BLKM3

I am in the market for a new daily driver and I was wondering what car would you guys prefer? I know they are two totally different cars but I am wondering if the CLK 63 Black Series transmission is like the C63's? I've never driven the black, but I've watched videos of the C63 and the transmission seems to shift very nicely and does blips on the downshifts.

I had a 04 CL55 and a 06 S65, and the transmission in those cars were slugs. I am wondering if the black series is like that. Thanks

Maverick1975

Black series is the oldest generation gearbox technology. Definitely slower on changes and doesn't blip in downchanges. It's a fantastic car nonetheless. I love mine but wouldn't chose it as my daily driver if I were to only have one car. Luckily I have other options I can go with. The very stiff suspension is another reason why it might be better to go with c63 if it's a daily driver your after. If it's a 'plAy time ' car then get the black series!

Nachtsturm

Black series without a doubt. Just for looks alone.

BAD430BENZ

listen to the man.....he definately has experience with both options

SMP

Depends what characteristics you're looking for in a daily driver. The CLK is only a 2 seater, the C63 seats 5 which makes it more practical. The CLK will be the closest in comparison to a Porsche in the handling department and track capability. Unlike any Porsche (except Cayenne) I've ever owned, it's very docile and effortless to drive in traffic and therefor is perfect as a daily driver. In stock form, the suspension is actually very comfortable for a car with coilovers, track tuned sway bars, widened track and a very stiff chassis. It's a little tough to get it in and out of driveways, first the ride height with marginal clearance to the front spoiler, and second it lifts the rear inside wheel off the ground, which will engage the LSD sounding like a ratchet. The transmission is the same in both cars, a 7 speed auto, except the C63 has throttle blip on downshifts. Both gearboxes suck equally compared to my other cars with SMG and PDK.

j bro

dont have experience with black but have a c63 and it is great as a dd, lots of power and torque , and has 5 seats and 4 doors, seems alot more practical if u want speed and convience around town

BLKM3

Thanks for the response. So you are saying the C63 has a better tranny? I don't like it when a car downshifts and doesn't rev match. I am surprised the CLK Black doesn't do that??

JeffDL

black series black series black series.

If I had the means I'd daily drive the bs. I'm sure I could get snow tires on it.

Helms

C63 any day of the week.

SMP

Depends how you look at it. The CLK trans is built a little stronger with different internals, the C has a different software that has throttle blip on downshifts. Essentially, it's the same trans in both cars. Like I said, they're both autos with a torque converter and will never be as responsive as a SMG, DCT or PDK.

Even without the throttle blip, the CLK will be more fun, engaging and rewarding to drive. Whether that's important to you in a daily is for you to decide.

BLKM3

Thanks for your response!

jvanbrecht

Only if 3 of those 5 are midgets or children... My wife (6'1" and built like a runner) barely fits in the front passenger seat without the side bolsters stabbing her in the ribs...

While yes, it is technically a 5 person car.. the rear still has very little space.

Otherwise, I use it as my dd, and I love it. I have managed to get my wife and both my dogs in the car without any issues (except dog hair on the roof and slobber down the side of my car). They are not small either, a dalmation (60ish pounds) and a great dane (170ish pounds).

As your only car (this is a guess), the CLK would probably be a poor choice if you have family or need to haul stuff around (like say luggage )

Jycke

Without having tried the CLK BS, just based on how hard the suspension on the C is i would forget the CLK as a DD if it is a lot stiffer. The C can be uncomfortable at times..

jvanbrecht

Yeah.. like my drive through DC everyday...

It also can take a toll on the car's suspension and ball joints. And I need a serious wheel alignment at the moment (and a wheel repair, the stock rims on our C's kinda suck and are damaged easily)

AMG-010

Is a tuned C63 as quick as a standard black series?

Yuille36

I would certainly say that the Black Series, will be quicker than the C63, do to more HP. But we wouldn't know for sure unless a side by side comparison test is conducted.

Bigleafer

I never realized our back seats could accomodate a small horse and large dog at the same time.

bushburninc63

bs for sure

DuaneC63

While all the complaints about the CLK63BS are valid, it is still a very limited production track oriented car. The C63 is a more pratical car if you need the extra two doors. The C63BS is going back to the concept of the the CLK63BS. On a price basis a barely used CLK63BS is going to look like a screaming deal compared to a C63BS.

Yuille36

I have a good friend that is interested in selling his CLK 63 BS.

Here is Steve cleaning up his car for the event.

jvanbrecht

I remember that day how much does he want for it??

And yes.. our cars are capable of transporting small horses.

Yuille36

Jason,

Steve, didn't tell me. As I'm always telling him, how much I love that car, and would love to buy it, had I hit the lottery. But I can always ask him if your interested. Steve sent me an email letting me know, that he will have to part with some of his toys, if he wants to retire sooner then later. He's also selling his Porsche 911 GT3 I can link you both up, since I have your numbers.

GuppyC63

I have both 2011 C63 and Black Series. C63 is my daily drive and B.S. is my weekend drive. B.S. is a great car and the handling is no doubt. The B.S. does not blip in downchanges but its revving sounds is like a thunder when the car is in motion. You will never regret getting a CLK Black Series because its beauty and performance. The only downside is its navi because it is hard to use and not very accurate.

Yuille36

CLK63 BS has the same TCU as my E63, as it doesn't blip the throotle on downshifts either. And the Nav is exactly the same as well. I would love to have a BS, but I can't afford it at the moment, since I have two AMG's the E and a C63.

jvanbrecht

I was just curious.. I would be interested if I had the money.. and it would not end in divorce