ardy6931

Hey guys,

I just recently found out the new clk55 from 2005 and beyond was revamped much like the c55 as far as interior quality and was also given some quad exhausts.

I am about to buy a c55 in like two weeks but I just started looking at 05 clk55 and they are pretty nice, it seems almost like an upgrade from the c55 but I am still not sure about it. Seems like all the clk500's have the same body style as the clk55 which is lame, kind of like when the c230 ss came out and bent over all us c32 owners.

Bottom line, I want my car to feel as fast as the previous car or faster, you think I will have that feeling in a clk55? How will the handling be compared toa c55? I want firm handling and a car I can throw around, I think the c32 may have even been a little too lose for me. Help me out fellas, I know you guys have been there, its hard deciding on a car.

Juke-box

i think the clk 55 is an awesome car. since you already had the C 32, why not the CLK? they're more 'rare' than any C class on the road, and imo have much more presence and class than a C class sedan. Also, the CLK has higher quality interior materials but that's imo only. One thing i like better on the C class is the new dash that they have vs. the CLK's E class style dash. Other than that, i would definitely say the coupe is better than the sedan.

ardy6931

Right, all good points. But what about the performance aspect?

TopGun32

clk heavier/ newer body style and probably newer suspension set up, but similar to the c-class.

C55 lighter, older body style, is still using the c-class suspension set up but with much better calibration than the c32.

C55 should be slightly better performer, but with simple mods either way you can't go wrong.

I say if you need 4 doors, C55, 2 doors CLK. Price is a big difference too.

ardy6931

I am starting to lean towards the clk55 but in a way I would really like to get the car that handles and is more fun to drive. I want the most thrilling ride as I am only keeping this car for a year and a half. 2 or 4 door doesn't make a difference for me as long as I can carry 4 passengers, how comfortable is their problem

IdriveFast

for the price of the 05 CLK55, i suggest an 03 or 04 Maserati Coupe or Spyder. They would be around the same price or cheaper. or a 911. The 996 C4S, 997 and various 01 or 02 996 Turbos are all in the price range of an 05 CLK55.

ardy6931

Clk55's are in the same category as the other cars in my opinion. You can get an 05 clk55 for under 60k with low miles, or at least my hook up can.

DbleNckel

that's what I'd do...

clkcadet

clk, and im not just saying it bec i have one, the shape is just amazing on it and its the same power, if you were to tell us clk55 or e55 then i guess u would know the answer to that

ardy6931

I hate decisions.

Evil Duffman

05' CLK 55 amg coupe- est $69,000 cab- $82,000
5.5L V8, 24 valve, 362@5750hp, torque 376@4000 rpm
MPG 16/22
0-60: est 4.70 sec

05' Maserati Spyder GT - est - $87,000
4.2L V8, 32 valve, 390@7000hp, torque 333@4500 rpm
MPG 12/17
0-60: 4.90 sec

05' C 55 amg - est $53,000
5.5L V8, 24 valve, 362@5750hp, torque 376@4000 rpm
MPG 16/22
0-60: 4.70 sec

05' Porsche 911 Carrera S est- $79,000
3.8L H6, 24 valve, 355@6000hp, torque 295@4600 rpm
MPG 18/26
0-60: 4.10 sec (from Car&Driver)

05' Dodge Viper SRT-10 est- $81,000
8.3L V10, 20 valve, 510@5600hp, trq: 535@4200 rpm
MPG 12/20
0-60: 4.00 sec

For me it would be a tough decision between the Viper and the 911CS, my love for porsche might give it the edge but who can ignore a 510hp v10! The viper is a monster that i rarely see, here in NYC i see more maseratis than vipers. I would like to mention that the new Z06's are only around $61k so that might be something to consider as well, esp with its sub 4 sec 0-60 time. This price range choice is very difficult.

If you want to stick with benz, moneywise the c55 is the better buy, but on looks alone id go with the clk55. plus you already had the c32.

Other cars to consider: BMW 6 series, possibly the new M5.

ardy6931

All great suggestions but the kicker is that I need 4 seats, I wish i could do the porsche but I really do need to be able to carry 4 people with me comfortably and quickly if necessary. I think the clk55 is the one, but i do love the c55 for different reasons. The decision will hit me soon enough

cntlaw

If buy new , get CLK55 as it just has received a facelift
If buy preowned, get whichever is cheaper
Do not buy a new C55 AMG , W203 will get replaced in 18 months.

Not sure if CLK55 2006 gets a 7G ( the SLK55 has 7 G )
?

I won't get a new MB car without 7G these days.

SolidGranite

I agree with CNT...

Don't get a new Benz without the 7-speed trans. MB is putting it in all of the cars soon.

jtc55

if i was you, i would jump on this deal

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-0...QQcmdZViewItem

m444

But it's RED! like the :v

The last CLK55, I looked at, one had to use the motorized seat, to access, to the rear seats. It takes forever. Try the back seat, before you buy.

x-tian-230k

If you have the money, go CLK55.... if you are looking for the same car but cheaper, go C55... They are off the same platform.......

cntlaw

I think you are almost there. CLK55 meets most of your objectives and it is a significant upgrade in terms of it is a coupe outlook and that this change is conceptually manageable as it still offers most of the MB elements which you are familiar with. If you are getting a new one, you will probably need to prepare to have your face hit by the launch of W204 and the rumour CLE ( a CLS version of C ) in 18 months time.

A preowned CLK55/C55 will give you a year or two of fun while investment is minimised.

My exit plan is getting in a 258hp E90 in Jan06, possibly replace the C55 with a Boxster, MX5, GTI or a Smart in April. Have fun for 2 years. Then, I will come back and revisit the high power cars such as 400hp C55/63 W204, M3 E90 410hp etc. My concept to upgrade the power of my car is to downgrade it first and to appreciate the incremental again. ( Cars over 450hp+ here are not too practical on our roads, high fuel cost and 85% first registration tax. )

cnt

MSGHockey

why not an e55??

ardy6931

I would rather wait and spend a 100k on a cls55 then spend 80 or so on a e55. Plus I am still only 24 years old and try to spend every extra money i have on real estate investments and I also love the agility of smaller cars. I need 4 seats but I love cars that are fun to drive, an e55 or c55 would be fun because of the speed but around the bends I would rather have a c55 or clk55.

beemaze

If you're going to get the CLK55 coupe, get it now since for '06 you'll only have the choice of the CLK55 cabriolet. Cabriolets are a different animal - more weight and noise, less rigidity, especially over bumpy roads.

You might have some bargaining power on the '05 coupe since it has been discontinued for now....at least in the U.S.

d wig

yea, but the new c class is disgusting and looks like a acura..not only that getting a car in first year of production isn't that good of an idea especially since benz is not on top for reliability... i'd say get a c55 if ur gonna hoook it up.. get a clk55 if your gonna leave it.. c55's just look so damnnnn good hooked up...but i have to admit if ur gonna leave it the clk is a little better looking..

MBCLK60

I'd definetly go with the CLK55.

ardy6931

I was planning on a black on black 2005 clk55. Thats the year they brought the quad exhaust and newer interior.

r3v1ls

Whoah 24 and these cares are your options? Definitely gotta congratulate you for being able to do this. Just wondering what do you do for a living?