SLK/R171: Z4 vs 280 vs 350 vs facelift
01-27-2008, 05:29 AM
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Z4 vs 280 vs 350 vs facelift
Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum.
I'm thinking of getting either a Z4 or an SLK. I'm undecided, I like the Z4 more but my better half prefers the SLK.
Also, I'm thinking if I head down the SLK route, I'm undecided between a used 280 and a used 350. Obviously, the 350 is a lot more powerful but cars are very expensive here in Singapore, 3-4x the price of the US, so I like to keep within budget. (for eg, the used 280 I'm looking at now cost USD 115k)
How different are the 2 cars? I'm into modding but I won't track the car.
Finally, I'm concerned if I get a used SLK now, its resale value will be whacked hard as the new facelift is due out sometime this year. I don't plan to buy a new SLK.
Would appreciate all your thoughts and feedback.
Cheers,
Z33
I'm new to this forum.
I'm thinking of getting either a Z4 or an SLK. I'm undecided, I like the Z4 more but my better half prefers the SLK.
Also, I'm thinking if I head down the SLK route, I'm undecided between a used 280 and a used 350. Obviously, the 350 is a lot more powerful but cars are very expensive here in Singapore, 3-4x the price of the US, so I like to keep within budget. (for eg, the used 280 I'm looking at now cost USD 115k)
How different are the 2 cars? I'm into modding but I won't track the car.
Finally, I'm concerned if I get a used SLK now, its resale value will be whacked hard as the new facelift is due out sometime this year. I don't plan to buy a new SLK.
Would appreciate all your thoughts and feedback.
Cheers,
Z33
01-31-2008, 12:27 PM
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The Z4 is fun to drive on the track, since you don't track, it serves no purpose, the ride is harsh, it's cabin feels smaller, the look is questionable. The only thing about the Z4 is handling and you are not going to need it, so SLK gets the nod.
350 if you can, it has more torque down low, feels more powerful, bigger brakes, but since you live in Singapore, and probably will not be able to used all of the 270hp, the 280 is more practical, it's cheaper, gives better mpg, more than enough horses to get around the city.
350 if you can, it has more torque down low, feels more powerful, bigger brakes, but since you live in Singapore, and probably will not be able to used all of the 270hp, the 280 is more practical, it's cheaper, gives better mpg, more than enough horses to get around the city.
02-03-2008, 11:24 AM
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Hi Z33, I agree with Ynot, the 280 is probably the car to go with. Your better half likes the SLK and in city driving it would be tough to stretch the legs on the 350. My friends have the 350 and it's a very impressive car, lots of power. If the price isn't much different I'd go with the 350(always nice to know you have the extra ponies under the hood
). I can't beleive how much they go for in Singapore
! I think I would be riding a bike everywhere. Let us know what you decide on, and show some pics if you can.
). I can't beleive how much they go for in Singapore! I think I would be riding a bike everywhere. Let us know what you decide on, and show some pics if you can.
02-08-2008, 05:23 PM
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New, maybe around $5K. Used? Too many variables to answer with a specific dollar amount.
For a while last fall, I had my adult daughter's Z4 while she moved from here in Okla. City to Dallas, and then drove it to Dallas for her. IMO, it was one miserable driver. Harsh ride, slow steering ratio, and "rubbery" feel to the chasis. Not a good true sports car nor a good GT car, IMO.
In contrast, my SLK is a good (but small) GT car, IMO. Sports car? Let me bring in a new player here. If you want a true and pure sports car, check out a Honda S 2000. I have one of those too. If you want a sports car, it is the real thing. I have one of those also. When they are parked side by side in my garage with the tops down, they look like two of the same type of car to those not "up" on cars. A ride in each of them dispells this mistaken opinion. They are a very different driving experience.
I
For a while last fall, I had my adult daughter's Z4 while she moved from here in Okla. City to Dallas, and then drove it to Dallas for her. IMO, it was one miserable driver. Harsh ride, slow steering ratio, and "rubbery" feel to the chasis. Not a good true sports car nor a good GT car, IMO.
In contrast, my SLK is a good (but small) GT car, IMO. Sports car? Let me bring in a new player here. If you want a true and pure sports car, check out a Honda S 2000. I have one of those too. If you want a sports car, it is the real thing. I have one of those also. When they are parked side by side in my garage with the tops down, they look like two of the same type of car to those not "up" on cars. A ride in each of them dispells this mistaken opinion. They are a very different driving experience.
I
02-14-2008, 06:25 PM
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If you are trying to chose between and SLK 280, 350, and even 55 AMG, you have got to consider what use you will make of the car. The 55 AMG is a hard riding screaming sports car. 0 to 60 in the low 4's. The 350 is a sports car which the manufacturer says does 0 to 60 in about 5.5 seconds, but I've seen road tests in the upper 4's. But those 17" low profile W rated tires do roughen the ride. The 280 (which I own) is, IMO not a sports car but a small GT car. It's 16" higher profile V rated tires give a smoother ride. My 94 year old father thinks it rides better than our '04 C 320 lux! Manufacturer says it gets 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds, but I have put the stopwatch on it and done this in about 5.5. Not as good as the others, but not to be "put out with the cat" either. The 280 feels like a significantly lighter car than the 350 when you drive them one after another. Don't know why, as the 350 is only 40 lbs. heavier than the 280, according to manufacturer's specs.
As I already had (and kept) a slightly modified Honda S 2000 which does 0 to 60 in the mid to high 4's with a ride that certainly qualifies it as a sports car, I was really looking for a GT, so chose the 280. If I had wanted it to be a true sports car, I would have chosen one of the others (especially the soon-to-be-on sale '09 350 with over 300 hp.) But I would not have chosen any BMW. To go against all you can read in car mags, I have never driven a BMW that handled well. Guess it is all a matter of personal opinion. It is good that test drives are free!
As I already had (and kept) a slightly modified Honda S 2000 which does 0 to 60 in the mid to high 4's with a ride that certainly qualifies it as a sports car, I was really looking for a GT, so chose the 280. If I had wanted it to be a true sports car, I would have chosen one of the others (especially the soon-to-be-on sale '09 350 with over 300 hp.) But I would not have chosen any BMW. To go against all you can read in car mags, I have never driven a BMW that handled well. Guess it is all a matter of personal opinion. It is good that test drives are free!
