Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300

[Autos_Editor]

Can a bigger turbo engine and new nine-speed automatic transmission make up for a higher price-tag and the loss of the SLK's manual transmission?
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[KD]

I doubt whether the target market will lament the loss of the manual.  I just can't bring myself to like this car for some reason.  The first gen was a nice looking car, but this one looks too much like a truncated version of the SL, which is a stylistic mess IMO.

[JohnnyMac]

" .07 seconds faster than the SLK 250 with the manual transmission and .08 seconds faster than the SLK 250 with automatic"

Do you mean the SLK 250 did the 0-60 run in 5.87 seconds or 6.5 seconds with the manual?  Cause the way I read this ".07 seconds faster" is very little indeed, but if it's .7 seconds faster that's noticable.

[Noto]

I'm at a complete loss on this one.

I loved the Z4, to the point that it has become my lust for a 'fun' car.  I'd give up the driving enjoyment of the Miata for the luxury in this kind of vehicle, and wouldn't even blink about the $10-15k more I'd be spending to get it.

...but at twice the price of a Miata, and gouging for packages, and $70k pre-tax without a backup camera?!  FFS!

The roof in this is far more desirable than the one in the Z4, and the trunk looks equally awesome (it may be small, but it works for most of my needs - except skiing).

All said, if I move somewhere warm, I'll consider this, but RWD + low, low front just isn't conducive for a year-rounder 'round these parts.

Weather aside, the SLK's only redeeming feature to me is the roof.  Otherwise, I like the Z4 packages way better.  Shame the Z4 is slotted to be discontinued.

[aquadorhj]

did anyone ever buy SLK with manual anyway?

the last gen slk 55 i drove was a wonderful car, too expensive for my blood.

[EV-Light]

did anyone ever buy SLK with manual anyway?

the last gen slk 55 i drove was a wonderful car, too expensive for my blood.

according to autotrader, 11 of them LOL....
http://www.autotrader.ca/cars/mercedes-benz/slk-class/?prx=-1&prv=Ontario&loc=Toronto%2c+ON&trans=Manual&sts=New-Used&hprc=True&wcp=True&inMarket=advancedSearch&srt=4

[pcsp]

Interesting to see that MB is using SPD-SmartGlass technology in their MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic roof. This is the future my friends. It will evolve into "virtual sunroofs" utilizing multiple sensors providing all the benefits of a sunroof with none of the compromises. Warehouses will have few, if any, actual windows but will provide workers with a bright window filled environment, airplanes will have virtual, panoramic  windows and not need the actual windows that compromise structure and aerodynamics, homes can have huge windows providing a view of...whatever is desired, etc. In the automotive realm, I guess it is somewhat similar to the concept of piping in artificial sound to the cabin, versus the "pure" sound of the vehicle. Interesting times ahead.

[OliverD]

From the article: "A completely redesigned SLK – probably renamed SLC – is rumoured to arrive for 2017."

That car has already been announced.



http://www.autoblog.com/2015/12/15/2017-mercedes-benz-slc-features-amg-version-with-turbo-v6/

[Firm]

Styling really kills this car for me. I liked the first gen (obviously), and even the second gen styling, but the new ones just looks awkward (as does the SL).

[evil_twin]

Styling really kills this car for me. I liked the first gen (obviously), and even the second gen styling, but the new ones just looks awkward (as does the SL).

Agreed.  Mercedes really killed the SL and SLK with the current styling.  It's all out of proportion with a big fat nose on a sleek body.

My folks still own a 2003 SL500 and it looks much better to my eyes.

[Firm]

That Generation SL (03 to ~06?) before they started squaring things off is one of my all-time favorite Benz's, still such an elegant looking car.

I've been very tempted to swap my SLK for one, and if I found a good one I probably would. I bought my car trying to be somewhat practical, but now that it's become strictly a weekend car I could justify an SL of this generation....It'll happen one day.

[gwilson]

" .07 seconds faster than the SLK 250 with the manual transmission and .08 seconds faster than the SLK 250 with automatic"

Do you mean the SLK 250 did the 0-60 run in 5.87 seconds or 6.5 seconds with the manual?  Cause the way I read this ".07 seconds faster" is very little indeed, but if it's .7 seconds faster that's noticable.

Good catch!  Yes, I meant 0.7 seconds and 0.8 seconds, not 0.07 and 0.08 seconds faster.  Greg

[johngenx]

1990- SL Mercedes are the "ultimate" in terms of the F in FGC.  Great to look at, sublime to drive and horrific to own.

[evil_twin]

1990- SL Mercedes are the "ultimate" in terms of the F in FGC.  Great to look at, sublime to drive and horrific to own.

My folks' '03 (like the one pictured but in silver) definitely meets the F criteria in FGC.   Part of the problem is it's a bit of a garage queen.  I believe it still only has something like 50k km on it after 13 years.  And sits all winter.

Car has been fine mechanically, but all sorts of electrical fun.  The car has 2 batteries mostly because of the power top and they always seem to have issues with holding charge, various sensors malfunctioning, etc.    So not terrible to own (no MAJOR failures), just lots of little pain in @ss stuff.   

But it looks good! 

[johngenx]

various sensors malfunctioning, etc.    So not terrible to own (no MAJOR failures), just lots of little pain in @ss stuff.   

I knew quite a few SL owners when I was in the club, and whoa, the money they spent on them was staggering.  The tops are incredibly complex and have seemingly-countless sensors and actuators.  They'd all spent thousands keeping the tops operational - ugh.  One poor guy had bills totally nearly $10K alone for top servicing.  In the R129s the AC evaporator is a failure prone part - last time I'd talked to a poor owner that was facing replacement, the book was 45 hours for labour alone.  FORTY FIVE hours!!  The SL600s are unreal - I'm not sure I've seen a more crowded engine bay.  Servicing anything is nearly impossible.  That said, I got to drive an R129 SL600 and whoa, what a machine.  I want my best friend to own one that he lets me drive but he takes care of the bills.

The SLK is many ways is a pretty decent alternative to an SL - MB really upped their game with the SLK, adding performance and more aggressive styling.

[OliverD]

The R129 is a modern classic. It has perfect lines.