(I copied this post from the m5 forum)
have mostly been following the threads here, and have not posted yet. Anyway back in October 2000 I had an unfortunate accident with my //M5, and was totaled under insurance. In December 2000, I purchased a 330i, and have been driving it ever since. It currently has 16,200 miles on the clock, and drives pretty nicely. Only downside is that it lacks power, and is an automatic. Anyway in May or June, I will have the oppurtunity to trade in my car for something else. I am thinking clk 55 or possibly getting an m5 again. I've been debating for a while, and still can't come up with an answer. I've driven both cars, and they are very similar in performance. Anyway, here are some questions, I hope you guys can address.

1. I've been reading the boards and many m5 owners have been having clutch problems. My m5 had almost 4,000 before the accident, and had no signs of wearing out. However many are having issues with their clutch.
Are there any reoccurring problems like the one I referenced above with the clk 55s, that have been causing frustration?


2. One thing that is helping me lean towards the clk 55 is the service I receive at the BMW dealership. The service managers at Momentum BMW are complete *******s, and lack any knowledge whatsoever about the cars. I got into a pretty decent fight with my service manager at Momentum because he threatened to void not just a specific part's warranty, but the whole warranty on my car, due to aftermarket parts, I can no longer service my car there. I can't stand the service managers.

How strict is MB regarding aftermarket parts and warranties?

3. As far as pricing goes with the clk555, can getting a local deal @MSRP, with little or no wait, be possible?

Would it be feasible to purchase a 2002 model? Or should I wait for the 2003?

Would it be a better idea to purchase slightly used for a better deal?

4. Used clk55, good idea or no? Most people I know who have an clk55, buy it abuse it and dump it. Do you think that's the case with used clk55s?

5. What will be changed for the MY 2003 clk55? Would it be worth considering

6. Colors, Colors Colors, are there any new colors for the '02 MY? If so can you please post your pictures.

I'm definetely feeling the topaz blue (is that what it's called??) with the blue two tone interior.

I'd also like to add, I've tracked my 330i a few times, I'm not a track guru by any means, but I want to be able to take the car to the track without having to worry. As for auto and stick, I think if the car has enough power, I wouldn't complain about not having a manual transmission i.e a clk55 . Coupe or sedan, I really have no preference over the two. However I must say, for the 5 or so months I did have my m5, most fun I've ever had

Thanks for your time guys


Amir

p.s attached is a pic of my current ride, in texas fog, on the way to a track session one morning

 

It's obvious that your 330i is heading for the dumpster - literally as per your pix.

A couple of suggestions:

See several MB dealerships in your area. I visited all five here in SE Florida and did business with the one that offered all kinds of perks, including free car washes for the life of the car.

Certainly other factors played a role: Customer service, options availability, liking the CLK55.

So, check out your dealerships. Also, recently I read that the CLK55 AMGs can't be custom ordered because of the new 2003 model and you have to take what is in the pipeline. Yesterday I read that you can custom order to the end of the calendar year (obviously wrong, because both can't be right).

Re colors & price, its up to you and the dealership. Don't expect much for the BMW or for that matter ANY trade in at the MB dealerships; sell it privately. And re MODS: you are on your own unless you get it in writing from the Head of the service department, that it will not void part of your warranty. If you race and the engine blows...good luck.

For myself, the CLK55 AMG is the best car built by MBZ since Karl Benz patented the world's first motorcoach in January of 1886.

 

Thanks for the reply Karl, we have a good relationship with Mercedes Benz of Houston-Greenway. As a matter of fact, that is where I purchased my //M5 from . It's a tough decision.......

 

4 doors vs two doors. If you want 4 doors and a Benz the E55 may be your answer if you want 2 doors it's the CLK55

stick vs auto, auto = Benz, stick=BMW

Both body styles (clk & E) are changing in MY 2003 and I beleive the 5 series may as well.

RJC

 

I'm not too fond of the E class styling. That's the thing I'm still undecided on transmission. The 5 series is changing for 2003 my, but the m5 wont. I'm not sure if m5 production will continue in 2003 with the old body style, or if they will cease production of it all together......choices choices........


Still haven't heard much about common problems with the clk55. So I'm assuming there is nothing major. What about the back seat of your clk, how usable is it?

 

I don't believe the CLK has any common problems other than the express close window, which I believe was fixed for 2002 models. I've had my CLK55 since December 2000 and don't have any complaints. Here is a picture of the Orion blue with the charcoal/blue interior.

 

It's useless for passengers behind my driver's seat. I have it all the way back because I am 6'2" tall.

The CLK55 AMG is a well balanced & safe state of the art car. AWESOME!

PS:
Amir, I have a feeling that you would enjoy a 2002 ZO6 or a 2002 C5 Vette Coupe. Have you driven those "G" force defying monsters? All for $40,000 to $50,000.

 

I've never driven a z06 or c5, however they do look tempting, but I want a hint of luxury mixed in with the power. The z06 is a beast and is by far one of the best cars I've seen on the track, especially with R compounds. The plasticy appereance and american leather interior aren't too appealing. I'm definetely loving that color combination though....Thanks again for your input


Amir

 

Hey Amir, Peter here...

I would get the M5...6 spd maunal is awesome...(you know, you had one) plus lots of customizing options.

Now if the CLK55 came in a maunal, then i'd have to choose the benz.

 

I find it pretty strange that you're comparing a CLK55 to a M5. The two are totally different cars...the CLK55 is a sport coupe and the M5 is a mid-size sedan.

Anyways...how about hold on for another while and wait for the new AMG CLK??? I believe its CLK50AMG and will be coming out some time in 2003. Or how about a C32AMG? At least a C32 is comparable to a M5!

Since both cars will be restyling soon, if you get either one of them now, the resale value will be pretty awful.

 

I spoke with an M5 owner a coupl;e of weeks ago at a gas station. He said and I quote "I got spanked by an E55 on the highway......Man those AMG's are fast"

If he was spanked by an E55, then I can only imagine what the CLK55 will do. That is pretty much all the advice I can give you.