Petej

Thinking of selling/trading in my 2005 CL65 for a C63 or a cls63.

I'm looking for something that is a bit more nimble and has some better track manners. Has anybody had any direct experience with a CL65 vs the C63 or the CLS63. I understand that they are very different cars and I'm really torn apart. The other options of interest are an E63 or a CTS-V wagon (not really interested in either of the sedan versions).

Mike Youngs

Cl63 u will love it it's a beast I just got mine and everywhere I go I get compliments

alx

None of these cars have track manners per se. Even the c63 is floaty when tossed around.

Petej

Mike, I'm not looking for compliments, just looking for something a bit more nimble.

Alx when you say "floaty " do you mean tail happy?

alx

no. "floaty" as soft, not precise, leaning too much, not liking sudden changes, undertired excellent sporty street car that really has no place on the track.

you can certainly take a c63 to a track day (and i have), but set your expectations low. it is not a sports car.

the c63 bs is supposed to be way better on the track, but i have not driven one so i dont know.

Petej

Thanks for the feedback. I assume an E series would be worse? This is one area where GM nailed it with the MR shocks. Unfortunately they don't have a decent automatic trans...

NRL

I don't think youl find something as nice and fast as a mint used CL65 for under $35-45k..

Used or Brand new?

but for more, how about a GT-R or a CL63 507?

Maybe a used CLK63 Black series..

Blkvip

CLKBS is your best option. i don't remember what pro driver said it but he said it was one of the best track cars he's been in (ep of top gear). Watch Top Gear pretty sure they reviewed every car you're looking at. Clarkson even said the C63 is more fun more raw but still can handle its own on the track.... you'll just get beat by M3's lol

Petej

Thanks everybody I appreciate the feedback.

I am looking for either a used for CPO under 60k. I thought about a GTR until i road in one and I thought it just felt wrong to me. Incredible performance but just a tad too aggressive. One option I just stumbled across this potentially a Cayman S.

My next step is to take a test drive in the C63 and the Porsche....

CharlestonN

You can pick up a CLK Black Series for around $65K-$70K now a days

That would be your best bet if you want track manors from an AMG

Petej

Drove a 2010 C63 tonight and it is one heck of a car. Looking for one with a Development Package next to see if it makes a big difference in ride. All in all I was a bit worried that it would be too rough but it wasn't. Took a look at a Cayman and it's just too small. I'm leaning toward the C63 if I decide to sell my CL65....now to find one with the right options and color.

rbreaks

How about a 2006 SL65? Under 60K

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-2dr-Roadster-6-0L-AMG-/200923293913?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2ec7f628d9

Petej

Nice car but if I get a two seater I'll get the Porsche.

CharlestonN

Eww, might as well just pick up a Mazda Miata then

With Porsche's EVERYTHING is an option and the interior is pretty sparse, they never even really update the body style, i almost bought a 08' 997 Turbo S before a bought the CL and it felt like a havier version of a cheap ricer convertible, it was damn fast though... Around 3.5 sec 0-60 i believe

The only Porsche i was ever a fan of was the Uber Porsche - The Carerra GT

rbreaks

What Porsche for under 60k would compete w/ the SL65 I posted which was under 60k?

Petej

Sorry I offended you...It all depends on your definition of "Compete".

It is a well known fact that most Mercedes cars are rather obese and do not have the best handling/track manners. It is all about compromise, luxury features add weight, weight is the enemy of handling/agility. That is why I'm looking at a some options (the C63 is a good compromise). I really love my CL65 but as time goes on there are days where I feel it is just not the car for me. What I really wish for is a bit more flexibility in tuning the chassis etc.

rbreaks

I'm not offended, why would I be?

Still curious what your answer is in regard to which Porsche would have more power than the SL65. You love your CL65, so wouldn't the same engine in a smaller lighter car (the SL) do the trick?

Petej

Re-read my original post. The SL is a nice car but it's just not for me. I'm looking for something a bit more nimble and power does not equal nimble. In addition, it's not just about power, it is about usable power. For example a Carrera 4 S will run circles around a CL/SL on a track and you can find them for less than 60k. I just don't like the look of a 911. I like the look of a Cayman S and the performance is outstanding but it does not have the space I need (hence the C63).

When I got my CL I thought about getting a tune etc but quickly came to realize that there is actually more than enough power but not enough chassis/tire to take advantage of it. If I could find a way to get a good size set of tires on the car I'd be very happy. Seems like a common issue with AMG; for example, the C63 with a 255 stock rear tire is a joke.

In my research I also started looking at a 2012 E550 Coupe, there are some very simple chassis upgrades that can be done to enhance the handling and prices are in the ball park....I really don't understand why they never made an E63 Coupe .

rbreaks

How about CLK Black series? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Mercedes-Benz-CLK63-AMG-Black-Series-Service-Records-Las-Vegas-/161018287985?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item257d701771

rbreaks

Maybe you'll change your mind after you see this?

Exotic-metal55

CLK black series will do the trick but he will need to throw in another 30K to close the deal.

They have coil over kits for the E class now, so a E63 with coil overs may get you a tighter ride. CTSV dont seem to handle well either but BMW does have the handling down, just weaker on the power side.imo

CharlestonN

Yeah, the CLK Black Series will be the most track competent Benz out there for around $60K

Ather

+1 on the CLK63 black series. It has an awesome suspension along with the power. My choice all the way.

Petej

After test driving and looking at too many cars to count I have decided on a leasing a new 2013 Audi S4. I was shocked with how well the car just stuck to the road and was so easy to drive hard. The car is well loaded and includes a Bang and Olufsen sound system, Sport Differential, Full MMI system, 19" wheels, Stasis Tune (good for 417 HP) a set of Moda Wheels with Bridgestone Blizzak tires.

This is the car that is being sent to my dealer in Milwaukee:

http://www.zimbrickaudiofmadison.com...be15223f2b.htm)

With dealer incentives and supplier discounts through the company I work for I got the whole package for $51k.

When I told my MB dealer what I was looking at and asked them for options they had nothing to counter with other than a C350 which just didn't cut it in my book.

The CL has been a fun ride while it lasted but it's time to move on. I'll miss the brutal torque of the CL and feel that from a drive train standpoint it has one of the greatest engines of all time (Pagani feels the same way).

I'll be listing the car shortly, considering it has one year left on the warranty hopefully it will be attractive to someone.

CharlestonN

What made you choose the S4 over the RS4?

I know the S4 hit's it's hp peak sooner than the RS4 but the RS4 should be able to pull on it pretty easily at higher speed