[manishk123]

Helping a cousin decide between these two beauties. What do you guys think?

The pics are from some german car forum I stumbled across while I was researching these two cars.

[avishar]

Why does the lower part of the bumper of the Z4 look different than whats available here?Is that the M-package bumper?

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Assuming he is in India, the Z4 and SLK are fairly equal in terms of outright power with the slk 350 churning out 302hp as opposed to the Z4 3.5i 306hp. The Beemer is a bit quicker to the ton out of the 2. It comes down to personal preference on the looks front.
In sheer gadgetry i would assume the Beemer has the upper hand but dont know for sure as i am not aware of what features has the new SLK incorporated.
But to my eyes, Merc's new styling is nothing short of a mess hence i would pick the Z4 anyday.

[parsh]

Was looking for the comparo I had seen recently about the same and here it is

Compare it!: Mercedes SLK - BMW Z4 - Audi TT | drive it! - YouTube

[manishk123]

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

Assuming he is in India, the Z4 and SLK are fairly equal in terms of outright power with the slk 350 churning out 302hp as opposed to the Z4 3.5i 306hp. The Beemer is a bit quicker to the ton out of the 2. It comes down to personal preference on the looks front.
In sheer gadgetry i would assume the Beemer has the upper hand but dont know for sure as i am not aware of what features has the new SLK incorporated.
But to my eyes, Merc's new styling is nothing short of a mess hence i would pick the Z4 anyday.

Everyone's completely in favour of the beamer it seems! To be honest I was leaning a bit towards the merc with it being a new launch and beamer due for a facelift. Merc interiors are outstanding too. My cousin shuttles between Mumbai and Aurangabad,but will keep the car stationed in Aurangabad. The presence of a dealership there is a big plus for the merc.

In terms of gadgetry the merc has a magic sky roof which turns dark at the touch of a button. Great party trick to have and beats any gadget on the beamer.

In terms of looks i feel the beamer outshines the mercs classical sports car look, but of the two i'm quite sure the merc will age more gracefully.

Although it may seem that i'm completely favouring the merc, my cousin is still not able to decide. Hope to close on either one within a month. Cayman was another contender we had thought of but kept it out of the list because of it being too low so not practical for Aurangabad.

[S350L-E240]

I would personally choose the BMW for how it looks, but would recommend the SLK, it looks a little boring but you could add the AMG pack to make it look a lot better, also Mercedes ride is a little better, yeah I know this isn't a segment where ride quality matters but drive it and you will see it suits our conditions a lot more, certain BMW employees also agree the Z4 has ride issues.

Equipment wise the SLK's magic roof is simply the best thing and even better that it's a part of the standard equipment in India.

And do remember BMW had some issues with that engine in the Z4, am not sure if it has been sorted if it has then it's fine but other wise there have been some issues. But some other member can shed better light on this? I do believe we also have some members who own this gorgeous automobile.

I'm also personally very fond of the new Mercedes-Benz Steering wheel and seats, but hate the old timer gear stick that they still use.

Both ways you wont be making a wrong decision, but I would still say SLK! If V6 is not important in few months you will be able to buy 4 cylinder models, and also at a later date a diesel but thats a long time away so you may take a call.

Regards,

[noopster]

I am a Bimmer lover any day of the week but the SLK has that heart-stopping quality about it! The pics in the original post are to die for, thanks for sharing those.

Just a caveat: do chek out member SL350-E220's threads: he used to be a staunch Merc supporter (obvious from his handle eh?) but has since migrated to the Bavarians simply because their service in Ahmedabad was atrocious. He claims BMW is much better.

[Mike89]

I would suggest your cousin goes for the bimmer.. I have the same engine in my 335i and it is the best you can get without paying for the M badge. Its high in torque and no turbo lag. And if you like to do performance mods.. you could just go for ecu upgrade and squeeze 100 more horses.. Moreover, the slk looks like a chick car. Go for the bimmer.. you wont be disappointed...

[speedy]

The Bmw is a better handler and the drive is very nice but the new Slk is no slow coach or a bad handler. The whole thing boils down to an out right performance oriented drive or a relaxed one, the slk is a relaxed driver while the Bmw is the performance pick. Since the car is going to be in Aurangabad i would take the Slk as merc has its reach all over and the ground clearance of the slk is a tad bit more.

[mayankk]

I feel the SLK looks much more european with the top down, while the z4 looks slightly oriental in design.

With the top up, yowza, they look quite similar.
And that mercedes' grill is definitely more wow.
my vote:SLK

[mikon]

I saw the SLK some days back. That too in red. Mistook it as a SLS from a distance.
My Vote : SLK or wait for thr facelift for z4 (if its due)

[parsh]

Is this the upcoming FL version of Z4? BMW Z4 facelift - CarSpyShots





IMO the present face looks too appealing except for the new rear.
Z4 is the passionate driver's car and something you buy from heart and makes you feel like keep on driving and riding. Cannot say much now but its been too long having seen one from close quarters in UK.
I think, even if one has to buy the Bimmer now, it is good enough without the FL.

[manishk123]

[quote=parsh;2506143]Is this the upcoming FL version of Z4? BMW Z4 facelift - CarSpyShots

Wow! The facelift does look a lot better. Any idea when its coming? The dealer has no clue. Says it could be another year before this is launched in India.

[speedy]

[quote=manishk123;2507014]

Originally Posted by parsh

Is this the upcoming FL version of Z4? BMW Z4 facelift - CarSpyShots

Wow! The facelift does look a lot better. Any idea when its coming? The dealer has no clue. Says it could be another year before this is launched in India.

The face lift version of the Z4 would only make it to Indian shore mid or end next year. Bmw is looking at the 1 series for now and the 1M is also being looked at.

[S350L-E240]

parsh,

Thats just a poorly done photoshop mixing the Z4 with the BMW 6. And I agree with you the Z4 as it is itself makes a gorgeous automobile.

Originally Posted by parsh

Is this the upcoming FL version of Z4?

.............................. Cannot say much now but its been too long having seen one from close quarters in UK.
I think, even if one has to buy the Bimmer now, it is good enough without the FL.

manishk123,

Do not wait for the facelift, the E89 Z4 was launched internationally in December 2008 and with a 7 year life cycle expect it to get a facelift only in December 2011 or a month or so up and down, and only expect in India sometime in April 2013.

Like I said stick to the SLK if you need a new product or go ahead with the Z4 with the new design package you wont regret any of it.

Originally Posted by manishk123

Wow! The facelift does look a lot better. Any idea when its coming? The dealer has no clue. Says it could be another year before this is launched in India.

Speedy,

Do read my thread in the Indian Car section, BMW is first looking at Mini and new 3 before the 1, and 1M is not coming at all as the investment is too high for an outgoing model and they might consider it at a later stage with the new 1, but that will be years away.

Link to thread

Regards,

Originally Posted by speedy

The face lift version of the Z4 would only make it to Indian shore mid or end next year. Bmw is looking at the 1 series for now and the 1M is also being looked at.