Modded SL55 destroys BMW Z3 2.5
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
Modded SL55 destroys BMW Z3 2.5
Okay, so I created the title of this thread with tongue in cheek. 
I was actually hoping to start a thread about funny "at the track" stories. I have had a number of them and suspect many of you have as well.
A number of years ago, I rolled out to what used to be called Indianapolis Raceway Park for an evening of street legal 1/4 mile drags. The track prep always sucked which generally resulted in 2.0 60s and low to flat 12s for my modded SL. Still, it was always tons of fun.
One night as I lined up, a guy from the line next to me came up and said "so I guess you are the competition." I look over to see a early new century Z3 2.5. I was afraid if I explained the difference between our cars, I would come off as a pompous ****. After all, the original purchase price of the SL is likely close to five times the price of the Z3. Instead of going into detail, I just said yes.
As luck would have it as we snaked our way to the track, he ended up being next to me. On launch, as usual, the big torque of the 55k caused the tires to scream in protest as they struggled for traction. The Z3 beats me in the 60 ft resulting in a Cheshire cat grin from the driver. Once the SL hooked, it was all over. I ran near 12 flat and the Z3 pulled a 16+. Just for anyone that doesn't know, a 4 second difference in the 1/4 is a brutal beat down. I was on the service lane going back as the Z3 finished his run. I actually felt bad, but not enough to back out of the throttle.
Later that evening, the Z3 driver comes up to me and says "if that is all the faster my car is, I"M SELLING IT." He stomped off before I could say a word which was probably for the best.
I was actually hoping to start a thread about funny "at the track" stories. I have had a number of them and suspect many of you have as well.A number of years ago, I rolled out to what used to be called Indianapolis Raceway Park for an evening of street legal 1/4 mile drags. The track prep always sucked which generally resulted in 2.0 60s and low to flat 12s for my modded SL. Still, it was always tons of fun.
One night as I lined up, a guy from the line next to me came up and said "so I guess you are the competition." I look over to see a early new century Z3 2.5. I was afraid if I explained the difference between our cars, I would come off as a pompous ****. After all, the original purchase price of the SL is likely close to five times the price of the Z3. Instead of going into detail, I just said yes.
As luck would have it as we snaked our way to the track, he ended up being next to me. On launch, as usual, the big torque of the 55k caused the tires to scream in protest as they struggled for traction. The Z3 beats me in the 60 ft resulting in a Cheshire cat grin from the driver. Once the SL hooked, it was all over. I ran near 12 flat and the Z3 pulled a 16+. Just for anyone that doesn't know, a 4 second difference in the 1/4 is a brutal beat down. I was on the service lane going back as the Z3 finished his run. I actually felt bad, but not enough to back out of the throttle.
Later that evening, the Z3 driver comes up to me and says "if that is all the faster my car is, I"M SELLING IT." He stomped off before I could say a word which was probably for the best.
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2004 SL55
You exaggerate. Four seconds is roughly 40 car lengths. 
You were not on the service road, but more than likely back to the staging lanes by the time he crossed the finish line.
I know this because about a month ago I took my DD (2011 MDX) to the Friday night street races at my local strip (just to watch) and figured that I'd pay for a couple of passes out of curiosity. Ended up next to a modded C5 Z06. He ran a low 12 and I a 16.17.
He was actually in line at the concession stand ordering a pizza by the time I got back to the S Lanes.
You were not on the service road, but more than likely back to the staging lanes by the time he crossed the finish line. I know this because about a month ago I took my DD (2011 MDX) to the Friday night street races at my local strip (just to watch) and figured that I'd pay for a couple of passes out of curiosity. Ended up next to a modded C5 Z06. He ran a low 12 and I a 16.17.
He was actually in line at the concession stand ordering a pizza by the time I got back to the S Lanes.
Last edited by BobLibSL55; Aug 31, 2014 at 04:09 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
You exaggerate. Four seconds is roughly 40 car lengths. You were not on the service road, but more than likely back to the staging lanes by the time he crossed the finish line.
I know this because about a month ago I took my DD (2011 MDX) to the Friday night street races at my local strip (just to watch) and figured that I'd pay for a couple of passes out of curiosity. Ended up next to a modded C5 Z06. He ran a low 12 and I a 16.17. He was actually in line at the concession stand ordering a pizza by the time I got back to the S Lanes.
You were not on the service road, but more than likely back to the staging lanes by the time he crossed the finish line. I know this because about a month ago I took my DD (2011 MDX) to the Friday night street races at my local strip (just to watch) and figured that I'd pay for a couple of passes out of curiosity. Ended up next to a modded C5 Z06. He ran a low 12 and I a 16.17.
He was actually in line at the concession stand ordering a pizza by the time I got back to the S Lanes.
I have been meaning to run my ML500 just for fun. I'm thinking it might be keen competition for your MDX.
Was at the track once and lined up next to a Yaris. I forget what he ran, but he was having a great time with the rest of us.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: South Florida
2014 E63, Cobra replica, 68 Camaro, 66 Chevy II SS, Z4 BMW, Honda Element, Birel 125cc Shifter Kart.
Haha, good one. Knew there was something up with this post . My wife drives a 2.5 Z4 and it's one of the few cars I really don't like. Too small for even an average sized guy, over priced, and slow as can be. It's a chick car.
