SLK55 vs. BMW M3

MCFaisal · 01-16-2007

This topic was bound to come, two of the best cars mercedes benz and bmw produces, the slk known for its all around performance and the bmw known for its amazing handling....take your pick

**alroumi** · 01-16-2007

I would love to own both, However I love the Mercedes More, WHY?

Later on in life the Mercedes remains a classic and its demand increases,
An example would be the 280SL pagoda, 300SL and 190SL's.

All of these cars were produced from 1953-67 and they are classics and there demand has risen, Recently Ive been searching for a Pagoda and all of them are too expensive.

Ive never seen a Classic BMW recognised by many Carfanatics or collectors, hopefully the Z8 will turn out to be a classic and so will the 8series of the 1990's.

The M3 is a tuner car compared to the SLK, not saying the M3 is a slow car.

Ynot · 01-16-2007

SLK55, it's just prettier and can't beat the hardtop convertible. I love the M3, it's fast, handles, and seats four, but all that is not necessary for me so, SLK wins.

cyberdrakon · 01-16-2007

actually M3s are collectible classics, however they are made in far greater numbers and few of them remain completely stock so it's harder to find collectible condition m3s (look at the e30 m3s). moreover, the slk 55 is a much nicer looking car, and is in a totally different class. i find the 2 hard to compare, one being a roadster and the other a coupe.

V8SLK · 01-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCFaisal

This topic was bound to come, two of the best cars mercedes benz and bmw produces, the slk known for its all around performance and the bmw known for its amazing handling....take your pick

at the risk of sounding like captain obvious... since this is an slk forum my bet is the 55 would be the favorite here.

RacerCub68 · 01-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8SLK

at the risk of sounding like captain obvious... since this is an slk forum my bet is the 55 would be the favorite here.

What's that? ACHOOO!

ACHOOO!

A back seat?!?!?!

ACHOOO!

Okay, my allergy to cars have seats back there and not engines, withstanding, truth be told, in the near future the SLK being collectable is little better then the Chevette being collectable when they were out.

However, Chevettes have become INCREDIBLY collectible for some strange reason. I had one, it was a fun little car, actually rear wheel drive. But the little turds could hardly make 80,000 miles, so there's so few left, and for some reason, a demand.

Just yesterday I saw my worst fear, a first generation SLK being towed with the top half up. As many people have said many many times, Mercedes-Benz, save rare super models like the K's and the early SL's, are horrific cars to buy old. They tend to use cutting edge technology that is expensive to repair, and might not have been proven at the time.

Your 7 speed automatic transmission will make people cringe 10 or 15 years from now.

Based on the fact that even Buick makes Mercedes' quality look like they can't ever get close to the Koreans, let alone reach early 80's and earlier quality if they tried, there is no way ANY CURRENT MERCEDES MODEL will out do any M tuned BMW or Porsche on the near classic market.

Face it, BMW's and Porsches are just BETTER BUILT CARS then Mercedes. Now if people are looking for the SLK qualities, more luxury, a hard top, you know, the reasons we bought them, well then, they will be more intunned to go to it.

From 5 years to probably 20, I do not see the SLK55 outperforming the M3's. Especially since the SLK55 does not handle as well as the M3 does, and has a ride that is harsher then the M3.

I'll give you a good example. How many WILDY successful AMG hammers have you seen in the past year? How many BMW 2002's? I have seen at least five 2002s, and haven't seen ONE AMG HAMMER and I belong to the MB club of America.

I have seen ONE pagoda SL at the Amelia Island concours, and that is the first time I've seen any SL made after 1961 at a show.

All those wonderful things I love now, the automatic wipers, the iPod interface, the folding hard top, will 15 years from now make people shudder to think about repair bills.

Besides, regardless of numbers or actual build quality, people talk about M3's all the time, they don't talk about SLK's, and few ever talk about SLK55's, so it's not as likely people will pay insane prices like they will for Muscle Cars, that handle like a grocery cart in Jello, and can barely post a 0 to 60 time a V6 can today. It's all about what they remember as being desireable, or thought it was.

What's the deal with the damn Chevettes? What are they needing them for period movies?

God I wish kids today had them. When at 80 MPH the car felt like it was about to break apart, sure countered that "I can survive anything" teenage hormon trip.

cyberdrakon · 01-19-2007

porsches certainly have better build quality, but bmws sure as hell don't. Z4 i know of has had engine troubles (head gasket), replaced engine that burns oil (engine replaced after all coolant burned up leaked on the freeway), 3 roof leaks, not to mention the interior falling apart at about 40,000 miles (interior fabric droops, deco panels pop-off when you slam the door). Also, have you researched the current and previous M5 engines?

ChriSLK55 · 01-20-2007

I have owned 4 BMWs (328, M3, MZ3, M5) and the quality is OK but not exceptional. Have people forgotten about the early e46 engine woes. Engines were blowing up all over the world ! I would NEVER buy an e46 M3 less than 2003 model year. It took BMW over two years to finally sort things out. My SLK55 is my first Mercedes and so far its been awesome. Hopefully I feel the same way in a few years.

MCFaisal · 01-22-2007

Honestly speaking, I would prefer the SLK for an every day sports car. If I went to a track I would go for the M3 but I want to put something out there, if amg could never match BMW Motorsport than why is the F1 Safety car a CLK63AMG? I mean, if the BMW Ms are so much better, why then is the F1 Safety car a mercedes? I think we are forgetting the purpose of AMG, AMG are there to tune a mercedes while still maintaining the characteristics of the stock counterpart. Mercedes AMG vehicles are at the end of the day regular mercedes with bigger engines and modified suspensions. AMGs ride the same in every day driving, but when someone wants to drive fast or race around, they can adapt to that situation. If I was in a M3, I would certainly not ride around as comfortably as if I was in a SLK. One thing Porsche and BMW have the Mercs don't have is amazing all round performance. Hands down, BMWs and Porsche handle better than any mercedes although mercedes isn't far behind.

**DansSlk** · 01-22-2007

Lets face it here yes the M3 is a more responsive drivers car overall but the SLK is not too far behind it and speaking from experience once the TC is off on the SLK it can be put into corners with more speed than i can the M3 and it will stick like **** to a blanket while the M3 will behave like a slippery fish but since cornering is only one small part of the picture that does not make any real overall difference.

Now with regards straights its laughable like a 60 year old smoker chasing Lance Armstrong the SLK takes off like it's sat on a wasp the M3 can't keep up it simply cant meet the level of torque provided by the SLK recorded times back this up.

Quality now my BMW's rattle more than a child's toy and my Merc's computers like to think they are tomatoes every now and then, both cars act like they have been put together by a 2 year old its stupid so if you want quality buy a Porsche they are miles ahead.

If you want a car that will last more than a week without needing a dealer visit buy a P car.

If you want a car that will make you soil yourself when you plant your foot buy an SLK.

If you want a car you can drive to the shops in buy an M3.

If you want a proper BMW M car buy an M5 because BMW have never made a bad M5 just stop fannying about with a 3 series that you think is god's gift to the world.

I brought one because its comfortable to drive around town in and has enough go to keep you in front of the tractors oh and my other choice was a diesel, this whole sports car thing just did not come into it if i wanted a proper BMW sports car there would be an M5 sitting in the drive.

RacerCub68 · 01-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCFaisal

Honestly speaking, I would prefer the SLK for an every day sports car. If I went to a track I would go for the M3 but I want to put something out there, if amg could never match BMW Motorsport than why is the F1 Safety car a CLK63AMG? I mean, if the BMW Ms are so much better, why then is the F1 Safety car a mercedes? I think we are forgetting the purpose of AMG, AMG are there to tune a mercedes while still maintaining the characteristics of the stock counterpart. Mercedes AMG vehicles are at the end of the day regular mercedes with bigger engines and modified suspensions. AMGs ride the same in every day driving, but when someone wants to drive fast or race around, they can adapt to that situation. If I was in a M3, I would certainly not ride around as comfortably as if I was in a SLK. One thing Porsche and BMW have the Mercs don't have is amazing all round performance. Hands down, BMWs and Porsche handle better than any mercedes although mercedes isn't far behind.

Ummm, most of those things are chosen by the highest bidder, not the best car. They don't choose a car and pay for it, it given to them with bucket loads of cash so it can be seen and bragging rights assesed.

BTW, my son has had his heart set on getting a slightly used E55 for the last 6 or 7 years and saving up for it. After talking to various owners and repair shops, he was told that the cars were horrific problems to take on at ANY PRICE! He was told by many owners to look for a slightly used M5 instead, as they regretted selling their M5 and taking on the "inferior" E55.

I actually think more of the E55's problems are the problems of the E class, and not necessarily mostly the 55 engine.

Regardless of any actual quality, the perception is there. Mercedes-Benz soiled their own shorts and it's time they clean up the mess.

I did have to drive out in my '88 Fiero GT to jump start a client's son whose M3 suddenly stopped charging the battery (wasn't even a year old.) You can NOT push start those SMG things. He traded it in on a Porsche Cayanne Turbo S. I told him, "Now you don't just look like a drug dealer. Now you look like a drug dealer who has security and size issues!"

Saw the Cayanne on the news. Yup, 14 Federal counts on various dealing charges. Can I spot them, or what?

MCFaisal · 01-26-2007

Mercedes have ALOT of technical problems and that isn't new thing, BMWs also have a lot of technical issues most of which prevail in the 7 series. The 7 series had so many buttons and gadgets so it was prone to breakdown, bmw tried to make this better by using iDrive which only made things worse. The M5 is a performance sedan, different from its stock counterpart where as the E55 AMG is just a E430 with a 5.4L S/C V8, bigger brakes and a few suspension modifications. BMWs M series distinguish themselves from their counterparts, something MB AMG series has yet to do. In the end, its a personal choice and I prefer MB over BMW.

Ynot · 01-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCFaisal

Mercedes have ALOT of technical problems and that isn't new thing, BMWs also have a lot of technical issues most of which prevail in the 7 series. The 7 series had so many buttons and gadgets so it was prone to breakdown, bmw tried to make this better by using iDrive which only made things worse. The M5 is a performance sedan, different from its stock counterpart where as the E55 AMG is just a E430 with a 5.4L S/C V8, bigger brakes and a few suspension modifications. BMWs M series distinguish themselves from their counterparts, something MB AMG series has yet to do. In the end, its a personal choice and I prefer MB over BMW.

Any car with alot of gadgets will be prone to problems, that's just the way it is. I agree that BMW are more performance oriented then MB. With luxury cars like the M5 and E55, I would almost always go with what's more comfortable and looks. It's not like you are going to always track your heavy luxury auto all the time. And I think MB has has the edge over BMW in luxury sedans and SUV's. Now if I wanted something fun for the track and needed the extra seat, the new M3 sounds like a winner.

MCFaisal · 01-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

Any car with alot of gadgets will be prone to problems, that's just the way it is. I agree that BMW are more performance oriented then MB. With luxury cars like the M5 and E55, I would almost always go with what's more comfortable and looks. It's not like you are going to always track your heavy luxury auto all the time. And I think MB has has the edge over BMW in luxury sedans and SUV's. Now if I wanted something fun for the track and needed the extra seat, the new M3 sounds like a winner.

basically my opinion

Ynot · 01-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCFaisal

basically my opinion

I know and I agree with everything you've said.

Roadkinghi · 01-29-2007

All the newest gadgets and an owners manual that looks like a book for a jet fighter makes me wonder if this, or any, new car will be around as long as the older ones. I honestly believe my SL will be the one I am driving in another 10 years and the SLK will be gone. Sorry to say. (That is one excuse I have been using on why not to sell my SL.... at least the wife believes me :-)
But for now I sure do enjoy the SLK!

heezyo2o · 01-30-2007

Depends what you want really, but overall, I think the M3 is the better overall car. Granted my experience is with a non-AMG SLK, but I prefer the M3 in terms of power, looks and performance.

Though I think the SLK handles quite well, the M3 is just better in this regard.

Looks are subjective. Though I think the e46 M3 is a good looking car, it is beginning to look dated especially now that the new 3 series coupe is out.

SLK has the vario roof which is it's trump card IMO. I would not consider a M3 convertible.

Fit and finish is a wash. Both are equal in this regard.

Driving position. Depends on the driver of course, but I think M3 was better in this regard.

Transmission. I think the M3 has the advantage here with the choice of either SMG or manual which are both readily available. The manual SLK is a bit hard to find in comparison. Though many here prefer automatics, so that might be a plus for the SLK.

The M3 has a much better aftermarket. Along with the many product choices, there has been much feedback on each product, so one wouldn't have to buy blind or be a guinea pig in this regard. For the SLK, a simple mod like an exhaust has almost no feedback from other owners. In comparison, there are basically videoclips/soundclips of almost every exhaust out there for the M3.

Not that is matters to some, but in general, the M3 seems to be more of an enthusiasts car.

cuitiegirl009 · 02-05-2007

Content Deleted!

Childlike twoddle

User Banned for previously Banned IP.

Easty

MCFaisal · 02-05-2007

While that is true I could twin turbo charge a slk55 Amg and and get close to 700HP just from that...having a good aftermarket can only get the car so far, and there are less people who tune mbs than bmws, just because mb are thought to be more luxury oriented vehicles. This is partly why the m3 has more aftermarket just because it more widely used for track purposes.

Baron7700 · 02-05-2007

am i the only one who thinks that the 350 is a closer match to the m3 then the 55? I mean, like said, the 55 can blow an m3 away, and in turns, like said before if the TC is on the slk is only slightly worse.... so you if have a car that is say a 10 vs a 7 in straight aways, and a 7vs an 8 in turns, i would take car one as it hangs with the other in turns, and smokes it on runs.
the 350 is lighter, and probably a better line match for the m3 then the 55 IMO. I could have no idea what im talkin about either, but to match a v6 to a v8 doesnt seem fair. Match up the 6's.

Now as far as the trump card, Hmmm what SLK do i want to drive today... the hardtop, or the convertible. Nuff said, you need two M3's to do that, so versatility goes to Benz.

Also M3 looks similar to a base 3 series, NOTHING, but looks like a slk, except for the (in the states price) 450,000 dollar SLR car which it is modeled after...

Hmm car modeled after half a mill car, car based on 30k car....

Devils Advocate: If you like tuning, and dont want to do as much research, waiting, or not so pricy, M3 is teh way to go...

01-16-2007	#1 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	SLK55 vs. BMW M3 This topic was bound to come, two of the best cars mercedes benz and bmw produces, the slk known for its all around performance and the bmw known for its amazing handling....take your pick

01-16-2007	#2 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,288 Country: Thanks: 298 Thanked 233 Times in 147 Posts	I would love to own both, However I love the Mercedes More, WHY? Later on in life the Mercedes remains a classic and its demand increases, An example would be the 280SL pagoda, 300SL and 190SL's. All of these cars were produced from 1953-67 and they are classics and there demand has risen, Recently Ive been searching for a Pagoda and all of them are too expensive. Ive never seen a Classic BMW recognised by many Carfanatics or collectors, hopefully the Z8 will turn out to be a classic and so will the 8series of the 1990's. The M3 is a tuner car compared to the SLK, not saying the M3 is a slow car. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-22-2007	#10 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 229 Times in 179 Posts	Lets face it here yes the M3 is a more responsive drivers car overall but the SLK is not too far behind it and speaking from experience once the TC is off on the SLK it can be put into corners with more speed than i can the M3 and it will stick like **** to a blanket while the M3 will behave like a slippery fish but since cornering is only one small part of the picture that does not make any real overall difference. Now with regards straights its laughable like a 60 year old smoker chasing Lance Armstrong the SLK takes off like it's sat on a wasp the M3 can't keep up it simply cant meet the level of torque provided by the SLK recorded times back this up. Quality now my BMW's rattle more than a child's toy and my Merc's computers like to think they are tomatoes every now and then, both cars act like they have been put together by a 2 year old its stupid so if you want quality buy a Porsche they are miles ahead. If you want a car that will last more than a week without needing a dealer visit buy a P car. If you want a car that will make you soil yourself when you plant your foot buy an SLK. If you want a car you can drive to the shops in buy an M3. If you want a proper BMW M car buy an M5 because BMW have never made a bad M5 just stop fannying about with a 3 series that you think is god's gift to the world. I brought one because its comfortable to drive around town in and has enough go to keep you in front of the tractors oh and my other choice was a diesel, this whole sports car thing just did not come into it if i wanted a proper BMW sports car there would be an M5 sitting in the drive. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

02-05-2007	#18 (permalink)
cuitiegirl009 Banned Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Content Deleted! Childlike twoddle User Banned for previously Banned IP. Easty Last edited by easty; 02-05-2007 at 09:40 PM.

01-16-2007	#3 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	SLK55, it's just prettier and can't beat the hardtop convertible. I love the M3, it's fast, handles, and seats four, but all that is not necessary for me so, SLK wins.

01-16-2007	#4 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,406 Country: Thanks: 26 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	actually M3s are collectible classics, however they are made in far greater numbers and few of them remain completely stock so it's harder to find collectible condition m3s (look at the e30 m3s). moreover, the slk 55 is a much nicer looking car, and is in a totally different class. i find the 2 hard to compare, one being a roadster and the other a coupe.

01-19-2007	#7 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,406 Country: Thanks: 26 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	porsches certainly have better build quality, but bmws sure as hell don't. Z4 i know of has had engine troubles (head gasket), replaced engine that burns oil (engine replaced after all coolant burned up leaked on the freeway), 3 roof leaks, not to mention the interior falling apart at about 40,000 miles (interior fabric droops, deco panels pop-off when you slam the door). Also, have you researched the current and previous M5 engines?

01-20-2007	#8 (permalink)
ChriSLK55 SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Vehicle: 2006 SLK55 Posts: 18 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have owned 4 BMWs (328, M3, MZ3, M5) and the quality is OK but not exceptional. Have people forgotten about the early e46 engine woes. Engines were blowing up all over the world ! I would NEVER buy an e46 M3 less than 2003 model year. It took BMW over two years to finally sort things out. My SLK55 is my first Mercedes and so far its been awesome. Hopefully I feel the same way in a few years.

01-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Honestly speaking, I would prefer the SLK for an every day sports car. If I went to a track I would go for the M3 but I want to put something out there, if amg could never match BMW Motorsport than why is the F1 Safety car a CLK63AMG? I mean, if the BMW Ms are so much better, why then is the F1 Safety car a mercedes? I think we are forgetting the purpose of AMG, AMG are there to tune a mercedes while still maintaining the characteristics of the stock counterpart. Mercedes AMG vehicles are at the end of the day regular mercedes with bigger engines and modified suspensions. AMGs ride the same in every day driving, but when someone wants to drive fast or race around, they can adapt to that situation. If I was in a M3, I would certainly not ride around as comfortably as if I was in a SLK. One thing Porsche and BMW have the Mercs don't have is amazing all round performance. Hands down, BMWs and Porsche handle better than any mercedes although mercedes isn't far behind.

01-26-2007	#12 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Mercedes have ALOT of technical problems and that isn't new thing, BMWs also have a lot of technical issues most of which prevail in the 7 series. The 7 series had so many buttons and gadgets so it was prone to breakdown, bmw tried to make this better by using iDrive which only made things worse. The M5 is a performance sedan, different from its stock counterpart where as the E55 AMG is just a E430 with a 5.4L S/C V8, bigger brakes and a few suspension modifications. BMWs M series distinguish themselves from their counterparts, something MB AMG series has yet to do. In the end, its a personal choice and I prefer MB over BMW.

01-29-2007	#16 (permalink)
Roadkinghi SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kailua Hawaii Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Launch Edition Other Toys: Harley Davidsons, Mercedes, Jeep, Ford truck, others Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	All the newest gadgets and an owners manual that looks like a book for a jet fighter makes me wonder if this, or any, new car will be around as long as the older ones. I honestly believe my SL will be the one I am driving in another 10 years and the SLK will be gone. Sorry to say. (That is one excuse I have been using on why not to sell my SL.... at least the wife believes me :-) But for now I sure do enjoy the SLK!

01-30-2007	#17 (permalink)
heezyo2o Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: so cal Vehicle: 07 SLK350 Posts: 119 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Depends what you want really, but overall, I think the M3 is the better overall car. Granted my experience is with a non-AMG SLK, but I prefer the M3 in terms of power, looks and performance. Though I think the SLK handles quite well, the M3 is just better in this regard. Looks are subjective. Though I think the e46 M3 is a good looking car, it is beginning to look dated especially now that the new 3 series coupe is out. SLK has the vario roof which is it's trump card IMO. I would not consider a M3 convertible. Fit and finish is a wash. Both are equal in this regard. Driving position. Depends on the driver of course, but I think M3 was better in this regard. Transmission. I think the M3 has the advantage here with the choice of either SMG or manual which are both readily available. The manual SLK is a bit hard to find in comparison. Though many here prefer automatics, so that might be a plus for the SLK. The M3 has a much better aftermarket. Along with the many product choices, there has been much feedback on each product, so one wouldn't have to buy blind or be a guinea pig in this regard. For the SLK, a simple mod like an exhaust has almost no feedback from other owners. In comparison, there are basically videoclips/soundclips of almost every exhaust out there for the M3. Not that is matters to some, but in general, the M3 seems to be more of an enthusiasts car.

02-05-2007	#19 (permalink)
MCFaisal SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: lexington Vehicle: 2001 Stock SLK230 silver Posts: 95 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	While that is true I could twin turbo charge a slk55 Amg and and get close to 700HP just from that...having a good aftermarket can only get the car so far, and there are less people who tune mbs than bmws, just because mb are thought to be more luxury oriented vehicles. This is partly why the m3 has more aftermarket just because it more widely used for track purposes.

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