Well, sorta. I had a 2003 C32 and recently got a 2003 CLK55 (mid $30K's). Bottom line: the C32 is now gone and not missed.

I don't think you said what year C32 you're looking at, but if it's a 2004 I would DEFINITELY consider an '03 CLK55 AMG. In fact, even if you're looking at a used 2003 C32, the prices aren't that far apart.

On the road, the CLK definitely feels like it accelerates faster. An impromptu race between my C32 and my CLK55 bears this out. I know you're looking at a CLK500, but I'm trying to talk you into a 55 FWIW, I have raced several E500's in my C32 and always won but not by a wide margin or as wide of one as I would have expected.

On the topic of transmissions, I give the CLK the nod there as well. The C32 has a manual shift option, but a) I don't like using the gear selector lever to change and b) the C32 shifts seem slower. The CLK55 has shifter buttons on the back of the steering wheel. I never used the manu-mode on the C32 but do frequently on the CLK for fun on twisties. Both cars are a bit abrupt if you drop down a gear while driving aggresively. Guess you need SMG-style or heel-and-toe to do it without a jerk.

The CLK interior is substantially nicer than the C32's. For example, the air vents look a lot nicer and the controls to shut them on/off have a much more solid feel in the CLK. C32 6 CLK 8

Motor (excluding exhaust note): C32 7 CLK 8
Exhaust note: C32 6 CLK 8

Exterior looks are subjective; my take is:
Rear end: C32 7 CLK 6
Side profile: C32 7 CLK 8
Side profile windows down: C32 6 CLK 9
Front: C32 5 CLK 9

Practicality: I do miss being able to open a rear door on the C32 and toss in a bag/coat/dog/whatever. Rear seat space in the CLK seems equal, it's just the opening to get to it is much smaller. C32 8 CLK 5

Female attention factor (if it matters, it's just an amusement to me): C32 4 CLK 8

 

Better class and status --> CLK500
Wanna own an AMG --> C32
Both are great cars

 

who said that clk has an ugly butt?
i'd take the clk and spend a couple of grand on suspension
i test drove a c32 when they just came out and i didnt like the power delivery, it seemed fake
v8 over a supercharged 6 anyday, even if its not as powerful

 

about that newb

 

I saw a new '06 CLK500 at the dealer showroom when I picked up my new toy last week. It looked just like the older versions of the CLK55. The dual exhaust even had AMG engraved on them. If you don't really care about the AMG performance upgrade, look into the new CLK500.

 

I saw one testing an E55 yesterday, the dealer said, hey try this CLK 55 and I said that I did not want a chick car.
The old CLK was nice, the new one look chimp and chicky.
The power of any CLK can be crushed by a C32 with a ODP for a couple grand. The only way to top the C32 would be 10 Grand at Kleeman.
Now the guys on this forum are power nuts and I don't think any of us would want a CLK500 over a C32.

 

See my sig and you'll know my choice

 

The W211 E55 is badass, I just can get over the size and boatyness. Did you use the Brabus lowering kit? I assume it made the car more nimble.

 

My wife wants something that's sporty yet luxurious. We hated the 5-series, the RS-6 is not yet available in the US, and the only logical choice is the E55. If it was just me, I would have gotten a C55 or SLK55 and supercharge it with KLEEMANN or RENNtech. All in all, the handling is not that bad considering the size. I don't feel much difference in the E when compared to our old C. It's a lot stabler on the highway though (we had some strong gusty winds lately here in Boston).

I'm considering the lowering method through StarDiagnose, which would allow me to keep my suspension circuitry intact (no need to tap into the suspension control module to trick the computer). For Brabus mods, I'm talking to Andreas about the K8 tuning package. I want to keep the exterior unchange so I might just get the CF lip and the side skirt lights and call it a day. Of course, I need to get some Monoblock VI with PS2 for summer (I'll keep my stock wheels and use it as winter wheels for now, may switch to Monoblock V later on though).

 

Sounds like some good mod choices.
I kind of feel the same way about the E55 and I can't deal with another W203. It's best to rock on in the C32 and wait for the new AMGs to hit..

 

[QUOTE=Vader13] about that newb[/QUOT



u'll know after i rock u on a canyon

 

pm me

 

Read Nov Mercedes Enthusa. an article about C32 owner experience

 

[QUOTE=AMG_55]hahahahhaha .. here is your doom
http://www.teckademicseast.com/?sect...addfd9dc2096c2

 

[QUOTE=Vader13]my doom?
i did bigger burnouts in my old 528i :p
that was a waste of my time
r u going to the meet on sunday?

 

I am in Santa Barbara then off to Texas to work on Texas Chain Saw Massacre, then back to LA to finish the Mischief pilot..super busy
my burnout pwns you

 

whats pwns?
so lets get down when u get to la
sounds like ur just tryin to avoid gettin smoked
ill rock u
ur burnout aint ****


im just gettin started (pic)

 

better put a blower on that thing or you will get your *** handed to you kiddo..

 

[QUOTE=Vad

 

CLK50K or bust

 

omg CLK pride, that Brabus bumper is freaking sick though..

 

My car is nearly bone stock except lowering springs and wider rear tires and i run 1/4 miles in 13.24@105.6mph.
i think W209 CLK55 is a bit faster than W203 C32 but calling a CLK55 can smoke a C32 is just LOL.

 

i raced a couple of c32's one from 35-110 i pulled like 2.5-3 carlengths
and another 1 from 25- about70 - 75 i pulled 1.5

but im talking about canyon, not drag racing w/ whatshisname
i know i'll b faster through a canyon, not the car, but me
i know that a c32 w simple mods is really fast
u wanna drag race ill bring my moms e55

 

It will be a driver's race through the canyon. I agree CLK55 is faster in a drag race.
Too bad we live too far away or i'm willing to have a friendly run (drag or canyon) with your CLK55 and tape it down with my DV. *Should be a fun race*
Don't bring your mom's E55 or your dad's Prosche turbo or your uncle's ferrari enzoto race me, i know i don't stand a chance against those cars. :p

 

dads got an ml55
no uncle with an enzo though
u got 1?