r100rsman

Hi,

I am in need of some advice on which car to choose. I have agreed to sell my 03 911 Targa to finance a car for my wife. She wants a CLK convertible and I am trying to decide on either a used CLK550 or a used CLK350. I have driven both and I am finding I think I need the CLK550 to fill the void of the loss of my 911. So my question is, for those who have purchased the CLK550 over the CLK350 or vice a versa, are there any regrets with not getting the other model.

PS, Wife is indifferent to the engine choice, just wants a convertible.

Thanks All

Kevwood

I don't own either one but it seems like a pretty easy choice, a 384HP convertible... 550 all the way dude

tallison24

Just test drove a 350 convertible this morning. I drive pretty fast and found the 350 to be just fine. I'd do 550 if money is close or does not matter. I can't imagine that your wife would really care unless her name is Danika.

Yidney

My 550 will get up to 26 mpg cruising at steady 80 on the highway, but regular in-town stuff and your looking at about 14. I really do notice how much more often I buy gas over may last car. If that's an issue for you, somebody else can give the real world numbers on a 350.

If you get an '08 or '09 550, then you will have 18 inch wheels and smaller tire profiles. Slighty harsher ride than a 350, but moslty you'll have to judge how good your wife will be at looking out for potholes, etc. Definitely somewhat easier to damage than 17" wheels.

I've never driven a 350, but I understand that they are no slouch. It's not like a 350 is a stripped down 550 in any other way than the engine really. They are often optioned the same, so inside you cannot tell one from the other. A 350 normally has slightly tamer exertior styling based on bumpers, rockers, trunk lip and dual tailpipe, but it's not a huge difference, and a few 350s came looking just like a 550. But the 550 power is grin-inducing, so if that's a big plus for you, then get one. I have never regretted the decision.

Mka77

I did test drive both. an 05 500 and the 06 350 which I purchased. As Yidney said, no real difference interior wise, and subtle one on the exterior.

Gas mileage is excellent with 350. On average 28-30 on the highway, and 22-24 in town. I have posted a few dash shots of the mpg on this forum.

Power is very adequate at 268hp. I loved the 500, but with nearly 20k more miles on the clock, and $4k more in cost just wasn't in the cards.

I have no regrets in the purchase. Just regular scheduled maintenance is all that has been needed so far.

FYI... be aware that certain years of the 350 (if you go this route) and 500 models (I know your looking at a 550) have a defective part issue. see the thread below.

Good luck with your choice. I'm sure your wife would be happy with either.

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ssues-dtb.html

Yidney

Early 550s have a similar issue in the M273 engine. Do be sure your engine # falls outside the range. Not hard to figure out.

Mka77

Good catch Yidney. Forgot to mention that.

tallison24

The 500 has the M113 engine. It is not part of the balance shaft/idler gear problem.

togaclk55

If you don't care about mpg, 550 all the way.

Mka77

Not totally true. Some 500's as well. Near bottom of page.

http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsu...e-class-action

Glyn M Ruck

In the US with ultra cheap gas I would go 550. Anywhere else forget it other than Saudi! The 350 does just fine. If the US decides to upgrade it's fuel to European Euro 4 or 5 standards expect to pay much more than you do now.

jbenz99

How about a CLK 500. You get alot of performance for the money compare to a CLK 55 which has a little more power about 60 hp & 50 tq ,but its cost a whole lot more than a Clk 500. The CLK500 packs more than enough punch for daily driving !!

Rudeney

I'd go with the CLK550. It comes standard with the AMG appearance package which gives it a much sportier look. I drive in a lot of traffic and hills in my daily commute and I generally average about 19mpg, even with a few "spirited" take-offs or highway jaunts. Also, once you hear the V8 running with the top down, you'll be hooked.

I echo what others have said - check the engine serial number to make sure it's out of the range of those with the bad balance shaft. You can post the VIN of a prospective vehicle here and we can tell you for sure.

kbahl21

or the camshaft housing plug but i got it fixed at a shop, its a $100 fix.. no biggie took like 25min lol

tallison24

The problem is with the M272 and M273 engines. I don't believe they put any of those in the 500.

boull

Do you need performance?
Any intentions for more HP with different upgrades?
how does your wife drive? she likes speed?
any issues with Gas prices?
is this a car you would be sharing for daily driving?
what is the difference in price between the 550 & the 350 you saw?

if you answer these, i guess you can easily make up ur mind on what to purchase.
Concerning the issues the guys are talking about it is easy enough to fix since all of them either had them or have the expertise to tell u how to fix it or post a DIY.

i answered the above before getting my car & ended up purchasing a European 240 model. Never regret the 2.6L engine now even i was comparing it to a 320.

r100rsman

Thanks for all the replys. I test drove a real nice 08 CLK550 last night, it has every option i want and low miles. (24k) Also,it has 1 1/2 year of warranty on the car (6 month factory and 1 year CPO). I am so impressed with the power of the 550 motor, what a kick to drive. So i am taking my 911 in over the weekend to see if we can come to terms. They want a pretty penny for the car but it's January so I am going to try to hit them hard on pricing. I keep everyone posted.

Yidney

I'd be interested to know what they will offer you for the Porsche compared to what you could get selling it yourself. Maybe I'm wrong, but trading in a car at a dealer has always struck me as a fancy way of throwing money away.

r100rsman

I agree with you, you always get hosed when you trade in a car. But in my case, i am going take into account the tax saving of trade in vs selling out right. It still probaly won't make up the difference but it helps. Thanks for the help.

Rudeney

It literally takes longer to wash your hands after the job than to replace the plug! And both plug together are $15. That was highway robbery!

edjohn01

I don't know how to search this VIN.

WDBTJ72H87F212432

It's 2007 CLK 550.

Thank you very much if anyone can help with this.

Airmousam

I'd start a separate thread with 'data card request' in the subject line

Rudeney

M273 #69181 - it's in the range for potential timing chain idler sprocket failure.

oldsinner111

I'm looking for a forced induction clk.I don't like any,of the v6 engines,I believe the 3.5 has major issues.

SIGagain

if money is not the issue and you don't mind the fuel economy, get the V8...but the V6 is no slouch...it scoots well...and my other car is a 400HP/400TQ 2006 GTO...:P

Bill