2012 SLK

[persian54]

Since our Z4 has been having a lot of issues lately, I think we will lemon it and get the 2012 SLK

At first, I was thinking about getting a Z4 35iS...but the new SLK is gorgeous.

I built one and it came out to 60k, the 35iS was 72k

But the lease on the iS is amazing... I have no idea what the lease on the SLK will be


What is everyone's thoughts?

[egtownsend]

First, I'm sorry to hear about your Z troubles. Truly unfortunate, and I hope you get it worked out.

But I'm not sure I'd go with the SLK as the natural alternative, however. Here's why:

I just configured one on the website, and similarly configured as my 35i (NOT iS) it's only ~$800 cheaper (and more than $800 slower, in my opinion).

Plus, how could you pass on that ridiculously cool roof tech? Where it becomes opaque with an electrical current? Totally awesome, just like the stuff they have on the Rolls Royce Phantom (BMW, ahem). That is an option I couldn't leave the dealer without, what a cool feature -- but it puts it $1800 over the MSRP of my car.

And the SLK is far uglier, too -- especially the interior. The interior in the Z is so svelte and cool looking, but that SLK looks like they grabbed left over, ill-fighting pieces out of the SLS shop. Not to mention that even in the press photos the whole interior looks cheap and plastic-y.

If you were considering the 35iS, why not make the logical jump to the Porsche Boxster S? You're in that price range already, and while it's a toss up between looks and performance when it comes to the BMW and Porsche, they both soundly trump the Mercedes in both categories.

Good luck! Such a dilemma to have!

[Constant.S]

Im not a brand fanboi, own two different German car brands so i think its safe and not biased for me to say that the SLK is FUGLIER then ever. It has some really cool specs, such as the airscarf, the moonroof and such, but it still kinda resembles a japanese/corean design especially if you look @ it from the side. The interior is excellent quality wise but as mentioned in the comment above, looks a little plastic.
If i wanted a Merc in the similar price range i'd opt for the E class coupe... Now thats a beauty! The Cayman also would be one of my logical options.
Just my opinion.

-C

[Wraith.]

Sorry man but it's really ugly... and I just came from a Benz which I loved. That thing is not it. Go Cayman-S.

[Otago]

The new Merc SLK looks ugly from all angles, inside out!!

[STOOF]

Just man up and get an SL

[persian54]

I guess I should have been more clear:

I gave the Z4 to my mother when I got my e93 M3, so the car that will be replacing the current Z4 (if it's lemoned, but probability is high. Two HPFP changes this past month, both Catalytic converters changed, a HPFP changed a while back as well, been in the shop for about 25 days in 8 months).


My mom had a SLK300 before, which I traded in to get the M3 (hence why I gave her the Z4, only fair).

The reason I was looking at the SLK vs the Z4 is that's it's something different, it's a new body style vs the Z (which I do think is more beautiful) which has been the same since 09.

A Cayman is out since my mother wants a hard top convertible, and the Boxster is out again for the same reason.

the SL is too much of a car for her, nor could she comfortably afford it. I would get her a 30i vs the 35iS but surprisingly, the 35iS lease is so much better. My mom doesn't need the power nor does she care for it... but if the price difference comparing the higher model to a lower one is so small.. it's a no brainer to get the higher end one. Plus, I still take the Z4 out once or twice a week (to cut miles on the M) so I'd rather have the faster car lol

I got quoted 2k drive off 650/month tax included on a loaded 35iS.

When the SLK hits showrooms, I'll have my mother and myself drive it and see. it has 276 lbs tq and 300 hp so yes, it won't be as fast as a 35i or a 35iS, but should be more than plenty for my mom; my mom felt her SLK300 was quick

And then compare the lease programs then; since leasing a 35iS is great now, it may suck in June or July or whenever we are finishing the lemon and getting her another car.


The E vert is also out cause it's a soft top; my family hates soft tops :P

Thank you everyone for your responses.

[persian54]

Update:
They're giving us the Z4 back since the cats are on back order

I thought they changed them (from my understanding) but I guess they didn't...

They said since it's not a safety issue, they will give us the car back and we can drive it with the CEL on... if it runs funny to bring it in and they will see if BMW NA can find the cats for us...

Fun...

Yeah I will call BMW NA next week and tell them this is ridiculous and they can't expect us to be paying to drive a 63K car with a CEL on..

[egtownsend]

What about a VW eos, Infiniti G37, or Volvo C40?

All comfortable, sprightly hardtop convertibles. And more affordable, too.

[Frank Costanza]

Originally Posted by persian54

Update:
They're giving us the Z4 back since the cats are on back order

I thought they changed them (from my understanding) but I guess they didn't...

They said since it's not a safety issue, they will give us the car back and we can drive it with the CEL on... if it runs funny to bring it in and they will see if BMW NA can find the cats for us...

Fun...

Yeah I will call BMW NA next week and tell them this is ridiculous and they can't expect us to be paying to drive a 63K car with a CEL on..

Does the Z have any mods on it? I'm a die hard Benz guy and I don't like the new SLK much compared to the E89.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by egtownsend

What about a VW eos, Infiniti G37, or Volvo C40?

All comfortable, sprightly hardtop convertibles. And more affordable, too.

Volvo is really...ugly lol.

VW is ugly too

My mom wants a 2 seater hard top vert.

she thought my e93 335i was big, and thinks the e93 M3 is too big lol

Originally Posted by Frank Costanza

Does the Z have any mods on it? I'm a die hard Benz guy and I don't like the new SLK much compared to the E89.

Z4 has a SmartTop and a Rear camera, nothing related to the exhaust or engine.

[Rafale]

Yeah, the SLK isn't cutting it for me neither. I actually think the Volvo exterior is ok (Better than the SLK anyway), the interior is just so boring and lacks personality. The EOS and Infinity are really ugly... I would probably just get another Z4 if I were you...

[persian54]

We decided the best thing to do is drive the SLK when it comes out and also compare it's lease program to that of BMW

If it drives like crap, then it's obviously out

but if it drives comparable, and the lease on the SLK is better, we will prly take the SLK for 2 main reasons:
1) It's a new body style vs the Z4 being 2 years old
2) It'll be cheaper (this is assuming the lease is better, it has to be a good deal better because BMW is free maint vs MBenz which you have to pay)

[z4ps]

Z4 is lease rate is too good to pass up.

Sold my 3.0 and jumped on 3.5is and lovveee it.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by z4ps

Z4 is lease rate is too good to pass up.

Sold my 3.0 and jumped on 3.5is and lovveee it.

let's hope it stays that way mid summer...