AMG SLK32 - experience?

[Purrybonker]

Thinking about a 2004 or earlier version - prior to the '05 MB facelift to the starship look.

Impressive numbers, sounds like an impressive Boxster S alternative. Convertible hardtop is the draw for me.

Any experience?

[livi]

Only with the cheaper versions like the 230 and a few years ago at that. They are real handbags however. Feel heavy and rather boring. The newer versions are better though and from what I gather the AMG is a rocket. I would take a Boxster S any day.

[CJFusco]

In any group test (Boxster, SLK, Z3, Miata, S2000), the SLK always seemed to come in last or near-last. The Boxster and the S2000 were usually picked as weapons-of-choice, depending on the reviewer.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

How old are you?

Are you gay?

Do you want to be?

[CJFusco]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
How old are you?

Are you gay?

Do you want to be?

Hah. It does sorta have that image, doesn't it? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Purrybonker]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
How old are you?

Are you gay?

Do you want to be?

Most vehicles in this category carry that same baggage.

I understand that the SLK's are sold something like 58/42 to women/men. Once a car gets that "chick car" or "hairdresser's car" tag it's a bit up hill selling to the cowboys and the homophobes.

Me, I couldn't care less. Great cars are great cars. 0-60 in 4.6? 349 hp in a package the size of a Miata? Carries an M-B warranty, comforts, re-sale and reliability?

I'll take both the car and the chick that drives it, thank you very much...

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I know three guys who own SLKs. All three are middle-aged, balding/greying, and a little light in their loafers.

[Purrybonker]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
I know three guys who own SLKs. All three are middle-aged, balding/greying, and a little light in their loafers.

SLK32 AMG does not equal SLK320....

350 hp, 320 lb ft. supercharged V-6. 3,200 lbs. hm....

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Yeah but the guys who are going to hit on you won't be looking for the "AMG" sticker.

[JCF]

I've driven a SL 55 AMG a few times -It's a little like one of those defensive lineman that weighs 300 and runs a 4.4 40.
An amazing touring car.

John

[lendaddy]

Best thread in a while

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I went in to buy a Boxster and drove out in an SLK-320. Fun car. Utterly fantastic daily driver. WAY more reliable than a Boxster could dream of being, based on what I've read. No cloth top to get torn by vandals or destroyed due to weather, convertable-hardtop fun, handles damn well for a heavier vehicle, and plenty of power. Not "fast", but more than adequate for fun-as-hell street driving. And it's a Mercedes. Not bad.

That said, the AMG SLK-32 is a fantastic machine. Where the SLK-320 might be peppy or quick, the AMG version is downright blistering. Completely unexpected. Kind of like the difference between a 944 and 951. For a real hoot, drive the AMG-55. Dear Christ, I thought I was going to jizz myself. Loads of fun.

I have turbo plans for my SLK-320, but don't tell the wifey. I'm almost certain I can rig up a twin turbo setup (one per bank) on the V6 that'll be crazy. Still in the planning/scheme/design phase though.

They're wicked fun cars - either the straight SLK (like I've got) or the AMG. Either one is a blast to drive and built like a brick ****house. The way a M.B. ought to be.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Oh, the M.B. will hold its value better than a Boxster will also. This I definitely checked into. . . The Boxsters have some of the worst depreciation out there. Just something to consider if you care.

[the]

No little chick car with a slushbox automatic can be fun to drive.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

The SLK-230 Kompressor is the automatic. The SLK-320 (and the AMG) are both 6-speed manuals. Try again.

FWIW the SLK-230 Kompressor was a decent ride, but I agree with the analysis about the automatic. In a sporty roadster, you need a manual. No exceptions. The exhaust note on the 230 (supercharged 4-cyl) is VERY strange too. It sounds like it's sputtering although it's not - the C&D reports I read about it confirmed this quirk. The 320 sounds a lot better.

[the]

I'm sure an AMG 6 speed SLK would be fun to drive.

But it still looks like a chick car. Although the new one is a bit more manly.

The 230 supercharged sounds like a lawnmower, esp. in the morning.

[alf]

My 72 year old mother has the 230 with the AMG sport package. She likes it

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Your 72-year-old mother likes a wild ride. I know.