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The BMW Z4 Overview

The Mercedes-Benz SLK Overview

Originally introduced as a sporty  two-seater as opposed to true sports roadster, the Mercedes-Benz SLK quickly gained a reputation as a car with more looks than performance. Mercedes addressed that image in the current generation, with a major redesign of the chassis and powertrain.

The engine drives through 7-speed automative only, no manual transmission available. The added horsepower accompanies a minor rise in torque from 258 to 265 lb-ft. @ 4900 rpm, and is complemented by larger brakes front and rear. Both new SLKs also feature "Direct Steer" variable-ratio steering in concept to BMW's active steering.

What BMW offers…

• At 255 horsepower, BMW's 3.0-liter Valvetronic inline-6 produces notably more power than Mercedes' V-6.
• The additional power is reflected in the Z4 sDrive30i's quicker acceleration: 5.6 seconds 0-60 with manual transmission, 6.0 seconds with automatic.
• BMW includes larger rear disc brakes: 11.8-inch front and rear. The Z4's rotors are also ventilated front and rear, which offer greater resistance to brake fade.
• Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights are standard on the Z4 sDrive30i.
• The Z4's standard Driving Dynamics Control provides Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for throttle response, steering feel, DSC intervention and shift programming on automatic-equipped cars.
• With its optional Sport Package, the Z4 sDrive30i adds the Adaptive M Suspension with Electronic Damping Control, which includes Normal, Sport and Sport+ suspension settings, also adjustable via Driving Dynamics Control.
• The Z4 includes a larger top-up trunk, more dedicated storage space, and a rear package shelf. With its optional Through Loading System, the Z4 can also carry two golf bags or slender items such as skis measuring up to 67 inches in length inside the car.
• BMW includes standard rain-sensing wipers on the Z4 sDrive30i.
• BMW includes steering wheel paddle-shifters with its 6-speed Sport Automatic transmission.
• BMW's optional navigation system includes the 2nd-generation iDrive, which offers an intuitive interface, 8.8-inch color monitor, eight Programmable Memory Keys and separate quick-access buttons. The optional system includes an 80GB hard disc with 12 GB music memory and CD-ripping capability.
• Further, BMW's navigation system adds MyInfo and Google Maps-based BMW Search.
• Other options on the Z4 sDrive30i include Park Distance Control, Comfort Access and High Beam Assistant.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile warranty includes Full Maintenance
• BMW includes a 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

• At 228 horsepower, Mercedes V-6 provides almost 30 less hp than BMW's inline-6, despite an almost identical engine displacement.
• At 6.1 seconds with either manual or automatic, the SLK300 lags behind the sDrive30i from 0-60 mph. This is despite the SLK's 7-speed automatic transmission.
• M-B includes 11.8-inch front brakes, but they're paired with 10.9-inch rears. What's more, Mercedes rear rotors are solid, which are less fade resistant than ventilated.
• Bi-Xenon headlights are part of a $1030 Lighting Package on the SLK300.  Adaptive headlights are not available on the SLK.
• The SLK300's Direct Steer system provides a wider variable steering ratio, but the mechanical system is non-adjustable. Mercedes offers none of the other features of BMW's Driving Dynamics Control.
• Mercedes offers electronic damping adjustment on several of its sedans, but there's nothing like it available on the SLKs, and there are no alternative settings for any of the chassis features.
• At initial glance, the SLK's top-up trunk volume looks deceptively larger.  In reality, it is almost 10-percent smaller than the Z4's, and it offers less interior storage and no rear package shelf. What's more, the Mercedes has nothing like BMW's Through Loading System.
• Rain-sensing wipers are part of the Premium 1 Package on the SLK300, a $2950 option.
• Paddle-shifters for the automatic-equipped SLK300 are only available as part of the Sport Package, a $2500 option on the Mercedes.
• Mercedes COMAND navigation system has only a 6.5-inch display, with no Programmable Memory Keys nor direct-access buttons. The system does feature a hard-drive database, but it's only 40GB with 4GB of music storage, and the design does not include CD-ripping capability.
• The SLK navigation system includes Search and Send (similar to MyInfo), but not access to Google Maps database for easy location searches.
• The SLK's options list is fairly short, and doesn't include KeylessGo, Parktronic nor High Beam Assistant.
• Mercedes warranty is 4 year/50,000-miles, but includes only the first oil change.
• Mercedes has only a 4 year/50,0000-miles corrosion warranty

 "Inside, the cabin is refreshingly simple with attractive wood accents, slick-looking HVAC controls and a straightforward cockpit layout." - Autoblog

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