Ragtops - CLK430 vs M3
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Ragtops - CLK430 vs M3
I am just starting to look into a 3 season car, a convertible with 4 seats, to keep as a long term 3rd car. Looks like my choices so far are:
- MB CLK430 Cabrio
- BMW M3 Convertible
(I ruled out the CLK320, as I currently have an acura cl type s. It would drive me nuts to go that far down in performance)
I read the other comparison topics hear, but there are more issues with a convertible over a coupe.
Reliability:
I have heard many bad thing about both cars. Can anyone here comment on the CLK's reliability? I plan on keeping this car 10+ years, so cost of repairs would be important.
How well does the roof mechanism hold up long term?
How is the wind noise?
Interior:
Are the seats comfortable for long trips?
How is the back seat, any problems fitting a child booster seat?
The navi screen is really small, does the MB system work well?
How well does the rear mesh wind deflector work?
Is the stereo good, or do most people go with aftermarket?
Performance:
I know the ragtops add weight and lower performance, but I don't want to go too far worse than my current CL-S.
How good is the Touch Shift? Can you control all shifts up/down from 1-5? How quick is the shift after you hit the stick?
How good is the gearing? Such as is 4th gear so tall the car almost has 2 overdrive gears?
How does it turn, like a boat or halfway decent? Are aftermarked suspension mods available or recommended? (For example, I did modify my cls suspension to make it tighter in turns, but kept the nice ride)
Are stock tires good, or do most people swap them out right away?
Fun Factor:
I am not going to be racing every kid I see. I am mostly looking for cruising, maybe some quick starts at a light, good highway passing acceleration (from 40 and 70). And an occasional run through some twisty farm roads.
Looks:
What do people love/hate about the cabrio looks?
I heard they are changing the body style for next year, but the cabrio will not get that change for 2 years. Seems there is a 1 year wait to get the cabrio. So do people prefer the current styling over the new styling?? I liked the new front end, but its only from pictures. What are your thoughts?
Mods:
What are the must-have, popular, factory options and aftermarket mods that people recommend? (Or the ones to stay away from!)
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know its a lot of questions, but I only want to buy one, and I do want to keep it long term, 10+ years.
- MB CLK430 Cabrio
- BMW M3 Convertible
(I ruled out the CLK320, as I currently have an acura cl type s. It would drive me nuts to go that far down in performance)
I read the other comparison topics hear, but there are more issues with a convertible over a coupe.
Reliability:
I have heard many bad thing about both cars. Can anyone here comment on the CLK's reliability? I plan on keeping this car 10+ years, so cost of repairs would be important.
How well does the roof mechanism hold up long term?
How is the wind noise?
Interior:
Are the seats comfortable for long trips?
How is the back seat, any problems fitting a child booster seat?
The navi screen is really small, does the MB system work well?
How well does the rear mesh wind deflector work?
Is the stereo good, or do most people go with aftermarket?
Performance:
I know the ragtops add weight and lower performance, but I don't want to go too far worse than my current CL-S.
How good is the Touch Shift? Can you control all shifts up/down from 1-5? How quick is the shift after you hit the stick?
How good is the gearing? Such as is 4th gear so tall the car almost has 2 overdrive gears?
How does it turn, like a boat or halfway decent? Are aftermarked suspension mods available or recommended? (For example, I did modify my cls suspension to make it tighter in turns, but kept the nice ride)
Are stock tires good, or do most people swap them out right away?
Fun Factor:
I am not going to be racing every kid I see. I am mostly looking for cruising, maybe some quick starts at a light, good highway passing acceleration (from 40 and 70). And an occasional run through some twisty farm roads.
Looks:
What do people love/hate about the cabrio looks?
I heard they are changing the body style for next year, but the cabrio will not get that change for 2 years. Seems there is a 1 year wait to get the cabrio. So do people prefer the current styling over the new styling?? I liked the new front end, but its only from pictures. What are your thoughts?
Mods:
What are the must-have, popular, factory options and aftermarket mods that people recommend? (Or the ones to stay away from!)
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know its a lot of questions, but I only want to buy one, and I do want to keep it long term, 10+ years.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad,CA
CLK55 Cab
I think the CLK is a much better looking car but if my choice was 430 vs M3 I would choose M3 just due to the added performance. But if the choice is a clk55 cab hands down I would choose the 55 cab (which I did). I looked at both cars before I purchased. I also recall reading on one of the treads the M3 has some safety issues. That would be another concern you may want to consider.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
2003 E320; 2005 CLK320; 2005 Corvette C6
I think you would have to drive both cars. They are very different automobiles with the BMW being a little racier. I had a 2000 Corvette before I got my CLK. I wanted a sport car feel but, I also did not want that "boy racer" profile which I think the BMW 3 series is.
The CLK is a great car after the vette. Good power, smother ride and it's easy on the eyes.
The CLK is a great car after the vette. Good power, smother ride and it's easy on the eyes.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
'02 CLK 55 cabrio (sold), '03 C32 (sold), '04 R32 (sold), '04 911/X-51 (keeper)
I also drove a M3 cab and a 430 cab before buying my CLK 55 cab last January. M3 was equipped with the paddles, which I disliked.
Also, my kids were not very comfortable in the M3 rear seats due to the contouring. Ride was much better in the CLK cars, and performance with the AMG engine seemed comparable. For me, this purchase was replacing a 2000 996 C4 coupe; we wanted a cab with more rear seat room for the kids (12 and 9). I was concerned by all the reports of M3 differential failures and "transmission clunking" on the bimmer boards. I agree with the comment about the "boy-racer" image of the M3...it's a neat car, but the CLK just struck me as a tad more refined and mature. Of course, what I purchased cost considerably more than the M3 cab, but I saw the value there. The car seems solid enough to perform very well many years down the road.
Also, my kids were not very comfortable in the M3 rear seats due to the contouring. Ride was much better in the CLK cars, and performance with the AMG engine seemed comparable. For me, this purchase was replacing a 2000 996 C4 coupe; we wanted a cab with more rear seat room for the kids (12 and 9). I was concerned by all the reports of M3 differential failures and "transmission clunking" on the bimmer boards. I agree with the comment about the "boy-racer" image of the M3...it's a neat car, but the CLK just struck me as a tad more refined and mature. Of course, what I purchased cost considerably more than the M3 cab, but I saw the value there. The car seems solid enough to perform very well many years down the road.
