OT: Anyone have experience with the SLK32??? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

AMP · 21st December 2001, 05:22

The quest for the ultimate roadster continues. I had it narrowed down to the Boxster, but found that that car got pretty expensive pretty fast. Once I configured the car the way that I wanted it was up to the high $50K range... That's AMG territory.

So I called my local Benz dealer and found that they can get me an SLK32 pretty quick...

Does anyone have any experience (or know anyone who has some experience) with the SLK32?

I'm concerned about stiffness of the AMG suspension (is it stiff enough... the SLK320 is too mushy) and the recirculating ball steering. I'm not concerned about the slushbox.

To recap:

TT - Fun, but just not right...
M Roadster - Not enough room for my legs and I want something that isn't a BMW...
Boxster - Fun, great handling, gets pricey fast...

any thoughts appreciated

rennen · 21st December 2001, 06:00

I drove one briefly, fast but boring. I just found everything very cold and unconnected feeling, if that makes any sense. It feels like all the other benzs. Maybe with a stick it would be better, but I just don't think it's a car that you'll love driving.

JohnH · 21st December 2001, 12:33

All reports I have read are very negative towards the SLK32. MB have apparently just increased the power but improved very little else. This means you endup with a car that is a bit like a dragster, very fast in a straight line but useless around corners.

para22 · 21st December 2001, 15:47

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnH
. This means you endup with a car that is a bit like a dragster, very fast in a straight line but useless around corners.

A roadster like a powerful SUV ,

Great work MB!!!!

I wonder what's next...

AMP · 21st December 2001, 16:55

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've seen some similar comments elsewhere, although most of the reviews that I've seen haven't come out and panned the SLK32... On the other hand the reviewer wasn't trying to figure out how to buy one for him/herself as has been the case with most boxster reviews.

MikefWA · 21st December 2001, 18:19

Hey Amp! I think our cars came over together from Germany. I'm the previous 4.2 owner from audiworld.com. I have a buyer for you, but I'm up in Washington State. Since I sold the 4.2, someone else in the office where the guy works ran out and bought an allroad, and there is a third who wants a 1-2 year old 4.2

Recirc. ball stearing concerns you on the benz? I thought our M5's had it too, as well as Mac struts in the front.

2002 Sterling Grey
2000 Suburban (for the snow & towing)
2001 VW Jetta tdi (commute & all around disposable car)

Bart Carter · 21st December 2001, 21:43

Why don't you check out the Honda S2000?

This car is amazing! It is as close to driving a formula car on the street as you can get. Pure sports car with Honda reliability.

OMG!, I nearly talked myself into getting one.

stedge · 21st December 2001, 21:44

Currently I am looking at M5 vs. C32AMG. I'll let you know about C32 once I drive one. Love the M5. Lusting for one, but want to test everything before I spend the bones.

What I am about to say may be taboo here, but hear me out....

I went through the roadster thing about a year ago. Looked at M3 Cab, M Roadster, Boxster S, actually have driven the SLK AMG car recently, and others. The M roadster was quick, but didn't feel as solid or buttoned down as the Boxster S. The Boxster S was lovely, and could easily be driven daily. But for what it is, it is expensive. I did not like the SLK. Though very powerful (I liked the engine), the interior was dated, and it was not a sports car - which, I assume, you are looking for. It would be fine to cruise around in, but there is a reason it's sitting on the dealer's lot...

When I was driving all these expensive cars, I headed over to the Honda dealership because they had an S2000 on the lot. I drove it, loved it, and bought it. It is not torquey, but it is still quick, and its handling is superb. It is also very well put together, though rather spartan in interior appearance. I fit in it and the Boxster S equally well, and given the Honda was half the price, the Boxster S just was not worth it.

Now, if money is no object, get a modifed Boxster S. I am blanking on the company... does alot of high end Porsche mods, kind of like AMG does Mercedes, etc... But in any case, they can shoehorn a 911 motor into a Boxster S, which makes it somewhat more appealing. You can go overboard with all the cosmetic crap, but priobably get away with one in the 70s if you just do the engine/susp/brakes mods. That would be a nice car...

So, for the money, get the S2000. If money doesn't matter to you, get the Boxster S with the 911(996) motor. Either way, you will have a great time.

Best of luck.

stedge · 22nd December 2001, 06:26

NT

GDR · 22nd December 2001, 06:32

I have been planning to buy an S2000 for months, but practicality for the family nixed it at the last minute. Instead, I am picking up my M5 tomorrow!!!!!!!