Calling Z4MR owners who tested SLK55 AMGs
Discussion
Thinking about a change of car early next year to one of the above. I've driven a couple of Z4M roadsters and loved them on the open roads but reckon they could become a PITA living in London with poor roads and traffic.
Keen to hear if any owners tested an SLK55 before making the right choice
Keen to hear if any owners tested an SLK55 before making the right choice
The gearbox and ride aren't a Z4M`s best attributes so I would imagine that not too much pleasure would be gained from one using it in London...but when the weekend comes you could search out some nice roads and then have lots of fun. 
A chap I know swapped his Cerbera for a SLK55 and he always spoke highly of it.
A chap I know swapped his Cerbera for a SLK55 and he always spoke highly of it.
I test drove both before opting for the Z4
- Didn't like the auto box of the SLK
- it didn't feel that fast or it felt slower than the M although not by much
- it felt a bit heavy when pressing on.
- The SLK costs significantly more to buy and run especially early model brake discs. Also more to go wrong and warranty was more expensive per year.
-Sounds epic though and was definitely more "refined".
Altogether though the M has the better engine, the gearbox is also fine although a little notchy once warm has a different gear knob. The ride is also perfectly fine although on harsh surfaces or constant bumps it does become unsettled.
I got my car just over two years ago from BMW under the AUC scheme and have had literally no issues with the car or any minor claims that have arisen like a cracked rear light and a small section of laquer peeling.
- Didn't like the auto box of the SLK
- it didn't feel that fast or it felt slower than the M although not by much
- it felt a bit heavy when pressing on.
- The SLK costs significantly more to buy and run especially early model brake discs. Also more to go wrong and warranty was more expensive per year.
-Sounds epic though and was definitely more "refined".
Altogether though the M has the better engine, the gearbox is also fine although a little notchy once warm has a different gear knob. The ride is also perfectly fine although on harsh surfaces or constant bumps it does become unsettled.
I got my car just over two years ago from BMW under the AUC scheme and have had literally no issues with the car or any minor claims that have arisen like a cracked rear light and a small section of laquer peeling.
I have previously had an SLK55 and now own a Z4MR so will hopefully be able to provide some insight. For me the main deciding factor between these two is whether it will be a daily do everything car or a weekends and hightimes car.
I had the SLK55 as a second car and it didn't really deliver what I wanted in terms of an exciting and involving drive. Main reason for this was the gearbox which although works perfectly when left in Auto mode, is nothing short of poor in manual mode which leaves you feeling a bit disconnected.
Where it was in it's element was as a GT type car for going away on long weekends with the other half etc. due to good (but still stiff) ride quality, no rattles/squeaks, comfortable interior, benefit of the hard top and most of all the amazing flexibility of the engine. It is also perfectly usable as a daily commuter provided that you can cover the fuel costs.
The Z4MR is much better as a drivers car as it really encourages you to push on and wring it's neck. It also feels lighter on it's feet and more responsive to direction changes. However, the ride quality is pretty shocking and will crash over the smallest bumps, tram-line on uneven surfaces, and often leave you wondering whether you have actually got tyres on the rims. I also do not think it is as comfortable as the SLK and would therefore struggle to recommend it as a daily driver.
Both engines are truly fantastic so it very much comes down to personal preference. The Z4M loves to rev which I really enjoy, the SLK will just launch you down the road regardless of the gear selected which I also enjoyed!
Let me know if you have any specific questions and I will do my best to answer.
I had the SLK55 as a second car and it didn't really deliver what I wanted in terms of an exciting and involving drive. Main reason for this was the gearbox which although works perfectly when left in Auto mode, is nothing short of poor in manual mode which leaves you feeling a bit disconnected.
Where it was in it's element was as a GT type car for going away on long weekends with the other half etc. due to good (but still stiff) ride quality, no rattles/squeaks, comfortable interior, benefit of the hard top and most of all the amazing flexibility of the engine. It is also perfectly usable as a daily commuter provided that you can cover the fuel costs.
The Z4MR is much better as a drivers car as it really encourages you to push on and wring it's neck. It also feels lighter on it's feet and more responsive to direction changes. However, the ride quality is pretty shocking and will crash over the smallest bumps, tram-line on uneven surfaces, and often leave you wondering whether you have actually got tyres on the rims. I also do not think it is as comfortable as the SLK and would therefore struggle to recommend it as a daily driver.
Both engines are truly fantastic so it very much comes down to personal preference. The Z4M loves to rev which I really enjoy, the SLK will just launch you down the road regardless of the gear selected which I also enjoyed!
Let me know if you have any specific questions and I will do my best to answer.
I've been enjoying my stock Z4MR for a few years, living in central London. Tbh, it's always enjoyable. The gear change is nice and slick and the ride whilst firm, is more forgiving than say a C63 AMG on 19"s. In fact, it's very similar to a 991 on 20" wheels.
The S54 is epic with the roof down, you can really hear it well at low / mid speeds.
They do vary a lot though. A zed with a broken rear spring (test driven from Sytner..), shot dampers or non-standard wheels / springs, can be pretty unforgiving.
Afraid I have no experience of the SLK55, only an SLK320, which was more a competitor for the current hard roof, GT style Z4. If that's want you want, also try a Z4 35i/is.
The S54 is epic with the roof down, you can really hear it well at low / mid speeds.
They do vary a lot though. A zed with a broken rear spring (test driven from Sytner..), shot dampers or non-standard wheels / springs, can be pretty unforgiving.
Afraid I have no experience of the SLK55, only an SLK320, which was more a competitor for the current hard roof, GT style Z4. If that's want you want, also try a Z4 35i/is.
abarber said:
The gear change is nice and slick
That is the first time I have ever read that about the Z4M and its gearbox, first to second is laughably poor and its the worst gearbox I have experienced in that respect, the gearbox does have a nice mechanical feel to it which is in keeping with the car but nice and slick doesn't spring to mind for me. cerb4.5lee said:
That is the first time I have ever read that about the Z4M and its gearbox, first to second is laughably poor and its the worst gearbox I have experienced in that respect, the gearbox does have a nice mechanical feel to it which is in keeping with the car but nice and slick doesn't spring to mind for me.
Sorry, but that is not my experience. Sure, it's not as slick as an MX5 or an S2000, but it is a pleasure to use. Certainly better than the change on an E90 330i, but again, I found that excellent too.I hear some people complain about the gearchange on beemers. It really is down to personal preference. I usually prefer the mechanical feel of having the gearbox under your wrist. You have to be more precise and there is more feedback. Each to their own.
abarber said:
cerb4.5lee said:
That is the first time I have ever read that about the Z4M and its gearbox, first to second is laughably poor and its the worst gearbox I have experienced in that respect, the gearbox does have a nice mechanical feel to it which is in keeping with the car but nice and slick doesn't spring to mind for me.
Sorry, but that is not my experience. Sure, it's not as slick as an MX5 or an S2000, but it is a pleasure to use. Certainly better than the change on an E90 330i, but again, I found that excellent too.I hear some people complain about the gearchange on beemers. It really is down to personal preference. I usually prefer the mechanical feel of having the gearbox under your wrist. You have to be more precise and there is more feedback. Each to their own.
Sadly my 330i is an auto but I have heard often that the manual isn't anything to write home about either yet the 335i manual is meant to be a peach so none of it makes much sense just differing opinions.
As you say its each to their own and we all see things differently.
cerb4.5lee said:
It might just have been mine then because I didn't mind the manual in my E92 M3 but my zed you just couldn't change from first to second quickly and it annoyed me a fair bit, I hear what you are saying regards the mechanical feel though because I loved the manual in my TVR Cerbera because it was so meaty and rewarding to use I thought, it wasn't that precise but it still felt nice.
That's because the M3 doesn't have a clutch delay valve. I've removed it in my Z4M and all the hesitation went, fitted with a ZHP gear knob and clutch stop and it's massively improved, especially 1st to 2nd. Upgraded engine mounts is the next step if still not happy. Still not as good as my S2000, but then what is........
Thanks for the feedback guys. Certainly supporting what I'd read elsewhere and confirming that the Z4MR is the one to go for in my circumstances. I probably should have bought the one I tested earlier this year but was talked out of it by SWMBO and ended up with a more practical S6 Avant (V10) instead.
I want to be able to do a trackday now and again and this video of the SLK55 on the Nurburgring really surprised me - it tends to understeer quite noticeably when pressing on; looks a little unsettled most of the time and the guy just leaves it in Auto, which seems exceptionally dull, apart from the noise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXuHYH7tkdQ
Whereas the Z4MR seems very planted, pointy and certainly more of a true sports car, which I think is far more rewarding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRWZxmI0AYY
I want to be able to do a trackday now and again and this video of the SLK55 on the Nurburgring really surprised me - it tends to understeer quite noticeably when pressing on; looks a little unsettled most of the time and the guy just leaves it in Auto, which seems exceptionally dull, apart from the noise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXuHYH7tkdQ
Whereas the Z4MR seems very planted, pointy and certainly more of a true sports car, which I think is far more rewarding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRWZxmI0AYY
The Stiglet,
I know you said in your OP that you are looking at purchasing early next year but on the off chance, I am looking to sell my Z4MR in the next month or so (to sort my mortgage out) and I'm based in South London. Therefore if you are at all interested just let me know and I can send you some details.
I know you said in your OP that you are looking at purchasing early next year but on the off chance, I am looking to sell my Z4MR in the next month or so (to sort my mortgage out) and I'm based in South London. Therefore if you are at all interested just let me know and I can send you some details.
I test drove the 55AMG, R8, V8 Vantage and 997 C4S together. Had a 987 Boxster 2.7 before, never driven a BMW but the 55 was not a nice drive - heavy, far too noisy for a hard top, lots of throttle lag and paddles didn't seem to do anything half the time. This was a 6 month old car and I wouldn't bother with Mercedes again if this is their top of the range sport car, getting back in my Boxster was such a pleasure after driving it. Bought a 997 in the end, no brand bias and I wanted the R8 most but couldn't live with the tiny boot as it's our only car. SKK is compromised here again as it's all good and well being a continent cruising GT but you can't carry that much luggage if you want to put the roof down
Z4MR is a fine B road weapon, in the dry. A fun and entertaining drive in the wet, but a well driven Clio, will have you that day. Also a great occasional trackday car. Also dose driving to work or Spa to Cornwall in one day, no problem. Plus great for taking the Mrs down to road for a good meal on a Summers evening. Great car.
Merc does about half of the above just as well as the BMW and is hopeless at the other half (the fun Bits)
Merc does about half of the above just as well as the BMW and is hopeless at the other half (the fun Bits)
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