Everyone talks about engagement. Sure, if your bombing around on a back road but If your stuck in the city this car makes perfect sense. Big V8 power without having to wind out the engine. An automatic transmission to handle the bumper to bumper grind. This is a GT car, if you view it in that light you won't be disappointed.
@Juan-zv9ml I had the good fortune to test drive a 2005 SLK55, and a 2010 SLK350 with a manual transmission. I purchased the 55 but won't pick it up until Halloween. You're right, it did feel like a modern muscle car. The 350 felt more like a sports car because of the manual. I preferred the ease of acceleration with the 55. I can't comment on the long distance comfort of the car as yet, but from initial impressions it felt comfortable to me. I think of a GT as a car with sporting ability but with more comfort and utility than an actual sports car. Calling it a cruiser would seem practically interchangeable with 'GT." I'll stick with my initial impression and we'll have to agree to disagree. :)
As the owner of an 06 slk55, I have to say it's NOT a GT. It's simply too small for that and cramped. My former Audi s5 coupe, maybe. Don't get me wrong, these are delightful. But GT? I disagree.
@@Lavaman3682 I also own an SLK 55 and totally agree with you. While the seats are comfortable and have a tiny bit of cushioning, the suspension is billy cart like. Great for a quick blast up a mountain range, tiring on a 1000km roadtrip on Australian highways.
I’ve put hundreds of miles on mine around some of Europe’s best mountain switchback roads. It’s no track car but it handles very well. If only the transmission was a bit more lively, it would have gotten a lot more respect from car enthusiasts. Definitely a GT car. Built like a tank. They’re so much fun, especially with an X-pipe exhaust so you can really hear that engine
Great video 👍as an owner of a 2005 SLK55 for the last 6 years I have to agree with everything you said. Get it on an open mountain road with the top down and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Ultimately does not have the handling of a Boxster but the thrill more than makes up. Wonderful!
$15-20k for one of these is an absolute steal. Wish I was in the market. I just kinda rediscovered this car and I’m in love. Cant beat the performance for the price.
I own one myself as well. What many don't know is that this SPECIFIC engine (the M113.989) is known as the EVO version. This version of the M113 is only used in the slk 55 amg, the other itterations of it has slightly different specs. The 989 version is specifically tuned and setup for maximum torque. Thats the reason why other NA 55 AMG engines have slightly different specs. They are setup for a different model. The EVO M113 is the best of all NA M113 engines, its gotten all of the fixes/revisions they could as this was the last car the M113 was used in.
Got mine back on the road, out of storage and had some work done on it. They're amazing massively underrated cars! Oozes personality and puts a massive smile on your face
Thank you for saying everything I’ve been thinking all along. I have the 08. I love her. Now bound to keep her running well for a lifetime. I’ve had people say this car appeals to them out of all the 2023 Mercedes options on the lot!
Beautiful review, you bring the emotion of driving so close to the viewers, better than any other review/channel... continue the great work, well done.
Great review that really captured the essence of this small German muscle car. I’ve owned mine for 5 years and enjoy it immensely. Mine has the centre resonator delete and X pipe that gives it more of that lovely V8 roar at full throttle.
Personally I think the SLK R171 in general is massively underrated, you can pick up mint 200s and 350s for peanuts while lesser cars from the same era are selling at twice to three times the price.
This car puts a smile on my face from the time I start it to the time I turn it off. Added an m113k supercharger and she keeps up with the big boys no problem. Glad I got one.
I believe just under 10000 were built in the production run. In 2009 MY there were only 290 built and only 19 imported into Canada. I own one those imported into this country. It has the P30 option. To quote Sir Jackie Stewart it is " great wee motor car". Mine had 72000 km on it when I got it three years ago, with no accidents, a good maintenance record and I am the third owner. It is a BC car never winter driven so rust free. It listed in 2009 at $96000 CDN. I have a $28000 in it and a recent add locally was asking $1 short of $50000. I have owned 2 first gen SLK320s, a third gen SLK350 and it is no doubt this is the best.
That’s the good news. The bad news is those ever praised smart Germans used unique parts to go with a unique car so when we have failures the key word on most new part sites is Discontinued!!!. My oil cooler was seeping but no way to fix and no NOS. 200 contacts later and i stumbled onto a guy parting out a 2005. I kniw a guy with a 2011 MB E350 wagon with air suspension failure. All parts discontinued presumably because this feature did not sell. He is being stubborn and hopes to out wait them but they will buty him in thst car befoe OEM parts come along. He desreves it. Ee git him after market parts that are engineered for thst card tgst are better but he refuses to yield om OEM only
Honestly mate you deserve many many more subscribers! I am shocked at how underrated your Chanel is! The content you create is awesome and truly thank you for making videos like this! Thank you 👍😀👏
Its a very very underrated car and his time as a rare and expensive classic car will coming in the future. little roadster with a big V8 thats a allonestanding thing and will never come again
Ik heb een SLK 55 AMG r171 2009 50.000 km, met een spruitstuk van Kleeman en een Chip tuning VAN EUROCHARGED performance uit Houston, met een sportonderstel heb een 400 PK Newtonmeter 650 geweldige top snelheid van 300 km en een kracht.
Fantastic video love the 55amg, i have a mint 30k 05 in red had it for 12 years and just ❤ its purely summer use but each and every time i get the keys out😊😊😊. The boxter isnt in this league speaking as a bloke that's had 2, 911s id still take the 55slk. Top notch vid 👌
I have an R170 320 and it's a lotta fun. I'm ready for a V8 though and will have it within the next few months after I sell my 2014 Jeep Wrangler. This generation of this car looks and sounds better than the next R172 AMG. I mean sure, with some exhaust work it can change. But the interior design of the R172 is up to Mercedes standards, I'll give it that.
I think you nailed it with the design curves story. This was the ONLY Mercedes of that era without the bubble eye headlights. It has the nose of the SLR but even the SLR had bubble eyes. That design pattern is a dead giveaway to the masses about the era of a Mercedes. I have a 2005 SLK 55 AMG and to this day people still have no idea which era it's from.
Great review, I like the sound and view from the outside, which obviously you don't get from inside. Great car, I love mine to bits, the looks, the noise, how easy it is to just drive. As for the comparison to a Z4M roadster, well I have one of them as well. Side by side in my garage I have to pinch myself I got here, I'm just working class... I've only had the M, is only has M badges on it, for 3 weeks at this point. But lets say it is much harder to drive, but the rewards are there, and of course the looks and the sound, in profile it looks and sounds like modern take on the EType. Two cars I feel can only go up in value, not that is their point to me. And yes, to the average punter, they are just cars, no one round here knows or cares what they are. It is nice to know there others out there like me who just have a passion, and are willing to just plod along and get there. Just my 2 cents worth. You got a thumbs up and subscribe from me.
Great production ! I own a 2005 AMG55, at the time of purchasing it in 2010 from main dealer for a great price. At the time there were quite a few on the road and it didn’t feel all that special apart from the V8. As you pointed out the shape became dated then now it’s becoming a head turner as you just don’t see many of this type of Mercedes anymore with these curvy lines, they generally are all square nosed and have a very generic look now. This car is definitely going to be a classic as you mentioned it was the first SLK V8 in a small chassis. It does attract conversations, I have been asked if my 05 plate is private, the guy was amazed when I said no, he thought it was very new. I’m going to continue enjoying this little bomb.
I bought a 2015 new from the factory. It was my first automatic after owning multiple manual 911s. The power was great and the hard top convertible was excellent. Having said that I hated the gearbox and after less than two years I sold it to a dealer just to get out of it. If this car had a manual it would be just perfect. The transmission was slow and clunky and the opposite of what you need in this car.
We got a lotus Elise superchargers 2008 Bmw z4m 2008 Mercedes SLK55 v8 2008 All have between 12-14k miles I’ll put the merc first The the lotus due to the supercharger noise
Can you find a SLK 350 manual (AMG package and rims 18'') in your country? I have a 2005 with those specifications and I will find interesting to have your impresssions about it.
Great review and love your content, this little SLK55 AMG's is definitely a pocket rocket, I have one myself the 3rd Gen R172 SLK55 with a few exhaust mods which opens up the V8!! Check out my videos of my SLK55 it's a great comparison with the C63 exhaust note which you did recently.
I completely disagree. Have had BMW and Mercedes for the last 25 years. My wife's Ford Flex was in the shop more and parts MORE expensive. If you stay on top of maintenance they are dreamy.
30 plus years driving and owning all German made cars, and I can unequivocally assure you that they're very reliable. As with ALL cars maintenance is key! I'm curious, you're commenting with the name "mrporsche." LOL...Porsche is of course a German manufacturer, perhaps you created the account name to troll! Cheers
Everyone talks about engagement. Sure, if your bombing around on a back road but If your stuck in the city this car makes perfect sense. Big V8 power without having to wind out the engine. An automatic transmission to handle the bumper to bumper grind. This is a GT car, if you view it in that light you won't be disappointed.
@Juan-zv9ml I had the good fortune to test drive a 2005 SLK55, and a 2010 SLK350 with a manual transmission. I purchased the 55 but won't pick it up until Halloween. You're right, it did feel like a modern muscle car. The 350 felt more like a sports car because of the manual. I preferred the ease of acceleration with the 55. I can't comment on the long distance comfort of the car as yet, but from initial impressions it felt comfortable to me. I think of a GT as a car with sporting ability but with more comfort and utility than an actual sports car. Calling it a cruiser would seem practically interchangeable with 'GT." I'll stick with my initial impression and we'll have to agree to disagree. :)
As the owner of an 06 slk55, I have to say it's NOT a GT. It's simply too small for that and cramped. My former Audi s5 coupe, maybe. Don't get me wrong, these are delightful. But GT? I disagree.
@@Lavaman3682 I also own an SLK 55 and totally agree with you. While the seats are comfortable and have a tiny bit of cushioning, the suspension is billy cart like. Great for a quick blast up a mountain range, tiring on a 1000km roadtrip on Australian highways.
I’ve put hundreds of miles on mine around some of Europe’s best mountain switchback roads. It’s no track car but it handles very well. If only the transmission was a bit more lively, it would have gotten a lot more respect from car enthusiasts. Definitely a GT car. Built like a tank. They’re so much fun, especially with an X-pipe exhaust so you can really hear that engine
Great video 👍as an owner of a 2005 SLK55 for the last 6 years I have to agree with everything you said. Get it on an open mountain road with the top down and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Ultimately does not have the handling of a Boxster but the thrill more than makes up. Wonderful!
Thank you Nigel! It is a great little weapon
$15-20k for one of these is an absolute steal. Wish I was in the market. I just kinda rediscovered this car and I’m in love. Cant beat the performance for the price.
Yeah just waiting for chase to think about closing their banks down for closing a son of God
Bank
I own one myself as well. What many don't know is that this SPECIFIC engine (the M113.989) is known as the EVO version. This version of the M113 is only used in the slk 55 amg, the other itterations of it has slightly different specs. The 989 version is specifically tuned and setup for maximum torque. Thats the reason why other NA 55 AMG engines have slightly different specs. They are setup for a different model. The EVO M113 is the best of all NA M113 engines, its gotten all of the fixes/revisions they could as this was the last car the M113 was used in.
Just got a 2006 SLK55. It's absolutely a classic. That engine is sheer music. Nice review.
Awesome motor 👍
Thank you!
how’s the reliability in 2024?
@@slowhyundai my motor in the video has only needed tyres and a service for the past 3years
@@markroberts2696 great to know, thank you
Got mine back on the road, out of storage and had some work done on it. They're amazing massively underrated cars! Oozes personality and puts a massive smile on your face
Thank you for saying everything I’ve been thinking all along. I have the 08. I love her. Now bound to keep her running well for a lifetime. I’ve had people say this car appeals to them out of all the 2023 Mercedes options on the lot!
Thank you! Keep it pristine it will look after you 👌
Beautiful review, you bring the emotion of driving so close to the viewers, better than any other review/channel... continue the great work, well done.
Thanks, will do!
Great review that really captured the essence of this small German muscle car.
I’ve owned mine for 5 years and enjoy it immensely.
Mine has the centre resonator delete and X pipe that gives it more of that lovely V8 roar at full throttle.
Personally I think the SLK R171 in general is massively underrated, you can pick up mint 200s and 350s for peanuts while lesser cars from the same era are selling at twice to three times the price.
Just bought an 07 in black, it makes me giggle like a small child the entire time I’m driving it. Honestly I will never sell this car.
Did the same 2 weeks ago , 07 black. It s really fun to drive, love it.
This car puts a smile on my face from the time I start it to the time I turn it off. Added an m113k supercharger and she keeps up with the big boys no problem. Glad I got one.
I believe just under 10000 were built in the production run. In 2009 MY there were only 290 built and only 19 imported into Canada. I own one those imported into this country. It has the P30 option. To quote Sir Jackie Stewart it is " great wee motor car". Mine had 72000 km on it when I got it three years ago, with no accidents, a good maintenance record and I am the third owner. It is a BC car never winter driven so rust free. It listed in 2009 at $96000 CDN. I have a $28000 in it and a recent add locally was asking $1 short of $50000.
I have owned 2 first gen SLK320s, a third gen SLK350 and it is no doubt this is the best.
That’s interesting I didn’t realise they were that limited!
That’s the good news. The bad news is those ever praised smart Germans used unique parts to go with a unique car so when we have failures the key word on most new part sites is Discontinued!!!. My oil cooler was seeping but no way to fix and no NOS. 200 contacts later and i stumbled onto a guy parting out a 2005. I kniw a guy with a 2011 MB E350 wagon with air suspension failure. All parts discontinued presumably because this feature did not sell. He is being stubborn and hopes to out wait them but they will buty him in thst car befoe OEM parts come along. He desreves it. Ee git him after market parts that are engineered for thst card tgst are better but he refuses to yield om OEM only
Honestly mate you deserve many many more subscribers! I am shocked at how underrated your Chanel is! The content you create is awesome and truly thank you for making videos like this! Thank you 👍😀👏
Thank you this is very nice to hear. Rome wasn’t built in a day but we are getting there 💪🏻
Its a very very underrated car and his time as a rare and expensive classic car will coming in the future.
little roadster with a big V8 thats a allonestanding thing and will never come again
One of the coolest cars ever made.
Ik heb een SLK 55 AMG r171 2009 50.000 km, met een spruitstuk van Kleeman en een Chip tuning VAN EUROCHARGED performance uit Houston, met een sportonderstel heb een 400 PK Newtonmeter 650 geweldige top snelheid van 300 km en een kracht.
I’ll never forget my FBO fully tuned & decatted 2007 slk 55 AMG… god it was a screamer & i used to shock most when beating them in a race😂
Fantastic video love the 55amg, i have a mint 30k 05 in red had it for 12 years and just ❤ its purely summer use but each and every time i get the keys out😊😊😊. The boxter isnt in this league speaking as a bloke that's had 2, 911s id still take the 55slk. Top notch vid 👌
Thanks Peter! Totally agree
I have an R170 320 and it's a lotta fun. I'm ready for a V8 though and will have it within the next few months after I sell my 2014 Jeep Wrangler. This generation of this car looks and sounds better than the next R172 AMG. I mean sure, with some exhaust work it can change. But the interior design of the R172 is up to Mercedes standards, I'll give it that.
I think you nailed it with the design curves story. This was the ONLY Mercedes of that era without the bubble eye headlights. It has the nose of the SLR but even the SLR had bubble eyes. That design pattern is a dead giveaway to the masses about the era of a Mercedes. I have a 2005 SLK 55 AMG and to this day people still have no idea which era it's from.
Thank you!
Great review, I like the sound and view from the outside, which obviously you don't get from inside. Great car, I love mine to bits, the looks, the noise, how easy it is to just drive. As for the comparison to a Z4M roadster, well I have one of them as well. Side by side in my garage I have to pinch myself I got here, I'm just working class... I've only had the M, is only has M badges on it, for 3 weeks at this point. But lets say it is much harder to drive, but the rewards are there, and of course the looks and the sound, in profile it looks and sounds like modern take on the EType. Two cars I feel can only go up in value, not that is their point to me. And yes, to the average punter, they are just cars, no one round here knows or cares what they are. It is nice to know there others out there like me who just have a passion, and are willing to just plod along and get there. Just my 2 cents worth. You got a thumbs up and subscribe from me.
Thanks Kevin! Z4M is something I’d love one day 🙏🏼
Great review, Agree totally. I have the SLK 55 AMG and have done the secondary cat delete and had an x box fitted, now that does sound good!!
Thank you! That would be interesting to see what it sounds like!
@@DrivenPlus You are welcome to see when you pass Biggleswade, let me know
@@DrivenPlusI also have a ‘06 slk55 and is your check engine light on due to removing secondary cat and adding x pipe?
More of the SLK Please!
Great review my friend! I'm looking to pick this up as my first "fun car" and you hit some great points! Here before you're channel takes off 😊
Thank you! Hopefully one day 🙏🏼
Great production !
I own a 2005 AMG55, at the time of purchasing it in 2010 from main dealer for a great price. At the time there were quite a few on the road and it didn’t feel all that special apart from the V8.
As you pointed out the shape became dated then now it’s becoming a head turner as you just don’t see many of this type of Mercedes anymore with these curvy lines, they generally are all square nosed and have a very generic look now.
This car is definitely going to be a classic as you mentioned it was the first SLK V8 in a small chassis. It does attract conversations, I have been asked if my 05 plate is private, the guy was amazed when I said no, he thought it was very new. I’m going to continue enjoying this little bomb.
Thanks! Think these are becoming more desirable day by day
LOVE the purrrr of the AMG
Have a 07 second owner 10k miles all stock,love it!
Oh nice!
I bought a 2015 new from the factory. It was my first automatic after owning multiple manual 911s. The power was great and the hard top convertible was excellent. Having said that I hated the gearbox and after less than two years I sold it to a dealer just to get out of it. If this car had a manual it would be just perfect. The transmission was slow and clunky and the opposite of what you need in this car.
We got a
lotus Elise superchargers 2008
Bmw z4m 2008
Mercedes SLK55 v8 2008
All have between 12-14k miles
I’ll put the merc first
The the lotus due to the supercharger noise
Wait until you throw a set of long tubes and exhaust system on. Every time i want to sell it, I drive it. Then I can't sell it. 😅
Same here :-(
Manual boxes are a thing of the past other than those who like to shift! The 7 speed auto will out perform anyone in a manual!
Does this vehicle have the standard exhaust or an upgrade in some form ?
This is a standard exhaust
Can you find a SLK 350 manual (AMG package and rims 18'') in your country? I have a 2005 with those specifications and I will find interesting to have your impresssions about it.
Yes we can get the 350 in manual here in the UK. If I ever come across one I will review one 👍
Thanks! 👍@@DrivenPlus
Fantastic video mate. Thanks so much🇮🇪
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!
I must say my brakes on my 2006 Model are outstanding good- they realy Bote 😊Greetings from Stuttgart Germany
I have A SLK 350 Manual 6 speed The Nice.
Such a good review for a growing channel. Keep it up man👍🏽 if you ever need a vr6 Audi tt to review hit me up you can borrow mine
Thank you! Ahh nice, whereabouts are you located?
@@DrivenPlus I’m in West Yorkshire mate👍🏽
@@nahcuh9140brilliant, thanks for the offer. I’ll add you to our database and get round to it 💪🏻
a black drove literally past my workplace hours ago. Chose to search it.
sounds unreal 😰
It definitely does!
What year was the car being driven in the video?
2010. Its one of the last built in the R171 model. It’s my car.
@Driven+ What watch is that? Thanks
Tag Heuer Aquaracer
Nice car
It sure is!
@@DrivenPlus don’t make em like that anymore
why is everybody testing this SLK55 instead of the M152 with 423 horses?
That’s a sweet car too and people probably will but it’s not a modern classic yet like this version is
Do the R172 Next
Would love to but I don’t know anyone with one
Only the same torque as the Slk 250 2.2 diesel?
Great review and love your content, this little SLK55 AMG's is definitely a pocket rocket, I have one myself the 3rd Gen R172 SLK55 with a few exhaust mods which opens up the V8!! Check out my videos of my SLK55 it's a great comparison with the C63 exhaust note which you did recently.
Thank you for watching and glad you like it, I will definitely check it out!
Manual is so overrated lol....10 years never going back
the peak is the AMG 55 R172 2012 - 2015
agree - I have one 415HP improved interior but shoulda had 9 speed box, still goes like hell on wheels in sport or manual & still turns heads!
How do people not know yet that german cars are not that. They look great but are very unreliable
Not my experience at all. And I have owned over a dozen
I completely disagree. Have had BMW and Mercedes for the last 25 years. My wife's Ford Flex was in the shop more and parts MORE expensive. If you stay on top of maintenance they are dreamy.
30 plus years driving and owning all German made cars, and I can unequivocally assure you that they're very reliable. As with ALL cars maintenance is key! I'm curious, you're commenting with the name "mrporsche." LOL...Porsche is of course a German manufacturer, perhaps you created the account name to troll! Cheers
It sounds terrible for a V8
An x-pipe and resonator delete does the trick. Look up a video with these on this car on here