CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Kleemann CLK43 or W209 CLK55???

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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 11:06 AM
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Kleemann CLK43 or W209 CLK55???

I hate and really don't want to sell my car, but after comparing the CLK V8 w/ the C32 AMG, my car feels nothing to me anymore. I am "addicted" to the AMG engine but not the W209 bodystyle.

Should I just get Kleemann and spend a little more money on exterior modification or loss money on selling the CLK and let the dealer make more money on a new CLK55 purchase?????

Anyone has an idea on how much is the supercharger Kleemann kit? Who to contact?
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 11:24 AM
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...............I think when it comes to shape the w208 more muscular body style appeals to most people compared to the W209.
.............The CLK43K will have more HP and outperform the new CLK55 since MB is not going to put the new supercharged engine into the new CLk55
............As far as cost goes, don't take it for granted that the CLK43k will be significantly less expensive. The V8 supercharger alone is $20K installed. Lorinser or expression body kit will cost about $8-10K. And once you start modifying your car, it gets addictive.
..............If you are a die hard performance enthusiast, get the CLK43K.
.............If you want the new style and perfoprmance that beats "most' of the cars on the road get the new CLk55.

Ted
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 11:33 AM
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Personally i like the W209 but I am not going to argue with anyone here on body style. The CLK43K would be a monster, you already have the AMG body kit so i would stick with that, the other body kit choice that would look nice is Brabus ofcourse. Go for the Kleemann and some HRE 540R series rims.

Evosport should hook you up since you're in SoCal.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 03:07 PM
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Lamay

Keep your W208 and get it Kleemannized! Contact Ben at www.evosport.com This would be a much better option for ya!
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 03:22 PM
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Re: Lamay

Originally posted by JamE55
Keep your W208 and get it Kleemannized! Contact Ben at www.evosport.com This would be a much better option for ya!
Mod your car out. Everything ! ! ! From the Supercharger to the sway bars. From bucket seats to high performance brakes. From the hood grill combo to an Eisenhaus race exhaust . After that, your AMG experience with a C32 will be a "Faded Memory. " And you'll still save a few bucks hehehe.

ADo
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 04:32 PM
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Go with the Kleeman, plus when it's time to trade it in, I heard someone mention on this forum you can remove it and I'm sure you'll be able to re-sell it to another power hungry CLK owner. At least you'll recoup some of that money if this is the case. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here. It'll probably the less expensive route than buying the new CLK55 and you'll have a lot more hp.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 05:34 PM
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Get the CLK 55 W208 bodystyle.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 05:41 PM
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Originally posted by Tachini
Get the CLK 55 W208 bodystyle.
Then Kleemannize.:p
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 05:43 PM
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Originally posted by CRB
Then Kleemannize.:p
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 07:15 PM
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Originally posted by Ted Baldwin
.....As far as cost goes, don't take it for granted that the CLK43k will be significantly less expensive. The V8 supercharger alone is $20K installed. Ted
$20k
Oh godsh, what a dilemma, new AMG or a monster CLK43....But just thinking of selling the CLK is already making me sleepless! But, kleeman sounds so appealing....even more rare than CLK55!

Last edited by LAMAY123; Mar 6, 2003 at 07:21 PM.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 07:23 PM
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Lamay just SC your 430. You will not be disappointed. I'm biased b/c I'm not a big fan of the W209. SC'ing your 430 will cost about $16K - $17K and give you plenty of power unless you are a freak like me.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 07:25 PM
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Originally posted by Ted Baldwin
once you start modifying your car, it gets addictive.
Couldn't agree more.

Consider this... A CLK43K is worth no more than a CLK430stock in the resale value world. While a real ///AMG will be always be considered as a hot commodity, high ticket item.

BTW, if you do go the S/C route. I suggest you do what Timster did. Bring your car to Kleemann directly and get the A++++ treatment.

Last edited by Hank; Mar 6, 2003 at 07:28 PM.
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Old Mar 6, 2003 | 07:28 PM
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Originally posted by LAMAY123
But, kleeman sounds so appealing....even more rare than CLK55!
Try doing a test drive on Mach430's CLK43k and you'll have an idea of what it would be like to have your car with Kleemann in it!
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Old Mar 7, 2003 | 12:35 AM
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Thank you guys for all your helpful responses... and I'll keep you guys updated....
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Old Mar 8, 2003 | 02:21 AM
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No longer car shopping...
What about a used CLK55?

Have you thought about a used CLK55? That keeps your same bodystyle AND gives you the Power/sound/exclusivity we all seek? 2001's and 2002's are readily available on the market right now at KILLER prices. Go on eBay and you will find quite a few low mileage (under 20K) '01 CLK55's in the mid 40's! I've only had mine about a month but the reasons your stating are the same reasons I went to the '01 (all the power, looks, exclusivity) of a CLK55 without all the COSTS of the new model. $75K vs. $45K, is there really a question here? Just remember when buying a used car to do your homework. Tap this forum for any guideance you might need (carfax, service records, etc).
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Old Mar 8, 2003 | 04:01 AM
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Originally posted by LAMAY123
Thank you guys for all your helpful responses... and I'll keep you guys updated....
Personally, if I were you, I would go out there and find myself a good conditioned standard W208 CLK55 and stuff a kleeman supercharger in it!

Very few car out there will then be able to compete with your performance. Perhaps the odd VIPER or ferrari!
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Old Mar 8, 2003 | 09:18 AM
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Originally posted by Ahmed
Personally, if I were you, I would go out there and find myself a good conditioned standard W208 CLK55 and stuff a kleeman supercharger in it!

Very few car out there will then be able to compete with your performance. Perhaps the odd VIPER or ferrari!
Vipers are no match for a CLK55 K. A CLK55 K will also beat a 575M Maranello to 120- not bad if you consider the 575 has Launch control. :p
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Old Mar 8, 2003 | 10:43 AM
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Very few cars would be a match for a Kleemann CLK55K. I do think Timster would go head to head with you any chance he could get! Otherwise, you're going to have to resort to racing motorcycles, because you will rarely find a car on the street that can even keep up with you.
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Old Mar 8, 2003 | 11:50 AM
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Supercharge your car. The 208 looks much better than the 209 IMO.
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Old Mar 10, 2003 | 10:41 AM
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Originally posted by CoryU
Vipers are no match for a CLK55 K. A CLK55 K will also beat a 575M Maranello to 120- not bad if you consider the 575 has Launch control. :p
Would this be the same for an E55K that Vipers and 575M are no match?
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Old Mar 10, 2003 | 11:22 AM
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Originally posted by JamE55
Would this be the same for an E55K that Vipers and 575M are no match?
I guess it depends on the driver! I would say since the E is slightly heavier than the CLK, it might not beat either the Viper or Ferrari in a stand still acceleration test. Now, a 50-150 run might prove differently. common Jam- let's put a kompressor on that 210-55!
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Old Mar 10, 2003 | 11:59 AM
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Originally posted by CoryU
I guess it depends on the driver! I would say since the E is slightly heavier than the CLK, it might not beat either the Viper or Ferrari in a stand still acceleration test. Now, a 50-150 run might prove differently. common Jam- let's put a kompressor on that 210-55!
Thanks Cory! You have no idea how bad i wanna get one!
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 10:53 AM
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Originally posted by JamE55
You have no idea how bad i wanna get one!
I want one too!

But if I get it, I will have to spring for the wife's facelift too. I think that would be like having a car repainted...it looks better for a while, but you still have the same old problems.

In going back to the original thread, I would trade the 02-430 and maybe spend the 10 to 12 more to find an 01-55 no higher than the low 50s. That would take care of keeping the 208 looks and maybe take care of the power with the added 70 hp over a 430.

If it didn't, then I would go for the Kleemann and at 17k, and that would still be around the 209-55 price, but with almost 160 more hp than the new 55.

Beside the 55 is bettered suited than a 430 to take the added s/c stresses with all the AMG mods and the drive train from the 12 cylinder.
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 10:55 AM
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Originally posted by ima55r2
I want one too!

But if I get it, I will have to spring for the wife's facelift too. I think that would be like having a car repainted...it looks better for a while, but you still have the same old problems.
Hahahahaha!! ima that was one of the most funniest thing you've said!
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Old Mar 11, 2003 | 11:15 AM
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Originally posted by ima55r2
Beside the 55 is bettered suited than a 430 to take the added s/c stresses with all the AMG mods and the drive train from the 12 cylinder.
There actually aren't that many differences in the drivetrain, and both can take the same amounts of stress. Obviously, the engine is different, there are no questions there. While the part numbers are different for tranny, most of the parts are the same (given a different number to signify which EGS controller is needed).
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