2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG (R171)

Highlights

• 5.4-litre V8 engine
• Seven-speed transmission
• Extensive service history
• Long MOT
• Obsidian Black paintwork

Overview

Shoehorning a sizeable V8 engine into a small car is something which has been going on since the dawn of motoring. In fact, if you turn up at Goodwood on the right weekend of the year you’ll be able to see a land speed record holder from 1908 — comprised of a huge 200 hp V8 engine strapped to a couple of pieces of angle iron with wheels on them — being hurled around the circuit.

So this SLK is proudly continuing a tradition so old it’s practically written into human DNA by now. The 5.4-litre unit produces 350 bhp and will take you from zero to 62 mph in a whisker under five seconds, thanks to its quick seven-speed transmission.

The folding hardtop roof, optional Harman/Kardon sound system, ‘Airscarf’ neck-level heaters, and recently fitted Bluetooth connection all make the cabin of this Mercedes a very pleasant place to be. And the splashes of red trim only add to the car’s performance appeal.

Obsidian black paint suits the car very well, along with the subtle AMG styling tweaks. It manages to be both a refined and relaxing closed coupe, and a rorty roadster with the simple press of a button to lower the roof. So given that you’re essentially buying two cars in one here, it’s even better value than you first thought.

History and documentation

• Registered 21 Jun 2008
• Service invoices from Mercedes-Benz with services as follows: Jun 2009 @ 3,200 miles, May 2010 @ 6,182 miles, May 2011 @ 8,915 miles, Jun 2012 @ 11,136 miles, May 2013 @ 13,403 miles, May 2014 @ 16,099 miles, May 2015 @ 16,863 miles, May 2016 @ 17,441 miles, Nov 2017 @ 22,636 miles
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Mercedes-Benz data card
• The car spent nine years in the south of France, although was driven back to the UK for servicing and MOTs
• Original sales invoice
• Previously on private plate, registration now MT08 CGE
• Two keys
• Five former keepers
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 17 Apr 2025 and continues a very clean MOT history
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black Nappa leather interior with ‘Gullwing Red’ panels
• The bucket seats are very well presented, with very little wear on the driver’s seat bolster
• AMG performance steering wheel
• ‘Airscarf’ neck-level heating
• Six-CD changer
• DAB digital radio
• Harman/Kardon audio system
• The current keeper has had Bluetooth connectivity added to the sound system
• Electronically adjustable heated seats
• Transparent wind deflector
• Parktronic audio-visual parking assistance
• Tyre pressure warning system
• Air conditioning
• Mechanical handbrake
• Brushed stainless steel, AMG-branded sill plates

Exterior

• The SLK 55 has a sleek silhouette and a commanding stance
• AMG body kit
• Obsidian Black paintwork finishes the car very smartly
• It remains in very good condition throughout, with a deep shine
• There are a few small chips and scratches to the paint, but nothing unusual for a car of this age
• Folding hardtop roof
• 18-inch alloy wheels, with a few small scratches
• A new set of Michelin tyres was fitted in 2024, with plenty of tread remaining
• The underside of the car is said to be in excellent condition
• Chrome badges all present and correct
• The bi-xenon headlamps look clear and bright
• Automatic cornering lights
• Obligatory large three-pointed star badge on the front grille, finished in chrome

Mechanical

• 5,439 cc naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine
• Produces 350 bhp and 376 lb ft
• 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds
• Seven-speed automatic transmission
• Speed-sensitive power steering
• This AMG model includes uprated brakes, faster transmission shifting, an extra oil cooler, and stiffened and lowered suspension
• The most recent MOT was passed with no advisories
• In Apr 2024 the car received and engine flush, along with new engine oil and filter
• Plenty of servicing invoices from Mercedes-Benz centres provide evidence of reassuring maintenance during the car’s first decade

Summary

The SLK55 AMG has a long-held reputation as a hot rod roadster and holds real appeal, especially when it’s in as good a condition as this one.

The folding hard top allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds with the roof up or down. Either way, the 5.4-litre V8 engine is going to be on your mind whether you’re tackling the morning commute or the country backroads.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.