Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 BMW M3 VS 2013 Mercedes SLK-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the M3 and the SLK-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The M3’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the SLK-Class’ (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M3 for 4 years and 50,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the SLK-Class.

There are over 12 percent more BMW dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M3’s warranty.

The M3’s 4.0 DOHC V8 produces 213 more horsepower (414 vs. 201) and 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 229) than the SLK250’s standard 1.8 turbo 4 cyl. The M3’s 4.0 DOHC V8 produces 112 more horsepower (414 vs. 302) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 273) than the SLK350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M3 is faster than the SLK350 (automatics tested):

For better stopping power the M3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the SLK-Class:

The M3’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the SLK250 are solid, not vented.

The M3 stops shorter than the SLK-Class:

For better traction, the M3 has larger standard tires than the SLK-Class (F:235/35R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. F:225/45R17 & R:245/40R17). The M3’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the SLK-Class (F:245/40R18 & R:265/40R18 vs. F:235/40R18 & R:255/35R18).

The M3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SLK250’s standard 45 series front tires. The M3’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the SLK-Class’ optional 40 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the M3 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the SLK250. The M3’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the SLK-Class.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the M3’s wheelbase is 13 inches longer than on the SLK-Class (108.7 inches vs. 95.7 inches).

The M3 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the SLK-Class can only carry 2.

The M3 Convertible has a larger trunk with its top down than the SLK-Class with its top down (7.4 vs. 6.4 cubic feet). The M3 Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top up than the SLK-Class with its top up (12.4 vs. 10.1 cubic feet).

The M3’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the SLK-Class’ standard power windows.

The M3’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The SLK-Class’ rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the M3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The SLK-Class doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The M3 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the SLK-Class.

The M3 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the M3 will retain a greater percentage of its original price after two and four years than the SLK-Class.