2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
BLACK ON BLACK CONVERTIBLE BEAUTY - THIS CAR IS LOADED.
|
 Driving The New
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
A car rarely improves from one generation to the next as much as Mercedes'
overhauled SLK-Class convertible has.
Even Mercedes-Benz admits that its outgoing SLK-Class roadster had some
problems. For example, Doug Worrell of Mercedes-Benz USA's product
management department said at the media introduction for the new 2005 SLK
that "we have been criticized in the past for having a sloppy six-speed
transmission."
That wasn't all that was wrong with the car, either.
The writers who contribute to this section have never been impressed with
the SLK. Besides the sloppy transmission, it was cramped, not responsive
enough, underpowered and, dare we say it, too feminine. But even women
didn't like it -- or at least not enough of them. In the U.S., sales
declined to 6,023 units in 2003 from 7,784 in 2002 -- a drop of 23%.
Clearly, buyers knew a stinker when they saw it -- even if it did have a
three-pointed star on the hood.
In January, we criticized the SLK's "cramped cockpit, soft styling and
underpowered engine." But having taken the first test drive in the
overhauled 2005 model, we are astonished at how much improvement the
vehicle shows in virtually every respect. Parent company DaimlerChrysler
should be proud.
That sloppy six-speed has been replaced with a manual transmission that is
more responsive and provides for the kind of short, tight shifts that fast
drivers love. (The other new SLK gearbox is a seven-speed automatic
transmission -- a $1,375 option and a first for a six-cylinder car.) The
new steering wheel is well hefted, allowing for smooth inputs, even if the
response could still be a bit more precise in corners.
The pedals -- although they aren't adjustable -- are well-placed for
performance maneuvers, such as heel-and-toe downshifting, in which you rev
the throttle with half of the foot that is braking, decreasing the strain
on the machinery and making the shifts smoother. Lots of torque is
available at low engine speeds, which grants you grip and acceleration
whenever you want it. The SLK now has its first sports suspension -- an
option -- and a great exhaust noise.
What we're trying to tell you is that the new SLK, which went on sale last
week for a base price of $45,500, has gone from being the last-place car
in a pack of excellent roadsters to being every bit as good as the models
Mercedes identifies as the SLK's main competitors: BMW's Z4, Volkswagen's
Audi TT and Porsche's Boxster. General Motors may even have something to
fear as it is introducing the new Corvette.
In addition to improvements in driving dynamics, the SLK, which is built
in Germany, now looks more aggressive. You can read more about this in the
slide show that follows, but we'll just point out a few great features of
the new design:
* An improved retractable hardtop, which allows for 1.8 more cubic feet of
trunk space because the back section now folds under the front when
closing, instead of closing like a clamshell. The SLK was the first
Mercedes with a retractable hardtop. Mercedes then installed the unit on
its flagship convertible, the SL-Class, where the improvements were made.
You can open the SLK's hardtop from the outside with the key fob.
* An attractive new headlight design that includes standard halogen lamps
or optional xenon lights, which are more powerful and can change the
direction of the beam as the steering wheel turns.
* Honeycomb air vents in front.
* A rounder and more muscular rear end, featuring larger tail lamps that
wrap around the sides of the car and the replacement of a single exhaust
pipe with two.
* Nanotechnology paint, which features small ceramic particles inside the
clear coat for a 40% improvement in scratch resistance.
As you can see, we liked a great deal about the new car. About the only
significant problem is that the interior gets a D- for storage space. The
map pockets in the doors are very narrow, and a six-CD changer takes up
most of the glove box. You can't even fit a CD in the center storage bin.
One more storage bin, a unit that is mounted at shoulder-level between the
seats, is also narrow. You can fit a couple of CDs and a pair of glasses
in there, but not both.
All of that is forgiven, however, considering the SLK's newfound
sportiness -- and that's just on the SLK350, the V-6 model we tested. We
haven't even touched on the forthcoming SLK55 AMG, which is due out in
November. That car will feature a 362-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 with 376
pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque, not to mention suspension, exhaust and
brakes by AMG, Mercedes' hot-rod shop. Mercedes has not announced pricing
for the SLK55, but said it will start at under $60,000.
In the meantime, the SLK350 introduces a new SLK-Class with plenty of
performance chops. Not thrilled with the stock SLK350? Spend $4,000 for
the optional sports package, which gets you AMG front-body cladding,
sports wheels and suspension and gearshift buttons on the steering wheel.
Mercedes is planning to build 10,000 new SLKs for the U.S. market next
year -- or two-thirds more than they made in 2003. It might seem
optimistic, but based on how improved the SLK is, their optimism should be
justified.
by Dan Lienert |
 Mercedes-Benz
SLK350 |
2005 |
Black |
$47,988 |
10,238 M |
| |
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| Mercedes SLK:
SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Roadster Base |
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Mercedes SLK: Engines
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268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 |
Standard |
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Mercedes Benz SLK:
Transmissions
|
|
6-speed manual w/OD |
Standard |
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7-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
|
Optional |
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Mercedes SLK 350:
Available Body Colors
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Orion Blue Metallic |
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Obsidian Black Metallic |
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Mars Red |
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Iridium Silver Metallic |
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Firemist Red Metallic |
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Everest Green Metallic |
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Diamond Silver Metallic |
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Caspian Blue Metallic |
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Capri Blue Metallic |
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Black |
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Alabaster White |
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SLK 350: Available
Interior Colors
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Red |
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Blue |
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Black |
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Beige |
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Ash |
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SLK350: Powertrain
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Low emission vehicle II |
Standard |
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Quasi-dual stainless steel exhaust
|
Standard |
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Polished tailpipe |
Standard |
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Mode select transmission |
Optional |
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Sequential sport shift : TouchShift
|
Optional |
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Mercedes 350: 6-spd
manual w/OD
|
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Overdrive |
Standard |
Mercedes SLK350:
7-spd automatic w/OD and auto-manual
|
|
Overdrive |
Optional |
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Transmission electronic control
|
Optional |
Mercedes Benz SLK
350: Powertrain
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Axle ratio |
3.27 |
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Rear-wheel drive |
Standard |
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350 Benz Mercedes SLK:
Suspension/Handling
|
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Independent front strut suspension
w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
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Sport suspension |
Optional |
|
Front coil springs |
Standard |
|
Gas-pressurized front shocks |
Standard |
|
Independent rear multi-link suspension
w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
|
Rear coil springs |
Standard |
|
Gas-pressurized rear shocks |
Standard |
|
Hydraulic power-assist rack-pinion
steering |
Standard |
|
Speed-sensing hydraulic power-assist
rack-pinion steering |
Optional |
|
P225/45ZR17.0 BSW Performance tires
|
Standard |
|
P225/45ZR17.0 BSW Run Flat Performance
tires |
Optional |
|
P245/40ZR17.0 BSW Performance rear
tires |
Standard |
|
P245/40ZR17.0 BSW Run Flat Performance
rear tires |
Optional |
|
Alloy spare wheel |
Standard |
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17" wheels |
Standard |
|
17" x 8.5" silver alloy rear wheels
|
Standard |
|
17" x 8.5" silver AMG alloy rear
wheels |
Optional |
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Mercedes Benz SLK class:
Body Exterior Features
|
|
2 doors |
Standard |
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Power remote heated folding side-view
door mirrors with turn signal indicator |
Standard |
|
Auto dimming power remote heated
folding left side-view door mirror with turn signal
indicator |
Optional |
|
Power remote heated folding right
side-view door mirror with tilt down, turn signal indicator
|
Optional |
|
Power convertible roof with lining,
fixed roll-over protection |
Standard |
|
Retractable convertible hard top |
Standard |
|
Convertible roof wind blocker |
Standard |
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Body-colored door handles |
Standard |
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Body-colored front and rear bumpers
with body-colored rub strip |
Standard |
|
Fully galvanized steel body material
|
Standard |
|
Rocker panel extensions |
Optional |
|
Body-colored grille |
Standard |
|
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Mercedes SLK class:
Convenience Features
|
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Automatic dual-zone front air
conditioning with air filter |
Standard |
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Residual heat recirculation |
REST |
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Residual heat recirculation |
Optional |
|
3 driver memory seat settings
(includes door mirrors, steering wheel, HVAC,) |
Optional |
|
Cruise control |
Standard |
|
Power windows with driver and
passenger 1-touch down |
Standard |
|
Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless
entry |
Standard |
|
Illuminated entry |
Standard |
|
Integrated key/remote |
Standard |
|
Auto-locking doors |
Standard |
|
Valet key |
Standard |
|
Keyfob trunk/hatch/door release |
Standard |
|
Remote window controls |
Optional |
|
Remote sunroof/convertible roof
controls |
Optional |
|
Sport steering wheel with manual
tilting, manual telescoping |
Standard |
|
Sport steering wheel with power
tilting, power telescoping, auto tilt-away |
Optional |
|
Day-night rearview mirror |
Standard |
|
Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
Optional |
|
Driver and passenger-side visor
mirrors |
Standard |
|
Illuminated driver and passenger-side
visor mirrors |
Optional |
|
Cell phone pre-wiring |
Standard |
|
Garage door transmitter : HomeLink
|
Optional |
|
Emergency communication system |
Tele Aid |
|
Emergency communication system |
Optional |
|
Navigation system |
Optional |
|
Front cupholder |
Standard |
|
Full floor console with locking box
|
Standard |
|
Illuminated locking glove box |
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger door bins |
Standard |
|
Driver's footrest |
Standard |
|
Retained accessory power |
Standard |
|
1 12V DC power outlet |
Standard |
|
Ashtray |
Standard |
|
Front lighter element(s) location |
Standard |
|
Benz SLK: Seats and Trim
|
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Max. seating capacity of 2 |
Standard |
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Front sports seats |
Standard |
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Driver and passenger heated-cushions
|
Optional |
|
Driver and passenger heated-seatbacks
|
Optional |
|
6-way driver and passenger seat
adjustments |
Standard |
|
8-way driver and passenger seat
adjustments |
Optional |
|
Manual reclining driver and passenger
seats |
Standard |
|
Power reclining driver and passenger
seats |
Optional |
|
Manual height-adjustable driver and
passenger seats |
Standard |
|
Power height-adjustable driver and
passenger seats |
Optional |
|
Manual driver and passenger fore/aft
adjustment |
Standard |
|
Power driver and passenger fore/aft
adjustment |
Optional |
|
Power driver and passenger cushion
tilt |
Optional |
|
Front center armrest with storage |
Standard |
|
Leather front seat upholstery |
Standard |
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Leather door panel trim |
Standard |
|
Full vinyl headliner |
Standard |
|
Carpet floor covering |
Standard |
|
Metal-look instrument panel insert,
door panel insert, console insert |
Standard |
|
Genuine wood instrument panel insert,
door panel insert |
Optional |
|
Metal-look console insert |
Optional |
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Leather shift knob |
Standard |
|
Leather/genuine wood shift knob |
Optional |
|
Leather steering wheel |
Standard |
|
Leather/genuine wood steering wheel
|
Optional |
|
Carpet front floor mats |
Standard |
|
Aluminum interior accents |
Standard |
|
Carpet cargo space |
Standard |
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Rigid cargo cover |
Standard |
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Cargo light |
Standard |
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Air compressor |
Standard |
|
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2005 Mercedes SLK:
Entertainment Features
|
|
AM/FM stereo with seek-scan, single
in-dash CD player |
Standard |
|
Remote CD compatible |
Standard |
|
Glove box 6-disc remote CD |
Optional |
|
Radio data system |
Standard |
|
Weather band radio |
Standard |
|
Amplifier |
Optional |
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Audio theft deterrent |
Standard |
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Digital signal processor : Logic 7
|
Optional |
|
Speed-sensitive volume |
Standard |
|
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
|
Standard |
|
9 speakers |
Standard |
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11 harman/kardon speakers |
Optional |
|
1 1st row LCD monitor |
Optional |
|
Fixed antenna |
Standard |
|
used SLK Mercedes:
Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation Features
|
|
Delay-off projector beam halogen
headlamps |
Standard |
|
Delay-off projector beam Xenon high
intensity low/high beam headlamps |
Optional |
|
Auto-leveling headlights |
Optional |
|
Directionally adaptive headlights |
Optional |
|
Headlight washer |
Optional |
|
Front fog lights |
Standard |
|
Rear fog lights |
Standard |
|
Cornering lights |
Optional |
|
Variable intermittent wipers with
heating jets |
Standard |
|
Variable intermittent rain detecting
wipers wipers with heating jets |
Optional |
|
Rear window defroster |
Standard |
|
Light-tinted windows |
Standard |
|
Dome light with fade |
Standard |
|
Front reading lights |
Standard |
|
2 door curb/courtesy lights |
Optional |
|
Variable instrument panel lighting
|
Standard |
|
Analog display |
Standard |
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Tachometer |
Standard |
|
Outside-temperature display |
Standard |
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Low-tire-pressure warning |
Optional |
|
Trip computer |
Standard |
|
Trip odometer |
Standard |
|
Water temp. gauge |
Standard |
|
Analog clock |
Standard |
|
Systems monitor |
Standard |
|
Redundant digital speedometer |
Standard |
|
Oil-pressure warning |
Standard |
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Battery warning |
Standard |
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Low-coolant warning |
Standard |
|
Key-in-ignition warning |
Standard |
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Low-fuel warning |
Standard |
|
Low-washer-fluid warning |
Standard |
|
Bulb-failure warning |
Standard |
|
Door-ajar warning |
Standard |
|
Brake-fluid warning |
Standard |
|
Brake pad wear |
Standard |
|
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Benz Mercedes SLK used:
Safety and Security
|
|
Four-wheel ABS brakes |
Standard |
|
4 ABS channels |
Standard |
|
Brake assist |
Standard |
|
Four-wheel disc brakes |
Standard |
|
Front ventilated disc brakes |
Standard |
|
Daytime running lights |
Standard |
|
Compact spare tire |
Standard |
|
Spare tire mounted inside under cargo
|
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger front-impact
airbags |
Standard |
|
Seat-mounted driver and passenger
side-impact airbags |
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger side airbag head
extension |
Standard |
|
Knee airbag |
Standard |
|
Childseat-sensing airbag |
BabySmart |
|
Front passenger airbag occupancy
sensor |
Standard |
|
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners |
Standard |
|
Locking fuel flap included with power
door locks |
Standard |
|
Side-impact bars |
Standard |
|
Remote activated perimeter/approach
lights |
Standard |
|
Tailgate/rear door lock included with
power doors |
Standard |
|
Ignition disable |
Standard |
|
Security system |
Standard |
|
Panic alarm |
Standard |
|
Tracker system |
Standard |
|
Integrated roll-over protection |
Standard |
|
Stability control |
Standard |
|
ABS and driveline traction control
|
Standard |
|
Manual adjustable front head
restraints |
Standard |
|
First aid kit |
Standard |
|
Benz Mercedes SLK350:
Standard Specs and Dimensions
|
|
Engine type |
V-6 |
|
Engine displacement |
213 cu.in. |
|
Engine horsepower |
268-hp @ 6,000 rpm |
|
Engine torque |
258 lbs.-ft. @ 2,400 rpm |
|
Valvetrain |
DOHC |
|
Valves |
24 |
|
Engine bore x stroke |
3.7" x 3.4" |
|
Compression ratio |
10.70 to 1 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
18 gal. |
|
Fuel economy city |
18 mpg |
|
Fuel economy highway |
25 mpg |
|
Drag coefficient |
.34 |
|
Curb weight |
3,231 lbs. |
|
Exterior length |
160.7" |
|
Exterior body width |
70.4" |
|
Exterior height |
51.1" |
|
Wheelbase |
95.7" |
|
Front tread |
60.1" |
|
Rear tread |
61.0" |
|
Turning radius |
17.3' |
|
Front legroom |
42.5" |
|
Front headroom |
37.9" |
|
Front hiproom |
54.6" |
|
Front shoulder room |
52.2" |
|
Passenger volume |
48.8 cu.ft. |
|
Interior cargo volume |
6.5 cu.ft. |
|
Maximum interior cargo volume |
9.8 cu.ft. |
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