Back when I got my CLK, I had placed an order. I later accepted a car similar to my order in order to have my Mercedes 18 months early. This time, I wanted no compromises. I showed up at the dealership on July 4th, took a test drive in a black SLK 350 they had on display. Within moments of experiencing the improved handling, acceleration, and the pure pleasure of top-down driving I knew this would be my next car. As soon as we arrived back to the dealership from the test drive, I proclaimed "Let's write this up... I want one as soon as possible." After checking on their allotment, I learned that this would be Smythe European's last SLK 350 for the calendar year -- the SLK 280 is making waves as a higher-volume model. I knew that day that the car would be built in September and would arrive sometime in October.

These were the specifications for my SLK, mostly taken from the mbusa.com site, to reflect the options as they were at the time I ordered -- they change a little each year depending on marketing desires.

2006 SLK 350 Roadster (R171)
Exterior Color: Obsidian Black Metallic
Interior Color: Black Leather
Options:
	6-disc CD Changer   Optional glove box mounted [slot loading] 6-Disc CD changer.
	7-Speed Automatic Transmission   The 7-speed automatic transmission is an industry exclusive. The greater number of gears allows for a snappier first gear for quick off the line acceleration, a smaller rpm drop with each upshift for seamless mid-range response, and a long-legged top gear for quiet and economical cruising. Its driver-adaptive control even runs out each gear to higher rpm when you're driving more enthusiastically. Unlike ordinary automatic transmissions that sequentially march through their gears as they downshift, the SLK can actually skip as many as four gears, meaning noticeably quicker downshifts and the ability to get back on the power sooner. It even 'blips' the throttle to match revs, for smoother downshifts.
	Hands-Free Communication System   Plug a sleek new Motorola phone into your Mercedes-Benz and it automatically becomes part of the integrated Hands-Free Communication System. With the system engaged, you'll have both hands free, allowing for easier, safer, and more convenient driving. See your Mercedes-Benz Dealer for a selection of the latest Motorola mobile phones which are compatible with most major carriers. With your phone docked in the Multi-Handset Interface (MHI) cradle: Your phone book is automatically downloaded into your vehicle Your phone's battery charges automatically Calls are clearly delivered through your audio system The audio system automatically mutes the radio or pauses the CD during calls You can control calls via your multifunction steering wheel
Packages:
	317 Comfort Package Power Seats, 4-Way Power Adjustable Steering Column, and Auto-Dimming Mirrors Experience luxury with 8-way power driver and passenger seats featuring 3-position memory for custom-tailored comfort. The memory system also retains your desired settings for the package's 4-way power steering column and the side mirrors. Auto-dimming rear view and driver's side mirrors automatically activate to prevent glare from the headlamps of approaching vehicles.
	318 Trim Package Wood and Leather Shift Knob A tactile reminder of the craftsmanship that surrounds you, this sport shift knob falls readily into the proper grip. The gearshift is trimmed with matching leather and Vavona wood. Wood Steering Wheel An extremely powerful statement about your appreciation for craftsmanship and style, this steering wheel is trimmed with matching leather and Vavona wood. Vavona wood trim also graces the dash, door handle and hand brake.
	319 Lighting Package Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge Headlamps with Heated Washers An electrified arc of xenon gas generates a brighter, blue-white light from the low beams that more closely approximates the eye's perception of natural daylight. These High Intensity Discharge headlamps are self-leveling to help reduce glare. Corner-illuminating foglamps* help you to see better in turns and when entering dark areas such as driveways and parking structures. Heated, high-pressure washers are included.
	320 Entertainment Package What could be more in tune with the times than your favorite music? The harman/kardon Logic7 premium sound system specially designed for the SLK-Class "listens" to the sound in the cabin and compensates for unwanted noise automatically. Its 11 speaker, 380 watt system includes dual surround speakers and a subwoofer. The system features multichannel digital surround-sound technology developed for the professional recording industry, to provide a natural and realistic sound stage. Digital Dynamic Volume Control helps preserve the sound balance under all driving conditions and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six month subscription lets you listen to your favorite music no matter where you are. Finally, a large color-LCD screen on the COMAND system provides crisp, clear displays for the radio and GPS Satellite navigation. Plus with the new DVD-based navigation system, the maps of the contiguous U.S., Hawaii and Canada are all read from a single disc. The DVD drive is located in the trunk of your SLK.
	323 Heating Package AIRSCARF AIRSCARF allows you to keep the roof of your roadster down in cooler temperatures. A soothing stream of heated air to your neck, head and shoulders helps take the bite out of chilly top-down conditions. With individual 3-stage temperature controls and airflow that automatically adjusts to your driving speed, you'll never want to put your roof up. Heated Front Seats Take the edge off a chilly morning or a long trip. Heated seats are a soothing option, adding welcome comfort.
	326 Premium Package Smartkey with Remote Roof Activation Infrared-remote roof operation works with the standard Smart Key to remotely open or close the roof of your SLK. Perfect to cool off a hot car, or close the roof after parking, from outside the car. Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control This optional system features left and right controls for temperature and airflow plus automatic digital control of fan speed and distribution. A charcoal filter that can automatically shut off incoming air when it senses an increase in smog. Rain-Sensing Wipers Intermittent wipers automatically adjust their frequency based on the amount of rainfall that an infrared sensor detects on the windshield glass. Ambient Lighting & Garage Door Opener Setting a mood that's ideal for that next moonlit drive, ambient interior lighting casts a gentle glow over the center console and in each foot well. The package also includes the convenience of additional reading lamps and entry/exit lighting for a graceful departure. An integrated 3-button garage door control is compatible with HomeLink components and some other systems.