BMWMB

Hard to believe all the Z8 Bashing I have seen. I have owned Mercedes and BMW's exclusively (with the exception of a couple Porcshe's and ferrari's) for the past 22 years. I have been partial to both because of the quality standards versus all else. I have purchased a LE Edition and have enjoyed it for the few days I have had it. I must say though, that it does not hold a candle to the craftmanship found in the Z8. If you set the two side by side and look at how everything is fitted .. both interior and exterior, you can easily see why it take 10 days to produce a Z8 versus 1 or 2 days on the SL's. From the standpoint of design, I feel the Z8 is far superior and unique. Comments regarding dealers hammering patrons for 100k over sticker .. I agree that is awful, but the bottom line is that the Z8 commanded those lofty numbers. The SL's are worth over sticker because of early demand .. but more in the tune of 20-30k over.
I feel fortunate to own both, bit if I could keep only one ... it would be the Z8 by a landslide. Again .. I love my SL, and plan on having some very enjoyable driving with this car.

pdutta2000

I think MB owners are extremely excited to see a very beautiful, and competant sports car from MB. Rightly so I might add. You can't deny the performance numbers that the SL55 will bring to the table. You can't deny the pure technology that MB has added; Distronic, Keyless Go, Brake by Wire. You can't deny the mystique of the SL name. Gullwing doors anyone? Finally, you can't deny the pure genius that is the convetible hardtop. Yeah, it's been done before...but after seeing it in action (you know this from first hand experience), you have to admit that MB might have perfected it.

Have I mentioned that no other car maker in the world has a convertible that can go 200 mph? In an age of 0-60 times and top speeds, the SL stacks up with the best sports cars and the best luxury cars. For the love of god the car has ventilated seats to keep my fat butt cool!!

hwt1964

I can understand BMWMB's response as it pertains to the SL500 vs. Z8--it's tough to compare 400 HP and 4.7 0-60 on the Z8 to the SL500's wimpy 302HP and 6.2 0-60 times (which I think are disappointing, given that BMW is getting something like 340HP out of their 4.4L on the new 745i).

The Benz is clear not in the same performance league (which doesn't make it a bad car, or a lesser car). In its defense, it's a $87K car, vs. the Z8's 135K pricetag. I'd still probably take the SL500, but it'd be a tough call.

the SL55 would be the right comparison. I'd probably take the SL over the Z8 in a heartbeat.