Am looking to get a 'weekend' car for fun and frivolity (...) and wondering if any fellow FL2 owners own (or have owned) a BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK? Looking to get something maybe 4 to 8 years old. Depreciation on these things is brutal!

Interested to get some views from outside their communities (incidentally, the Z4 has a lovely little community at z4-forum.com - I've realised after my positive experiences on Freel2.com, evaluating the community is now part of my car deciding process, a good community makes such a difference ) FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Both apparently good cars , ot sure about the Z4 but the Merc will be very expensive on parts and servicing

Have you looked at the BMW 3 series convertible ? Ex GF of mine had a 6 month old 325i M sport and it was massive fun to drive and probably the best drivers car ive ever driven. I believe the 1 series convertibles are good fun as well.

FIL is a petrol head and he rates the Z3 highly, and chose it over the Z4. Admittedly it's a Z3M.

I had a 3ltr Z3 for a while lovely little motor I think parts will be cheaper for the Beemer, If you want a real buzz though do what I did, took my bike test at 45 and bought a bike, no more traffic jams.

I have owned quite a few mercs and the forums are excellent.
They are similar cost as any other car to service if you take to a main dealer.
Parts are plentiful.
I enjoy this forum
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/

Good Luck
Joe Fix it until it's broke !

I went through this part of my mid life crisis about 7 years ago and narrowed my choice down to the following
Nissan 350Z
Mercedes SLK
BMW Z4
Audi TT
Porche Caymen

I drove them all. What is most striking is how totally different these cars are. My conclusion was that the Audi was the "sensible" choice, but my "pick" was the Cayman which I think is a fabulous car. I bought one and loved it

The paradox was that after 2 years I had only driven it for 5k miles. Typical morning scenario. Going to work shall I take the TD5 or the Porche?? Hmmmmm parking spaces are a bit narrow, someone is bound to ding it.........I think I'll take the TD5!! So sadly 2 years later I sold it back to the dealer, but it was an itch enjoyably scratched!!

So in conclusion, suggest you consider the Cayman or Boxter (very low depreciation) and definitely have a test drive in all contenders

Steve

We have an SLK 2.0 and really pleased with it, SWMBO uses it mostly for commuting daily, I drive it about once a month if I can't be bothered to swap the cars over.

My uncle bought an SLK the other week on an 05 plate and is very pleased with it so far  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Thanks all for the responses - very helpful! Got a few more to add to more possibles list; will take a look at the 3 series convertible and the porsche boxster (which has to be the choice for a mid life crisis done right!)

For those with experiences with cars like these, did it involve you switching between driving an automatic and then a manual? I've been driving my auto FL2 for a few years now, and haven't driven a manual in that time, so am a bit concerned about switching between the two regularly? FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

I would also recommend the Boxster (didn't mention it since it wasn't on your original list). My other half has a Boxster S, the previous model, and it's a great drive. However if you're over 6 foot then you might find it a bit tight (I'm 6'4"). I've only used it for the commute (30 mins) and am not sure how comfortable I would be on longer drives. Both of us have the top down if it's dry and on a sunny day it's even more enjoyable.

The only con I would have is that it can get noisy on motorways, to the extent that it often gives me a headache, but that might just be me.

My FL2 is automatic, and I don't find the transition to the manual a problem, other than my shifts aren't always that smooth. To me the manual box makes it more of a pleasure to drive. I don't know what your budget is but consider a PDK if you're concerned. If my other half got the newer model she has said that's what she'd get even though she loves her current car.

I have had the latest outgoing SLK model 2012 200 petrol AMG sport pack with Auto box.

My daughter had a BMW Z4 2011 2.5 6 cylinder petrol.

Of the two I preferred the SLK as it was less raw than the Beemer.

They were both on 18 inch wheels but the SLK seemed more comfortable.
Other than routine services both cars were faultless.

I have an Audi TT coupe now and I do miss the folding roof when the sun occasionally comes out!

Good luck with your search and enjoy whichever you decide on!

My wifes has had 2 SLK350s 54 AND 56 REG
both been great cars,
SLK FORUM a great resource for any issues.
heated seats can be fragile but fixable cheaply
in fact I repaired another Owners for him recently.
350 is a good model
plenty of performance
taken them to France,Italy
clever packing of luggage gave us enough for 2 weeks away.
brakes and a couple of suspension arms due to bushes have been all the expenses over servicing.

h20tgp wrote:

Of the two I preferred the SLK as it was less raw than the Beemer.

V40TC wrote:

SLK FORUM a great resource for any issues.

Well I have owned and sold them all! Best driver Porker most sensible Merc! It's down to choice but I currently own a 1997 Z3 super wee car and Wife 1998 SLK Merc much better car! But hey enjoy trying them all out. As I sell them Boxter every time