About the Mercedes-Benz SLK
Baa Baa Black Jeep purchased this Mercedes-Benz SLK in 2018 for $75,000 (including all on-road costs). Baa Baa Black Jeep would buy this car again because: “There is no end to the performance vehicles that are available, yet as someone who does endless research before buying, if your needs are specific enough Often there is a compromise. After more than four years of ownership, from someone who typically turns their cars around every two to three years, there is still no other vehicle that ticks so many boxes in my opinion. “
How reliable has your car been? Let us know about any issues.
Having previously owned a 10-year-old BMW in the family, he was concerned about the aging Euro’s frequent unreliability and expensive repairs. While BMW doesn’t shy away from needing to replace many sensors over its lifetime, so far, the SLK has been trouble-free, barring regular maintenance items.
The battery lasted nine years, and a quote from Battery World for over $600 was just over $400 with the NRMA.
Ditto the brakes. We were quoted over $4000 and ended up having an Australian with DBA slotted rotors and pads for $2000. Servicing is done at a local Euro specialist. The SLK has an A and B scheduled every 12 months, and figures between $800 and $1500 are in the ballpark of dealerships – they’re usually more than half.
What about the ownership experience with your car?
Still loving it. Makes the boring journey (sometimes up to an hour) enjoyable, top down most days (for which there are heated seats and air scarves) with a few choice corners that I look forward to. The stereo is great for a comfortable drive, but can affect the engine note.
However, sacrifices have to be made. There isn’t much storage space in the boot, soft bags will solve most of that if going on a trip. Also there is a false bottom where the spare can fit, as I have a useless glue and pump.
I can still carry two sets of golf clubs in the boot (albeit in a slim travel bag) and put the top down, and the tire fits nicely in my collapsible golf buggy. Luggage room increases considerably if you put the roof up.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Really enjoy researching vehicles, and when I looked at a used Cayman S, wanted a new Mustang, used M4 convertible, hardtop, due to lack of off-street parking on a tree-lined street. The Porsche Spyder was also on the shortlist, but as a daily driver (at the time) the manual and semi-manual softtop will have to wait as it’s still pretty much what I want to get next.
Another advantage of a hardtop is being able to move the surfboard short distances through a soft rack. Due to the lack of roof length, the racks are very close together and you are limited to 90kmh due to buffeting – not ideal when going away, however, this was solved by an extra surfboard on our holiday spot. has been given.
My SLK only had 26,000km, was dealer serviced and came with a one year Mercedes warranty. While the SLK was about $160k new, the primary option I wanted and could only find on an interstate with high mileage was the AMG handling package, which was an extra $9k.
And disappointed that the original owner didn’t option the DAB which was only $490, but glad they opted for the dash clock at $510.
Can’t remember when Mercedes switched from the last two model numbers due to engine capacity, but makes it a little easier when describing their car to others, “55 is for 5.5 liters and It’s also the last of the naturally aspirated V8s.”
What do you think about your car’s performance and economy?
Performance and economy? Simple first, it’s not bad on fuel, I use ECO for most of my journeys, and it even deactivates all four cylinders on ECO4 for some reasonably economical consumption – averaging 11L/ 100km, all this is just two presses away. From switching to manual and shifting down a few gears for a few corners on your favorite back road and hearing the roar at 5-6000rpm is addictive.
The gearbox isn’t as crisp as a BMW M, but it can still be very sweet if you time it with the revs right – otherwise it’s just a touch hesitant, or just switch to Sport and The changes will be very close to your location. They would like to be.
With a 310kW and 540Nm naturally aspirated V8 the Roadster is as fun to own as you want it to be. Upgrading the rear with Pirelli tires has added a lot of driving confidence, where previous Continentals would lose their grip.
Even at 1600kg, track days are a must, it’s still a very responsive car with plenty of driver skill.
What about the technology in your car?
Nine years old just means bluetooth. Luckily there’s a Samsung Fold, which sits on a magnetic pad mounted in the CD player, which I use for Waze on trips and other phone functions.
I have toyed with the idea of installing a head unit, but keeping the car original and not wanting to lose any steering wheel control is more important.
How about your ride comfort and handling of your car?
The ride is firm and you slow down for all the potholes.
Handling is quite good, not quite at this level after driving the M3 on SMSP, but more than enough for the average looking to enjoy some open-top motoring while listening to the V8 symphony.
As mentioned, upgrading the tires to something nicer will improve handling if that’s what you want.