SLK 35 or Z4?

[mikal83]

Which one is worth a punt as a cheap summer runaround then sell on?

BMW Z4 2005 70k for 3 1/2k or SLK 350 2007 96k for 4 1/2??? Both "make offers" !

[Sycamore]

Neither are the most dynamic drives, however the 3.0 straight 6 in my Z4 is a fantastic engine. I wasn't keen on the SLKs I test drove, I just preferred the Z4.

The 3.0 is the one to get so they do hold a premium - Not sure if budget would cover one, in which case the SLK might be your best bet. But if you just want a convertible to trundle round in then just buy the tidiest example of either you can.

[Mr lestat]

I have been fortunate enough to have both. Z4 was the coupe version and was a far better drivers car. However for day-to-day running around and being comfortable the SLK was better. So much so after 2 years with the BMW I have bought another SLK, this time it’s the SLK 55

[mikal83]

Have just read the small print and the Z4 has the 2 litre petrol engine....

[Mr lestat]

Nope, not very powerful compared to the 3.5slk. I had the 3.0 coupe and that drove very nicely. I do think the SLK was slightly quicker but being automatic probably nothing in it in the real world. The 2 L Z4 is probably a bit slow

[ZX10R NIN]

Then you have your answer go for the 350 but check the engine number as some 350's had balancer shaft issues.

[Mr Tidy]

I can't find any reference to the Z4 being a 2 litre one.

But if the OP wants a manual gearbox I think a Z4 is probably the way to go!

[Deep Thought]

Mr Tidy said:

I can't find any reference to the Z4 being a 2 litre one.

But if the OP wants a manual gearbox I think a Z4 is probably the way to go!

The O/P read the small print on the advert....

[flight147z]

For that era z4 you want the 3 litre

[Mr Tidy]

Deep Thought said:

The O/P read the small print on the advert....

I must have missed something - what advert?

But I'd agree that a 2.5 or 3 litre is the way to go with a Z4!

[mikal83]

Deep Thought said:

Mr Tidy said:

I can't find any reference to the Z4 being a 2 litre one.

But if the OP wants a manual gearbox I think a Z4 is probably the way to go!

The O/P read the small print on the advert....

Wuh!

[ZX10R NIN]

Didn't the 2.0 Z4 suffer with a manifold issue that was an expensive fix?

[mikal83]

No idea BUT now that I see the Z4 is a 2 litre then its off my " cheap summer thrash car" list......(as I didnt look close enough to the ad, DOH)!

Sorry all.

I was tempted to go to the latest SWVA auction last month as the Alfa and Jag xk8 looked tempting.

[mikal83]

The ad



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-SLK-3-5-S...

[ZX10R NIN]

Find out exactly what the service history is as this should've had two gearbox fluid & filter changes as well as a Spark plug change this early 350's could suffer with a balancer shaft failure so check the engine number, it didn't affecct all 350's but enough for it to be a known issue.

[mikal83]

ZX10R NIN said:

Find out exactly what the service history is as this should've had two gearbox fluid & filter changes as well as a Spark plug change this early 350's could suffer with a balancer shaft failure so check the engine number, it didn't affecct all 350's but enough for it to be a known issue.

Cheers. Might take a look but I just know what the missus is going to say..........., whaddyawantthatfor......... Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[mikal83]

Engine 272 963 30 009894! Oh dear.

[Mr lestat]

If it’s done 90k miles it might have that sorted by now anyway

[mikal83]

I have 2 slk 350's in mind, both under 4k, 2005's, cheaper tax and around 80k in miles.....FSH, great nick etc BUT is it silly buying such a car at the endish of summer? It just for fun....

[Mr lestat]

Only you can do the man maths on that one. It’s nice to drop the roof in winter on a nice crisp day. Turn on the air scarf