M3, Clk?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Bay Area, CA
M3, Clk?
I just came across this board today, it looks very good. I was wondering if you guys could help me out with a couple questions.
I currently drive an LS1 Camaro, which is very fast and fun. However, I am planning on selling it and buying either an E36 BMW M3 or a CLK (320 or 430). I have never driven a CLK, so I have no idea how they handle or what kind of power they make. I love the look of the 98+ CLK, but I really love the handling of the M3. Has anyone here driven both of them? What are your opinions?
My other question is about the 320 vs. the 430. I know that the 320 is a 6 cyl, and the 430 is an 8........but is the performance difference extreme? Is one engine more modifiable than the other?
Thanks for the help.
I currently drive an LS1 Camaro, which is very fast and fun. However, I am planning on selling it and buying either an E36 BMW M3 or a CLK (320 or 430). I have never driven a CLK, so I have no idea how they handle or what kind of power they make. I love the look of the 98+ CLK, but I really love the handling of the M3. Has anyone here driven both of them? What are your opinions?
My other question is about the 320 vs. the 430. I know that the 320 is a 6 cyl, and the 430 is an 8........but is the performance difference extreme? Is one engine more modifiable than the other?
Thanks for the help.
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Hey TNH!
Let me be the first one to Welcome you aboard the SS MBWorld.org! As far as getting the car get the CLK430 and then do a suspension mod on it to match the M3 and you'll be happy! As far as 320 vs 430 get the 430 has more torque and power. As far as their engine one being more modifiable really don't think so.
Let me be the first one to Welcome you aboard the SS MBWorld.org! As far as getting the car get the CLK430 and then do a suspension mod on it to match the M3 and you'll be happy! As far as 320 vs 430 get the 430 has more torque and power. As far as their engine one being more modifiable really don't think so.
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welcome. if you are going to buy a clk buy a 430. between a m3 and a clk it just depends on what kind of driver you are. if you are in need of a pure sports compact w/ manual tranny, then get m3. if you want the power with the luxury of a grand touring car then get the clk.
B
B
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The E36 in terms of interior does not look very appealing. The CLK has done a great job with the interior and JamE55 is right, some mod with the 430 and you will be happy. If it's E46, then it would be a different story.
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I have had both E36 M3s and CLKs. I have to say that the E36 interior is kinda plain, and it tends to fall apart after a while. I am much happier with the Mercedes in every aspect. I would def. get the 430 if you could.
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Definitely get a CLK over a 3 series. Those things are tinny and cheap compared to the CLK, which is (as far as I can tell) one of the worst-finished Benzes around.
My friends' 3 series feel almost as flimsy as Hondas next to my car- the interiors aren't as high quality, and they just don't have that heavy feeling.
My recommendation is DEFINITELY for you to get a CLK430.
My friends' 3 series feel almost as flimsy as Hondas next to my car- the interiors aren't as high quality, and they just don't have that heavy feeling.
My recommendation is DEFINITELY for you to get a CLK430.
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Thread Starter
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From: Bay Area, CA
Thanks for all of the replies. I just called my insurance company, and the M3 is over $300 per month to insure ( I am 19 years old). My camaro is extremely cheap for me because it began life as a 6 cyl, which I swapped for an LS1 V8.
My dad works at insurance auctions, and there is a CLK 320 on the sale tommorow.......he is going to bid on it for me. I would like to go with your guys suggestion (CLK 430), but I dont think I can afford to insure the V8. I know that it will be a step down in power, but I think it will be worth it (and keep me out of trouble too).
thanks again everyone who replied.
My dad works at insurance auctions, and there is a CLK 320 on the sale tommorow.......he is going to bid on it for me. I would like to go with your guys suggestion (CLK 430), but I dont think I can afford to insure the V8. I know that it will be a step down in power, but I think it will be worth it (and keep me out of trouble too).
thanks again everyone who replied.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Southern CA
If the insurance payments is what's keeping you from the 430, you may want to consider that the difference in price between a 430 and 320 is roughly the same amount for a Kleemann Supercharger, which would be more efficient in a few ways. You're still insuring a V6, You'll get better gas mileage than a V8, and you'd be a little faster than a V8.
Either way, all models of the CLK are great. Good luck!
Either way, all models of the CLK are great. Good luck!
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From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
TNH, you will definetly be happy with any CLK, nomatter which model you get.
Let us know the result of the Auction!
Let us know the result of the Auction!
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Originally posted by byip25
damn low... you got the clk when you got your license.... im so envious...! congrats... the problem is that your next car will probably be a cl or sl ... lol!
B
damn low... you got the clk when you got your license.... im so envious...! congrats... the problem is that your next car will probably be a cl or sl ... lol!
B
Last edited by LowRydeR; Feb 7, 2002 at 08:55 PM.
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From: Bay Area, CA
Originally posted by Mach430
If the insurance payments is what's keeping you from the 430, you may want to consider that the difference in price between a 430 and 320 is roughly the same amount for a Kleemann Supercharger, which would be more efficient in a few ways.
If the insurance payments is what's keeping you from the 430, you may want to consider that the difference in price between a 430 and 320 is roughly the same amount for a Kleemann Supercharger, which would be more efficient in a few ways.
Originally posted by accord
TNH, you will definetly be happy with any CLK, nomatter which model you get.
Let us know the result of the Auction!
TNH, you will definetly be happy with any CLK, nomatter which model you get.
Let us know the result of the Auction!
Thanks for the replies.
