[cw0974]

Well first of all, I know this is a BMW forum but I want to ask this question anyways.

I have an 07 SLK350 and it has been treating me very well. No doubt it is one of the most fun cars I have owned with a great look. My question comes from the notion of it being a time where I am looking for a new car.

For the new car, I have been looking into a 2010 SLK but the e92 Bmw 335 has been catching my eye. My question is that would the 335 be a good/better replacement for the slk350? I recently got rid of the ML350, and with financial services from my dealer messing up, I switched to the X5. I honestly have to say that free service is great since my recent slk service costed me 700$.

Feel free to drop your own thoughts on this. And again, I do realize that I am asking a BMW forum.

[ES_TRADER]

bimmer over merc any day...something about how a bimmer just feels right to me when ur driving it. its just a more solid car

[ABSAUTOBODY]

the feedback about the slk350, dude fixing one and carwashing it after is incredible.. i just love how the front of the slk350 look but in my opinion i think it' a chick car bro. I do realize your asking the bmw forum for advice and of course everyone is gonna make u go get the 335 and i personally think you should get the 335 it's way faster than the slk but for looks iono man it's kinda hard to debate on that! hope this helps!

[JCtx]

Well, I'm an M3 owner, but not a BMW fan overall. I wouldn't buy any other BMW, to be honest. But a Merc even less. Having said that, the SLK is more comparable to the Z4, no? You need to list your priorities (2 or 4 seats, etc), your exclusions (like force induction, automatic, etc), your price range, then drive the cars left to make a final decision. Good luck.

[kaykay]

For what it's worth, I'd get a 335is (or even regular 335) over any SLK or C-Class no question.

That also includes the new Z4 S-Drive which is a great car to drive, looks sexy, etc.

[Nition]

My last two cars were Merc. I'm trying my best to be fair, but I just think the 335 is miles ahead of SLK in just about every way. Also, many consider the SLK to be a chick car. I personally don't think it is, but if you're worried about what people think then that might be a problem. But the 335 is just ahead in everything I look for in a car, performance, practicality and looks.

[arter]

Well I own a SLK 55 and a 335Xi and I am ordering a M3 ( to replace the 335) so maybe I can comment on this.

The SLK and the 335/M3 serve 2 different purposes in my mind.
The SLK is a 2 seat convertible and the 3 series are larger, 4 seat sports cars.
You need to pick your style first.

A convertible 335 pays a weight penalty that make it less sporty.

If I was cross shopping the SLK I would look at the new Z4. Or better yet a SLK 55 until they come out with a new Z4 M as the new Z4 handling is a little soft.

As a sports car, the 335i should handle better than the SLK 350. The 335 could also be "chipped" easier to increase its power up to ~ 370 crank HP with little cost.

So the bottom line is buy a M3

[donovan]

From the SLK, I would say go to the z4m category... I'm sure it will suite you because of the size similarities... Also the handling will be improved I"m sure. To leave the SLK 350 and go to the 335 is a weird situation. Its like leaving a ...well damn how do I explain this...there not even in the same category..

[zeenon53]

I've never driven the SLK but when I was shopping for cars I drove a couple C-class cars and I liked the power and handling of the 335i sedan better than the C350 hands down. I even liked the 335i sedan more than the coupe. Did you know that the coupe is actually a longer and heavier car than the sedan, albeit not by much. Take you time in search of your next car. It sounds like you are already headed down the right path in researching so the next step would be to go out and do some test drives for real feedback.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by arter

new Z4 handling is a little soft.

On normal mode yes, but when you put it in Sport or Sport+, it's completely different.

My Z4 in Sport+ out-handles my e93 335i stock no question.

Dare I say that it also out-handles it even though my 335i had sways, strut bar, and coilovers.
This is due to the weight you mentioned, which plays a big roll.


OP, if you want a 2 seater convertible, get a Z4.
Don't get the same car again
And we are trying to get rid of my mom's SLK so we either give her my Z4 (and I get an e93 M3) or get her her own Z4.

If you still want a convertible but need 4 seats, get an e93 335i and get H&R Sway bars.
Handling will be good, power will be present, you will have 4 seats and decent luggage room, plus it'll be a hard top convertible that you're already used to.

[slowSwede]

I'd go as for as to say that verts are a bit feminine, or at least metrosexual.
Perhaps you're a girl?
And I do mean that as a question and not in a offensive manner, you actually might be a girl.

Usually the BMW's are nicer to drive actively whilst the MB's are superb transporters.

As almost everyone else has said, you should express your priorities as to what you need.
If I had to choose between the SLK and a Z4, I'd take a Z4 coupe even though it would be the old Z4. But then again, this is a Bmw forum.

[username604]

slk is definitely more of a head turner. there's just way to many bmw 3 series on the road

[Tee212]

ive read somewhere that SLK's are very feminine and a bisexual vehicle.

[B-737]

In august i purchased my E92... I was set on an E92 for at least a year prior. However in june, on a whim i test drove the C300, it put me on the fence between the C300 sedan 4matic, and the xDrive E92. benz doesnt make 2dr awd...

the Benz had a more polished, softer feel to it, that goes for driving and interior trimmings. I felt like it was more refined. I test drove both cars AGAIN during that period. The benz was cheaper cause they were offering 4k cash back. I ended up with the E92 and im really glad i chose the bmw over the benz. You just have feel which one suits your personality and style. The E92 felt like it had 'the edge' i was looking for, both in looks and in the way it handled.

The C was in no question an awesome car! it is a very very hard choice.

For what its worth, i felt like the 'experience' at the Benz dealership was more inviting and warm. I felt like both BMW dealerships had a 'take it or leave it attitude" lol! its a hard choice but in the end no matter which one you pick your gonna end up with a sweet car! SLK front end looks so aggressive!

[hipnotic]

335 over slk or clk any day

[FVM3]

i went from 08 used m3 to a 09 335i and i wanted to trade in for a 2006 SL500 or SLK55. Wanted to get a convertible but im not a fan of e93. After test driving both SL500 and SLK55 , i would say , BMW FTW. Im not hater of Merc, im a fan of Merc. Always remember that Merc = luxury or performance with not too good handling (AMG), BMW = performance with good handling. If you want something very comfortable and use a finger to turn the steering, go for merc. If u want something with stiff ride, stiff steering but very good handling, go for BMW. I test drove the SLK55 and ya it looks good and its eye catching. but the feel of steering is not as good as BMW. all my words are shit to u. Now go to bmw dealer and test drive the 335i. Besides convertible and riding quality, 335i is much better. also the interior of slk is pretty bad, 335i is much better. The seats of slk are really bad , look like the chairs for sale in 99 cents store, very thin. But the outlook is pretty awesome.

[BRAISKI]

Originally Posted by Tee212

ive read somewhere that SLK's are very feminine and a bisexual vehicle.

Sadly that sounds about right.

If I was married I would like my wife to drive the SLK.

Something more masculine would be the SL

[FVM3]

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

Sadly that sounds about right.

If I was married I would like my wife to drive the SLK.

Something more masculine would be the SL

slk55 is fine for men but not the regular ones. Of coz SL500/SL55/SL600/SL65 FTW

[Tee212]

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

Sadly that sounds about right.

If I was married I would like my wife to drive the SLK.

Something more masculine would be the SL

that sounds right, i notice alot more older males in SL's and mid 30s ladies in slk's.

[cw0974]

First of all, thanks for all your feedback. I think I stand incorrect saying that I am looking for a replacement for the slk since they are in two different categories. I should have said that I am looking for a car that would be as fun as the slk to drive but style didn't really matter.

The thing about the Z4 is that it is as small as the SLK and honestly, as fun as they are being that small, there are issues here and there due to the small luggage space.

And to answer some others' feedback, I definitely don't have the money to get an M3 haha. I wish I did, but that would be really pushing it for me.

A lot of people do stay that the SLK is a chick car and my friends first made fun of me for a bit for having one too. Just to clear it, I am not a girl. Even if people do think of it as a chick car, I think it is a good enough convertible for it's cost.

I recently got a 328xi loaner when I took in my X5 for service and completely fell in love with the way it drove. I also got the 535i (f10) as a loaner also, but I had more fun driving the 328. That's why I was looking into the 335i e92.

I think the e92 is the better pick. If money wasn't an issue, I would have ordered an e92 M3.

[FVM3]

Originally Posted by cw0974

First of all, thanks for all your feedback. I think I stand incorrect saying that I am looking for a replacement for the slk since they are in two different categories. I should have said that I am looking for a car that would be as fun as the slk to drive but style didn't really matter.

The thing about the Z4 is that it is as small as the SLK and honestly, as fun as they are being that small, there are issues here and there due to the small luggage space.

And to answer some others' feedback, I definitely don't have the money to get an M3 haha. I wish I did, but that would be really pushing it for me.

A lot of people do stay that the SLK is a chick car and my friends first made fun of me for a bit for having one too. Just to clear it, I am not a girl. Even if people do think of it as a chick car, I think it is a good enough convertible for it's cost.

I recently got a 328xi loaner when I took in my X5 for service and completely fell in love with the way it drove. I also got the 535i (f10) as a loaner also, but I had more fun driving the 328. That's why I was looking into the 335i e92.

I think the e92 is the better pick. If money wasn't an issue, I would have ordered an e92 M3.

to be honest, all our opinions are not that important. U r the guy who pays and drives the car, not us. Now hit the dealer up and test drive whatever you want then feel it. See if you like. We are not always right. We have different brains. Maybe you will think the 335i has too stiff ride, who knows? i do highly recommend 335i but it has a well known issue, HPFP.

[EDM92]

The SLK is hideous. I'd pretty much rather drive a 240sx or any other JDM beater, because that Mercedes is absolutely UGLY. 335 for the win.

Also, it's totally a woman's car, but that doesn't matter, it's still ugly.