BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK

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Model Year	2010	2010--2016-2006	2010--2016-2006	2010--2016-2006
Model	X3	SLK	SLK	SLK
Trim	xDrive30i	SLK300	SLK350	SLK55 AMG
Engines (hide)
3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 260 hp@6600 225 lb-ft@2750
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 228 hp@6000 221 lb-ft@2500
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6500 265 lb-ft@4900
5.4L V8 OHC-3v 355 hp@5750 376 lb-ft@4000
Transmissions (hide)
6-speed manual
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
7-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains (hide)
AWD
RWD
Tires (hide)
235/55HR17 tires
235/45WR19 tires
235/50HR18 tires
255/40WR19 tires
225/45ZR17 tires
245/40ZR17 tires
225/40ZR18 tires
245/35ZR18 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Unbranded, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 9 speakers
Harman/Kardon, 380W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories (hide)
Cruise control
First-aid kit
Heated steering wheel
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Tool kit
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Wind blocker, smallRemovable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.   [?]
Removable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Hill descent controlSelectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes.   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes.
Knee airbag, driver
Knee airbag, passenger
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Performance braking system (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Rear side airbagsTorso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.   [?]
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Cargo area partition netNet extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.   [?]
Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops.
Cargo area rails w/tie downs
Cargo cover
Cargo mat
Cargo organizerAbove floor system for organizing cargo.   [?]
Above floor system for organizing cargo.
Console with shifter
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.   [?]
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Roof railsNo crossbars.   [?]
No crossbars.
Ski sackSack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.   [?]
Sack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Intermittent wipers
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.   [?]
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear wiper
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Raised top speed limiterPermits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in.   [?]
Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in.
Exterior (hide)
Additional chrome trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Body kitSide skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.   [?]
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Metallic paint (extra cost)
Panoramic sunroofFront glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof.   [?]
Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof.
Power retractable hardtop
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.   [?]
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Running boards
Skid plate (one)Protects part of the underbody from rocks when off-roading.   [?]
Protects part of the underbody from rocks when off-roading.
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.   [?]
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
1000
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.   [?]
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.   [?]
Includes CD player.
CD player
DVD-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.   [?]
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.   [?]
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.   [?]
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
SD Card slotSD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.   [?]
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.   [?]
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Upgraded speakersHigher quality speakers. Speaker count and amplifier wattage unchanged.   [?]
Higher quality speakers. Speaker count and amplifier wattage unchanged.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Weatherband radioIncludes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.   [?]
Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Analog clock
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.   [?]
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog light, rearMake it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.   [?]
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Headlight washers
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Power-folding mirrorsMirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.   [?]
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Aluminum trimReal aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.   [?]
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.
Carbon fiber trimWon't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.   [?]
Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.   [?]
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Heated second row seats
Illuminated door sill trim plates
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Manual thigh support length adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Manual thigh support length adjuster, passenger seatManually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Manual tilt adjuster, driver seatManually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Manual tilt adjuster, passenger seatManually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Metal pedals
Neck-level heating, front seatsNeck-level heat vents.   [?]
Neck-level heat vents.
No leather in second row
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.   [?]
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.   [?]
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.   [?]
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.   [?]
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Synthetic suede steering wheelSynthetic suede steering wheel rim.   [?]
Synthetic suede steering wheel rim.
Upgraded leather upholsteryNo additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheelReal wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.   [?]
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Alloy wheels
Alloy wheels, optional designSame value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.
Performance steering system (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Power steering coolerOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Ultra-sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Variable assist steering (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Transmission (hide)
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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