It could be. Most people buy an SLK because they can't afford an SL. Kind of like how people buy Boxsters because they can't afford a 911 (d'oh, did I say that out loud ). I bought an SLK because of the weight and dollar to HP ratio was off the chart. I have owned 5 Mercedes and loved them all. I have moved past them now and won't own another - although the CL65 is damn tempting . . .

My SLK is a real sleeper. People are really caught off guard by how fast it is and how nice it looks in traffic or at shows and meets. But it's about as far from stock as you can get.

The average Mercedes customer wants a car they can buy and forget about. Mods are lost on them. That's why most Mercedes tuners - like Brabus and Kleemann - are struggling financially. I think Porsche owners and prospective buyers are a bit more into performance over luxury. Mercedes is still more about the symbol on the front and a comfortable ride than anything else.

 

I just got my car last month and like someone mentioned above, had the clear side markers installed before I drove it off the lot. Other than that, I am still in love with the car the way it is. Wheels will be my first mod (HRE's probably), but I am going to try to hold off until next spring and use the stock wheels over the next winter first (it is my daily driver). I took a bath on my C4S and the mods I put on it, so I am not in a hurry on this one.