Following my impulsive purchase of the Audi TT Roadster, it turned out to be quite a successful experiment. The TT Roadster, as we affectionately called it, saw almost constant use during the summer we owned it. However, as much as I enjoyed the TT, it was clear that for a longer-term ownership, and especially considering my partner Kristen’s needs, an upgrade was in order. This led me on a search that culminated in the acquisition of a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280, a car that offered a different kind of roadster experience.
Front three quarter view of a silver 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 parked on a paved road with trees in the background, highlighting its sleek convertible design.
While the TT Roadster was fun and sporty, its shortcomings became more apparent over time. Some were inherent to the first-generation TT design, as I’ve discussed in my previous write-up. Others were specific to the used example I bought, with its 120,000 miles and associated wear and tear. The soft top was deteriorating, the tires were worn, and the suspension was starting to complain. Beyond these issues, the TT simply lacked some of the comforts I had grown accustomed to. Despite being fully optioned for a TT, it missed features like power seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable steering wheel, conveniences that enhance daily usability.
The most significant challenge, however, was the six-speed manual transmission. My optimistic attempt to teach Kristen to drive stick shift proved unsuccessful. Suddenly, I owned two “toy” cars – the TT and my Lincoln Continental Mark III – neither of which she could drive. Kristen’s frustration was understandable, and it became a key factor in my decision to seek a replacement for the TT. Furthermore, while the TT leaned towards being a sports car, my preference was shifting towards a more comfortable grand touring experience. By August 2015, the search for a new roadster began.
Having enjoyed the TT Roadster experiment, I felt justified in increasing my budget for the next purchase, aiming for something newer and more refined. The basic criteria remained a two-seat roadster, but this time with an automatic transmission being a non-negotiable requirement. I also prioritized a quieter, more practical, and more secure convertible, especially with the top raised. What I truly desired was a retractable hardtop. While both the BMW Z4 and Mazda Miata offered retractable hardtops, the Mercedes-Benz SLK stood out as the ideal choice.
Side profile of a black 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 with its retractable hardtop up, showcasing its elegant lines and compact roadster proportions.
Finding a suitable used SLK at a reasonable price in Ohio presented a unique challenge. In regions with harsh winters and less convertible culture, SLKs are not as common on the used market. Adding to the scarcity, SLK owners tend to hold onto their cars for a long time. Statistics show the SLK ranks high among vehicles with the longest ownership periods. This combination of factors meant that the local used SLK market was quite limited. A search within a 100-mile radius of my Cleveland home on Cars.com revealed a stark reality: only a handful of SLKs were available, and even fewer were the second-generation R171 models I was targeting. The majority were either older first-generation R170 models or newer, pricier third-generation R172s. Comparing this to the thousands of Camrys and F-150s available in the same area highlighted the difficulty of my search for a specific used SLK.
Undeterred, I broadened my search radius and eventually located a 2006 SLK 280 at a Volvo dealership in Annapolis, Maryland, approximately 400 miles away. This particular SLK 280 ticked many of the right boxes. While not fully loaded, it was better equipped than the TT and offered a desirable level of features. Its black exterior paired with a striking red leather interior, a combination I had always admired, further piqued my interest. After negotiating the price and trade-in of the TT via email and phone, I reached an agreement to purchase the SLK 280 based on photographs, while they, in turn, accepted the TT as a trade-in under the same conditions. It’s worth noting that at this point, I had never actually driven an SLK, committing to buy one sight unseen.
Rear view of a black 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 280 parked on a street, emphasizing its sporty rear styling and Mercedes-Benz badging.
Labor Day weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a road trip. Kristen and I drove to Annapolis in the TT, planning to test drive the SLK 280, hoping it would meet our expectations and be free of major issues, before driving it back to Cleveland before the work week resumed.
Fortunately, our apprehension was quickly dispelled. Upon arriving at the dealership and test driving the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280, it surpassed our initial hopes. It felt significantly smoother, more comfortable, more powerful, and overall more refined than the TT Roadster. While a few minor issues were noted – a broken passenger power seat switch and a malfunctioning passenger side dash vent – these seemed easily rectifiable. Otherwise, all systems appeared to be in perfect working order. Confident in our purchase, we embarked on the 400-mile journey back to Cleveland in the SLK 280 without any problems.
The SLK 280 proved to be a much more livable roadster than the TT, both with the top up and down. The retractable hardtop provides significantly larger rear and side windows compared to a traditional soft top, and even includes small rear quarter windows, creating a less confined feeling inside the cabin when the top is raised. In fact, the design requirements of a retractable hardtop necessitate maximizing glass area to minimize the roof section’s storage footprint. The hardtop also offers superior temperature and sound insulation, making the SLK 280 nearly as quiet as a conventional coupe on the highway.
Animated GIF showing the retractable hardtop of a Mercedes Benz SLK 280 in operation, transitioning from closed coupe to open roadster, demonstrating its seamless transformation.
The retractable top stows neatly beneath the trunk lid, eliminating the need for a separate tonneau cover. While this reduces the already modest trunk space by approximately half when the top is down, it hasn’t been a practical concern as we rarely carry more than overnight luggage. The windshield of the SLK 280 is also more steeply raked than the TT’s, extending closer to the forehead and providing enhanced wind protection when driving with the top down. Although it lacks a power wind blocker like the TT, the higher rear deck and beltline effectively manage backdrafts, rendering a wind blocker unnecessary. Furthermore, the exceptionally powerful air conditioning system allows for comfortable top-down driving even in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit without discomfort.
Interior shot of the 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 280, highlighting the red leather seats and interior trim, showcasing the car’s luxurious and sporty cabin.
My only minor criticisms of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 are twofold. Firstly, the 16-inch wheels, standard on the SLK 280, appear slightly undersized for the car’s proportions. I plan to address this in the future by upgrading to 17 or 18-inch wheels and tires, potentially sourced from an SLK 350 or SLK 55 model, when the current tires need replacement.
Secondly, as is often the case with used German cars, inexpensive ownership is a myth. Over the past year and a half, the SLK 280 has required a list of maintenance items, including engine mounts, intake manifold air lever, and transmission conductor plate – all known weaknesses for this model. However, these maintenance costs are, in my view, a part of the experience of owning a car in this class.
Close-up shot of the license plate “SLK RDSTR” on the 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK 280, a personalized touch referencing the previous Audi TT Roadster.
As we enter our second summer with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280, it continues to be an exceptional vehicle. It has become an integral part of our family, much like my family’s 1971 Buick convertible was a generation ago. This SLK 280 is definitely a keeper.
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