jasonboss

Hello all,
I am considering buying a new car and it has to be a real luxury car so naturally Mercedes Benz and BMW are some of the first brands that come to mind. I have narrowed it down to 2 cars: the 2006 MB CLK350 and 2006 BMW 325i, both of which are in the $ 15,000.00 - $ 18,000.00 price class used with +/- 70.000 miles.


I love both cars but I feel that the stock BMW has a more aggressive look which suits a me as I'm in my late 20's. The MB's front has that aggressive factor but it has a boring side and rear bumper.

The MB has a sleeker more sophisticated look, and has a lot of technology that the stock BMW does not have such as the side mirror light signals, and a in dash TV.

Any advice???

anwar_m14

Definitely the CLK. If the exterior is not aggressive enough, then go with the AMG look

Pancho

Everyone and their dog has a beemer. I even have a Z3 laying around somewhere. They're like flies on a dumpster. Get the CLK.

myworld

I think Pancho is right. + its a 4 door.

malahhaor

I had 04 clk500 amg package when my wife had 06 325i.
bmw was more agile and faster on downshifts. But benz was better in every other way, at least for me.
It still handles better than most cars on the road and if not good enough for you, after market springs are less than 300 bucks.
It was smoother over bumps and all around more comfortable. I preferred benz dash and center con much easier and more straight forward to use and looked better.
But when all windows go down and sunroof opens on clk, 325 has no chance. It is absolutely stunning and almost like driving a Cabrio.
325 also barely has any go.

MickM

I was faced with the same basic choice on a smaller budget and bought a 99 CLK 320 red with black convertible instead of the BMW and thought I had made the right choice. My wife loves the car and I've enjoyed doing some upgrades like Xeonx headlights, new grill, AMG wheels and Goodyear Eagles. But after 6 mo. I wish I could get rid of it. I just can't justify it with my wife. It is not a drivers car like the Bemmer, not any enthusiasts in my area for MB's. Also not very much in the way of affordable or used upgrades/parts around. I like to give it to my wife but she still likes her Camry more.

malahhaor

99 clk and 06 are a world apart.
BMW will have the same used market as Benz. Message boards and eBay.
I also find folks constantly using the term "drivers car" too much. Unless you are using streets as a race track, what "drivers" feel are you going to get out of the car other than being able to feel potholes more?
I'm glad my wife went to a CLS. Sometimes the 325 was like being on a smal boat going over waves. It was making me sea sick. Every dip in the road and every bump was felt. My sister inlaw has 06 330 sport and that thing is like driving on rims w/o any rubber between you and the road. Not something you will feel in the clk or even a 5 series.
So unless you are in to that feel of stiff suspension like a rice rocket with eibach springs than a 3 series is not for you.
I'm not saying 325 is a bad car, it provides a different feel, some like it, some don't. And everyone does have one. Clk will turn heads more. If that's what you are looking for.
But better if you go drive both and decide for your self.
As far as aggressive look, just make sure you get amg package.

jasonboss

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I've decided to take the CLK!!! I feel I will definitely enjoy driving it and modifying it with a Brabus, or Renntech kit

OGCLK320

Try and find a decent priced 500, or even AMG 55, you won't regret it, and the fuel economy is not that much worse. I find my self with the v6 wishing everyday I had a large v8 under my hood.

FF_EMT

I agree try and find a v8. I love having a v8 when i need it and the gas is not bad if you keep your foot out of it.

malahhaor

The guys are right, you will not regret a clk500. After eurocharged and green filters I was averaging same mileage as my wife was on her 325i