tjmartin2

Hi! I know it's probably annoying, you get these topics all the time I am assuming. Anyhow currently I drive a Volvo (S40 T5) and I love the fact that it is stylish and 4 doors but relatively small. The power on the other hand is well faster than your normal grocery getter but I am urging to break the 300hp mark without spending 6-8k in mods so the solution is a Merc!

Now I have been doing ALOT of work researching the two, the CLK and the C55. I can find a CLK55 (03?) for 13k under 100k miles, cheaper than I thought! On the other hand the C55 is 17.5+. My questions..... I know the CLK is faster but is it practical for a DD? Some reviews state it should have been designed as a 2 seater because the back is so limited. Also whats the actual observed MPG? Are there any "bang for your buck" mods? I see a tune costs around 1000-1400$ and nets a meager 20hp gain.

I like the comfort of 4 doors and again.. grocery space lol. Are there any major defects between the models? I like being able to beat the normal jerk in a mustang/ evo there don't however seem to be alot of track vids floating around of CLK's (03+). If the power is the same can somebody explain the difference between the C55 and the CLK (other than the door amounts!)

Thanks in advance and sorry in advance!

dre5373

Faster? No. Actually, about the same. If you look at dragtimes.com, both did a best of 13.1X stock. Both are phenominal cars with a phenominal engine. The CLK55 being available much earlier than the C55, I'm sure you will find the CLKs cheaper for the earlier years. IIRC, it's only about a 200 lb difference between the two... I think it ultimately will come down to how much more you are willing to pay for a later year to get the extra 2 doors. Good luck either way, I doubt you will be disappointed!

Kevwood

I have an '05 C and and '05 CLK so here are my thoughts;

C class: Bought it in '06 and it has been the best built & most reliable car I have ever owned. Regular oil changes, tires and one brake change is all I've had to do. It was a great daily driver, good size and really nice interior (classy looking). After I bought my CLK I gave it to my wife and she has put a ton of miles on it over the last 2 years. When we do long trips we still take the C because the ride quality is so damn good.

CLK class: Bought it in 2010 and it has been the most fun and powerful car I've owned - mind you it is very heavily modified. However, before all the mods it was still an awesome daily driver, feels more spacious in the front seats and there is still enough leg room in the back for the seats to be used by children and 'compact sized' adults comfortably. The interior is nice but more sporty and less classy than the C, no difference in build quality though.

After owning both, if I had to choose one or the other, I'd buy the C class because of the extra rear doors. For a second car or for those who don't need the rear doors, no question whatsoever - CLK all the way.

MIKESV8

If it were me, if you could find a clk55 with the quad exhaust, go for it.if not, go with the c55.

betrezra

The pillarless roof of the clk and the link (although remote) to the clk dtm car tips it to the clk all IMHO.

F1Bobby

I have an 2005 C55 and it has been nothing short of amazing! The car does not disappoint! I also have a CLK550 and that's not to shabby either...

LOVEMYBS

Step-up, widen your choices, consider an 04/05 E55. Best of all worlds. Beats the C and CLKs and meets all of your requirements.

PC Valkyrie

It depends on what is most important to you....is the style of the 2 door pillarless coupe important to you? If it is, then the answer is clear.....get the CLK55.

There is no way any stock CLK55 can outperform a stock C55 simply because the CLK55 is heavier than the C55.

The 2003-2004 CLK55 also has softer suspension tuning, less direct steering ratio, smaller rims, less exhaust tips, and a different M transmission mode than the C55.

The 2005-2006 CLK55 got all the handling/steering/transmission/rim/more exhaust tips upgrades that the C55 got. The 2005-2006 CLK55 models also got the larger 6 piston/4 piston brake set-up that the C55 does not have.

Bottom line: CLK55 has the 2 door pillarless coupe design and more luxury options (like keyless go). C55 offers the practicality of 4 doors and should have a slight performance edge due to its lighter weight. And if you get a 2003-2004 CLK55, it has less sporty suspension tuning, but a more comfortable ride than the C55.

Sure, a E55 AMG is a significant upgrade (both in term of luxury/comfort/size and definitely in acceleration), but would have inferior handling than either a CLK55 or C55.

MercedesFTW

If you can find 2005+ CLK55 (rare, sadly), get it. In addition to all the goodies mentioned above, these CLKs also have the updated interior.

Otherwise, I'd say go for the C55.

If you are set on the CLK55 and can't find an 05-06, at least get a fully loaded CLK55 with toys you can't get on the C55.

Nachtsturm

IMO, the 2005 CLK55 is the way to go. Especially if you prefer coupes. The 2005 CLK55 came with more goodies than the C55 with speed sensitive steering and automatic climate control to name a couple things others haven't said.

The hardest part will be finding one and if you do it will not be a 13k car. With only 247 made for the US, it will be a tough buy. Ask me how i know.

Mine is not my daily, but not because it can't be one rather because I don't want it to be. My 2001 CLK55 was my daily and I loved it so much that I had to buy another one. They are great cars.

The E55 is another great option, and the power is night and day different, but a decent copy will run about 10K+ more than a comparable CLK/C. Since you said you like that the S40 is small, the E55 may not be for you.

If you are not die hard set on the coupe as I was, you cannot go wrong with the C55. But if your budget allows, an E55 is worth a look.

SoCalCLK

CLK55 is a great, versatile coupe, if it's only you two. If you have children it may not be as suitable as a C55.

In either case, they are both great cars that stand the test of time. Good luck and post pics of what you end up with!

betrezra

All great options.

Don't leave out the older W210 E55 (non kompressor) variant.... a real bargain and nice old school looks to boot.

elijah

IMO it's best to stay away from 03's, look for an 04, 05 is best alternative (quads + updated interior)

loudandheard

I think the c55 will be a better value, you get the updated interior and a cheaper price than a 2005 and up clk55. I guess it also depends if you want a coupe or a sedan.