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.

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!

My daily is '98 S-Class that I drive about 5K miles a year. To me, your SLK's tech is super-modern.

It's all about the engine, the sound, the power, the panache. All I hear is Janis Joplin ❤

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

I agree with what you said about the speedo. I'm glad they put a digital display for mph in the center screen.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have tou got rid of your evoque

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👍

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.

Great video, I like your style. 😃 💯🫵🏼👍🏼🫡👊🏼✌🏼🇳🇱