After reading some of the replys about the BMW Z8, i decided to say a few things. It is very nice looking, but i dont see how it is technically advanced. Essentially its an aluminum-intensive car, like the Acura NSX, powered by a prexisting M5 engine, neon lights (big whoop) and retro details for a cool 128,000. I would still take an SL500 over a Z8 despite it being an older design. Speaking of advancements, the CL coupe is far more advanced than the Z8. The CL uses new building technologies, higher tech plastics, laminate windows, ABC, and a host of other features, noticeable and unnoticeable that the BMW does not have. One more thing: the SLR will still be more advanced than the Z8. We have to simply think of the Z8 as a replacement to the failed 8 series BMW. Thats all it is.

Bernard
1995 C280

I totally agree. Z-8 is another Bimmer's marketing hype using it in a Bond movie just as they did when they rolled out the Z-3. For $128K, I would rather buy a twin turbo 996. I will not even dare to compare the Z-8 with the SLR. Only if I can afford the SLR....

95 R129
98 ML320

I agree. However you have to remember that the SLR is almost twice as expensive then the Z8. BMW have always been performance oriented, and even though the Z8 is a replacement of their 8-series coupes, it is in a different ball game. The Z8 is not a grand tourer like the CLs are. They are more of the SL's competitor. A 2-door, 2 person coupe. However, the Z8 is lighter, faster, and uses the M5 engine. Now an MB equivalent comparison would be an SLK with a longer wheelbase and an AMG 5.4L engine within it. In that comparison, you will realize that 0-60 of 4.8s in the Z8 is not as good as the 0-60 of a Porsche and Ferrari's in the same price range, or interior space as well as a CLK55 or SL600. I believe that the Z8 will have no real chanllengers right now, because for a dedicated 2-door roadster, People would step up and rather pull away in a Ferrari then a BMW. And MB is not going to go the performance-bias to make a vehicle to compete with it, instead the SLR is suppose to offer what the Z8 does, with the added luxuries of a true touring car. Like I say, MB is more comfort oriented, BMW more Performance. But not for long :)

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe

Some how, I have different view about Z8. Personally, I think it's retro look is a very nice touch for 2-seater performance roadster. Second, MB and BMW has their own advanced tech goodies in their cars. I would say they tied for tech advance, however, BMW is pulling ahead of MB in quality. All the CL(W220)I saw has un-even gap between bumper strips...and cheap plastic parts are every where inside the cabin. Even if BMW uses alot of plastic, they did a better job hiding them other then just let them sit there...

CL500 is a very impressive car, but 5 years down the road, I might have less worry with BMW....

Andy Kuo

I don't understand the market target for the Z8, since BMW priced the car so high, it's right up there with Modena and Turbo. People who want a high performance car will get a Porsche or Ferrari with relatively the same price and better performance. People who want a performace sedan will get the M5 or E55. Who will get the Z8 with that price?

I think that the Z8 fits a very small niche market.
1. Its a convertible
2. High performance
3. Epitome of BMW engineering

I personally don't think that the current SL is a good competitor. I would definitely get the Z8 over the current SL. On the other hand, I would get the new SL that is coming out in AMG version over the Z8.
I personally think that the retro look is nice and would consider the Z8 if I wanted to get a convertible.

99.5 E55
99.5 CLK430
99.5 ML430
99 CLK430
95 C280
78 300D

The high price most of us see is dealer marked up price. The MSRP for Z8 is $128,000 CDN(about the same as W220 CL500). However, the dealers have marked up the price up to $190,000. But still all Z8s for Canada this year are all sold out(As well as CL500s, which are all spoken for already).. :(

Impressive car for sure.

ML55 is all over the new car lot though. There are about 6 ML55s sitting in the lot right now in my local MB dealer(and that's only one location, there are about 4 in my area)..

Andy Kuo

In my opinion, If I want a touring coupe, I would pick the CL anyday. As for all out performance, I would go with a nice new Ferrari. That Mid-engine would be much more of a pleasure then the Z8.

------------------
Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)