Superboy10022

Did any of you cross-shop between the SL55 and the Z8?
I would rather buy SL, but i'm wondering why anyone would choose the Z8 over an SL55.

bobafett

Z8 fulfills a coompletely different purpose. A timeless classic that won't be considered aged or dated when the new model comes out. If you look at the design elements, the philosophy, what sparked it, etc. you'll find it to be a very very special car. Buckets of fun to drive, no questions.

The SL has a completely different purpose. Solid built, daily driver, but generally unexciting. It'll go fast, it's convertible and hardtop, and it will work, rain or shine. You'll quickly find yourself looking for that special 'weekend' car, though.

So the real question is, are you looking for practicality or emotional fulfillment?

--Dan

RLich8

I would have to agree with bobafett on this one.

My father owns both an SL500 and a BMW Z8 roadster. They are 2 completely different cars. The SL500 is a luxury coupe/convertible thats a daily-driver. The Z8 is 100% Pure sports car. Pure horsepower too... No forced induction, etc.

I don't consider one being better than the other because they are both timeless works of art, but they are both completely different cars.

Roy

Doctodd33

SL500 not being considered, I consider the Z8 and SL55 to be similar, although different. The Z8 is lighter and easier to throw around. The hardtop mechanism on the SL series is too cool. 16 seconds and you have a completely different car, especially with the SL55. The sound difference with the top up versus down on my SL55 is pretty amazing.

I dont know if BMW will make another Z8 in quite some time. That being said, although they have depreciated quite alot, they might regain some value in the far future. But with "only" 400 horsepower for the Z8, i thought the SL55 was a better buy and more practical. Now that i have an SL55, i really wish it was lighter. Other than that, i absolutley love it.

If $$$ is an issue, the Z8 might be a better decision since they are much cheaper due to the depreciation if you can get a good used one.

T

bobafett

Doc: given production numbers, I want to see how the SL fares at this age.

--Dan

Doctodd33

Bobafett....true, but it sounded like he wanted a car now. If such is the case, he can get a used or new Z8. Z8's are around $90,000 now for a used 2001 or 2002. The 2003 Z8 new MSRP is around $10-20K more than the SL55 i think.....$139,500. Used SL55's arent as common right now as a Z8. The used SL55's i have seen are still asking for near MSRP. This all moot if he asked about a new Z8 vs a new SL55. I would pick an SL55 without thinking twice if comparing new cars.

BTW, i love BMW's and i currently have an X5 which is my daily driver. Im not one of those ignorant *****s who thinks BMW's suck just because they arent a Benz.

T

bobafett

Doc,

Glad to hear there are open minded individuals still around.

Good points about the depreciation - I concur. The only question is one of warranty. If you can find a solid aftermarket solution, I see no reason not to get a used car.

If you are obsessed about bein gthe first one, there are still a few low-mileage Z8s floating around that can be had under MSRP (I recall hearing of an individual who did so for 10k under on a less popular color combo!).

--Dan

blueSL

Production of the Z8 ended some months ago, but it's a nice example of a modern interpretation of a retro style. So, what's out there now is all there's ever going to be. I don't think it's a daily driver of a car, great for weekends heading down the PCH.

tako

I drove it for 3 years and LOVE IT!!!!!!!! One of the best cars I have driven.

tako

Z8 really can be a daily driver. It's easy to drive and it's much faster than it looks. It's also pretty stable and easy to handle.

I also like SL55 but Z8 has totally different character. I think you guys would love Z8, too.

vraa

Amazing shots man! That side shot looks killer even more-so that the car is clean!

P.S. We bought our R230 straight up without even thinking

pocholin

If I had the money I'd go for the SL55, to me it looks better, but that's my opinion and taste.

bobafett

Poch,

You posted the same thing like 5 times. You post-*****.

--Dan

tako

hehehehe

pocholin

OK, I fixed it, I didn't do that on purpose.

WyattH

Problem is, 2003's aren't nearly as cheap. They are Alpina models, and there are only 555 in the world. I have a friend selling a 2003 Alpina Z8 with only 700 miles. It's # 154, Black/Black, perfect condition... He was asking $200k, but that's not going to happen... So make an offer. He also has an SL55, CL55, M3cic, ACS 745, Rover, etc... So you can see his taste in cars. Z8 + SL55 = Bawler!!!!!

WishforE55

nice collection of vehicles there tako...

RJC

One of the more important considerations is all Z8's excluding the 03 alpina are manuals, so you'll have to want to row your own in order to get the real 400hp M powered version, or get the steptronic with 375 hp that's not a true M powered engine.

I've always loved the Z8, a lovely machine.

CarlssonCRS

damn TAKO! do you have enough cars there??

Guest0001

seriously man

how bout some pics of those?

we wouldnt mind seeing it

btw i would take an SL55 AMG over the Z8 hands down

tako

there are some here

CLICK HERE