TMans

hi to everyone, been bumming around here for awhile and deciding to finally post. i am looking into either a c32 or clk500, but leaning more towards the c32. i was wondering if you guys were happy with your car and are there any significant problems. i was looking at the 2003, but since its late i think i will just wait and get the 2004. do any of you know if mb is ever planning to bring the keyless go to the c32 in the near future? thanks for all the help.

dfc

Hi TMans, eigher car in your selection is a good choice. Decision ultimately boils down to a few simple questions (assuming you have no $$ constraints in choosing these two cars, and you plan to keep it stock).

1. Do you need a 4 dr family hauler (must or maybe)?
2. Do you race other cars on the street or tarck?
3. Do you prefer excitment or elegance?
4. Do you have the intention of picking up a few chicks in your new vehicle?

If answer to 1 is YES, choose C32. (no need to explain this)
Q2: YES=C32; NO=CLK500. (Simply b/c C32 is a better performer)
Q3: Excitment=C32; Elegance=CLK (This is purely a personal preference: new CLKs resemble SL from up-front, whereas C32's supposely fine image is ruining by the likes of Hyundai Sonata.)
Q4: YES=CLK (it's a coupe, looks super sleek, and that beautiful interior)

I just test drove a CLK last weekend. The driving sensation is less agile than c32 (of course). It more or less feels like the previous CLK430; a boat like manuvering. However, I got 20x more attention from ppl on the street than I did when driving my C32 out. In all, I think CLK is a better for cruising, especially in places like Cali.

TMans

thanks for your input dfc. i am waiting to go test drive both cars within the next week or so. i should have a better idea after being in both. i would like to go for the 4 door because i have a two door right now, but that alone won't stop me from getting a clk now should i wait to order a 2004 or pick up a 2003? the dealer is getting one in this next week and another one around mid-may. are there that many advantages that i should wait till possibly around july or august?

dfc

I think if a 03' C32 is available for you to pick up soon, it'll be just fine. Though not certain to me, 04' C32 doesn't seem to have exciting new options that will make you regret the decision of going w/ a 03'. If any new features at all, it'll probably be new rim options; and hopefully the foglight lens will be clear by now. Be sure to get Bi-Xenon too.

TMans

bi-xenons are a must for me! and for resale purposes, wouldn't a 04 be better than a 03? the dealer also told me that the 04s are coming with the new double spoke rims also, but not sure if he meant the ones like the clk55 or cl55 (they are different right?)

dfc

Th new 18" double spokes on CL and CLK looks same to me, probably offset is different. I am no expert on wheels, and can't comment much. Yeah, 04's resale will be better. If you can stand the wait, why not? Maybe, that's only maybe, if you get the 03' they might give you a better deal?!! I bought mine 03' as a dealer optioned car (but the options were pretty much what I wanted anyways); and they offered me some discounts.

TMans

hopefully i will be making a trip to the dealer this weekend and should have a better picture of everything. good point about the possible discount on 03, never thought about that. maybe if i can get a good discount, i might come home with a car sooner than i thought.