omar26

Hey im looking into a CLK430 for 12,000 its a 2001 with 77,000 miles, or a 2001 CLK55 with 83,000 miles for 15,900, if i was to get the 430 which realistically is a better option for me cost wise and added the power pulleys, ecu tuning, green filters, amg airbox, and exhaust how many horespower can i get would it be in the 300's...i already have the power pulleys but nvr installed it on my 320, i live down the street form speed tuning usa, maybe i can work a deal with oliver.

wnycec

Yea adding all that stuff will get you close to 300hp at the crank. 55 has more power which is highly desired on the boards.

You will enjoy the 430 very much especially coming from a 320. Jumpin from a 320 to a 55 will be beyond your expectations.

GL and enjoy.

deyainrdy4ds

go with the 55....after havin the 430 for a while ur gunna just want the 55 neway....just get the double nickellllll

and damn our cars are worth sh*t now arent they?!

MarcusF

I agree with Hersh. There's just one thing; a U.S. Spec model year 2000 CLK55? I've never heard of it. It sounds like either an ultra rare car or a fake.

da_guitarist

There aren't any 2000 clk55's right? only 01-02 amg coupes for w208 bodystyle

Better get the 55. It's worth the extra dollar. you won't get enough hp out of the little mods to make up. and you'll just wish u had gotten one. trust me, i just sold my 430 to get a 55.

deyainrdy4ds

wow..didnt even notice it was a 2000...ya from my understandin 01-02 for the 55....u might wanna look into that OP

omar26

srry it's 2001, my mistake heres the craigslist link

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/560970682.html

150shot

Can someone post here what the main costs in difference in maintenance are?

I know the brakes are much higher...anything else comparing the 430 vs. 55?

Also I would consider insurance costs, and daily operating costs if this is going to be a daily driver...

clk430convert01

I had same choice to make and ended up going with the 430 cab b/c this car is my daily driver/commuter. On my city/hwy daily commute, I get 21 mpg if I don't stomp on it. At this point in time(4 months later) if i had to do it again, I would still take 430 b/c of softer ride in city and better mpg If your looking for raw power and less practicality, dial up that 55.

LowRydeR

I'd go with the 55. AMG cars are nice already stock.

MarcusF

Brakes are it. Even then, the rear rotors aren't bad. The fronts are a different story. Other than that, maintenance costs are about the same as a 2001/2002 CLK430.

da_guitarist

insurance is very little difference as well.

pigman

In late 2000 I was looking to get a 430 when a dealer called me back and said they had a CLK 55 available on the lot after someone walked away from their CLK 55 deposit. Back then it took 18 months to get a CLK 55. I didn't know if I wanted to spend the extra $17k.

Someone on MBWorld said something like "I have a hard job and 3 kids and not much in my life gives me pleasure. This car gives me pleasure." The next day I decided on the 55 and never looked back. If you're looking for a cushy ride, get the 430. If you like to smash down the accelerator and fly around a turn every once in a while (or more) and marvel at how AMG kicks ****, get the 55.

Good luck.

jbowen1094

I know they look the same but it's a better car. built better and will last longer. Check out the specs

Chappy

Amen brother!

150shot

Knowing what I know now about MB and the 208, I wish I had gotten a 55. Kinda sucks but o well. Price ranges are very very similar.

CHB

If only mb Canada would let me import w208s....buy a 55, since the prices are low! (still going for 40k over here )

AMGSingh

Back then there were no 55s when I got mine. The insurance costs are pretty much same depending on what u want...AMG is better option.

And yes it sucks, our cars are loosing resale values like domestics...lol

John 99CLK430

+1 A very big one at that. Wish I had a 55...

The Jury

Both are good cars and both will satisfy. Neither are sloppy or slow. The 55 has a thrill factor that is the equivalent of the 430 + 20%. The HP bump is obvious, but not night and day. Much better, obviously however.

The 55 was built off the 430. The 430 has a mildly tuned AMG suspension on it already, but not as stiff as the 55. It has the AMG body and wheels. The 430 had all the AMG options on it, then they came out with the 55 a year later (chicken and egg) built off the already AMG'ed out 430 with a few extras such as a modified version of the amg wheels, even stiffer AMG suspension, a 5 speed option, the big *** v8, and some trim goodies like embroidered seats that really mean nothing, but they are there.

The 320 is the odd man out in the CLK line. It doesn't share much aside of cosmetics with the 430 and 55. The 430 was, and is, a sport coupe designed for the performance factor and the 55 was a decision that came a year later to bump the 430 sport up just a bit more for the ultimate enthusiast. This is the reason the 430 was never badged as an AMG, since the 55 was already in planning to be based off the already highly modified (over the 320) 430 sport coupe.

Chappy

Even at a $17K premium over a CLK430, the CLK55 was a bargain.

Every "option" came standard on the 55 except 3: Phone, CD changer and COMAND.

It also came standard with things like Nappa leather (this leather is an OPTION on the new Audi R8 lol....), AMG Sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, Bose stereo and other goodies (xenons, rain sensing wiper, sun shade) and even things like a ski sack.

All this before the performance goodies:

AMG Brakes - matches the Porsche Boxter in 60-0 tests - 112ft!
Transmission (from the S/CL/SL V12)
4" driveshaft vs. 3"
AMG stainless performance exhaust w/dual polished finishers
Hand-built engine
AMG Instrument Cluster
AMG Springs
AMG Shocks
AMG F/R Sway bars

The Jury

Chappy, AMG instrument cluster under performance is a bit of a stretch


In any case as far as the OP goes, for $15k I'd rip the guys arm off and run.

Chappy

lol...true dat. Perhaps I should have stated that the AMGs will top out at one-fitty-five....

The Jury

I can hit 180 off a steep cliff

I thought the 55's were either auto or stick, not all stick. That would make the tranny a 4th option. Weren't there both?

Chappy

All MB/AMGs sold in the United States since the C36 in 1995 come with automatic transmissions.

This doesn't count the $1MM+ CLK GTR that had a sequential gearbox. Also, the new SL63 is coming out soon with a wet clutch setup instead of a torque convertor...more details will be released on the AMG Private Lounge soon.