PWGUNNY

I've been looking for a BMW Z4 2010-2013 and now I've expanded my search to include an R172. I'm hoping for White, Red, or Iridium Silver?(Silver Blue) and would prefer a 350. I figure I'll be spending in the vicinity of $20,000. I do have a couple of questions for the owners.
Does the SLK have a digital speedometer?
Are there any known issues with this Vehicle either in the 250 or the 350?
Thanks in advance.

C280 Sport

I am in the same boat. I am looking for another toy. Wife and I have looked at a BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes SLK. I drove all 3. The BMW Z4 is a very nice car but not a beautiful as the Porsche or MB. The SLK R172 I feel is so much car for the money. I drove the 250, 350 and 55 AMG. The 250 Is awful. I feel like the 2 I drove did not feel as solid and well made as the higher end models. The engine is very loud being a 4 banger. The turbo noise is annoying and the exhaust sound is not pleasant sounding. The car is not all that fast either. 0-60 in like 7.0 seconds for a SLK250 in todays world is not that great. Also, I found it less fun to drive compared to the 350 and 55. Handling it suppose to be better however I felt 0 difference. The only advantage of the 250 is that it is offered in a manual transmission if that is what you are looking for. Auto trans is either a 7 or 9 speed and it is a mess...

Now for the 350. The best one you can buy! Even better then the 55 overall! The 3 SLK350's I have driven were super smooth and powerful when needed. 0-60 In 5.0 seconds in S+ Mode with a wonderful sounding exhaust. The overall feel inside of the car felt better due to better quality leather seats and more weight from the larger engine gives it more of a solid feel and better ride. On the used market these cars are nearly the same price so the 350 make much more sense. Go for the SLK350 and you will be happy you did!

Just make sure the top works. Also, the Red color whatever it is really called had some paint issues but I am not aware of what years. SLK does have a digital speedo if you scroll thru the menu.

PWGUNNY

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I will go with your reviews on the 250 vs 350. That was where I was leaning already. I had a C320 wagon in the past and recently a GLA250. The GLA was fun but I want 6cyl. now. My Audi Q5 is similar to GLA.
I haven't completely ruled out the Z4 yet, but I have at least narrowed the search to SLK 350 2012-2014. I'm expecting to test drive the 350 in the next few days.
Thanks again.

C280 Sport

Mercedes just does not do a 4 Banger very well. I had a couple of cars with the same engine as your C320 and they were very smooth sounding and running engines. I am holding off on my SLK Purchased because well...It is winter time and I cannot use the car anyways.