soc_fans

Hi everyone, i have been lurking around this forum for months but just joined this forum a few days ago. Anyway, i am driving 04 530i now but just gave that car to my sister so i'm looking to buy a new ride.

I am looking to buy either 07 SLK 55 or pre-owned 05 997s. I have not driven both cars yet so i hope to get some honest opinions from you guys on these 2 cars. I wouldn't mind buying a pre-owned car because i'll be selling the car in 2 yrs after i graduate from college.

alroumi

The SLK55 is fast and nible, and the 997 Carrera S is a great allround car which performs better in the track; Either the SLK55 or the Carrera S you wont go wrong, they are terrific cars.

cj323

They are totally different cars. If you like driving a stick, go with the 997S. If you like twisties, carving up the road, and some track...go with the 997S. If you want a german muscle car, a hardtop convertible and a car that is smooth, get the SLK55. Btw, the SLK55 drives "closer" to your 530i. If you are gonna dump it after 2 years, it probably doesn't matter. Both cars will keep you happy for atleast 2 years.

Good luck

SLK55R

the SLK55 is no porsche 997S in terms of handling but it isn't anywhere close to a 530. I'd say the SLK55 is much closer to a 997S in terms of handling than a 530 is to a SLK. MUCH closer.

Yellow R1

Correct. The SLK55 handles VERY well. I have yet to see statistical data showing a 911 handles so much better. In fact, the SLK55 (with a std suspension - not the more aggressive Nurbergring equipped 030 package) slaloms at 68.3 mph. A 911 GT2 & GT3 went 68.7 mph (911 TT @ 68.8 mph).
Gang, that is nothing. Throw the 030 package on, bingo....I bet you see equal to or better numbers than the above 911 variants.

Some of you guys need to recalibrate the 55's attributes. The SLK55 handles very well & has excellent/strong brakes.

-Matt

soc_fans

Thanks for the inputs guys. Now, i may jump on the new bmw 335i and tuned it. Since it has turbocharged engine, i heard it can gain 50-70hp with a simple ECU + exhaust mods. Very hard decision to make. If I'm going for the 997s, it would be a tiptronic. I wish it could be 6speed but my sister can't drive a stick. I test drove Cayman S tiptronic and felt that it's not quick enough.

I guess i should go for a test drive on these 3 cars and decide which car is best for me. My 530i handles pretty well comparing to E-class and Audi A6. I drove it up to the mountains a couple of times b4 and had pretty fun time with the car.

FishtailnZ

That's a pretty good way to describe the SLK55 IMO - it's got all the power, sound, and easy brute force acceleration of that type. Prior to getting mine, I'd owned American muscle cars for many years, so I guess it was a natural enough progression for me *L*. But I'd call the SLK55 a "Muscle Car+" as it's handling is far superior to that of my previous domestic versions.