BMW Z3 vs Mercedes SLK
- Thread starter thehills5000
- Start date
My opinion go with the Z3 it’s a little newer and is going to keep its value for a little longer than the SLK – the problem is I think the Z3 is small (like really small) unless you’ve test driven them both and that’s not a problem.
The Z3 was a pretty problem free car – just like it’s big brother the Z4 is today.
The Z3 is built tight like the SLK, I like them both but prefer the Z3 because of the fact that it drives smoother, and does better in the twistys.
According to NADA yellow book the price range for the Z3 is anywhere from $25 to $30,000. The SLK is $20 to $23,000.
Not to mention the true difference in these cars the Z3 has extremely low miles on it – I’m sure it hasn’t even had an oil change yet (I hope it has). The SLK is kind of up there but probably well driven and well spent.
The trade off you’d pay less for the SLK but the Z3 still has a warranty (Assuming).
Buy the Z3 you’ll be happy.
Posts some pictures if you buy either.
The Z3 was a pretty problem free car – just like it’s big brother the Z4 is today.
The Z3 is built tight like the SLK, I like them both but prefer the Z3 because of the fact that it drives smoother, and does better in the twistys.
According to NADA yellow book the price range for the Z3 is anywhere from $25 to $30,000. The SLK is $20 to $23,000.
Not to mention the true difference in these cars the Z3 has extremely low miles on it – I’m sure it hasn’t even had an oil change yet (I hope it has). The SLK is kind of up there but probably well driven and well spent.
The trade off you’d pay less for the SLK but the Z3 still has a warranty (Assuming).
Buy the Z3 you’ll be happy.
Posts some pictures if you buy either.
Definitely Z3....
I used to own a 1999 SLK 230 5-speed, and I don't know how to say 'lemon' in German, but man, this car was one. The trick top is nice, and I guess if you get the sport package (I didn't have it), the car looks cool, but there are several negatives - especially wit hth '99MY.
First of all, the Kompressor sounds like a tugboat - no joke. The car is also a little heavy for it's size, and it's an MB so it can't be as visceral a sports car experience as a BMW (I can't speak for the Z3, I've got a Z4). I had a few electrical problems with mine (lights, a/c unit) and all of the microswitches that operate the top had to be replaced. The switches are a known issue w/MB and may have even been recalled for '99. When one breaks, the top stops working - no matter what position its in.
I'm not going to say that I didn't enjoy the SLK after having traded a Camaro for it, but I will say that now I own a BMW roadster and can't imagine EVER buying another MB convertible. Yeah, the top is cool, but you don't drive the top - you drive the car!!
Good luck, whatever you decide!
I used to own a 1999 SLK 230 5-speed, and I don't know how to say 'lemon' in German, but man, this car was one. The trick top is nice, and I guess if you get the sport package (I didn't have it), the car looks cool, but there are several negatives - especially wit hth '99MY.
First of all, the Kompressor sounds like a tugboat - no joke. The car is also a little heavy for it's size, and it's an MB so it can't be as visceral a sports car experience as a BMW (I can't speak for the Z3, I've got a Z4). I had a few electrical problems with mine (lights, a/c unit) and all of the microswitches that operate the top had to be replaced. The switches are a known issue w/MB and may have even been recalled for '99. When one breaks, the top stops working - no matter what position its in.
I'm not going to say that I didn't enjoy the SLK after having traded a Camaro for it, but I will say that now I own a BMW roadster and can't imagine EVER buying another MB convertible. Yeah, the top is cool, but you don't drive the top - you drive the car!!
Good luck, whatever you decide!
Convertible top
From your original quote, it souds like you want the convertible more than the car. You still have to consider all your options thou. Doesn't the Mercedes have a hard top that slips into the trunk? In my opinion that is cool and less noise and wont be messed up later. That is not to say the Z3 or Z4 top is bad just not as cool in my opinion. I wish my Z3 had a rear glass window instead of the plastic one. Does anyone know if the Z4 has glass or plastic rear window?
From your original quote, it souds like you want the convertible more than the car. You still have to consider all your options thou. Doesn't the Mercedes have a hard top that slips into the trunk? In my opinion that is cool and less noise and wont be messed up later. That is not to say the Z3 or Z4 top is bad just not as cool in my opinion. I wish my Z3 had a rear glass window instead of the plastic one. Does anyone know if the Z4 has glass or plastic rear window?
![[^]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_approve.gif "Approved [^]"){kind=icon}
