[Getting the AMG NA V8 Sound] Mercedes SLK 55 AMG British Used Car Guide

Because of the high power and heavy engine

When choosing a used car, as much information as possible I would like to hear from the seller. Sometimes you can guess the condition even from the introductory photos.

Take the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG I found. The price is 13,995 pounds (1,880,000 yen), and the mileage is about 144,000 km. The mileage is on the high side as we generally run long distances in the UK.

The photo appears to have been taken on the manicured owner's property. A road for cars stretches along neatly trimmed hedges. Probably the seller's proud home.

It seems that the owner has been proud of the car that is on sale. The introduction reads, "For engine oil, I've been choosing either Mobil 1 or Shell V Power. I've recently replaced all 16 plugs."

"Maintenance records are complete. The Vario Roof works perfectly. The rubber seals are also regularly coated with a care agent that maintains flexibility."

Transmission valve bodies, engine mounts, front wishbones, chassis bushes and shock absorbers have been replaced. There seems to be no place to point it out.

The SLK 55 AMG is a heavy car and puts a lot of strain on the front suspension. The load on the wishbone cannot be ignored. A bad engine mount can cause problems. Damper oil seepage and rear spring damage are common weaknesses of the R171 SLK.

The 7-speed AT is not a hassle-free unit. It wouldn't be strange to change to a new valve body. The seller also writes that it is in good condition, but you can see that he understands and maintains it properly.

The AMG V8 engine that captivates you

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG was released in 2004. Equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 engine with a large displacement of 5.4L, it demonstrated 360ps. The rear wheels are driven through a 7-speed AT with paddle shifters.

Equipped as standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive suspension, and 4 mufflers on an AMG body. The options you want are Harman Kardon audio and a neck heater called the Air Scarf.

The AMG Performance Package, which was available at £4,500 (600,000 yen) at the time, was also a nice option. Composite brakes, tight suspension, and aluminum wheels with separate rims are included. The speed limiter is also loosened from 249km/h to 280km/h.

Two years later, in 2006, the hardcore Black Edition appeared. boasted 399ps. The fenders have been widened, with adjustable dampers, a dual-mode transmission, strut braces, bucket seats and a rear wing.

It has a fixed roof made of carbon fiber, which also reduces the weight by 45 kg. At that time, Mercedes-Benz planned to sell less than 100 units worldwide, and it is unlikely that it will come out as a used car now.

But in the UK I found a 2007 car. The price is £27,971 (3,770,000 yen), and the service record at Mercedes-Benz is complete, and the mileage is only about 41,800 km.

It was facelifted in 2008, two years before the end of production. The difference in appearance is the front bumper, the shape of the air vents on both ends has changed, and the inside of the headlights has been blacked out.

At the same time, the transmission of the AT becomes quicker and a variable steering system is acquired. The front brakes perform better before the facelift, but the parts are more expensive.

Porsche Boxster S of the same period has sharper driving. But wake up the V8 engine and he'll be hooked.

Image Benz SLK and SLC, SL 72 sheets in total