Test Drive of SLK32

On wednesday, July 11th, I am going to test drive an SLK32. My 2001 SLK320 is 13 months old,and the dealer is trying to entice me into a trade. I will report my impressions to this group of the SLK32.

the wheels on the AMG SLK are far more attractive than my CLK 55, which is why i went to the barabus multipiece monoblik Vs. the brake calipers on the 32 are cool too. this car will perform! it will thrash a boxter way hard.

Have fun Allan, nail the throttle once for me. Hehe

I'm sure many people here will be on the edge of their seats waiting for for the details, me included.

Got a call today from the dealer. A black/charcoal SLK32 has arrived. The buyer cancelled and the car is for sale. I have no idea what they are asking for the unit. I am going for a test ride Saturday, 7/28. I hope I don't weaken and trade my SLK320.

If anybody is interested, here is my report on the SLK32 that I drove today:
The car really is incredibly fast. The neatest feature about the car is the sound of the supercharger, a faint whine that suggests high technology, power, and acceleration. You don't have the sensation of blinding speed that you get in a larger car like an E55 or a CLK55. I'm not sure why that is.
The transmission is clever, it tries to select the optimum ratio for what you are doing at the time. I was in a semi-populated area so I couldn't wring it out manually.
The car is, in my opinion,too expensive compared to my SLK320 sport. Sticker with
a couple of option packages was close to $60,000.00. The salesman suggested that the dealership was going to demand a $10,000.00 premium over sticker.
I think I will pass on buying this car at any price. Mercedes is coming out with some other interesting models that I think are better buys. The new SL and the G-Wagen are at opposite ends of the technology spectrum but both are interesting to me. The C32 may be the ticket with the supercharger whine and room for some golf clubs.

[-fad]

Allan-

How much faster did it feel vs. your SLK320?

Was the ride notably different?

tks-fad

The SLK32 was noticeably faster than the SLK320. To assign a value, I'd say it was 20% faster 0-60. It pulls really hard as soon as the supercharger kicks in. The SLK32 has a much firmer ride. Both of these cars are better at high speed touring than at cornering.

There are some criticisms I have of these cars. MB charges for metallic paint, $695 I think. Really now! No CD player standard. Really now! Steering wheel telescopes out manually, does not tilt. Cheesy! Cloth bolstering has crept into the "all leather" interior. For the extra bucks, the SLK32 should have the smooth nappa leather of the designo editions.

[CaptAlex300e]

I like the SLK, as a matter of fact I saw a few at a Mercedes Auction today. Unfortunatly, I could not fit in the car with any comfort. I'm 6,0 220lbs, and like I stated earlier I could not fit However I must admit I really liked the car.

Some points...

MBUSA doesn't sell a car that costs less than $80,000 that has a standard CD player.

The SLK32 AMG _DOES_ have nappa leather just like the designo cars.

Brian: The SLK32AMG has the same quality leather interior as my 2001 SLK320. It is NOT the same leather as in the designo editions. I have seen three of these cars in person: Trust me, it is not nappa leater.