2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Consumer Reviews Page 7

The "wow factor" doesn't wear off.

Written by: Tim on 02/20/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Even at the base level, the car is well equipped. There is plenty of room (I'm 6'-1"), and the car is quite practical from a comfort and cargo- carrying capacity standpoint. The paint is stunning. My Firemist Red causes long stares and compliments from everyone I encounter. The chassis is stiff and feels light and sporty. The incredible roadgrip is confidence-inspiring. The interior finish is unique, durable, high- quality, and profoundly easy to case for. I have the 7-speed automatic, and although I always buy manual, it's incredible and wouldn't trade it for anything. Coupled with its broad torque curve, it's the closest thing to a turbine engine you'll find. And, my God, is it fast

Favorite Features

Looks, handling, automatic transmission, engine sound, engine power, hard-top: convenience, engineering, flexibility, sound- proofing, security over a fabric top, speed, feels like you bought two cars.

Suggested Improvements

Adjustable lumbar support

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This car I'll keep!

Written by: wmclark on 02/19/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

After enjoying (yawn) several years' driving the SLK 320, I could not resist the SLK 350 with its leaps and bounds improvements. This vehicle is an altogether different animal than its predecessor (think cheetah rather than, say, tabby cat). Opt for the manual transmission for an honest sports car experience (urban driving need not be an obstacle). The MB SLK 350 is an agile, beautiful, and extremely comfortable ride.

Favorite Features

Favorites include heated seating and neck ventilation making comfortable top-down 40 degreee F. driving; a headrest that actually rests the head; speed. . . true speed; tighter, smoother gearing; and, an elegantly menacing stance.

Suggested Improvements

Wishlist items include: better lit and configured buttons and dials; more wood with "wood trim" option; garage door opener as std equip't; less awkward interior storage access; better rear "surround" sound with the 9 speaker option; and, a growl rather than a loud purr to the engine.

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SLK-55

Written by: Perry on 02/14/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG 2dr Roadster (5.4L 8cyl 7A)

Review

This is a really fun car to drive. The first day I got it I could not stop flooring the accelerator. I would take this car over a SL-500 any day, maybe even a SL-55. The handling is impeccable. It's seen every time you take a turn, you're tempted to kick the rear out a little bit. I dont like the fact that its not a True 5.5 liter engine. It's a 5.4 liter. However, I do love the brakes. When doing all this speeding, it's a must to have good brakes. The interior is superb. If you ever sat in an AMG sport seat you would know how great that feel is.

Favorite Features

Illuminated Door sills (Option). The Navigation is Tweaked a little from the older model (Option). And in my opinion its a lot better. 355-Hp and 376 ft-lb of tourque in a Car that is only 3,397lbs. Harman/Kardon sound system. Auto-leveling headlights. 0-to-60 in 4.7 Seconds. Small car, lot of room!

Suggested Improvements

The only thing that comes to mind is. the cup holders. There a little too small. You really can't fit anything in them. And Mercedes really should have made this car in a 6-speed manual. That would take the edge off from people contemplating about it being too girly of a car. I-Pod Ready like the BMW.

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Excellent AMG

Written by: AMG nut on 02/13/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG 2dr Roadster (5.4L 8cyl 7A)

Review

Test drove 2005 Vette - no comparision. Benz is much better build and trim level. Great exhaust note. Cannot compare SLK 350 to 55, have driven both. Not one complaint about this car. Best car I ever owned. Paid $ 1,000 over MSRP & waited 8 weeks for car. I would do it in a heartbeat all over again. Fuel Economy scored 9, but is what you expect from 355+ hp, AMG is thirsty.

Favorite Features

Blistering power. The looks at the gas station & on the road. Haven't been beaten off the line yet.

Suggested Improvements

Cruse control stalk too close to turn signal arm, cup holder too high on dash. Should offer Parktronic as an option.

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Now, they got it right!

Written by: Ray on 02/12/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Mercedes finally made over the SLK into a true sports car. Great pickup power, smooth new 7 speed automatic overpowers the stick! More roomy than the former design. Exterior looks are outstanding. Picked mine up in Europe and loved its performance on the Autobahn. SL fans, try this one for size and pocket $40,000!

Favorite Features

V-6 performance! Quick, smooth automatic transmission. Must order the "airscarf"! Top down in 50 degree weather, yet warm as toast with the airscarf and heated seats. The new navigation system is much improved over last year's. Satellite radio with 7 speakers is great.

Suggested Improvements

Only improvement I recommend is the cup holder. It's at the top of the dash at a 20 degree angle. Don't put a full cup of coffee in it or it will spill over when you take off! Command system takes a while to master! Suggest you study it before you try to use it.

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A great new model worth every penny

Written by: Randy H on 02/11/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Although I have only had the car for two months, it is a fantastic sports car. Although my previous car, the BMW M Roadster (which I loved) may have had a little more power, this car is better built, (finally no squeaks) has more great features and is an all around great ride. I loved my M but this is an incredible car, and the standard 6 speed is the best. It turns heads everywhere I go due to the great new design, and blows away most other cars on the highway. This is truly the best new car on the road, and Mercedes has hit a home run. It's not the Barbie doll car anymore.

Favorite Features

I really like the retractable hard top and no more plastic rear window. The top is fast and a gives a very quiet drive when up. I also love the power seats that automatically move back to allow you to get out of the car. The upgraded stereo system is fantastic.

Suggested Improvements

The double cup holder is in the worst location I have ever seen. Hit a bump and my coffee is all over my radio screen and running down my air vents. I don't think they thought this out at all. Since it is right in front of the air vents, it does stay hot when the heat is on. Was that intentional??

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My Dream Car

Written by: GARY LEVINE on 02/08/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Since I was a teenager working at a local Mercedes dealer in NY, I promised myself that one day I would walk in and buy one. Well my dream became reality a few weeks ago when I took delivery of my new 350SLK. It is visually stunning and more fun to drive then any car I have ever owned. The rush of the wind with the top down and the Florida sun shining down is fantastic.

Favorite Features

The power and speed is fantastic. 0-60 in about 5 secs. Great stereo with 7 disc CD player, which is excellent even with top down at highway speeds. My favorite feature is the top which does its own amazing dance as it lowers and raises. The car always draws admiring looks. The paint and new look is great.

Suggested Improvements

I would move the cruise control stalk type lever further away from the turn signal lever. It’s too easy to turn on cruise when trying to signal a turn.

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Sweet

Written by: cn on 02/05/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I owned a 2003 320 SLK for the past few years. A great car, but the 350 SLK is light years ahead of it. Less side torsion for one. Handling is without question better..big upgrade. Instrumentation is spectactular by comparison. Similar in layout, but the it's like going from old school to the real deal. I wouldn't trash the 2003..it was beautiful...but this turns heads like you cannot believe...almost embarassing.

Favorite Features

AMG sports packgage.

Suggested Improvements

Variable lumbar support would be my only suggestion.

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Comfort+speed=FUN

Written by: dsbdo on 02/04/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The SLK 350 combines a great daily driver with sufficient sport qualities and comfort to make the ride to work (70 mi. ) a pleasure. It has more than adequate power to cruise ahead of the pack and luxurious enough to prevent fatigue on long trips. With the top up it's as solid as any other Benz, top down - who cares about being anywhere else, in anything else. Gas mileage has averaged 23.

Favorite Features

Top, top, top,...........

Suggested Improvements

Stub antenna instead of whip, power lumbar support, all season tire option for NE

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Best car I have ever owned!

Written by: Marianne on 01/29/2005

Vehicle

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is a blast to drive. The handling is outstanding and gives the phrase "hugs the road" new meaning. The wind shield and air scarf allow you to drive with the top down when most others cannot.

Favorite Features

The convertible top and touch transmission are undoubtedly great features. Both offer superb driving experience.

Suggested Improvements

The interior'especially the seats, do not feel as luxurious as you would expect from a car in this price range. A softer leather version would add more cushion from the road and the hard surface of the interior, walls, dash,etc. scuff very easily.

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