SLK FUEL/TRANSMISSION ADVICE

[Jo-Anne]

Hi,

I joined up today with the hope I may get some good advice from you guys.

I am looking to buy a 2013+ SLK amg in a few months. I am just struggling to decide which type of fuel/transmission to choose.

Even though I am not a fan of how the diesels sound I decided cost wise a diesel would make most sense. The problem being I prefer manuals and really do not want an automatic but there doesn't seem to be any manual diesels out there! So I have to decide whether to give up either the diesel and get a petrol manual or give up the manual and get a diesel automatic!

Someone mentioned to me that you should not get a Merc in anything other than an automatic but did not explain the reason for this!

I currently have access to a VW golf CDI which is automatic. I am not a fan of driving it as I feel when I press the accelerator that there is a lag before the car responds in the way that I want it to. Where as when I press the accelerator on my manual petrol car it responds immediately.

Unfortunately because of my lack of knowledge I do not know if the lack off response in the diesel automatic is due to the type of fuel or the transmission there for do not know which one I should be avoiding.

I would really appreciate any advice use guys could give and any thoughts/opinions you have on the subject.

If i could I would just test drive the different ranges but dont think the dealers would be happy with that!

Thanks guys! look forward to reading your feedback :-D

OH! and 7g tronic, thoughts?

 

[LostKiwi]

Given you're looking at an SLK a petrol would probably be far more enjoyable and in keeping with the character of the car (IMO).
For the life of me I can't understand diesel convertibles. The joy of an open top car is the sound as it winds up through the revs. Somehow the gruff sound of a diesel just doesn't have the same appeal (and that's before you sit at the lights with the roof down).

 

[television]

Its hard to say what is really an AMG, there are other models, but I for sure would go for the 272 engine version, it is a very good engine all round.

 

[LostKiwi]

Just to add about transmissions. There used to be a saying that MB autos were as good as their manuals were bad, and the autos were the best on the market.
That's no longer quite as true as it was but the manual gearboxes are still nowhere as good as those in Japanese cars. MB autos are still very good. Responsive and smooth and often with no penalty in performance or economy.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Petrol and automatic would be the wise choice.
As mentioned Mercedes manuals aren't the best but the 7g automatic gearbox is very responsive and smooth . The hesitation you noted on the VW was more likely a slight turbo lag on the VAG engine - I get that with my A6.
Diesel is pretty much under fire nowadays and I'd think twice before committing to one these days, it also depends on mileage whether the extra expense over petrol will pay off.
Anyway that's my opinion ....

 

[John Laidlaw]

Oh and the dealers should of course let you test drive whatever you want to make your decision. I think you have Inchcape in Glasgow right ?

 

[Wighty]

The diesel decision is going to have to be mileage related . If you are not doing some decent long runs you will get no added economy for using diesel , they take longer to warm up and won't achieve the mpg figures until they are warm and travelling at speed . The added problem of dpf filters on low mileage short journey trips will cost more in the end than paying slightly more for petrol .
Another vote for petrol auto for me .

 

[Jo-Anne]

Thats brilliant, thanks guys. Really appreciate the feedback.

Minds made up. A petrol automatic it is

Hope everyone is having a great Christmas and all the best for 2017!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Same to you Jo-Anne please keep us updated on your progress and if you're going the used route feel free to share any you find and we can offer any opinions or advice. If you are going that route try to get the VIN numbers from any dealers and we can check what the cars are equipped with...

 

[JT1]

I have the 250 cdi amg auto and unless your petrol version has a higher number than 250 it will either leave you standing or pass you while you're filling up. As for how it sounds, I wouldn't care if it whistled!