DreRX8

I took my mom to check out the SLK350 today--and I was impressed. She currently has an SLK230 and this car was 3x better in every way. When I drove it, the salesman told me to 'not hold back' but I kept it sane. Of course coming out of the RX8 I was spoiled to the sharp handling, but the 350 was very solid. The interior is top notch and the convertible top is virtually silent compared to the mechanics of the 1st gen SLK. The engine note was noticible-but not obtrusive--it didn't sound as good as the VQ series V6 from Nissan though. The power (268HP) was impressive--mated with a 7 speed automatic. The specs say that the auto runs to 60 in 5.6 seconds and the Manual in 5.5 seconds--I must say it felt like it. This car felt very powerful and is quite torquey--it felt faster than the 350Z and I have no doubts that the auto SLK could dispatch the 350Z 6 spd routinely. Honestly, the SLK55 is overkill after experiencing the power band of the SLK350.

BlueEyes

There is no such thing as overkill with respect to power dre!
Glad to hear it's a solid ride, I love the looks, and can't wait to see one in person.

RXE16T

The new SLK's are HOT!
My missus actually wanted me to trade my 8 in on one......... but she won't let me get a Lotus though.

Dlrosie

I'm drooling.

truemagellen

still a Mercedes...the taxi cabs of the Middle East

*cough* *cough* *crap* *cough* :p

RX8-79

M'eh. I'd take the better-handling and almost-as-fast-with-much-less power Z4 first if I wanted a high-end roadster.

I have to wonder about Benz and these 7 speed autos. Six speed autos are still relatively new, is 7 really necessary?

truemagellen

Reminds be of a hilarious Onion article here is a quote:

"Now we're standing around with our ***** in our hands, selling three blades and a strip. Moisture or no, suddenly we're the chumps. Well, **** it. We're going to five blades."
:D :p

Here is the article, yanked from the Onion: http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~arobic.../Gillette.html

DreRX8

LOL--for my mom it is :p

Fanman

I had the previous generation SLK 230 (modded). I think if I look at another car down the line it will be the SLK 55 AMG. I'm not sure how long I will keep the RX8, but if I don't have a family in a few years I will definitely look at the SLK.

AQA101

The new SLK is plain beautiful, true.

But it's certainly bloody expensive as well and not so much superior to the 350Z roadster (imho). Anyway, I guess that together with the new Boxter it will trash the market for the BMW Z4 in Germany.

DreRX8

Fanman--what mods did you do to the SLK230? Also as far as the SLK being superior to the 350Z roadster--I could see the 15K price premium, the quality in the SLK is 1st rate compared to the cheap feel of the 350ZR, you also get the security of the retractable hardtop, and not to mention Mercedes cachet and resale value. The SLK350 is also slightly quicker.

PaulieWalnuts

Damn nice taxi

Fanman

I can't believe you are actually comparing a 350Z convertible to an SLK 350. The SLK is the antithesis of the 350Z. I was all set to purchase a 350Z counvertible touring version (leather seats) but I got the RX8 instead. The only comparison between the two is they both have 2 seats & a 6 cyl. engine, that's it. The Mercedes is a far superior vehicle in almost every way. The 350Z interior is among the worst I have ever seen. The plastic is about 2 grades lower than the RX8's, and the seating position in the 350Z is like a bathtub. The extra weight of the convertible version is readily apparent, and the 350Z convertible just wants to understeer around any aggressive corner. I would highly recommend you drive the two before proclaiming the SLK 350 as "not much superior to the 350Z roadster." Not to mention one has a folding hardtop convertible roof, and the other has a conventional (and quite a bit nosier) fabric top.

DreRX8,

I had a pulley kit, K&N air filter, Supersprint header, & Remus exhaust on my SLK 230. Fun, but still not that fast.

irish8

Taxi please!!! :D I do like the new SLK. I'm not sure about the rear end styling. It looks a little off to me! Anybody else feel the rear looks whacky?

- Irish

BlueEyes

Anyone know if BMW is going to make an M version of the Z4?

RX Renesis

that would be NUTS!!!.... i doube it tho.... if they do i'll buy it... i like the Z4... it's sooo nice.... but it does kinda lack some power if compared to a SLK55 which i think MB will make one soon....


also.... the SLK350 may feel sooo much more powerful is probally ur used to the 230SCed engine... but this is the new 350... so there is quite a difference in power....

AQA101

Well, in a way I do. You're certainly right that the comparison is not exactly "perfect" but the 20k € difference should explain the quality differences. As far as numbers go, the cars can be compared, though the Z is rather the equivalent of the Crossfire, which is in the same price range.

The real counterpart would be the new Porsche Boxter S - which is not exactly easy prey for the SLK. If you actually the price difference between Z and SLK to the SLK price you get into the new Porsche 911 convertible territory ... now that's where discussion becomes obsolete and from that point of view you're correct, that's a comparison of cars from different worlds as well.

AQA101

The M version of the Z3 was a coupe, there is no such version of the Z4 so far. And they still have the Z8 in the high price region (not sure if it's still available tough).

RX Renesis

y u wanna compare 350Z to SLK? one is luxuary and one is sporty... but i have to say... the 350Z do suck bad...

i also like the front of the new SLK... but the rear is just plain weird....

hotpot

The M Roadster was the M version of the Z3.
We could expect an M version of the Z4 too.

RX Renesis

hopefully it doesn't look liek the MZ3... with that hatchback the looks fo the Z4 could be ruined....

hotpot

No, the Z3 M Roadster was a convertible.
The M Coupe was the hatchback version.

co3

"Although early reported BMW weren’t going to build an M-Power Z4 allowing the “Alpina roadster S” to top the marquee, BMW has now decided to build a Z4M, using the new forthcoming M3s 4.0 litre V8 capable of extracting 400 Bhp. Body modifications will include standard hard top, rear spoiler, upgrade brakes & 18” wheels."

source: www.bmw2002.co.uk

RX Renesis

omg.... omfg.... that thigns gonna be a beast.... some compition for slk and clks now...