2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

(photo: 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350)

With that stiff structure the suspension engineers could do their "thang". Up front are struts and a multilink setup out back. And check out the offset spec tires: Regular SLK350s run 225/45R-17s in front and 245/40R-17s in back; with the AMG package our car had ($8,780) you get 225/40ZR-18s up front and 245/35ZR-18s on the rear.

You can use the engine's torque at low speeds to engage oversteer. The suspension setup and generous rubber at higher speeds means the SLK resists understeer unlike any other Benz. Traditionally, the behavior of Mercedes electronic stability programs has been to say the least, annoying; jumping in way too early before a driver with a modicum of skill can explore a car's limits. However, with the new SLK, Mercedes's engineers seem to have programmed a little more leeway into the system.

The SLK's ride is definitely sports-car stiff, but out on the open road it shows a fluidity of body control that easily bests a brittle BMW Z4. Rack and pinion steering replaces the antediluvian recircling ball setup from the last gen SLK that the new Crossfire inherited. It was just too quick off-center and nada after that. With the new-and-improved SLK, all of a sudden, you find that you can really throw around this car with ease. The 2005 SLK also has traditional hydraulic brakes instead of the brake-by-wire Sensotronic system that forces you to adjust your driving instincts. Brake pedal feel is outstanding.

The first SLK was never thought of as a serious ride for car zealots. It looked marvelous, and the trick folding top made sense for driving in Canada year round. From a driving standpoint, well, it kinda sucked. If you're looking for a satisfying driving experience, especially with the stick, the new SLK can be added to your roadster shopping short list, guilt free.
 

(photo: 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350)

As a sports car with real driving cojones, in one fell swoop, the SLK jumps ahead of the Audi TT Roadster 3.2 (250-hp $64,950), BMW Z4 3.0i (225-hp $59,900), and Nissan 350Z Roadster (287-hp $52,900). Nevertheless, if it was my money, its hard to argue with the performance value of a Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (400-hp $79,495), or the pure sports car feel from a Porsche Boxster (240-hp $62,400).

Mercedes will still sell a ton of SLKs based on the mini-SLR looks alone and that tri-star in the grille. They don't sell an SL350 here, but if they did, this mini-me version would do just fine at a fraction of the cost. Bottom line: With the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350, any pangs of roadster envy can now be cured.

Nice career path, eh?