Nachtsturm

The time has come and gone, I sold my 2005 CLK55 Coupe last week.

Let me just say, this was my favorite car I have owned and also the longest I ever kept a car, just shy of 4 years. Second longest was my 2001 M3, which I had for about 13 months. It was a very hard decision for me to depart with it.

My 05 CLK55 really turned into a garage queen, which is strange considering I drove my 2001 CLK55 as a daily year round.

Overall the w209 was pretty reliable, biggest repair was my RMS. Which was handled by Speeddriven.

It was fun at the drag strip, running neck and neck with stock Coyote 5.0's. Not bad for a decade old car on all seasons. No comment on the bolted on Coyotes.

It will for sure be missed.

Just wanted to share, and say thanks for the all the great info on the platform.

Some final shots before the new owner took possession. Only 36k Miles.

Stiggs

Don't leave us hanging....what's replacing her?

Nachtsturm

Was completely set on a CLA45, the 2016 with mechanical front diff, 20 more HP, and adjustable suspension is making the deal even sweeter but there are other contenders.

I am honestly all over the board. Can't decide, as of right now here are my thoughts. My goal is to go down to just one car.

1. 2016 CLA45 AMG
2. 2012 C63 AMG Coupe
3. Local 2006 CLS55 AMG
4. Ford Focus RS
5. 2011-2012 GT500

If they come out...

Golf R400
Audi RS3

Shadow5501

That was a really nice looking 209. I have to confess, I didn't think it would fetch the money you were asking, but I am happy to have been proven wrong.

You are all over the board! As input, I have a Focus ST that I daily drive. It's actually more fun than any of the AMG cars I owned. The objective performance numbers are fine, but it's really the subjectives that set it apart. The quickness and lack of slop in the steering, the road feel through the brake pedal, the turn in and rotation of the chassis. It's worth taking one for a drive, if only for entertainment value.

The biggest problem I see with the RS is that you still get Focus level build quality. That's OK in an optioned out ST at $25K or so. But not so much in an RS at $35K or more. Enjoy whatever you get!

///AchMeinGott

I agree, except the CLA hasn't exactly been touted as the epitome of luxury(though I haven't been in one) and the AMG is a $60k, $35k car.

As a fun DD, I'd say RS. The CLA45 has(d) +10hp/+10lb-ft on it and ran a 12.7 in a CLA45/235i/STI test. It weighed almost 3600lbs even. The Focus ST weighs almost 3200lbs even, then add about 200lbs for AWD and upgraded hardware, and your at 3400lbs and 345hp for the RS. Despite being a manual VS the CLA's DCT, the big boy Focus should be just as fast. And come time for parts/repair bills, won't give you an ulcer like the CLA. Plus, an RS should be $45k with every single option and dealer add on known to man which means you'll save, realistically, about $15k new VS new.

Of course, a C63 or GT500 will be just as fun in other ways. A GT500 with $1500 in mods is stupid quick, and bonus points for having a stick. Might I suggest though, a Boss 302? Nearly as fast, cool black accents, but handles much better.

Nachtsturm

Most people mistook my CLK for a year old or so Benz. It was that clean. It sold for asking price. Prior to my German car purchases, I owned STis, and others in the genre. In fact, my daily driver prior to the RDX was an SRT-4, and SVT Focus.

Something that is nifty about the RS is that it will be built out of Saarlouis, Germany, then imported to the US. I am number one on the local list for the RS. Just waiting to see how it performs, if it performs like a CLA45, I will most likely save the 20K and pull the trigger. Though my AMG 8 plate will look on the RS.

The 2016 CLA45 will now have 375HP, and revised gearing for better acceleration. New estimate from AMG is 4.1 or 4.2, can't recall of hand. The updated CLA45 should be quite a ride.

My biggest concern on the RS is the powerband. I have owned two cars with a terrible powerband, and never want to again. Mazdaspeed 3 and 6.

The Ecoboost Mustang's powerband is less than ideal, though with a tune it helps a lot. I am hoping the larger twinscroll turbo in the RS allows it to pull power to redline.

The CLA45 2.0T is the epitome of a 4 cylinder powerband. Very nice.

I really want to do the C63 Coupe, or GT500, but I fear they both may become garage queens, then end up remaining with two cars

The Boss is an awesome car, but I'd prefer the raw power of the Shelby. It will definitely be fun deciding.

///AchMeinGott

I agree. The manufactures cars don't have to be fast, just feel fast, hence the ridiculous number of on/off turbo motors and peak torque at 1000rpm's. It's instant oomph for the average driver. This trend is disappointing. It only further helps relegate serious performance to V8's and up.

The AMG 2.0 as you say pulls to redline. Peak torque at 2200 shows lag isn't that bad, and peak horsepower at 6000 shows it doesn't run out of breath. Hp and tq cross at 5250rpm's. Generally speaking, as long as hp is greater then tq, it means the powerband is carried well past that point, unless torque unnaturally plummets. Take a look at all the cars you dislike, all peak at 5000-5500rpm's and all make more tq then hp. When the peak hp is greater then torque it peaks at over 5500, as any performance engine should. The RS makes 345hp and and 325lb-ft I believe(some sources are saying it has an overboost for more tq too), a stark contrast from the ST's 252/270 and the Mustang's 310/320. It should have a powerband almost identical to the CLA45's, albeit down on power but in a lighter car.

tw2

C63 would be my pick. I have had a couple of 2.0L turbo's but the instant torque from the V8's is addicting. Its a trade off between low boost threshold and peak hp with the small displacement turbo's. Technology is improving but it's a long way until both elements can be satisfied.

Amir_AMG

c63 hands down. cls would be second in my book, I owned a cls500 and the styling of the car was amazing cant imagine how much better the amg would be.
I also owned a w204 it was very clean and comfortable, and had driven the c63 and it has so much power

test drove the cla45 when they came out and wasnt impressed at all. felt like my moms old mini cooper from almost 10 years ago just very crammed

no experience with the other vehicles

Stiggs

You know what's a sweet coupe...the Audi RS5!
I even like the RS7 too!

kb24forlife24

C63

ambit

CLK63 BS

GatorMB

I like the Audi as well but have you looked up the price for a power window motor @ Autohause yet?

Do yourself a favor and look more at the C63 or GT500.

Khan 55

What ye get for your Merc? Car looked like show room condition. Lucky chappy that new owner is for sure. Good luck with the decision on the new car. Whatever you do, don't ditch the Merc brand now

Nachtsturm

Thanks everyone.

As of right now, I leaning towards the CLS55 AMG. There is just something about that M113K, that I love. The looks of the CLS do not hurt either.

kb24forlife24

The M113K is a great motor indeed, good luck with the search!

GatorMB

CLS is **** and had a better weight balance in all 4 corners.

IT is a slim slick streamlined body style that will outlive most Mercedes including the W208/W209.

I doubt the 1/4 times will win but ride quality and appearance will win on the pike.

Gator

kb24forlife24

Just be sure to save up money for those airmatic problems