BMW Z3 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 Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5i | SL500 |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2006 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,300 (best) | $92,900 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| City MPG | 18 MPG (best) | 14 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 302 hp (best) |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 339 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I6 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | Mercedes-Benz SL500SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 10.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,899 lbs (best) | 4,065 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in | 100.8 in (best) |
| Length | 159.4 in | 178.5 in (best) |
| Width | 68.5 in | 71.5 in (best) |
| Height | 50.9 in | 51 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | 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 Z3 | Mercedes-Benz SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5i $31,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SL500 $92,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.0i $37,700 MSRP | — |
| 3 | 3.0i $37,900 MSRP | — |
| 4 | M $44,990 MSRP | — |
| 5 | M $45,990 MSRP | — |
BMW Z3 vs Mercedes-Benz SL500 FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 BMW Z3 vs 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 BMW Z3 starts lower at $31,300.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (31,300).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (315).