vhawk

Hi all;
As mentioned in another thread, I'm currently driving a 2003 BMW Z4 - I love it, but after 4+ years I'm beginning to look for a potential replacement.
I've concluded I love roadsters too much to consider something more practical like the new BMW 3 series or 1 series Cabrios or the upcoming Audi A5 or A3 Cabrios.
And of all the roadsters, I like the styling of the new SLK most and based on reviews it appears to be very good in the handling dept.
Now for my question: Based on my experience with the Z4, North American roads are such that it's difficult to get more than a fraction out of what these cars are capable of, so - is there any point in getting a 350 rather than the 280 (other than the exhaust having a throatier rumble)?
I have yet to test drive either of these vehicles, but my assumption is that the 280 will be more than adequate for my needs and that is probably the way I'm going unless someone can give some reasons as to why I should consider the 350.
TIA.

-1-

I don't have any experience with the SLK 280. I like the price of the SLK 280 and for the most part, you can't distinguish between the two. When in doubt, go with the SLK 350 if your budget will allow it. Regardless, which ever you choose, enjoy it, and don't look back.

joetarin

I was in your scenario when trying to decide between the 2. But, I ultimately decided to get the 350 simply because I was coming out of an E46 M3 and the 280 was too significant of a power decrease from that. Also, I fell in love with the exhuast note of the 350 vs. the 280. The 350 seems perfect for me in terms of off the line power. The 350 does the speed limit just fine, as does the 280. As -1- says, if you can afford the 350 go for it. If not, then the 280 will suffice.

Ikarus

That's right. If you're like me and don't find 0-60 in 6s too shabby for driving within legal limits, the 280 will do just fine. Whichever of the two you get, make sure it comes with the airscarf and heated seats.

FishtailnZ

Another option you might want to consider is a low mileage used 350 instead of a new 280 - cost will be less and you won't be left wanting "more" in case the 280 doesn't satisfy after some time in the saddle. Heck you might even find a good deal on a '55 out there somewhere. Test driving both will be very important, as I'm sure you know - that's the most telling first step.

Ikarus

... which - for some mysterious reason known only to the head honchos at AMG - is not offered with a manual transmission.

vhawk

Thanks. That's kinda what I'm thinking as well.
I currently find very few opportunities where 0 - 60 mph in sub 6 secs are even an option, so a 280 should be more than adequate for my needs.
That said, I'll need to test drive each model before I make a final decision.

vhawk

Hmmmmm , a low mileage '55 - interesting . I see you have an '06 '55... How many Kms do you have on her?

FishtailnZ

All my previous car have been manuals and while I thought, at first, I'd miss it...but I haven't, and don't once the gas pedal is pinned

FishtailnZ

Just coming up on 15k now...no it's not for sale *L* - I see you're in the Forces from your avatar?

vhawk

I used to be (RCAC Reserves) when I was much younger. I just think it's a cool emblem...
BTW, I really didn't think you'd bite on my baited hook.. As well, a '55 would be a tad too much for me anyway..
Another BTW, do you think that MB Canada will ever bring prices closer in line to U.S. prices now that we have a $.94 dollar.
The Canadian versions of the 280, 350 & '55 list at $60.5K, $67K & $85.5K respectively and that's approx 40% more than U.S. prices rather than the 7% it should be if prices reflected by the actual exchange rate..

FishtailnZ

Yes the price differences that now exist is crazy! And MB plays the game with U.S. cars not covered under warranty up here and/or needing to spend big bucks to bring U.S. cars into compliance with Canadian regs...yea right

I don't see our prices lowering any time soon, if at all. I think you're more likely to see U.S. prices rise gradually somewhat over the next while if their currency stays low compared to that of other regions.

P.S. re the Forces, was just curious - I'm in Coast Guard Search and Rescue and we work closely with them (Halifax and Trenton especially).

P.P.S. it is a cool emblem! Maybe I should change mine too...

vhawk

Wow, I've never seen Cdn CG S&R emblem before - I really like it.
It would make for a very nice avatar..

FishtailnZ

May as well, change is good *L*.

Duo-Art

Search and Rescue!! WOW. You folks are fantastic.

CLK500man

First, I completely understand your admiration for your Z4 my sister leased a 2004 for herself and I helped her to find one right for her. I helped her drive that car for at least 2,000 miles, FUN BMW!

The SLK 280 is quicker/more hp & tq than the 2003-5 Z4 3.0i and
it has more hp & tq than a 2006.5-8 Z4 3.0i. If you need more power than this, the 350/55 AMG is for you.

SLK is more roomy and comfortable, plus retractable hardtop, compared top down with both OEM windblockers in place the SLK is serene at 70mph, the Z4 is quite drafty.

I have a 7-g-tronic auto but with the AMG pack it includes paddle shifters (with a full manual mode like my CLS 63) and sport suspension, manual tran is available.

The EPA numbers are optimistic for the BMW and are underrated for the SLK 280.

Having extensively driven both, not just long test drives, I prefer the SLK over the Z4 series any day, when comparably equipped.

2008s should be here soon, I got a good deal on my 2007 SLK280.
Ask me this in 2003-4 and the z4 wins hands down.

Since this is 2007 the slk is a great competitor to the Z4.
I wonder what BMW has in line for the next Z4?

I feel the P Boxter is not comparable to either; different german ideas entirely.

Just my 2 cents...

FishtailnZ

Thanks

vhawk

Thanks. It's great to get feedback from someone who has driven both cars (Z4 & new model SLK).
The 3.0i is more than enough for me, so based on your experience, the 280 will meet all my needs (trunk space excluded).
Thanks again

Dema

I am also planning to replace Z4 by SLK. However I test drove 280 and decided that it isn't powerful enough for me. 350 looks better and it's only $4K more.

SLKfor2

I do agree that the 17's make the 350 look better. Other than that, the bodies are identical. Opt for the 280, and if you are going to uprage the wheels aftermarket or select the Appearance Pkg (I am really glad I got this option), this will eliminate any significant difference in exterior appearance - other than the 280 badge I suppose...

Ynot

The brakes are different, specs from MBusa.com

SLK350
Brakes Dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. 13.0" perforated and ventilated front discs and 11.4" solid rear discs. Dual-piston fixed front and dual-piston fixed rear calipers.

SLK280
Brakes Dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. 11.8" ventilated front discs and 10.9" solid rear discs. Single-piston floating front and dual-piston fixed rear calipers.

You can definately tell by looking at the brakes, it's equivalent to looking at SLK55 brakes to the SLK350, it's much bigger.

alroumi

I dont recall who mentioned this but props to him or her, the price difference between a fully loaded 280 vs 350 has decreased to around 4,000 dollars.

Good thing for potential owners as they have a better deal with a 350 now.

SLK_Roy

I tried both the 280 and the 350. The 280, is as you pointed out, "adequate". I however found that the torque curve on the 280 had some noticeable flatspots when pushing the limits. For round town, everyday commute the 280 would be perfect. I went with the 350, just because of the grins it brings as i work up through the gears. Both cars are wonderful, in my case, more power was the factor that moved me.

alroumi

Good for you, the 280 has flatspots in the lower rpm range

Shinigami

I too have extensively driven the Z4 (from the small engine variations, all the way to the M).

In some regards, the SLK is better, but it depends a lot on what you 'expect' from a car.

Now, I haven't driven a 280 yet (just the 200, 350 and 55), but as with any vehicle purchase, the most important test is to go for a drive on your own so that you can explore the vehicle. I hear most people saying that the 350 is a little better, mostly due to the extra power, but also don't forget to take into the equation things such as sporty springs versus the default ones (way too sloppy). This alone (i.e. driving a poorly equipped vehicle) can skew your perceptions by a great deal.

Oh, and good luck on whatever decision it is you make.