2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Highlights

• 5.5-litre V8
• 354bhp
• 7-speed 7G-TRONIC transmission
• Full service history
• Current owner for 15 years

Overview

As curious cases go, the Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK55 AMG is up there with Dr. Robert Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde. It’s a car of polarised personalities – on the face of it, a refined, stylish and smartly finished sports car with an upmarket image, but dig a little deeper and it’s a bit of a monster.

The reason why comes in the form of a 5.5-litre V8 engine – which is rather a lot of powerplant to cram into a car that’s only a shoe-length’s longer than an MGF. Yet that’s what Mercedes-Benz’s engineers achieved, helped in no small part by the SLK’s long nose, which gave it the look of a McLaren-Mercedes SLR that had shrunk in the wash.

It wasn’t far behind the millionaire’s favourite in the performance stakes, either, with 0-60mph despatched in just over 4.0 secs and 354bhp from that rumbling, throaty V8 – an engine that made it quite clear that “hairdresser’s car” was a phrase only worthy of lesser SLKs.

As well as being a bit of a sleeper, this one is a well-loved, low-mileage car that has had the same owner for the past 15 years, with a comprehensive and up-to-date full-service history. It’s also finished in stunning Obsidian Black, which is refreshingly different to the all-too-common silver usually seen on the model. It’s a fabulous example of a real Q-Car, as happy pootling around town as it is stirring you senses with that thumping, sonorous V8.

If you want a car that will raise a few eyebrows when you need it to, but will equally double up as a coupé-cabrio capable of daily use, then this one’s the ultimate package – a hidden gem from the 2000s Mercedes-Benz model line-up. And who doesn’t like a V8?

History and documentation

• UK registration document
• MOT July 2025, no advisory notices
• Original wallet and book pack, handbook, and service book
• Large pile of invoices for services and sundry items
• Service book is stamped as follows: 8,848 miles (2009, Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury), 15,044 miles (2009, Mercare, Plymouth), 22,221 miles (2011, Mercare, Plymouth), 26,960 miles (2012, Mercare, Plymouth), 29,940 miles (2013, Mercare, Plymouth), 31,919 miles (2015, Mercare, Plymouth), 35,174 miles (2017, Mercare, Plymouth), 36,568 miles (2018, Mercare, Plymouth), 37,383 miles (2019, Mercare, Plymouth), 37,790 miles (2020, Mercedes-Benz of Exeter), 39,086 miles (2022, MB Motor Services, Plymouth), 40,030 miles (2023, MB Motor Services, Plymouth)
• Two keys
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Charcoal leather and Alcantara, heated, electrically adjustable sports seats in very good order
• Minimal signs of wear to driver’s side seat bolster
• Climate control
• Cruise control
• AirScarf system, which blows warm or cool air around driver’s and passenger’s necks
• Fully functional COMAND infotainment system with built-in sat nav
• Six-CD changer
• Carbon-effect interior highlights and handbrake grip
• Bluetooth
• Mercedes Carphone in centre console

Exterior

• Obsidian Black
• No dents or damage
• Excellent paint finish with only a few minor stone chips to the front
• Very smart factory alloys with a couple of very minor kerb marks
• Good matching Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round
• Bi-Xenon headlamps
• Fully functional electrically operated VarioRoof – hardtop or open top, works faultlessly
• Appears to be in very good order underneath with no visible structural corrosion

Mechanical

• 5.5-litre V8
• 354bhp
• 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles
• Air conditioning compressor replaced with new Mercedes-Benz part
• Recent new battery
• According to the vendor, the car drives faultlessly and feels as quick as the performance figures would suggest, with a wonderful V8 soundtrack
• Quad-exit sports exhaust system

Summary

The original SLK was an innovator, thanks to its clever folding roof and mini-SL looks – but it was never the most agile or potent of sports cars. But with the second generation, that all changed, and the R171 was sharper and more engaging from the outset.

But it took AMG to really bring out the beast – and that’s exactly what it did. It might look as pretty and a subtle as the four-cylinder models that abound, but the SLK55 is something altogether more purposeful. A snarling, thundering V8 with super-fast gear shifts and colossal performance, this car is so, so much more than it looks. A real Q-Car, and presented here in wonderful condition. It’s a great example – future collector quality, or perfect for everyday use, where it’s bound to raise a few eyebrows along the way.

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 car is located in Devon.