SL/R230: Z4 v SL350....
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BMW 535d Touring
Z4 v SL350....
Drove a 3.0 Z4 yesterday while out looking for a replacement E-class or 5-series for my 530d, now sold. Its not going to be another 5, but I'm not sure about the E-class either. Test drive on Tuesday.
Its a well sorted little car, the Z4, with brilliant ride and handling, better than a Boxter's IMO, although it looks a little prissy.....Getting back into the SL350 it seemed bulky in comparison but it is a much larger, roomier car.
I was feeling a little tempted by the Z4 after a ride out with a BMW salesman, but his attitude changed (as did mine) when we got back to the showroom to find the waiting ensemble of invited guests around the SL, parked with the top down and looking good, instead of the line of Z4's they'd all booked to drive.
They couldn't wait to get me off the lot.....
Its a well sorted little car, the Z4, with brilliant ride and handling, better than a Boxter's IMO, although it looks a little prissy.....Getting back into the SL350 it seemed bulky in comparison but it is a much larger, roomier car.
I was feeling a little tempted by the Z4 after a ride out with a BMW salesman, but his attitude changed (as did mine) when we got back to the showroom to find the waiting ensemble of invited guests around the SL, parked with the top down and looking good, instead of the line of Z4's they'd all booked to drive.
They couldn't wait to get me off the lot.....
Last edited by Mustard; Jun 22, 2003 at 04:42 PM.
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Mustard - trying to work out where you're coming from? Are you trying to decide between a Z4 and E class estate? Somewhat different cars? 
Having said that I have my name down for a new SLK (not to replace my SL55) and am intrigued my your comment about Z4 being better than Boxter. I guess I'd better try a Z4!
Having said that I have my name down for a new SLK (not to replace my SL55) and am intrigued my your comment about Z4 being better than Boxter. I guess I'd better try a Z4!
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You're right - a few glasses of rouge plonk and my thought processes don't get onto the keypad very logically....
I was at the BMW garage looking at the current 5-series with a view perhaps to getting one of the last of this series instead of an E-class Estate. SHWBO wants a 3-series. The 5 does now look a little dated and did not seem a good buy despite discounts, so I'm test driving the E-class Estate this week. Autocar tests it on Wednesday and claim it might be Mercedes best ever car. Its a big car, but disguises its bulk well c/f the last model. Anyway...
The salesman invited me to test drive the Z4. It was a far better sorted car than our last SLK - the new one might be very different. The Z4 looks better in the flesh than in photos - some colours look a bit girly, but the thing flies. It was still tight, but the steering, ride and handling were bloody good. I'm not considering one - it just woke me up to the fact that BM's are still very good drivers cars. The M4 should be something else...
I'm considering ordering an SLK just for resale but my guess is the early ones this time may not fetch a premium....especially er, with that nose.
I was at the BMW garage looking at the current 5-series with a view perhaps to getting one of the last of this series instead of an E-class Estate. SHWBO wants a 3-series. The 5 does now look a little dated and did not seem a good buy despite discounts, so I'm test driving the E-class Estate this week. Autocar tests it on Wednesday and claim it might be Mercedes best ever car. Its a big car, but disguises its bulk well c/f the last model. Anyway...
The salesman invited me to test drive the Z4. It was a far better sorted car than our last SLK - the new one might be very different. The Z4 looks better in the flesh than in photos - some colours look a bit girly, but the thing flies. It was still tight, but the steering, ride and handling were bloody good. I'm not considering one - it just woke me up to the fact that BM's are still very good drivers cars. The M4 should be something else...
I'm considering ordering an SLK just for resale but my guess is the early ones this time may not fetch a premium....especially er, with that nose.
Last edited by Mustard; Jun 22, 2003 at 05:04 PM.
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I'll be interested in your thoughts on the new E. In the driving department IMHO there isnt sufficient difference (improvement) between it and its predecessor for us to consider changing our 2 year old E320 Cdi estate. In terms of bells and whistles, loading features, audio etc thats a different matter.
In contrast, I think (and hope) the new SLK will be a significant driving improvement. New engines, new 7 speed auto box, revised suspension and parameter speed sensitive steering should see to that. But I hear no prospect of ABC.
Btw also drove the new CLK 320 cabriolet. Nice car but ride quality nothing like as composed on UK roads as the SL.
In contrast, I think (and hope) the new SLK will be a significant driving improvement. New engines, new 7 speed auto box, revised suspension and parameter speed sensitive steering should see to that. But I hear no prospect of ABC.
Btw also drove the new CLK 320 cabriolet. Nice car but ride quality nothing like as composed on UK roads as the SL.
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SL boy, how do u rate the ride quality of the SL as compared to thr old E-class? AMG and standard.
If it were my money,
A merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc,a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc.
Hope that helps some.
If it were my money,
A merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc,a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc, a merc is a merc.
Hope that helps some.
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I'm no particular fan of BMWs but I do think the flame styling of late works better in the Z4 that in the 5 and 7. I've seen a couple of Z4s on the road, a vast improvement on the Z3 and the minimalist interior is great. It's the only car from the range I'd be remotely tempted by (other than the Mini Cooper).
If it's now stolen the Boxster crown, the new SLK is going to have to be very good to compete as a driver's car. You can bet that Mercedes have a Z4 in bits to do a detailed competitive assessment of what the SLK is up against...
All of them make TVRs look completely ridiculous though....
I do hope the SLR nose is not going to make it into the SL; it's said to be inspired by the Formula 1 cars but given their lack of real success, it's hardly something to crow about. It's a bit like modelling your business on Enron...
The SLR has been criticised for lack of interior space - the engine sits behind the front axle and is described as a mid-engined car but the gearbox then intrudes into the cabin. The I-can-do-no-wrong" Gordon Murray is a bean-pole of a man so he probably didn't care. Admittedly Georg Kacher is a big man but this driving postion is not comfortable... but what do you expect for $400k?
If it's now stolen the Boxster crown, the new SLK is going to have to be very good to compete as a driver's car. You can bet that Mercedes have a Z4 in bits to do a detailed competitive assessment of what the SLK is up against...
All of them make TVRs look completely ridiculous though....
I do hope the SLR nose is not going to make it into the SL; it's said to be inspired by the Formula 1 cars but given their lack of real success, it's hardly something to crow about. It's a bit like modelling your business on Enron...
The SLR has been criticised for lack of interior space - the engine sits behind the front axle and is described as a mid-engined car but the gearbox then intrudes into the cabin. The I-can-do-no-wrong" Gordon Murray is a bean-pole of a man so he probably didn't care. Admittedly Georg Kacher is a big man but this driving postion is not comfortable... but what do you expect for $400k?
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Originally posted by Mustard
Did you see Autocar rate the Z4 over the Boxter? Will the SLK be as good? Which one should I buy?
Did you see Autocar rate the Z4 over the Boxter? Will the SLK be as good? Which one should I buy?
AutoExpress: Boxter better than Z4
I guess can't really be much between them. I think Autocar tested the similarly priced 2.7 Boxter and it was just beaten in performance by the Z4. I have my name down for a new SLK and will drive this before making any decision.
One point unlike the R230 SL and SLK (in 1996), BMW seems to be quickly satisfying customer orders for the Z4. Local BMW dealer claims to have already delivered 26 Z4s. If I wanted one now they have 2 in stock (silver and grey). If I want my own spec, delivery is October.
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Originally posted by Bilal
SL boy, how do u rate the ride quality of the SL as compared to thr old E-class? AMG and standard.
.
SL boy, how do u rate the ride quality of the SL as compared to thr old E-class? AMG and standard.
.
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Thank you.
that is amazing, my dad's W210 E-class seems to be the most comfortable car I have ever diven/rode in, and now that my dream car along the SLR:o rides like an S600, exactly what the doctor ordered for UK roads.
Come on guys, the SLR is da bombe! A tad expensive but that defines exclusivity. Illogical I know. BlueSL what mag is that pic from? I have the Autocar review of the SLR and its just a collection of praise, what more can you ask for for a review of the SLR? 
BTW Tuesday's Atuocar has Viper vs. SL55 cover story so might be worth a read
that is amazing, my dad's W210 E-class seems to be the most comfortable car I have ever diven/rode in, and now that my dream car along the SLR:o rides like an S600, exactly what the doctor ordered for UK roads.
Come on guys, the SLR is da bombe! A tad expensive but that defines exclusivity. Illogical I know. BlueSL what mag is that pic from? I have the Autocar review of the SLR and its just a collection of praise, what more can you ask for for a review of the SLR?
BTW Tuesday's Atuocar has Viper vs. SL55 cover story so might be worth a read
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The picture is of Georg Kacher who I rate as a reviewer, none of the hyperbole you get in Autocar. The picture's from the Car review of the SLR this month, they like it of course and plan to compare it with the Enzo and Carrera GT (what about theZonda?) later in the year.
Thanks for the heads-up on the Viper/SL55 comparison...
Thanks for the heads-up on the Viper/SL55 comparison...
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I am not sure if Euro Z4s are substantialy different from US, but I have driven US Z4 6 cyl and was completely turned off by the cheap and gimmicky interior, lack of serious torque and soft top.
My SLK320 in comparison is faster than the Z4, better interior and the hard top is a better optio for a year round roadster.
Just my bias opinion I guess.
My SLK320 in comparison is faster than the Z4, better interior and the hard top is a better optio for a year round roadster.
Just my bias opinion I guess.
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This weeks UK Autocar magazine says the US and UK spec Z4's are different in the ride quality. The UK spec has sports suspension as standard. The US spec suspension is much softer. Dont know whether sports suspension is available as an option in the US.
I too dislike the Z4 interior. Its so minimalist it looks cheap to me too. I have my name registered for the new SLK due next year and will probably buy one.
I too dislike the Z4 interior. Its so minimalist it looks cheap to me too. I have my name registered for the new SLK due next year and will probably buy one.
Last edited by SL Boy; Jul 7, 2003 at 05:10 PM.
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Yes the interior of the Z4 does look cheap - the painted, orange-peel belt line across the front dash is dismal. But then I thought the dash effect in my SLK was hardly inspired. I wouldn't say the Z4 lacked high end torque - I thought it was nicely balanced.
Having seen it again in the flesh I just don't like the styling - but then the nose of the new SLK just does not work! It doesn't!! Its a proboscis of absolutely appalling design indecency - worse than any flame effect and it will, mark my words, not be universally well received by reviewers and punters alike.
The rest of the car is well done - but like any beauty, a nose can spoil the best of bodies!!
All IMVHO, of course.
Having seen it again in the flesh I just don't like the styling - but then the nose of the new SLK just does not work! It doesn't!! Its a proboscis of absolutely appalling design indecency - worse than any flame effect and it will, mark my words, not be universally well received by reviewers and punters alike.
The rest of the car is well done - but like any beauty, a nose can spoil the best of bodies!!
All IMVHO, of course.
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Well, looks like the rest of this board is at odds with me, I confess though I haven't seen a Z4 interior close up... not that I'm about to buy one anyway (that graunching noise you can hear is of furious back-pedalling by blueSL....)
I agree with you about the nose, it's awful, we caught a glimpse during the factory trip in May on the SLK, hopefully everyone will be so negative that any plans to do the same to the SL will be canned.
BTW Mustard, I've decided I do agree with you about the location of the indicator stalk on the SL, it's set too low (in my not-at-all humble opinion, of course).
I agree with you about the nose, it's awful, we caught a glimpse during the factory trip in May on the SLK, hopefully everyone will be so negative that any plans to do the same to the SL will be canned.
BTW Mustard, I've decided I do agree with you about the location of the indicator stalk on the SL, it's set too low (in my not-at-all humble opinion, of course).
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Yes, BlueSL, that damn stalk continues to haunt me. I'm still setting the cruise control by mistake, so I'm accelerating around corners I'm meant to be slowing and indicating for......
And the rest? - well, it takes a big man to back pedal so furiously :p
And the rest? - well, it takes a big man to back pedal so furiously :p
Last edited by Mustard; Jul 8, 2003 at 11:47 AM.
