Actually what I like about my '14 SLK55 is that it has a nice balance of modern digital and analog tech. I'm a bit younger than you but all the digital dash in newer cars and especially newer M-Bs these days don't do it for me. I think on some cars it looks tacky. But I think aesthetically (nevermind technologically) digital dash wont age well. The analog gauges on the 55 is classy and I think timeless, just like the IWC analog clock on the center dash. Don't get me wrong, if I were in the market for a newer car, a digital dash running the length of the dash wouldn't dissuade me from getting it if the car checked all the boxes. I just think the R172 tech is enough for me and I really don't care that it doesn't have self parking or a big digital dash with animation upon start-up. I'm surprised your car doesn't have keyless go, but then again my car doesn't have the parking sensor lights. I love the push-button start and everything about keyless go. I do wish that it had blind-spot detection, which I know was available for the R172. I agree, the airscarf is one of the coolest features of the SLK and SL models and a tech feature that our cars can brag about :P I'd love to have Magicsky but I'm happy with the panoramic roof. One thing I think looks dated in our cars is the center dash with all the buttons. Looks too "busy" but I think it still looks nice. The SLS of that era has a similar center dash design. And the SLS is amazing looking despite a dated dash!
Can’t really argue with any of that tbh. Keyless would have been nice for sure, the magic roof doesn’t really interest me for some reason. The clock is a nice touch though. Plenty tech for me but I’m getting on now, wonder if today’s youngsters would find it too old fashioned??!! Still all about that engine though 😀
@@midlifemotors5050 I'm in my 20s so I think I can be considered a youngster. I bought an SLK55 about 5 years ago and I love the interior. It is of its time, but it's a lot better than a lot of other newer interiors. Everything is placed in a logical position for me, and having a hard button that takes me to each menu in the infotainment is a huge plus. No need to play around with the knob when I can just press one button. The only downsides for me are no Carplay/Android Auto (which can be fixed by an aftermarket addition), and the unholy amount of squeaks and rattles it's accumulated due to the quality of the roads it's been driven on. With regards to Airscarf, I believe Mercedes had a patent on it for a very long time, which prevented others from adding something similar to their cars. The first non Mercedes car I can think of with the feature was the Bentley Continental GT cabrio, and that was, I want to say 2015?
I have this car and a 2023 car with all the modern gadgets and huge iPad thing that you used to control most functions. I way prefer buttons and knobs. I like the gauges and the needles and the feeling of a car with a little more analogue. Mine is the SLC 43 which to most intents and purposes is the same other than you get a reversing camera. Although it has aged, I still love to be in this car.
I prefer analogue. The cars of today are too focused on screens and touch-sensitive controls which (1) aren't necessarily as reliable - don't ask me how I know this! - and (2) you have to take your eye off the road to operate them. No camera - OK, I have to admit that's one new piece of tech I do like. Both stalks on the left - well, that would take some getting used to, I suppose. Yes, it's aging, but it's still very usable. Cars are going too far the other way now and they are not fun to drive in many cases as the car tries to take over all the time (lane departure steering, for example). Actually, Neil, I take all that back. It's a heap of junk so do yourself a favour and sell it to me cheap :D
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m with you, much prefer an analog experience. The SLK isn’t entirely this (see the MR2 for a true analogy car) but it’s interesting to see just how far things have moved on in such a short time. It is however still a mad car with a phenomenal engine which just makes me laugh out loud every time I get to take it for a spin. No idea what I’d replace it with tbh so going to have to hang onto it for a while longer 😉
Hey Neil, 2 things - You likely have the option of push to start, you just need the button itself which pops into the ignition. If you have keyless entry it's likely this will work for you. Regarding dated infotainment, you can retrofit carplay by plugging an interceptor into the back of the radio. All OEM parts and it makes the car feel incredibly modern, while maintaining the quality of the interior and the engine. I put it in my 2013 SLK350 and the car feels brand new and it's great to have the ability to use google maps. I installed it myself and you essentially just need the T9 screw driver for Mercedes. I have no experience with electronics on cars and it took about an hour to install.
Great info 👍 Tbh I’m not that fussed about the push button start or lack of keyless. But do you have a link for the interceptor unit please, quite fancy giving that a go. Do miss not having CarPlay. Thanks for tuning in 👍
Newer is not always better i think and it is to see on the many hyped retro cars On my opinion the slk 55 is the top of the end i dont need more of this electronic gadgets or other stuff so have a happy new year and much fun with the 55
I have just had my SLK55 AMG for less than 2 weeks, having previously having a GR Four Yaris. Totally different cars. I love the spec of the AMG. The quality of the materials. I live without keyless. Better security. Also the safety of the AMG. The seatbelt technology I think was a first. Maybe not in the SLK but by Mercedes. Love your videos. Went through them prior to purchasing. We also have a A200 AMG Line Premium Plus Edition. Which has all the technology as the top model, but no electric seats. Maybe see you around, I say in East Ayrshire.
Will keep my eyes peeled, what colour did you go for?? Some tremendously good roads around Ayrshire, we could just do with a few more events to pop along to.
@@midlifemotors5050 Designo White. Yes interested in attending events. There doesn’t appear to be much round here. Are you a member of any of the Merc clubs?
@@malcolmbrew8815 The tartan tarmac meet was great but spoilt by a few idiots. Scottish slk owners on Facebook is a good group. Friendly and organise quite a few drive outs year round. Worth joining tbh.
Hi Neil Cheers, your vids helped cement my decision to 'have some fun with some of the inheritance' as per my dear departed dad's request, and buy a 2016 SLK55. Its tiny, but immense! PS, AA & Car Play can be propely installed for just under £800 if desired, but not an option I am going with.
Great stuff 👍 You’ll definitely have some fun 😀 Must be one of the last cars, black by any chance?? That reminds me, must get on and edit the video clips I filmed at the weekend.
@@midlifemotors5050 cheers, didn't know they did that. No not black, but Designo Matt grey (044). With two tone leather and the black wheels, it was a special order demo vehicle.
Hi Neil, I wouldn’t be at all concerned about lack of “modern” tech. digital displays etc. don’t do anything for me. It’s a bit like criticising a TR6 for not having electric windows. I have to report that after 12 years of SLK driving and five happy years with my 2013 SLK55 AMG we finally parted company last October. Since I’m 66 this year and fancied a change I’ve gone for a bit more comfort and luxury and bought a low miles main dealer 2017 SL500, it’s lovely! Also more power (455bhp) from its 4.7 V8 bi-turbo and marginally faster, due in the main to the nine speed box and aluminium construction I think. I’m very pleased. (Still no digital dashboard thankfully!). My Fire Opal Red 55 went to a new owner in Glasgow so maybe you’ll see it around? Best Wishes, TonyS
Nice choice 👌That sounds like a belter. Health to enjoy 👍 Do find myself looking at amg gtc’s these days now that prices are cooling off a bit. Could I really sell the slk though 🤔
@@midlifemotors5050 Please let me know if you do decide to sell! I'm looking for a long term SLK and it's obviously been well cared for and is the colour I've been looking for.
This car is the one I used to have a picture of it in hanging in the wall, the SLK 350 is the car of my dreams, I’m hunting one in Canada, but oh boy, how difficult it to find one.
Not everyone’s cup of tea the SLK but I love mine. No idea what I’d replace it with tbh. Fingers crossed you’ll find the right car 🤞 All the best from 🏴
The 350 is one of the easier ones to find tbh. It's the AMG that's almost impossible now. I think when I bought mine it was one of 3 or 4 on sale in the entire country. People are definitely holding on to these cars.
My 2013 SLK55 had Keyless Entry and Keyless Go, although this had to be specified as an option. One other option that was quite ahead of its time was the panoramic roof that could be switched between transparent and opaque (or Magic Sky Control in MB-speak). People still rave about this feature in modern cars that cost a lot more than the SLK did.
Mine’s a fairly bobby basic car to be fair. Keyless would be nice though. The Magic Sky roof is a nice touch but doesn’t really fuss me tbh. Do like the IWC clock in the centre of the dash. Most of all I wish it had PP, well mainly the LSD, maybe one day 🤞
@@midlifemotors5050Funnily enough, I went for just about every option apart from the Performance Pack and the IWC clock (which always seemed to be a bit flimsily mounted in showroom cars that had it fitted).
@@dVb9 Ah, that’s good to know, thanks 👍 I see a few people retro fitting the clock these days, often wondered myself but from what your saying think I’ll save my cash, it’s not cheap😳 Sure I can manage another 8 years without it 😀
Keyless go is pretty good tbh but I find that it's more satisfying to turn the key for this car. More of an experience that way considering what I'm firing up. Of course, I could also just be making excuses for the keyless go not working anymore. Not sure why, but the key doesn't seem able to hold a charge for much longer than 1-2 months at a time.
This is Star Ship levels of tech in comparison to a 94 MX-5 or even something much older .... "ooooooh look it has seatbelts and everything" 😂 That SLK is a beast of a car though but I'd live in constant fear or something going wrong.
Oh it’s plenty tech for me tbh, plenty. Hasn’t really been an expensive car to run, probably shouldn’t have just said that!! But if it has an issue, good indie garage in Glasgow. It’s only money 😉
Beautiful car mate, however I feel you’re picking fly shit out of pepper referring to the auto park features and digital displays on late model vehicles. The roadster is a driver’s vehicle that imho should always be equipped with analogue instruments and the idea of park aid sensors on a vehicle of this size makes little sense to me. To put this into perspective I have a 2012 Ford Flex, 3.5L twin turbo, awd, equipped with self park, and all the perimeter sensors. This beast weighs in at 4800 pounds and easily seats 6 passengers with room for baggage. In terms of 0-60 time and top speed, it equals my 2014 SLK350 but the driving experience is vastly different as you can imagine being a R172 owner yourself. If you really wanted to go bonkers get behind the wheel of a Jaguar F-Pace or Range Rover Velar, the digital display and controls are horrible and not easily operated but hey they have all the modern features that will have you focused on the display and not the road. Love the AMG👍
Take your points but tbh it was just really a comparison of today’s tech v that of only a few years ago. Although I quite like the new digital dashboards I think you’re right about analogue dials in a sports car. Think the driving info in the SLK is spot on but there’s no doubt the infotainment screen is starting to show its age. But the same could be said of much younger cars the tech moves that quickly
I’m a bit late here, thought I would mention the air scarf and totally agree with you wish it was around when my 04 sl was made,cheers
It's all about the engine, the sound, the power, the panache. All I hear is Janis Joplin ❤
It is about the engine, yes, 100% correct👍 Did she not actually drive a 911??
Actually what I like about my '14 SLK55 is that it has a nice balance of modern digital and analog tech. I'm a bit younger than you but all the digital dash in newer cars and especially newer M-Bs these days don't do it for me. I think on some cars it looks tacky. But I think aesthetically (nevermind technologically) digital dash wont age well. The analog gauges on the 55 is classy and I think timeless, just like the IWC analog clock on the center dash. Don't get me wrong, if I were in the market for a newer car, a digital dash running the length of the dash wouldn't dissuade me from getting it if the car checked all the boxes. I just think the R172 tech is enough for me and I really don't care that it doesn't have self parking or a big digital dash with animation upon start-up. I'm surprised your car doesn't have keyless go, but then again my car doesn't have the parking sensor lights. I love the push-button start and everything about keyless go. I do wish that it had blind-spot detection, which I know was available for the R172. I agree, the airscarf is one of the coolest features of the SLK and SL models and a tech feature that our cars can brag about :P I'd love to have Magicsky but I'm happy with the panoramic roof. One thing I think looks dated in our cars is the center dash with all the buttons. Looks too "busy" but I think it still looks nice. The SLS of that era has a similar center dash design. And the SLS is amazing looking despite a dated dash!
Can’t really argue with any of that tbh. Keyless would have been nice for sure, the magic roof doesn’t really interest me for some reason. The clock is a nice touch though.
Plenty tech for me but I’m getting on now, wonder if today’s youngsters would find it too old fashioned??!!
Still all about that engine though 😀
@@midlifemotors5050 I'm in my 20s so I think I can be considered a youngster. I bought an SLK55 about 5 years ago and I love the interior. It is of its time, but it's a lot better than a lot of other newer interiors. Everything is placed in a logical position for me, and having a hard button that takes me to each menu in the infotainment is a huge plus. No need to play around with the knob when I can just press one button. The only downsides for me are no Carplay/Android Auto (which can be fixed by an aftermarket addition), and the unholy amount of squeaks and rattles it's accumulated due to the quality of the roads it's been driven on.
With regards to Airscarf, I believe Mercedes had a patent on it for a very long time, which prevented others from adding something similar to their cars. The first non Mercedes car I can think of with the feature was the Bentley Continental GT cabrio, and that was, I want to say 2015?
I have this car and a 2023 car with all the modern gadgets and huge iPad thing that you used to control most functions. I way prefer buttons and knobs. I like the gauges and the needles and the feeling of a car with a little more analogue. Mine is the SLC 43 which to most intents and purposes is the same other than you get a reversing camera. Although it has aged, I still love to be in this car.
I prefer analogue. The cars of today are too focused on screens and touch-sensitive controls which (1) aren't necessarily as reliable - don't ask me how I know this! - and (2) you have to take your eye off the road to operate them.
No camera - OK, I have to admit that's one new piece of tech I do like. Both stalks on the left - well, that would take some getting used to, I suppose.
Yes, it's aging, but it's still very usable. Cars are going too far the other way now and they are not fun to drive in many cases as the car tries to take over all the time (lane departure steering, for example).
Actually, Neil, I take all that back. It's a heap of junk so do yourself a favour and sell it to me cheap :D
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m with you, much prefer an analog experience. The SLK isn’t entirely this (see the MR2 for a true analogy car) but it’s interesting to see just how far things have moved on in such a short time.
It is however still a mad car with a phenomenal engine which just makes me laugh out loud every time I get to take it for a spin. No idea what I’d replace it with tbh so going to have to hang onto it for a while longer 😉
My daily is '98 S-Class that I drive about 5K miles a year. To me, your SLK's tech is super-modern.
98 s-class, now that’s a car 👌 bet the ride is lovely in that
I agree with what you said about the speedo. I'm glad they put a digital display for mph in the center screen.
Phew, it’s not just me then 🤣
Hey Neil, 2 things - You likely have the option of push to start, you just need the button itself which pops into the ignition. If you have keyless entry it's likely this will work for you.
Regarding dated infotainment, you can retrofit carplay by plugging an interceptor into the back of the radio. All OEM parts and it makes the car feel incredibly modern, while maintaining the quality of the interior and the engine. I put it in my 2013 SLK350 and the car feels brand new and it's great to have the ability to use google maps. I installed it myself and you essentially just need the T9 screw driver for Mercedes. I have no experience with electronics on cars and it took about an hour to install.
Great info 👍 Tbh I’m not that fussed about the push button start or lack of keyless.
But do you have a link for the interceptor unit please, quite fancy giving that a go. Do miss not having CarPlay.
Thanks for tuning in 👍
Newer is not always better i think and it is to see on the many hyped retro cars
On my opinion the slk 55 is the top of the end i dont need more of this electronic gadgets or other stuff so have a happy new year and much fun with the 55
Oh, i'm with you 100%. Plenty gadgets for me. I'm no tech geek whatsoever. Got an apple watch for xmas!! So far it tells the time 😂
😂😂👍🏼looks like it works out.
What do you mean - It's Not even Push Button!!! 😂😂😂
I have just had my SLK55 AMG for less than 2 weeks, having previously having a GR Four Yaris. Totally different cars. I love the spec of the AMG. The quality of the materials. I live without keyless. Better security. Also the safety of the AMG. The seatbelt technology I think was a first. Maybe not in the SLK but by Mercedes. Love your videos. Went through them prior to purchasing. We also have a A200 AMG Line Premium Plus Edition. Which has all the technology as the top model, but no electric seats. Maybe see you around, I say in East Ayrshire.
Will keep my eyes peeled, what colour did you go for??
Some tremendously good roads around Ayrshire, we could just do with a few more events to pop along to.
@@midlifemotors5050 Designo White. Yes interested in attending events. There doesn’t appear to be much round here. Are you a member of any of the Merc clubs?
@@malcolmbrew8815 The tartan tarmac meet was great but spoilt by a few idiots.
Scottish slk owners on Facebook is a good group. Friendly and organise quite a few drive outs year round. Worth joining tbh.
Hi Neil
Cheers, your vids helped cement my decision to 'have some fun with some of the inheritance' as per my dear departed dad's request, and buy a 2016 SLK55. Its tiny, but immense!
PS, AA & Car Play can be propely installed for just under £800 if desired, but not an option I am going with.
Great stuff 👍 You’ll definitely have some fun 😀 Must be one of the last cars, black by any chance??
That reminds me, must get on and edit the video clips I filmed at the weekend.
@@midlifemotors5050 Neil, just to check did you get my last reply or did YT remove it as it had a link in it?
@@jonathanfabian7297 think they must have removed it fella, nothing I can see this end
@@midlifemotors5050 cheers, didn't know they did that. No not black, but Designo Matt grey (044). With two tone leather and the black wheels, it was a special order demo vehicle.
Hi Neil, I wouldn’t be at all concerned about lack of “modern” tech. digital displays etc. don’t do anything for me. It’s a bit like criticising a TR6 for not having electric windows.
I have to report that after 12 years of SLK driving and five happy years with my 2013 SLK55 AMG we finally parted company last October. Since I’m 66 this year and fancied a change I’ve gone for a bit more comfort and luxury and bought a low miles main dealer 2017 SL500, it’s lovely! Also more power (455bhp) from its 4.7 V8 bi-turbo and marginally faster, due in the main to the nine speed box and aluminium construction I think. I’m very pleased. (Still no digital dashboard thankfully!).
My Fire Opal Red 55 went to a new owner in Glasgow so maybe you’ll see it around?
Best Wishes, TonyS
Nice choice 👌That sounds like a belter. Health to enjoy 👍
Do find myself looking at amg gtc’s these days now that prices are cooling off a bit. Could I really sell the slk though 🤔
Thank you. Of course you could, nothing lasts forever, onwards and upwards as they say! TS@@midlifemotors5050
@@midlifemotors5050 Please let me know if you do decide to sell! I'm looking for a long term SLK and it's obviously been well cared for and is the colour I've been looking for.
This car is the one I used to have a picture of it in hanging in the wall, the SLK 350 is the car of my dreams, I’m hunting one in Canada, but oh boy, how difficult it to find one.
Not everyone’s cup of tea the SLK but I love mine. No idea what I’d replace it with tbh. Fingers crossed you’ll find the right car 🤞 All the best from 🏴
The 350 is one of the easier ones to find tbh. It's the AMG that's almost impossible now. I think when I bought mine it was one of 3 or 4 on sale in the entire country. People are definitely holding on to these cars.
My 2013 SLK55 had Keyless Entry and Keyless Go, although this had to be specified as an option. One other option that was quite ahead of its time was the panoramic roof that could be switched between transparent and opaque (or Magic Sky Control in MB-speak). People still rave about this feature in modern cars that cost a lot more than the SLK did.
Mine’s a fairly bobby basic car to be fair. Keyless would be nice though. The Magic Sky roof is a nice touch but doesn’t really fuss me tbh. Do like the IWC clock in the centre of the dash. Most of all I wish it had PP, well mainly the LSD, maybe one day 🤞
@@midlifemotors5050Funnily enough, I went for just about every option apart from the Performance Pack and the IWC clock (which always seemed to be a bit flimsily mounted in showroom cars that had it fitted).
@@dVb9 Ah, that’s good to know, thanks 👍 I see a few people retro fitting the clock these days, often wondered myself but from what your saying think I’ll save my cash, it’s not cheap😳 Sure I can manage another 8 years without it 😀
Keyless go is pretty good tbh but I find that it's more satisfying to turn the key for this car. More of an experience that way considering what I'm firing up.
Of course, I could also just be making excuses for the keyless go not working anymore. Not sure why, but the key doesn't seem able to hold a charge for much longer than 1-2 months at a time.
I convince myself it’s better for security not having keyless 😉
Tbh on this car it doesn’t matter but on my daily driver it is a bit of a pain
I like the key less go in my SLK 55, always let the key in my pocket. so praktical. the most I miss is a touchsceen.
What I’d really like is the LSD 😎
This is Star Ship levels of tech in comparison to a 94 MX-5 or even something much older .... "ooooooh look it has seatbelts and everything" 😂 That SLK is a beast of a car though but I'd live in constant fear or something going wrong.
Oh it’s plenty tech for me tbh, plenty.
Hasn’t really been an expensive car to run, probably shouldn’t have just said that!! But if it has an issue, good indie garage in Glasgow. It’s only money 😉
Have tou got rid of your evoque
Correct. Back when prices went mental just got offered too much ££ to turn down.
@@midlifemotors5050 ah fair enough
Beautiful car mate, however I feel you’re picking fly shit out of pepper referring to the auto park features and digital displays on late model vehicles. The roadster is a driver’s vehicle that imho should always be equipped with analogue instruments and the idea of park aid sensors on a vehicle of this size makes little sense to me. To put this into perspective I have a 2012 Ford Flex, 3.5L twin turbo, awd, equipped with self park, and all the perimeter sensors. This beast weighs in at 4800 pounds and easily seats 6 passengers with room for baggage. In terms of 0-60 time and top speed, it equals my 2014 SLK350 but the driving experience is vastly different as you can imagine being a R172 owner yourself.
If you really wanted to go bonkers get behind the wheel of a Jaguar F-Pace or Range Rover Velar, the digital display and controls are horrible and not easily operated but hey they have all the modern features that will have you focused on the display and not the road.
Love the AMG👍
Take your points but tbh it was just really a comparison of today’s tech v that of only a few years ago. Although I quite like the new digital dashboards I think you’re right about analogue dials in a sports car.
Think the driving info in the SLK is spot on but there’s no doubt the infotainment screen is starting to show its age. But the same could be said of much younger cars the tech moves that quickly
@@midlifemotors5050 so true , the display is showing it’s age. I think we agree that the SLK is a great car to drive and very well designed. Cheers
Could you live with 10 year old tech??
What matters is how pees it sound d drive. Anyone worrying about inboard gaskets & what the speedo looks like etc, isn't a real petrol head.
Oh, it sounds good 👌
Great video, I like your style. 😃
💯🫵🏼👍🏼🫡👊🏼✌🏼🇳🇱