2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Consumer Reviews

My wife's Dream Car

Written by: Frank on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 Edition 10 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We enjoy this special car because of its unique appearance and build quality. The car is very stable on the highway and absorbs road imperfections well. The black metallic paint is of superior quality and shines beautifully (if clean). The gear shifter feels industrial in strength but the sun visors are very small and cheap. Seats are firm but comfortable for long distance cruising. Road noise can be heard from the rear when driven above 40 mph. The sound of the engine via the tail pipe is second only to the Porsche in the roadster class. Great safety is a given as is its long term durability. Learning the features of the car and the interior buttons may take time.

Favorite Features

Edition 10 wheels and paint. Overall design of the exterior and automatic retractable top.

Suggested Improvements

Blind spots with top up. Rear wheel tire noise and intermittent noises from the trunk/ roof at highway speeds (90 mph)

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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The Perfect Machine

Written by: WFTJR on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The lease was up on my 2006 E350 so I jumped into a 2008 SLK 280. The E350 is flawless but I needed more of a "wow" factor. The black exterior with the tan and black interior is stunning. This car is the perfect blend of performance and luxury. My SLK has Premium III (navigation) with the appearance package. The retractable hardtop is provides the "wow" factor. The fun of driving a convertible without the downside of a ragtop. My only other convertable was a 2003 Z4. The SLK provides more convenience, safety and luxury than the Z4. Remember, it's not how fast you go, it's how well you go fast.

Favorite Features

Retractable hardtop, navigation, Harmon Kardon sound system, Tel Aid, and homelink.

Suggested Improvements

More speakers behind and between the seats.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Just what I wanted.

Written by: miky on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Choosing between the Boxster, Z4, Sky, and the SLK I chose the 280SLK with the Premium 1, appearance package, heating package, 7-speed automatic, & 6 CD changer. The others did not have the retractable hardtop, and other than the Boxster all felt like tin cans compared to this car. The SLK fits the bill I wanted for driving; not a race car but handles very well, not an economy car but who cares, and performs everything I ask it to do very well. At 6' and 240# I have no problem entering and exiting, no problem with interior room, and am extremely comfortable on local or long distance drives. I am extremely happy the dealer, the salesman, and most of all the car. Great purchase.

Favorite Features

Retractable hardtop, comfort, exhaust note, solid feel, handling, etc.

Suggested Improvements

Find another place for the 6 disc changer.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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MBZ SLK 55 AMG

Written by: slaman on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl 7A)

Review

A bargain for what you get, as compared to others in it's class. Great engine power, speed and handling abilities. Fun to drive on the open road and in town. Great if you enjoy top-down motoring. Simply a fun and powerful hot-rod!

Favorite Features

Design, power, handling, size and of course, the looks and comments you get from strangers familiar and not familiar with the brand.

Suggested Improvements

Supply the plexiglas windscreen as a standard feature. The mesh screen is fine, but the plexi gives it a whole different, classic appeal.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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What's not to like?

Written by: Paul David on 04/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

I purchased the car because I was tired of looking for "safe" parking for my Porsche Boxster. The hard-top convertible gives me peace-of-mind so I can park on-street. For the first few weeks, I really missed the Porsche. But now I wouldn't go back. After adjusting to the different ride characteristics, I feel it handles as well as the Boxster and is far superior for longer drives. The AMG sport package is a must if you want a sports car experience. I've owned MG's, Triumphs, 240Z, 260Z, Porsche 911 Carrerra, Porsche 944 and Porsche Boxster (yes, I'm now an old guy.) This car is as much fun as any of my past cars, and as fast as anything I've driven.

Favorite Features

Hard-top convertible and paddle shifters. It also has a neck-heater for driving on cool evenings. The seats are extremely comfortable for a larger person.

Suggested Improvements

Wider trunk. I figured out how to get my golf clubs in, but not easily. I wish I had gotten the SLK55 for the upgraded seats. The seats are heated/electric and very comfortable, but the SLK55 are a whole different experience.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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2008 SLK 350

Written by: Arturo Ortiz on 02/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)

Review

Have it for only two week and love it already. Great acceleration, very comfortable interior. Great looking car!

Favorite Features

8 way power seats with 3 memories and 2 lumbar suport. Hard top makes it a very quiet ride when top is up.

Suggested Improvements

They should all be pre wired and bluetooth ready with out having to pay thousands extra for that option.

8 out 11 people found this review helpful

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AMG Cobra!

Written by: chuck on 01/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl 7A)

Review

The SLK AMG 55 has great acceleration and adequate handling and braking. It has been difficult to find the right seat adjustment. The HVAC controls are confusing and difficult to see at night. The retractable hardtop has been fantastic but opt for the windscreen if you do a lot of top down driving. I do have some rattles in the top mechanism and around the glove box, both of which are annoying. The drivetrain of the AMG somewhat overwhelms the chassis in my opinion. Keep in mind that the larger wheels and suspension make for a very firm ride, particularly on rough pavement. Repairs after hitting potholes are very expensive! Visibility just OK Overall a good car for this class but not great

Favorite Features

The engine; fantastic torgue and acceleration. Excellent transmission. The exhaust note has just the right amount of burble and growl commensurate with the engine. The retractable top is very good although I am surprised that I don't engage is more top down driving.

Suggested Improvements

HVAC controls definitely need some attention in my opinion and the whole dash probably will be reworked in the next SLK. The NAV system is a little cumbersome and as a result, I don't use it very much. MB should look at options for a spare tire/wheel; there isn't one as I found out the hard way!

15 out 19 people found this review helpful

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