Highly Modified CLK55!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 6
From: Columbia SC
95 E320 cab, 81 300D,, 83 300D
Highly Modified CLK55!!
I needed a new project, girlfriend needed a new car. Started looking at "neglected" CLK 55's (although I did soon discover that the price differential between "mechanics specials" and pristine examples was minimal). I thought I would would pass along my 320 to g/f, and have some fun with an AMG. Albeit a lowly a 320, I have spent far too much time underneath it in either freezing or miserably hot temps to ever get rid of it - especially since it's resale value is approx. $1.50.
I took g/f with me to look at a local, very well maintained 55. Also stopped, just out of curiosity, to look at a one owner, 69K, dealer maintained '99 SLK 230 w/ AMG sport pkg. Things get kind of hazy after that (g/f must have put something in my drink). Woke up the next morning, remembered buying car, went to look at my new CLK55 in the garage. Found this:
G/F loves it - and I have to admit is fairly fun to drive. Still, can't help feeling that something went terribly wrong. Don't worry - kept CLK, still looking for another (although 14% finance on SLK may delay purchase).
I took g/f with me to look at a local, very well maintained 55. Also stopped, just out of curiosity, to look at a one owner, 69K, dealer maintained '99 SLK 230 w/ AMG sport pkg. Things get kind of hazy after that (g/f must have put something in my drink). Woke up the next morning, remembered buying car, went to look at my new CLK55 in the garage. Found this:
G/F loves it - and I have to admit is fairly fun to drive. Still, can't help feeling that something went terribly wrong. Don't worry - kept CLK, still looking for another (although 14% finance on SLK may delay purchase).
Last edited by muskratbenz; Apr 15, 2007 at 10:04 PM. Reason: note
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 6
From: Columbia SC
95 E320 cab, 81 300D,, 83 300D
Stop laughing already!!!
I've already heard it all from my friends, one of whom snapped a couple of cellphone pics of me in it . The g/f is thrilled with the car (yes it is "hers", although apparently the note, with it's oh-so-generous interest rate belongs to me)- and it's truly a good drive. I still think the 208 CLK has as good - or better - lines than anything built by MB since the early 70's. And I expect I will get my 55, it's just that: a) I really don't get off on HP like I used to; b) I can't justify owning two 208's, but I have put so much work into this one that selling it for what it is "worth" seems like an even worse crime than buying this slk instead of a 55 (which I could have had for 2-3K more). Because I didn't want to spend $1400 to replace a cracked xenon lens (an extreme example - I could have gotten it on e-bay for $600, but $1400 makes my story better), I bought a non-xenon assy for $80, pulled the lens, polished it down to clear with misc dremel accesories, solvents, and sandpaper that felt softer than Charmin. Saved the cash, but spent untold hours doing it. Money really "saved" = $0, but I that lens is priceless to me. Similar story with transmission, and a half dozen other parts. Good thing g/f got the SLK, because I am practically married to this CLK.
My fiance' offered an upgrade to a S class, but I opted for the house of my dreams...call me crazy!! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
The SLK230 is a beautiful car. Zero to sixty in mid sixes, and it handles very well.
This is what the Road & Track engineering editor, Dennis Simanaitis had to say about it in 1997 -
"This car is a pleasure to all the senses. Tasteful, with just enough edge to qualify it as a sports car."
The R170 is one sweet car. Don't sweat the interest rate. You can either pay it off or refi the car loan at your convenience. Just walk into your bank, they'll be happy to finance that Benz.
This is what the Road & Track engineering editor, Dennis Simanaitis had to say about it in 1997 -
"This car is a pleasure to all the senses. Tasteful, with just enough edge to qualify it as a sports car."
The R170 is one sweet car. Don't sweat the interest rate. You can either pay it off or refi the car loan at your convenience. Just walk into your bank, they'll be happy to finance that Benz.
