NVAMG

Should I buy a C32 or CLK55? I have been looking at 2 cars, both have no warranty.

2004 C32 w/ 50k miles from Mercedes dealer.

2003 CLK55 w/50k miles from a used car dealer.

There is only a minor price difference between the C32 and the CLK55. It is a hard choice because I like both cars. Will the repair cost be alot higher on the CLK55?

Vomit

I would say that it boils down to aesthetics (which one do you like to look at more) and utility.

I personally do not care for the look of the CLK (not that the C32 is any beauty queen either), but alot of people love them. If you will be using the back seat alot, go for the C32 (four doors=much easier access). If it will be just you and maybe a front seat passenger, then utility is not a big concern, and you are back at the question of "Which one makes your heart patter?"

As far as maintenance costs, I would think that the CLK would be lower (no forced induction=fewer parts to break/wear out).

SilverBulletAMG

Also consider future mods. If you want to tinker, the C32 has a ton of potential. The NA 5.5 is more expensive to mod and not as easy to tune.
Then the obvious practicality of 4 doors vs 2.
You're asking the question on a mainly C32 board. You know what most of us would chose.

NVAMG

Handling is a top priority. I posted the same post on the clk board. Someone mentioned that you can feel the weight of the clk in the twisties. I am leaning towards the C32.

RedBull

Personally I think the CLK55 looks better than the C32, but it's all a matter of personal taste. The C32 is a more practical car, and does offer more bang/buck. Bottom line is that you really can't go wrong with either one. If you're worried about the handling of the CLK, then just put coilovers on it and beef up the swaybars. Problem solved.

SilverBulletAMG

If handling is your priority, either car could be setup with aftermarket parts to do better in that department. Some would call this blasphemy, but you may want to look at the M3 if you haven't already. Handling is their specialty. Tons of aftermarket goodies there as well.

hooleyboy

If you are going to get into MODS the C32 is the way to go

Newzchspy

M3???? (see SilverBullet post above). Sacrilege on this board? M3 is very expensive to mod and a lightly modded C32 will eat its lunch all day long. Take it from a guy with a NA 55 engine too, get the C32 if you're into modding. It'll beat about 99 % of the cars on the road for about $1000 in mods( Jerry tune and Code III or 185 LET) and of course, Jake's famous spark plugs mod!!!

bud4ya

Before I would even consider either car I would see which one has service records/history. Ya the C32 you can mod the hell out of it for cheap and the CLK would be more to mod. But what if the C32 has only had 2 oil changes in the 50K that are on it and the CLK has have the oil changed every 5K. Well in that case I would choose teh CLK. That is just an example of what I am talking about. No service records IMO walk away. I know it is hard to get them when buying from a dealer but maybe the car was serviced there.

Addicted2Speed

Get a 2003 E55 instead for around the same price.

Saprissa

my vote for the C32

but I'm biased !

viper501

I'd get the CLK55, assuming that the cars have equivalent service histories. The 55 is going to be 'fresher' looking longer for one. Additionally, it makes its HP the old fashion way, through displacement not through a s/c. Which leads me to the third reason, and not the last, which is the coolant intermix issue with the C32's. There is also the issues with the air / water i/c failures. Then there is the interior. I am much fonder of the CLK's than the older style (especially instrumentation) of the C32.

However, the 32 is a very nice ride and getting it from the dealer *may* have dividends.

kindafast

Make sure the C32 has warranty ;-)

c32used

+1,000,000

I don't know how I could afford my C32 without it! But on avaerage once fixed no issue again besides those frikken lower heated seats I'd go for what you need between 4 or 2 doors....the C32 can be made look more current if need be. GL

c32used

AMG NA V8=Big $$$$$ to modify ask anyone But can yeild higher HP/TQ at the end...depending body styles.

SC V6 for under $1500 you have a much faster car then stock

If the OP chooses based off engines then keep in mind the possibilities of desiring more HP/TQ down the line...and we all know how the mod bug can transform us into mod freaks You might as well add the C55 in the mix if choosing between NA engines. But if you want unadulterated power the 03-06 E55 will tame most...

viper501

True that it is easier and less expensive to do engine mods to the 32, but there is an inherent trade off in reliability and longevity when modding. Not to mention that economically speaking you're always better off buying a more powerful, and hence more valuable (generally speaking), car rather than dumping $$$$ into mods. BTDT waaaaay too many times.

I don't think that the E55k is really in the price point that he is looking at and would stay away from all but the most pristine of 03's. OTOH, if it is in the price point, the E55 is a great road rocket although not much of a twisty machine with that kind of bulk.

viper501

And when we speak of engine mods, we're really talking about spinning the s/c faster.

calimax

I would not buy a CLK55 unless it were an 05 or newer. I personally don't feel that it is "fresher", since the center console looks the same to me. The 05 had a freshening up on the interior and had the motor tweaked to have more HP and the dash says 200mph! YEAH!! you heard right, 200 on da dash, lol. First year models will have more issues with it, so with just that I would say go with the C32. You will love it. I was in the same decision boat that you were in with the CLK55 VS C32, and I am happy with my choice. Insurance should be less to, a V6 4dr VS V8 2dr.

eclipsed

2 Days ago Aristocrat Motors in Kansas City had a 2004 C32 with under 24k miles for 25k$ if your interested.

FrankW

just so you know the 03 CLK has the same turd looking center console (radio, switches, etc). which feels even worse since it was suppose to be a more expensive car than the C.

Saprissa

that's right.
Many of the interior switches in my C-Class Coupe came from a W209 CLK !


Carlos

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bud4ya

trbo2nr

Go ahead and have the IC pump replaced as it's one of the first things that go out. Mine went out around 48k or so - that is if you get the C32. Warranty is a must.

NitrogenBalance

For what it's worth I vote CLK55. I would go drive a few of each model and go from there. In terms of playing with mods and such consider your goal, look whats available, and go from there.

Like anything, if you post this in the CLK forum you'll probably have a much different response. Having driven a few W202's, W203's, and a coulple CLK208/209's I vote CLK. Beautiful ride in all aspects.

Vomit

The insurance issue may be a big one. I know that my carrier (Geico) treats my C32 exactly as if it were a C240 (as a four-door, V-6 sedan)!!!

Not sure how the CLK55 gets treated by the carriers. Anyone who has one chime in?