12th Jan 2009, 14:49

I do agree that the US pays less in general for cars, but that still means that it's apples-to-apples to compare to other vehicles in the US. So when I say that for $48K I believe that certain items should be included and weren't, that's still a valid statement when compared to something like a US-market BMW Z4.

Apart from standard equipment issues, it just seems like someone didn't really sweat the details, which is what I expect a premium automaker to do.

As I sit here typing this, I'm looking at my remote key sitting on my desk... yet another design failure. All the icons are simply raised black-on-black. In a dim parking garage (which is where I park every day), the remote's buttons are completely indistinguishable from one another by sight. I've had to instead memorize the location of each (e.g.: lock is near the end, unlock is near the hole where the ring goes through, and the trunk is the corner not-where the hole is). If it were designed properly, the icons would be white-on-black.

It's all these little things that just make me feel like MB didn't have its heart in designing this car, missing many, many little details. Maybe these little details aren't that big (but there are so many of them) and maybe they wouldn't bother someone else as much as they bother me, but the bottom line is it doesn't make the car feel as if I bought a premium well-designed machine.

8th Feb 2009, 21:10

We are planning to buy a 2009 SLK300 roadster TOMORROW!! Anyone out there with serious regrets, other than a button you can't locate? Would you purchase another one? We are torn between this and a BMW...Help.

9th Feb 2009, 15:19

My dentist has had an SLK for 6 months and says he loves it, no regrets.

30th Sep 2009, 14:09

The interior is incredibly tight. If you're taller than 5'6 you'll be pressed up against the steering wheel.

30th Nov 2009, 20:26

Did you not see the car before you purchased it? Why did you buy a car that did not have the equipment you desired? Why complain about lack of content, if you knew ahead of time that the options you wanted were not included. In comparison to the price of the car, the premium package you mention is not that expensive. It adds maybe 7% to the total price of the car. I've owned 2 MB products. Once you live with one of their cars a month, it is a breeze to operate. Like any high-tech device, there is a learning curve. High beams are available with DRL's. Ask for a different service advisor.

2nd May 2011, 07:58

Any other issues with this SLK? I am considering buying one with the sports package. Electrical issues, gearbox, motor problems. Please post, minor issues will not bother me as long as the car is reliable. I am satisfied I like the looks of this 09 SLK.

9th Mar 2022, 08:02

Ten years too late, I am 6 foot 4 and fit this car easily. Better than early British sports cars and the Toyota MR2 for me, in any case. YMMV.