EVOII_Racer

Hello AMG fans!

Did anyboday ever drove a W209 CLK 55?

How does it compare to our car? It's heavier or am I mistaken?
Thanks in advance

PC Valkyrie

Yes, I believe the CLK55 AMG coupe is heavier than the W203 C55 AMG when you look at official specs from MB.

The engine is obviously the same, but I suspect the suspension was tuned more like the C32 than the C55, as the CLK55 was introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model. I don't know for sure, but somebody with access to part numbers can tell if the suspension components are different or not.

If the above is true, then the C55 should be the better handling car (lighter, and with all the updated suspension tuning). It also does not have the updated steering rack that the C55 has, so steering ratio is not as direct (all part of the "Direct Control" upgrades that the facelifted W203 C-class had).

number_one_c55

Ive got both a 2004 CLK55 and a 2005 C55. C55 feels alot quicker than the CLK55.

PC Valkyrie

I would love to hear your perspective about the differences between the 2 cars other than the C55 feeling quicker. Is the C55's ride stiffer? Do you think it handles better? Do you feel the difference in the steering rack?

bzliteyear

Having owned various C, E, CLK, and S-class cars in the past, I have found superior driving experiences with the coupe driving experience vs. the sedans. I had assumed that since it was based on same chassis and engine, that it'd be merely having 2 extra doors, but that is not the case. Even when the engine is the same, the coupes tended to drive much sportier due to both the chassis as well as the way the cars are set up/tuned. This was a huge difference between my S55 and S600 vs. the equivalent CL coupes. It's too bad the CL's back seats are so small because I'd love to have that.

This was also true with my 2006 CLK55 vs. a C55(although not really fair since C55 is on the older chassis, and perhaps it might be different if compared with W208 chassis). Ironically, the CLK rear seats are larger and much more comfortable than the CL's.

Good luck to you...keep in mind with these used cars, even among the exact same car, I've found variances among them. Therefore, test drive as many as you can and choose wisely.

number_one_c55

Yeah C55 Is alot stiffer yet handles a bit better. CLK55 defiantly handles good don't get me wrong. CLK55 has a softer ride which for me is nicer you don't feel as many bumps or potholes. As for steering rack yes the C55 feels more "sporty" better turning feel. Overall there both hardcore AMG cars the CLK is just more of a luxury car when comparing the two.

Mark.D

The 2005/2006 C55 and 2005/2006 CLK55 are on the the same chassis.