only to give insulting childish responses..grow up.
As much as I like the slk, I have to agree with you guys. $23k is way too much money for the slk. You can find good ones for around $14k-$18k easily. There are so many other cars with a v8 thats also manual that you could buy for $23k.
Be careful, you may get canceled by the SLK cult.
Who are these guys talking shit about a car that they obviously have no real experience of. Geez.
We're a couple guys who haven't swallowed the SLK cool-aid. We haven't seen this kind of cultism since the last time we drove by the cross fit next to the vegan juice shop.
@@bidnerds Nothing to do with culture, all to do with doing your own research and getting your facts right.
What facts? Did you watch our show and think we did research?@@FairladyS130
@@bidnerds What's relevant today are owner experiences, they also can compare with what is similar in the price range. As for the 5 speed auto, it was way advanced compared with any Murrican slush box auto and can be programmed today to improve shift speed, etc.
The tipronic trans in the 996 and 997 was built by Mercedes and was better than anything at the time, but it still sucked! Thats why nobody wants a 911 with a tip. "at the time" is not a good selling point.
@@FairladyS130
That’s not all the money, ya’ll we’re just WAY off! No biggie it happens!
Nah. You guys are big wrong. These are/will go up.
Well, the values haven't gone up since this video was published a year ago so when is that gonna happen exactly?
I just bought one for 23k. 42k miles on it minty. They are rare cars. We shall see. It’s a fun great car. Cheers.
Not arguing that they're not fun cars, but aren't you kinda making our point? When will they suddenly jump up in value?@@RichardWarner-df7dz
The SLK55 AMG was such a bad car that Jeremy Clarkson owned one. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!! 😂😂😂
Have you seen the way he dresses? His taste in fashion is consistent with his cars.
😇@@bidnerds
Clarkson is a UK farmer.......they all dress like that. That said these can be brought in the uk for sub 10k im considering selling my mkiv supra and getting one.
@@Raven431 I think you'll enjoy the change! Plenty of bargains in the Winter. 😁😁
These guys have clearly never driven this car... All the complaints on the transmission, handling, and storage.
JP has, and stands by his POV. Have you ever heard anyone who doesn't own one say they like them?
@@bidnerds Didn't he say he took a short drive in a 350? The 350 has a different suspension, engine, and transmission. He can stand by his "POV" in that case, but it would wrong of course.
Actually, I relistened, and he mentions it was actually the 320, which is the older generation, with the recirculating ball and entirely different suspension.
So nobody has ever driven the V12 version, if you think the V8 is fast you are in for a better thrill in a V12 version with almost twice the hp
R129 300sl manual vs SLK 55???
Are you kidding??
SLK 55 AMG all the way
R129 early version with 6cyl is a DOG with zero torque below 4500 rpm
Way too heavy for that 6cyl
Not even a little compared to this one. ruclips.net/video/ayGORmgOypQ/видео.html
You don't agree with Jason Camissa?.
@@bidnerds Definitely not. I've owned several older and newer Mercedes. I actually have a C36 which has the AMG version of the engine in the R129 and it's STILL really slow, in a car that weighs 1100 lbs less. The R129 manual has collectability and rarity for sure, it's just a really boring car to drive.