My Mercedes SLK 350 Is Destroyed

Ride along in the passenger seat as I take my Mercedes SLK 350 out for a rainy track day... and it is totaled....

[@tfabrizio623]

As a fellow SLK350 owner, I feel your pain. What a crappy end to an awesome car. I have really enjoyed your KZbin videos over the years... thanks for sharing your journey!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

The journey shall continue....

[@thebiker3895]

totally irresponsible for the track owners allowing the session to go ahead in those conditions, they are 100% to blame, my local track would never have allowed the session to begin....

[@alexfrey4828]

Honestly, he needed to get off the track, that was a waste of a day at the track.

[@ronsejour]

So Sorry for your loss. I hope somehow they catch that guy. He owes you an SLK 350. If someone did that to my SLK350 I would be on a rampage! I hope you feel better soon.

[@___Q-bot]

Why would it be so difficult to catch the guy? The track management company should have all the records.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Through the help of fellow drivers who witnessed the event, the other driver was identified.

[@icanseeyou3418]

i hope you sue the fuck out of him@@BetweenTheWheels

[@MannyVeeAuto]

As a R171 owner myself, I know how it feels to have someone not take responsibility of their damages. I’m glad you are okay and know that you can always get another car (hopefully another SLK, that’s why I followed you haha). Keep on making vids and best of luck to you! Great content!

[@rawhide793]

Gutting. Glad you are ok. The other driver should be ashamed of his conduct - no decent human being flees the scene.

[@mrmanson]

this is heartbreaking, though very well narrated and documented. I've got goosebumps

[@TK-nx1we]

So sorry to hear this ! Been following your channel since my parents bought 2012 slk 350 and I hope they never get rid of it! Such a fun drivers car with a beautiful sounding n/a v6. Sad to yours go ! I loved your content on it. It’s unbelievable that guy could care less about another drivers well being and flee like that. What a coward with no conscious or regard for others.

[@JRGarage]

Wow, sad video. Can't believe that guy ran off, what a shame.

[@Gh0stB34r]

My bet is they didn’t have track insurance and bailed - which shame on the facility for allowing them to leave

[@AJ-nf9fz]

Sad for your loss but very happy that you can continue to follow your passion. Love your videos. I have watched a few and was beginning to feel that your SLK350 was a happy part of my life. The way you present your videos is excellent. I will continue to watch them. Take care and stay safe.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you, I appreciate it very much!

[@mchernez1]

Nooooo!! Your SLK . What a lost 🤦. Glad you are ok I started following you after you got that car as I own one and I can feel your pain . Sorry for your lost.

[@GeekieBenji]

Really hope you return with a new SLK, great videos!

[@RollinwithRoland]

Ouch!!! Glad you're able to walk away! Saddened that this is the second SLK video from you and seemingly last. You did an awesome job of covering some of the features and I was looking forward to more SLK track content.

[@UKBlue407]

Thats a terrible shame, BUT - your SLK did you proud and proteced you from a very major impact. Yes you had some minor injuries, but looking around the outside of that car, with almost no intact panels, it kept you safe. Its a small car but clearly built strong and it gives me confidence that mine would protect me in the event of an accident. I hope you get another one, I love mine!

[@garygamble1963]

I pray your physical injuries will heal. As the owner of an SLK 250 diesel (oh yes! Mercedes did sell a diesel SLK model in Europe), I feel your pain. You'll rise again my friend!

[@acwilliams1343]

I’m watching this a year later, but I’m still so sorry for your loss. I completely feel your pain. I lost my ‘05 SLK350 in a freak accident (a washing machine someone had in the back of their truck came flying out on the freeway). That was almost 4 years ago and I still miss her. 😥 I sure hope you found that no class low life that hurt you and totaled your baby.

[@Andreas-kn6wi]

Hey, really sad to hear what happed to you and your car. Even worse for a car guy and someone who got used to the car and spend so much love and care on the car. I remember watching your video about 5 things you loved about your SLK and it was one of the factors that made me get one for myself :D . I got my own SLK 350 in July 2020 and it sparked this fascination in cars for me; how to properly care for your car ,learning everything i can on the internet and through my dad about cars so im not forced to rely on other people if something goes wrong and kinda getting myself to be a newbie carguy myself. And seeing you living my worst nightmare, having a car crash, doing nothing wrong, playing it safe and still get hit and the absolute garbage human being doing a hit and run on you. Its truly heartbreaking. God bless that you did not get seriously hurt, im kinda perplexed that your steering wheel airbag didnt trigger on such an hard impact. Im happy to see you in love again with your new BMW 228i. And I wish you best of luck for the future and stay safe out there on the track. P.S. sorry for my bad english im a non native speaker, still i kinda needed to write a comment. Much love from germany!!!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you for watching !

[@charlespeace97]

Class act. I hope you can find another one. I just got an '09 350 and it's perfect for me. I'm glad you are okay. Thanks for sharing..

[@brennanholmes6803]

So sorry to know your story turned out like this,you sound like a real gentleman

[@assemblydance]

Just got my slk 350 three days ago and was following your videos on this car ... sorry for what happened to you and the car ... It's America , that driver can easily be found and I hope you make it a priority for that guy to be found so that he can be blacklisted from all other tracks ... hope another 350 come your way

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Enjoy your car!

[@johnkimbrell2378]

Really have enjoyed you’re serious about the SLK, I also On anSLK, I’ve had 3 SL but they’re just too expensive to fix. I don’t know why something like that we bring out the worst in people. Just like the time we are in now fear and panic seems out to bring Out the worst in people instead of the best. I’m sorry for your loss.

[@crkvend]

I know this is an old video and no one will probably see this question, but… how is it possible to just flee the scene? Surely there is some sort of registration process to drive on the track, where they would note the cars registration number? Do they really allow anyone just showing up and driving without any sort of paperwork at all? Someone being able to just flee (and not be found afterwards) seems like discouraging to me.

[@stephenbrady885]

I was looking at your videos 6 months ago I was looking for a car for my 60th birthday. Bought my SLK 3 months ago absolutely loved it. Thank you very much sorry to hear about yours. hope you get another one

[@marksaunders4052]

Very sad to watch this. It’s hard to imagine how anyone gets the hang of racing any car in conditions like you were driving in that day but you were clearly doing your best to keep yourself and others safe. Despicable behaviour on the other driver’s part though. It was watching your previous episodes that inspired me to buy a 2011 SLK 350 recently and I’m loving it. I’m so sorry that you’ve lost yours through no fault of your own. I look forward to more brilliant episodes.

[@dangrondin007]

Happy that you re not too much injured. Sorry for your lost.

[@user-be9pn9kh5p]

Very happy you're okay.

[@menotyou5380]

Awww NOOOOO 😢😢😢😢😢 I have SO enjoyed watching all your SLK vids. I bought a 2006 SLK last year, and your "Hairdresser's Car" vid was one of the first vids I ever watched about the SLK. I'm so very sorry someone did that to you. I do track days on my R1 and GSX-R 750 bikes. And I totally understand people making bad moves and weaseling out of their responsibilities. There's NO excuse for the other driver not checking on you. That's just sh*tty sportsmanship. I hope you heal quickly and would love to see you pick up another SLK soon!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you for the kind thoughts and for watching. I’m glad I was able to influence your purchase! Enjoy the SLK, I still think it’s one of the under appreciated gems in the sports-car world. As for what’s next for me, I’ll be sharing that soon.

[@menotyou5380]

@@BetweenTheWheels Will definitely love to see where your new journey goes. Hopefully it will involve another SLK. But no matter what path it takes, you'll do great I'm sure.

[@amiatroll6347]

Ah man, this is such a bummer to see. Sorry to hear about your injury and your SLK 350. The whole incident is awful. I was looking forward to more insights on this exact car from you. Either way, I remain subscribed.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

It wasn’t fun and I’ll miss that car, but I’m glad it wasn’t worse. Thanks for sticking with the channel. I’ll work hard to keep it as interesting as possible.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Most unfortunate. We thank God you walked out safely. Can the other driver not be traced by the Police...?

[@metalmeister1976]

Glad you're ok! I own a SLK 55 is silver just like yours. Just did 2 sunny track days with Jzilla at Road Atlanta in Georgia where I live. I bought the Haggerty track day insurance so at least I would get some money back if the unfortunate happened. Hope you had it too. Boy this was a hard video to see your beautiful SLK 350 crashed. The SLK's really do handle soooooo well on the track. Again, glad you're ok. I can't believe the other driver never checked on you, so inconsiderate indeed. The design of the SLK is just such a stunning design!

[@markengledew3057]

So sorry to hear this! Took my slk350 out for a ride today and couldn't help feel so sorry for your loss 😭

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you! Enjoy yours and keep the dream alive!

[@StreakingTiger]

Dang - I hate it for you man. I have a 2006 SLK350 that looks to be the same color combo. It an automatic though, but I'm old and prefer that. I bought it in May 2009 and still love mine, so even a tiny scratch on it would bother me. I would be irate if mine was destroyed like that. I've enjoyed your videos for a long time. They are well done. I have only added a backup camera to mine, but it just uses a monitor that sticks on my windshield. I tried installing a Kenwood stereo system, and when I removed the head unit, it was connected to the Harmon Kardon amp via a fiber optic cable, and there were no other harnesses in the back of the HU. I gave up as it seemed impossible for me to add the NAV, Bluetooth, and backup camera to the new Kenwood HU. I ended up just installing it all into my old 2003 pickup truck (and it worked better than my Mercedes system - good grief). Anyway, I seem to be a lot like you trying to continuously making the SLK better, but they are complicated indeed. Good luck on finding your next vehicle and glad you're safe.

[@dougantelman2369]

Here's what one of the guys in my club said (and he has a full race car and races regularly): 1. No rain tires, 2. Old Dominion is nuts, it is not SCCA sanctioned due to safety issues 3. Lazy hand positions and unnecessary downshifts, 4. Inability to recognize that track conditions were unsafe 5. Takes off his helmet while still on the track surface. Don't take it personal!

[@RoadSurferOfficial]

Dude im so mad for you brother. I thought YOU wrecked your car. You are the chillest dude on the planet my god.

[@crazyjay7676]

As an SLK350 owner I feel your pain. I once took my car to the Nurburgring in Germany and it was great fun on the track.

[@altoticket]

There is no such thing as hitting a fellow driver in the track, then fleeing it. Crashes DO happen, but running from the aftermath and not even apologizing is an admission of guilt. The other driver knew he fucked up. So sorry for your crash. PS: Racing in the rain is no joke, sometimes its just not worth the risk, specially in more "competitive" evironments.... When in doubt, just talk to the officials about your concerns - it's not just because the track is open that it is safe to drive on it. Also any serious track would be shut down until that standing water at 3:56 would be drained.

[@slavik97]

Very sorry for you loss, I’m about to rebuild rear damaged 2008 SLK 350 with only 14k miles ,

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Good luck with the repairs!

[@ricandogg619jasonreyes8]

Glad, your ok 👌 bro!

[@racr2687]

Very very sorry to hear the I really loved your videos on the SLK 350 as an SLK 32 owner I'd be very upset if anything happened to it given it was not an easy find. Most importantly you've made it out alright and I 100% agree that the driver should have immediately checked on you very cowardly to just flee the scene hope the authorities find him as that sort of negligence should be a criminal offence but here's to the next part of your journey pray you will find something that brings you as much joy as the SLK 350 did.

[@billroberts4012]

Hope you feel better. Sorry about the slk. Good luck in the future.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you !

[@CaptFomo]

best of luck to you. sorry for your loss.

[@ambasadororientu]

Today someone hit my slk 350 while parked just outside my apartament building and fled the scene. Nothing to compare with your totaled car tho. Good thing you are alright! Hope to see next fun car on your channel soon!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Sorry for you. Hope yours can be repaired and that you are alright, as well! I’ll be exploring the capabilities of my new fun one in the months to come!

[@rahikkala]

Sad that this happened but since I stumbled to this video months later, do not EVER take the helmet of while you are in the track area. I know that professionals know it from the spine but for us semi-professionals and amateurs it's a lesson we need to learn. Now onto next challenges and new experiences and as they say, "driver who hasn't crashed has never driven". Stay safe.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks for watching. Yes, the helmet lesson is a good one to remember. I can say that being dazed after a wreck can cause us to forget things and that’s a good one to remember.

[@PROTLxONgame]

I'm glad you are ok!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks!

[@zackerymcpherson9409]

Does the track keep a list of all of the drivers who signed up? How does the track handle accidents?

[@shaftclub1]

That’s a shitty thing the other driver did - not hanging around. Glad that you didn’t suffer any life changing injuries. As for the car it can be replaced, unlike us. Watching this video reminds me not to bring my main daily to the track and keep with the modified MK 5 Golf gti that is not a big investment yet delivers fun in bucketloads. Have fun choosing your next toy!

[@robertovillarreal8116]

The important thing is that your ok, could have been worse. You live to drive another day. I too have a SLK 350 and love it and enjoyed your videos. Can’t believe the other driver just fled without any concern for you. I totally agree with all your last points. I know it’s early and you’re still thinking in what direction to go but I hope you get another 350 or even a 55. Gave this video a "Like" but I really "Don't Like" . Good luck and get well soon. You live to drive another day.

[@collin4785]

this is why its safer to drive faster than slower on track so much passing is asking for an incident

[@roderickmchardy3650]

thats a sad ending , i was enjoying your videos, and found them educational as i am tempted to get one my self .. i guess it is quite easy to get a faster track car but not one that is also as nice off track .....if you do go for another one then get get the post 08 facelift model , the engine is better as the common problem with the balance wheel and gears has been sorted , and , the auto comes with flappy paddles . good luck

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks for watching! It was sad, yes. The SLK was a great car and I grew fond of it. I’ll be sharing my new track car soon!

[@BuckSkull]

Road to recovery, speedy healing.

[@melaniamai604]

I'm glad you're okay, sorry about your SLK. It did a great job at saving you but please no more track racing!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks Melania, I’m not sure I can promise I won’t go back onto the track :)

[@Hitech82]

That's a shame. Nice car like that. Good thing you were not hurt. I had a guy cross center line in the shut down at the drag strip. Won the race slammed into from behind in the shut down.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Yikes. Hope you’re okay.

[@FairladyS130]

One thing I learnt is that motorsport attracts it's share of idiot and ego driven drivers, it's inevitable. No driving in the rain for me, the risks are instantly multiplied and there is little to be gained in such conditions. Thanks for laying yourself bare though and for explaining your choice of cars.

[@crosisofborg5524]

I had a 280 silk and loved it. It was a lease so I had to turn it in. I really wasn’t to get another one especially since they are affordable to buy now. Now I hear of several serious and expensive flaws in the motor. What’s your take in buying a used silk r171?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

There is one serious known issue that affected the r171 engines related to the balance shaft. I searched and found an extremely well maintained car, never had an issue, drove it hard and never worried.

[@manolismanousakis7251]

I am very sorry ... Sad... What about the remaining of the car?

[@DreamofanObssesion]

That “totalled” SLK350 was probably sold at an auction for 1.2k, got exported directly to El Salvador, was poorly repaired, and it’s probably the SLK350 I’m driving today that I bought on Facebook marketplace for 12k

[@cesarbojorquez7418]

So sad to hear your story. I have almost the same car, and was very interested in your vids. Will you use it as a donor car for parts?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I had a few options with the car and parting it would have been one. I ended up going a different direction.

[@Donny_Bo_Danglez]

Bummer dude!! Random question. Have you ever removed the whole dashboard in that slk 350? I’m in the process of doing it for my friend who has the same car and I have all the screws out and the stereo and the instrument cluster, but still can’t seem to get the dash out. Seems to be holding somewhere near the far front end by the windshield

[@BetweenTheWheels]

No, I haven’t tried that diy. My guess is there is some adhesive involved. Good luck!

[@TheHomeExpert5]

How is it that the people who run the track had no record of who was driving?

[@runentreprise]

too bad for you, i sympathise. Personnaly i don't take this kind of risk in a rainy day or bad drivers with my SLK. even if i enjoy the pleasure of the races with my friends. I'am lucky to have a lot of sunny days where i live. You are OK, keep your moral good. Chris from Reunion Island (France)

[@kenrasmussen4270]

that's really bad luck mate and very poor of the other driver, i also own an SLK350 and know what a great car they are, all the best in the future.

[@itskyb]

Very sorry for the loss of your car.

[@pierreneron9903]

Happy to see you alive. Will you try to find another SLK 350 2005 with manual transmission ?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks! See my latest episode to see what I found.

[@pierreneron9903]

@@BetweenTheWheels Nice!

[@ivandiez9453]

Hello ! sorry about your 350 loss.. are you selling the BIG BRAKE KIT BREMBO you had intslled ?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks. They were buried with the car.

[@spidersrdeadly]

I can’t believe they let you drive on the track with that much water. I don’t drive my slk on the road with weather like that, they are death traps. You were wise to let other drivers pass!

[@mediocreman2]

They should easily be able to track that guy down through track registration info right?

[@bhindiv]

feel your pain ,nice car

[@deadly-x-karma]

Dam bro 😔 RIP Benz 😭

[@recyclespinning9839]

Does insurance cover this , and why wouldn't the other guy be liable ?

[@Gh0stB34r]

Did they ever find the guy? I’d have to imagine someone got the plate or record of who was signed up to be on the track that day

[@fuffoon]

Evidently, with good maintenance and cool normal driving, the lifespan is very long. And for a Mercedes, its not too expensive to maintain. I am thinking about getting one but trying to also remember that materials really aren't making me happier lately.

[@CimonProductions]

rip in peace

[@keithnewton8981]

I have to say where were the track marshals, the track should have been closed that level of standing water is dangerous. Next the person who hit you. His deesiks should be recorded by the safety officer in charge of that days event. His car should not have been removed until all parties had exchanged details accident happen but all accidents need investigating. America need to improve its regulation the track could be held responsible due to there lack of diligence with regards to standing water and having no safety assessment

[@trnovo15]

I am sorry for you hoping you will continue with your You Tube videos. certainly with a new SLK.

[@bennychill7228]

God has a better car for you my friend,as for human's deficiencies is the old America has gone like fart in the wind.sorry about the lost I like ya car too bro.i got the 06 all 280.it was gone too.accident happens.at least you are ok.prayers to you my friend!god bless

[@American-Motors-Corporation]

Omg I hope you are better now!! Did insurance cover the car??????????

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thank you. It took a couple of weeks, but I recovered. As for the car and insurance, that’s a complicated story. I may share some details and recommendations in an upcoming episode.

[@brads.7525]

I'm really sorry for your loss. I was wondering what year was your SLK 350? It looks like a 2006 model. Thanks.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks Brad. It was a 2005.

[@brads.7525]

@@BetweenTheWheels Well, I hope you get back on your feet soon. You were one of the reasons why I got the SLK 350. Oh, how many miles did you have on the 2005 model when you purchased it? I love your videos and I recommend them to friends and family.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Thanks Brad. The car had about 51K on it when I bought it.

[@Themis33]

You're an intelligent guy... The track is flooded and you're not even in a AWD car.... Nutter.👀 Glad you're ok though.

[@tombiowami]

Will you share what insurance you had and the process of filing the claim and how that went?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Hmm... that’s complicated. I may try to share in a future episode.

[@tombiowami]

@@BetweenTheWheels That's a great idea for an episode. I am new to the track world but have not read of anyone who actually used insurance services. We know about track insurance but probably wonder if it really works if needed. There also seems gray areas with standard insurance and non-competition track experiences. Love the videos, thanks!

[@Roskellan]

The other driver should not have been allowed off the track (unless in an ambulance), much less remove his car until the owners of the track had conducted an initial inquiry into the accident and ascertained the condition of all those involved. Even on private tracks there should be consequences for those deemed to have been irresponsible through some negligence on their part, if such is deemed to be the case (not saying it was in this case). In terms of the track conditions how bad does it have to be, before the track is closed, or say the numbers on the track are reduced, additional rules/limitations applied. Apparently some sort of grading takes place of what cars share space together and what driving skills, drivers are attributed with. One would hope your assailant has been marked down and others are made aware of his presence on the track in the future (and others like him - because of poor conduct). All that said it is grueling enough when you stuff your own car, all the worse when it was not your fault.

[@CarlsGarage1]

well time to get a SLK 55 amg, they are about the same price as SLK 350

[@amiatroll6347]

Not a terrible option :D

[@David0Perez0]

The 55 is not manual.

[@bolowbc]

I've never been to a track so I don't know all the details... but don't they have records of who was on a track that day? Seems like track owners should be required to install surveillance systems for events like these.

[@colingroves335]

Sorry to see this happen to such a beautiful machine, but i wouldn't have even attempted to go out on a track, in conditions like that, even in a 4x4, you are asking for trouble.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

I think it will be my last wet track day for sure.

[@gtc150]

R.I.P. Slk

[@hawaii5084]

Nobody in the right mind to be having a track day on a dangerous conditions let alone not having the correct equipment such a a racing wet tires.

[@newcox1260]

Bon courage :'(

[@mediocreman2]

Oh and who paid for the car? Guessing you had track insurance?

[@michaelduong5562]

I feel so sad for you!

[@CarlsGarage1]

What's next? Let's get a SLK 55 AMG!

[@BetweenTheWheels]

We will see!

[@Crimson_Strider]

Would you get another slk350?

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Absolutely

[@flumoxeduk2379]

Such a shame , bad track management . Track day should have been suspended for an hour or so to see if the standing water abated?. The culprit should have hung about out of courtesy, maybe related to Anne sacoolas. plus the track owners should have been on hand to show their involvement and intervened when the culprit tried to leave. I see bad management and maybe a driver going beyond their ability.

[@marcob6314]

its terrible, me to i had a slk 350 and live your bad experience like mine!

[@doctorquestian]

Too bad you even did a 2nd lap. I'll leave driving fast in the rain to Steve McQueen.

[@Void-wm5hh]

I had the same happened to my beautiful 350z..:( it was totaled by some asshole who ran a red light and fled...350z was junked days after. I was very upset.

[@BetweenTheWheels]

Sorry! That’s a bummer but I hope you were okay.

[@Wytnucls]

Boy racers on a waterlogged track. What could possibly go wrong?

[@hawaii5084]

Race at your own risk. I never seen a race track in a poor condition apparently it is not being maintained by the looks of puddle of water. Compare to a professional race track this one failed miserably.

[@denisgalvao]

Clearly a track no day... No go conditions. No fun. Not for amateurs, unfortunately...

[@RoadSurferOfficial]

Did this guy get away with totalling your car? Hit and run is a hit and run. Everyone wanted to flex on your amazing Mercedes. Such a sad state of affairs.

[@christophegerard7283]

Sorry for you

[@Smog420skoosh]

171 likes for the r-171 what are the odds

[@j0nt2]

Ohhh 😢