BMW 318i vs Mercedes-Benz SL500
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500
Overview
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 318i | SL500 |
| Body style | Sedan | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 1998 | 2006 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0 (best) | $92,900 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 14 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 16.4 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 302 hp (best) |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 339 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.9 L | 5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | — | 2 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 10.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,954 lbs (best) | 4,065 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 100.8 in |
| Length | 174.5 in | 178.5 in (best) |
| Width | 66.9 in | 71.5 in (best) |
| Height | 54.8 in (best) | 51 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW 318i318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW 318i | Mercedes-Benz SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 318i $0 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL500 $92,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |